Name: Ruffneck
Creator: Spit
Home Zone: Consumption
Project Appearances: Pretty Much Everything
Species Development Thread: Species Development: Ruffnecks

Ruffnecks are a canine species native to Taverne, primarily Consumption. They are plentiful in other parts of Morbit as well, and are adaptable to most regions.

Ruffnecks originated in Consumption, and were created by Spit. The first morph created was the warrior morph, with others evolving over time.

Ruffnecks are found spread throughout Taverne, primarily in Consumption, Hearth, and Precipice. There were formerly a large number of ruffnecks in Bluster, but for obvious reasons following the zone's death, they are immensely scarce. Other regions feature ruffnecks to varying degrees, moreso than other Taverne species due to their native zone being hostile to live in.

Ruffnecks are associated primarily with Spit, but the number of worshipers are actually spread between lots of different gods. Many ruffnecks actively reject the Spit association. There are a high number of Grind and Wane worshipers, middling numbers of worshipers for other Taverne gods, and other religions vary based on region.

The inability to breathe smoke is a common disability found in many regions- see the biology section for more information. There is a high rate of injury-based and 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.

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. Goods made from neck deposits are easy to sell, even if the goods themselves are simple- the novelty is a big selling point.

Goods made to be chewed on and worn down and common in ruffneck-heavy communities. Special goods are also 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.

Ruffnecks in Consumption are rarely educated through formal schooling, and are raised by their pack as best as they can. Education for ruffnecks varies greatly outside of Consumption, and is primarily based on the zone.

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.

Ruffnecks are canine in appearance, and their 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 at times. Their markings typically take from wild dogs, hyenas, thylacines, etc, though domestic dog patterns can also be common. Their 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, to varying lengths. Hair can be present on ruffnecks, but is not always. Ruffneck hair is typically wispy, and hard to style without product. Ruffnecks range from 4’6-6’6 for “normal” adult heights. They have standard arms and digitigrade legs.

Ruffnecks have skeletons, muscles, nerves, organs, blood, and 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.

Ruffnecks are primarily carnivorous, but can eat anything (even metals). They have high energy levels, and use their ears, tails, and overall posture to convey expression. Smoke production is increased in times of tension and excitement, which can confuse other species unused to them.

Ruffnecks have excellent hearing and can see in the dark, but not as well as other species like karacels. Their pupils are often a lighter color than the sclera, but not always.

Deposits can grow on their 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.

Ruffnecks have wild canine-like behavior, though some morphs are more akin to domestic dogs. They are often struck with the urge to hunt things, even in situations that could be dangerous for them or their “prey”.

Ruffnecks reproduce sexually and have moderate amounts of sexual dimorphism. They have 1-3 offspring per litter, which are referred to as “pups”. Pups have high energy levels and need lots of exercise in order to stay healthy, leading to issues and discomfort within close-quarters Consumption housing. They 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, and packs can and often do welcome in members of other species. Leaving the family occurs whenever the pack determines the child to be ready to do so, typically once they hit adulthood.

Both casual and committed relationships are equally valued.

Ruffnecks have a lifespan of 80 years, full maturity reached at age 18-20.

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.

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, and increase in hunting urges.

Warrior ruffnecks are based on wolves/coyotes, and were the first morph created. They have pointed ears, neck fluff, wispy fur, wispy tails, and are associated with Spit and Consumption.

Royal ruffnecks are based on jackals, and have long, pointed ears, no neck fluff, short fur, and a long, tapered tail. They are associated with Rein and Solitude.

Devil ruffnecks are based on thylacines, and have rounded ears, short neck fluff, a long tapered tail, and short fur. They are associated with Velvet and Whimsy.

Wild ruffnecks are based on African wild dogs, and have long, rounded ears, neck fluff, longer, wispy fur, and long wispy tails. They are associated with Hoopla and Wretch.

Scavenger ruffnecks are based on hyenas, and have pointed ears, manes, short tails, and scruffy fur. They are associated with Precipice and Grind.

Bullistic ruffnecks are based on domestic bulldogs, and have folded ears, short fur, and tapered tails. They have ballistic gel segments all over their bodies, particularly at the joints. Deposits grow within the gel on their necks, sometimes puncturing it. They are associated with Hearth and Wax.

This morph was commissioned by Pichi2214.

Solitaire Morph Ruffnecks, a variant that's said to come from another time and place. They're somewhat rare and many of them are savvy in forms of craft that puzzle modern researchers. Many of the older ones speak of a snake entity that supposedly granted them their distinct maw-like tails. These tails are not actually mouths but can bite down and clamp on other creatures for self defense. They're shorter than most common ruffneck morphs and have very distinct faces.