[SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] MASQUES - Printable Version

[SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] MASQUES - Printable Version

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[SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] MASQUES - skinstealer - 10-08-2020

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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MORPHS

Bandit
"????”
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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!!!!