Fenroo

Overview

Species Features:

Facultative bipedal, digitigrade, long tail, long ears, venulae

Average Height:

4'0" to 7'0" (120cm - 215cm)

Weight:

100 - 300 lbs (45 - 136 kg)

Average Lifespan:

150 - 200

Diet:

Omnivorous, with preferences towards fruit, vegetables, and insects

Fenroos are a facultative bipedal species that inhabit the barren, desert-like lands of Veld. Intelligent and sociable, Fenroos often travel across Veld in small familial units known as "Mobilities", and have intricate relationships with not just their family and friends, but with the land of Veld itself. With a deep history and fascinating societal structures soon to be revealed, Fenroos act as a testament to the durability of life in such a desolate environment.

Fenroo, much like humans, are sentient beings that exhibit unique individual traits, identities and sense of self. They are highly sociable beings, often forming communities ranging from quaint villages to expansive cities.
A group of fenroo consisting of more than 10 members is called a bound, whereas a smaller group is referred to as a leap. Family units are called "mobilities".

Fenroo settlements are led by elders as a gerontocracy
Due to the climate of Veld, most larger fenroo communities gather along the coasts and rivers

NOTE: There is no one-size-fits-all for fenroo, your character can be from anywhere, have any type of profession, and have any life on Veld.

Society & Culture

Communication

Fenroo bowing

Fenroo rubbing cheeks

While fenroo communicate primarily by spoken language, they do have some body languages and behaviours that are specific to them.
Fenroo are highly expressive and can convey a wide range of emotions and messages through their body language and vocalizations, ranging from chirps and whistles to growls and snarls. They also use their ears and tails to communicate, with different movements and positions conveying different meanings.

Greeting:

Casual or familiar greetings involve bowing heads, or in the case of close bonds or family cheek rubbing is a common affectionate greeting. More formal greetings may call for a full body bow and a "handshake" with tails, if possible.

Agitated:

An agitated or irritated fenroo will often flick its ears as if they are swatting something away. They ears will pivot forward, making themselves appear larger.

Affection:

Fenroo show affection for others by lightly bumping foreheads, noses, or rubbing cheeks. Fenroo can also "hold hands" with their tails. Rubbing cheeks is the unspoken "I love you" for fenroo.

Happiness:

Very happy fenroo will often stamp their tail rapidly, or "jitter", which can involve hopping or other fidgety movements.

Displeasure / Fear:

A displeased fenroo will often flatten their ears against their head, and their tail will droop or lash. They may also growl or hiss. Fearful 'roos display very similar behaviours, but may also cower.

Fenroo Anatomy

Fenroo are a bipedal species with digitigrade legs, long tails, and long ears. They have a unique feature called venulae, which are specialised glands located across their body.
Fenroo have a wide range of fur colors and patterns, with the most common being shades of brown, yellow, and white. Their eyes are large and expressive, with a wide range of colors. They have sharp claws on their hands and feet, which they use for climbing and hunting. Their hands are also dexterous and capable of manipulating tools and objects.
Fenroo are omnivorous, with a preference for fruit, vegetables, and insects. They have a keen sense of smell and hearing, and are known for their excellent night vision. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, from dense forests to open plains.

Venulae

Venulae are specialized glands located across the fenroo's body. They are sensitive and are used to communicate with other fenroo, as well as other species.
Venulae are unique to fenroo and are one of their most distinctive features. They are an important part of fenroo culture and are used in a variety of ways, from communication to art and decoration. Venulae are also an important part of fenroo biology, as they help regulate body temperature and moisture levels.
Venulae are involved heavily in expression of emotion, and traditions such as rubbing cheek venulae are a common way to show affection and trust.

Restrictions

Venulae must fall within the allowed values range, if not of legendary rarity.
Venulae cannot be used to create complex patterns or designs on the fenroo's body.
Venulae cannot be used to create light or emit light from the fenroo's body.