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***skinstealer***

RUFFNECK

[CW: very simple/brief mentions of reproduction (literally just a mention cmon now it's a SFW thread)]

ORIGIN

Originated in Consumption
Created by Spit in ????
First morph: Warrior
????

CULTURE

Found spread throughout Taverne, primarily in Consumption, Hearth and Precipice
Formerly a large number in Bluster, not anymore for obvious reasons
Found in other regions to varying degrees, moreso than other Taverne species due to their native zone being hostile to live in
Associated primarily with Spit, but the number of worshipers are actually spread between lots of different gods
Many ruffnecks actively reject the Spit association
High number of Grind and Wane worshipers
Middling numbers of other Taverne god worshipers
Other religions vary based on region
Inability to breathe smoke is a common disability found in many regions, see biology section
High rate of injury-based/mental health-based disability for those living in Consumption due to its violent culture
Being sick is seen as something to fight through and overcome, even for small viruses
Goods made to be chewed on and worn down are common
Ruffnecks can sometimes grow “deposits” on their necks, typically gemstones or minerals, but some exceptions exist. These deposits are often times managed through shaving them down, to prevent difficulty in moving their necks and possibly injuring themselves
The deposits on ruffnecks’ necks are considered incredibly high value, the exact worth depending on the quality and type of deposit. Gemstones and rare deposits (such as ferrofluid) are particularly sought after, and jewelry made from ruffneck deposits sells for high prices
Special goods are made to help shave down/chip away at neck deposits safely
Ruffnecks sleep in beds, though many have adopted sleeping piles and close-quarters sleeping arrangements
Smoking paraphernalia has a place in ruffneck culture due to its significance in helping those who can’t produce smoke naturally on their own
Goods made from neck deposits are easy to sell, even if the goods themselves are simple- the novelty is a big selling point
Ruffnecks in Consumption are rarely educated through formal schooling, and are raised by their pack as best as they can
Ruffnecks out of Consumption vary in terms of education
Housing for ruffnecks varies greatly based on region, but traditional Consumption housing typically involves close-quarters spaces constructed at least partially underground
Ruffnecks are excellent fighters, using their sharp teeth and neck deposits to do serious damage to anyone they fight. Some ruffnecks also develop claws in lieu of more paw-like fingers, which also come to their aid
Entertainment typically consists of physical activity, be it partaking in it directly or watching others. Sports and games are very common interests for ruffnecks, and help them get excess energy out of their systems
Many ruffnecks reject the violent nature of Consumption’s culture, shying away from more aggressive entertainment such as Hoopla’s death games
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APPEARANCE

Ruffneck facial shapes vary in terms of muzzle length, though most resemble wild dogs, hyenas, thylacines, etc
Ruffneck fur is typically fluffy or wispy, with almost smoke like shapes
Markings typically take from wild dogs, hyenas, thylacines, etc, though domestic dog patterns can also be common
Voices are typically composed of barks, howls, growls, and laughter
Most have paw pads, aside from those who have claw fingers (though palm pads are still present)
Tails are present on all ruffnecks
Hair can be present on ruffnecks, but is not always. Ruffneck hair is typically wispy, and hard to style without product
Range from 4’6-6’6 for "normal" adult height range.
Digitigrade legs
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BIOLOGY

Ruffnecks have skeletons, muscles, nerves, organs, and blood.
Sharp teeth that occasionally protrude from the mouth as tusks/underbites/overbites
Healthy ruffnecks produce and exhale smoke, with unhealthy ones finding themselves unable to
Ruffneck smoke is harmless to other ruffnecks, but can cause health issues in other species if precautions are not taken
Primarily carnivorous, but can eat anything (even metals)
High energy levels
Use their ears, tails, and overall posture to convey expression
Smoke production is increased in times of tension/excitement
Excellent hearing
Can see in the dark, but not as well as other species like karacels
Pupils are often a lighter color than the sclera
Deposits grow on the neck, often times embedded/hidden in fur. Proper upkeep of these deposits involves shaving/chipping away at them to prevent harmful growth
No sensation can be found in these deposits, similar to hair
Wild canine-like behavior, though some morphs are more akin to domestic dogs
Often struck with the urge to hunt things, even in situations that could be dangerous for them or their “prey”
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LIFE CYCLE/FAMILY STRUCTURE

Ruffnecks reproduce sexually and have moderate amounts of sexual dimorphism
1-3 offspring per “litter”
Ruffneck children are referred to as pups, and have high energy levels
Pups need lots of exercise in order to stay healthy, leading to issues and discomfort within close-quarters Consumption housing
Live in large families sometimes referred to as “packs”, though solitary ruffnecks can be equally common
Chosen family is common due to communities in Consumption needing to be tight knit to survive
Packs can and often do welcome in members of other species
Both casual and committed relationships are equally valued
Leaving the family occurs whenever the pack determines the child to be ready to do so, typically once they hit adulthood
Lifespan of 80 years, full maturity reached at age 18-20
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GENETICS

Morphs take inspiration from wild dogs (such as wolves, coyotes, dingos, jackals, and African wild dogs), hyenas, thylacines, and occasionally domestic dogs
Mixed morph children tend to take on traits from both parents, such as facial shapes, tails, and ears
Deposits are often inherited from parents, though mutations can occur
Warriors were first morph
Ruffneck hybrids often inherit smoke production and deposits, as well as wispy fur and lighter colored pupils
Common mutations include increases in size, hunger, irritability, and energy level, claw growth, teeth growth, excess fur growth/shedding, deposit growth, smoke overproduction, extra eyes and tails, increase in hunting urges
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MORPHS

Warrior
"????”
????

Based on wolves/coyotes
First morph
Pointed ears
Neck fluff
Wispy fur
Wispy tails
Associated with Spit and Consumption

Royal
"????”
????

Based on jackals
Long, pointed ears
No neck fluff
Short fur
Long, tapered tail
Associated with Rein and Solitude

Devil
"????”
????

Based on thylacines
Rounded ears
Short neck fluff
Long, tapered tail
Short fur
Associated with Velvet and Whimsy

Wild
"????”
????

Based on African wild dogs
Large, rounded ears
Neck fluff
Longer, wispy fur
Long, wispy tail
Associated with Hoopla and Wretch

Scavenger
"????”
????

Based on hyenas
Pointed ears
Manes
Short tail
Scruffy fur
Associated with Grind and Precipice

Bullistic
"????”
????

Based on domestic bulldogs
Folded ears
Ballistic gel segments all over body, particularly at joints
Deposits grow within gel, sometimes puncturing it
Short fur
Tapered tail
Associated with Wax and Hearth
Commissioned by @Pichi2214

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!!!!

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