10-08-2020, 11:47 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-08-2020, 11:53 AM by skinstealer.)
MASQUES
[CW: very simple/brief mentions of reproduction (literally just a mention cmon now it's a SFW thread)]
ORIGIN
- Originated in Fallow’s Island
- Created by Fallow in [year]
- First morph: Bandit
- ????
CULTURE
- Spread across Morbit, primarily near the Luxson Cluster or areas with similar climate to Fallow’s Island. Some remain on Fallow’s Island and the surrounding islands in the cluster post-plague, but not many.
- Severe population drop due to the Luxson Horror Plague wiping out most of their numbers on Fallow’s Island
- Associated with Fallow
- High number of Fallow worshipers (even post-plague), middling number of XXI worshipers, extremely low number of Stope worshipers, other number of worshipers vary based on location
- Prone to physical injury due to their highly active natures
- High rate of horror mutation-related disability and conditions due to exposure to horror plague in Luxson Cluster populations (the majority of the species)
- Medications for managing horror mutation conditions specific to masques (an extreme increase in energy and restlessness, insomnia, muscle tension and strain being some examples) are produced and marketed in the Luxson Cluster in modern day
- Masque residencies with the space for it often have some kind of gym or exercise equipment, be it indoor or outdoor
- Grooming equipment specifically made for masques has fallen out of style with the significant drop in population, but still exists in the Luxson Cluster
- Masques tend to sleep in elevated lofts, and often enjoy storing things underneath where they can ensure their safety while sleeping
- Masques are primarily nocturnal, leading to some scheduling conflicts when living in zones outside of Fallow’s Island
- More traditional masques value costumes and fashion very highly, especially when in customary Fallow’s Island style
- Bones, gems/rocks and preserved plants are valued as well, especially when made into jewelry or keepsakes
- Masques that value their connection to their homeland often seek out remnants of Fallow’s Island civilizations before the Horror Plague destroyed most of them, and value any sort of goods from that period
- Education for masques typically follows that of either the Luxson apprenticeship program or traditional Fallow’s Island community classes, with very few enrolled in private or public schooling outside of places like Monte or zones outside of the Cluster
- Masques tend to enjoy housing with many people, and very rarely live alone
- If given the option, masques tend to lean towards choosing housing higher above the ground than ground floors, and widely consider living underground to be somewhat cursed (outside of dealer and escapist morphs)
- Masques are incredibly high energy and require intense amounts of physical activity to remain in good health, and enjoy doing such activities with peers (regardless of species or physical ability)
- Masques are proficient in combat and are generally trained from a young age, especially if raised on Fallow’s Island itself
- Typical Masque combat strategy involves using the teeth, claws (if applicable), and overall powerful body muscles and flexibility
- Dancing is a powerful part of masque tradition and is something passed down along family lines
- ????
APPEARANCE
- Almost feathery-looking layered fur, round shapes
- Pitch black mask markings around eyes, exact shape varies based on mask
- Voice resembles varying pitches of whistling
- No paw pads
- No tails on most morphs- acrobat morph is exception
- Hair is not typical, but can occur
- Range from 4’6-6’6 for "normal" adult height range.
- Digitigrade legs
- Standard arms
- ????
BIOLOGY
- Standard skeletons, muscles, nerves, organs, and blood
- Sharp teeth
- Omnivorous diet
- Extremely high energy levels, require regular physical activity to remain healthy and mentally stable
- Body language involves heavy use of the hands
- Fluffy tuft ears
- Black pupils, typically round or oval
- Fur tends to be layered
- Tend to collect and store objects of interest
- Excellent climbers
- Enjoy perching on things
- ????
LIFE CYCLE/FAMILY STRUCTURE
- Lifespan of 90 years, reach adulthood at 18-20 years old
- Masques reproduce sexually, and have sexual dimorphism
- Masques give live birth to one child, referred to as a kit
- Kits are even more energetic than adults, but tire out quickly
- Kits need a lot of naps to make up for their energetic bursts
- Masque family structure is typical to that of Fallow’s island, and is based around sharing a community over blood or species ties
- Families are often very large due to their communal nature, and typically consist of a large chunk of a community with members shifting in and out with their needs and interests changing
- Equal value towards committed and casual relationships
- Leaving the family is a personal choice, and either staying or going are both considered equally valid choices at any age around/past 16
- ????
GENETICS
- Morphs can be based on any animal with a mask-like marking around the eyes
- Mixed-morph masque children often have their fur layering in a way that takes traits from both parents, along with their eye mask having a blended shape.
- First morph created: Bandit
- Masque hybrids tend to inherit the eye mask marking, layered fluff, high energy levels, black pupils, and/or ear tufts.
- Masques are not based on any one specific kind of animal, and have their behaviors inspired from a mishmash of different creatures.
- Common mutations include size increase, hunger increase, mood instability, extreme increase in energy levels, restlessness, insomnia, muscle tension, claw/teeth growth, mask expansion, fur growth
- ????
MORPHS
Bandit
"????”
????
- Based on raccoons
- Cape-like fur layer
- No claws
- Solid, round mask over eyes and bridge of nose
- Associated with Fallow and Fallow’s Island
Acrobat
"????”
????
- Based on lemurs (ideally ringtailed, but any go for inspiration as long as the mask marking is present on the masque itself)
- Fur layers over chest and torso
- Prehensile toes
- Solid, round mask over eyes and muzzle
- Long, prehensile tail
- Associated with Fallow’s Island (specifically the deep jungle)
Dealer
"????”
????
- Based on badgers
- Cape-like fur layer
- Claw fingers/toes
- Prone to digging/burrowing- seek out lower levels instead of heights
- Streak-like mask over eyes
- Associated with Monte
Escapist
"????”
????
- Based on ferrets
- Thick fur layer on neck/chest and upper legs
- Claws
- Rounded, solid mask on eyes and bridge of nose
- Associated with Luxson
Swindler
"????”
????
"????”
????
- Based on red pandas
- Short
- Rounded, fluffy tail
- Associated with Taverne
RULES
This is a species development thread! Here you can have discussion on the species presented, and offer suggestions/ideas for developing them- thus directly contributing to the species! Anything is fair game so long as it follows the restrictions (if any are listed). This main post will be updated as we go, allowing for people to always have an up to date resource on the species.
Restrictions/No-go's
- Keep it SFW!!!!