Mammalians
Mammalians are humanoids with the characteristics of various warm-blooded mundane beasts that nourish their young with milk.
The races of mammalians are:
Canisans
Canisan are humanoid canines characterized by their upright posture, slender frame, and digitigrade legs. They have large, erect ears and a triangular face with a black nose and pointed snout. Their thick fur is typically densest around the neck and tail regions—forming an iconic mane and brush—and lighter in color on the belly, throat, and lower jaw. Canisan use their bushy tails for communication, with various movements reflecting their emotions and intentions.
Their senses are remarkably keen, and their sharp eyesight, acute hearing, and exceptional sense of smell make them superb hunters and trackers. Their eyes reflect light back through the retina, giving them superior night vision and causing their eyes to shine in the dark. Omnivorous by nature, they can survive on a variety of diets, but most prefer meat.
Canisan societies are commonly organized into family-based packs, ranging from small close-knit groups to larger, more complex hierarchies. They demonstrate monogamous tendencies, forming strong pair bonds that often last for life. This emphasis on familial ties and cooperative behavior extends to their activities, including hunting, territory defense, and pup rearing. They use a complex vocalization of howls and yips to coordinate hunts, warn of potential threats, and communicate over long distances.
Canisan tend to be nocturnal and crepuscular—that is, they are primarily active at night, dawn, and dusk—and thrive in diverse environments. When threatened, they exhibit common defensive behaviors such as baring their teeth, growling, and fluffing their fur to appear larger. Additionally, playful behavior, both as pups and adults, reveals an aspect of their social bonding and reflects their communal nature.
The subraces of canisans are:
Coyotians
Coyotians are humanoid canines with a resemblance to coyotes. They range from 1.25 to over 1.7 meters (4.1’ to 5.6’) tall and 14 to 40 kg (31 to 88 lbs) in weight, with males tending to be slightly larger than females. They can live up to 90 years. Their thick, soft fur is typically gray, red, cream, or fulvous interspersed with black and white. Their tail is about 50 cm (20”) long and ends in a black tip. Their eyes are typically a brown, yellow, or amber color.
Coyotians tend to form close-knit familial packs containing an alpha male, reproductive female, and their offspring. However, unrelated coyotians—typically bachelor males, nonreproductive females, and subadults—may join together or with a familial pack for companionship or to accomplish complex tasks requiring collective effort.
Renowned for their cunning and resourcefulness, coyotians exhibit remarkable adaptability and live in a wide variety of environments. They are found predominantly in the semi-arid and lowlands regions of the Pristine Northwest and Great Lowlands, as well as the Central Fire’s Great Scar.
Jackalans
Jackalans are humanoid canines with a resemblance to jackals. They are smaller than other canisan races, ranging from 0.94 to over 1.21 meters (3.1’ to 4’) tall and 14 to 30 kg (30.9 to 66.1 lbs) in weight. They can live up to 85 years. Their shorter tails, elongated torsos, and less-prominent foreheads also set them apart from other canisan, as do their narrower, more pointed muzzles. The color of their fur varies widely, with hues ranging from silver-gray to golden-yellow to tawny, depending on their lineage. Their eyes are typically a brown, yellow, or amber color.
Jackalan tend to favor a small, tight-knit family over packs. The basic social unit is a breeding pair and their litter of pups. Once the pups are of age, however, they almost always strike out on their own to find a mate.
Jackalans tend to be resilient and opportunistic scavengers, swiftly assessing situations and seizing advantageous opportunities in a range of environments. They are found predominantly in the Wild Northeast’s Drybone Badlands and the Great Lowlands’ Wastes of the East and Great Plains, as well as the Central Fire’s Great Scar.
Lupi
Lupi are humanoid canines with a resemblance to wolves. They range from 1.75 to over 2.3 meters (5.7’ to 7.6’) tall and 70 to 110 kg (154.3 to 242.5 lbs) in weight, making them the most physically formidable of the canisan subraces. They can live up to 110 years. Their stocky, powerful build is complemented by broad muzzles and heavy brows, adding to the lupi’s imposing countenance. Their dense, double-layered coats come in a range of colors—typically mottled shades of white, brown, gray, and black, although some lineages that live in arctic regions may be nearly all white. Their tail averages from 35 to 65 cm (13.8” to 25.6”) in length. Most have yellow, orange, hazel, light brown, or green eyes.
The lupi’s social structure is predominantly centered around the pack, which is generally led by an alpha male and female, and the race’s commitment to the pack forges tight-knit communities in which each member plays a significant role. Though capable of subsisting on diverse food sources, lupi display a strong preference for large game, and their strategic hunting methods allow them to take down prey much larger than themselves through coordinated attacks and relentless pursuit. Known for their loyalty and protective nature, they are often found in leadership roles in mixed canisan societies.
Lupi are found predominantly in southwestern Praetoria, where they demonstrate impressive adaptability and inhabit a broad range of environments, and their exceptional endurance allows them to traverse vast distances at a steady trot while maintaining persistent pursuit of their quarry.
Red Lupi
Red Lupi are humanoid canines resembling red wolves. They range from 1.5 to over 2 meters (4.9’ to 6.6’) tall and 60 to 80 kg (132.3 to 176.4 lbs) in weight. They can live up to 100 years. Their fur can be a striking spectrum of red hues, ranging from a light cinnamon to a deep, rust color. Their tail is about 45 cm (17.7”) in length. Their eyes typically range in color from amber to pale yellow to green.
In terms of social structure and behavior, red lupi share many similarities with lupi. They form packs led by an alpha pair, demonstrate complex social behavior, and exhibit a notable degree of cooperation when hunting. However, they tend to pursue smaller game and are more opportunistic compared to lupi.
Red lupi inhabit a wide range of environments and are predominantly found in the Great Lowlands’ Eastern Plateau and Great Plains.
Hyaenans
Hyaenans are feline-like humanoids resembling hyenas. They are solidly built and range from 1.2 to over 2.07 meters (3.94’ to 6.8’) tall and 80 to 130 kg (176.4 to 186.6 lbs) in weight. They can live up to 120 years. Their fur is short and coarse, typically varying in shades of tawny to gray and often decorated with darker spots. They have digitigrade legs and a luxuriant mane of tough, long hairs that runs along their back from the top of their head to the base of their tail, which averages 35 cm (13.8”) long. The tail of a hyaenan is covered with fur that is darker (typically black or dark brown) and longer than the rest of their coat, giving it a fluffy or puffed-up appearance. It is raised high during displays of dominance or aggression and held low or tucked between the legs when submissive or frightened. Hyaenans have a broad, rounded head, high-set eyes, and a strong, wide jawline. Their ears are large, rounded, and erect, and their eyes are usually brown or amber.
Hyaenan societies—which are usually matriarchal, with females typically being larger, stronger, and more aggressive than males—are commonly organized into clans, with complex hierarchies and relationships that emphasize cooperation and competition. During hunts, territorial disputes, and other times of conflict and crisis, hyaenans communicate using whoops, groans, and giggles to facilitate effective coordination. During times of stress or excitement, they produce a sound similar to high-pitched laughter, often to the bewilderment, frustration, and even anger of those unfamiliar with hyaenan culture.
Hyaenans tend to prefer grasslands, savannas, and woodland biomes. They are found predominantly in the Wild Northeast’s Drybone Badlands and the Great Lowlands’ Wastes of the East and Great Plains, as well as the Central Fire’s Great Scar.
Leonines
Leonines are humanoid lions with solid, muscular builds; powerful digitigrade legs; and foot-paws with large, retractable claws. They have a broad and rounded face, a black-tipped nose, and large, high-set ears. Their fur is short yet dense and typically lighter on their chin, throat, chest, and belly. A thick tuft of fur forms at the end of their long, flexible tail, which averages 80 cm (2.6’) long. Leonines use their tail to communicate emotions, intentions, and state of mind. Male leonines also have a majestic, beard-like mane of longer and denser fur.
With acute senses adapted for the hunt, Leonine’s eyes reflect light through their retinas to enhance their exceptional night vision. Their ears can detect the softest rustle in the grass, and they can track both threats and prey by scent alone. Carnivorous by nature, they tend to prefer large, hoof-form mammals, utilizing their strength, stealth, and strategic group coordination to bring down their quarry.
Leonine societies are centered around prides— a complex, cooperative unit composed primarily of related females, their offspring, and a small number of adult males. Social bonds within a pride are strong, exhibited by tactile displays of grooming and rubbing heads. Their roars, loud and resonant, serve to communicate their location, establish territory, and foster pride cohesion.
Leonines are predominantly crepuscular—that is, they are primarily active at dawn and dusk—and prefer grassland, woodland, and savanna habitats. When challenged, they respondse with a show of dominance by baring their fangs, letting out a deep, threatening growl, and puffing up their manes and tails to appear larger. Despite their imposing demeanor, they are not devoid of playfulness, which is a key aspect of their social bonding.
The subraces of leonines are:
Royal Leonines
Royal leonines are humanoid lions and the largest of the leonine races. They command an imposing presence, with males averaging 2.6 meters (8.5’) tall and weighing 190 to 230 kg (419 to 507 lbs) while females average 2.3 meters (7.6’) tall and weigh 130 to 170 kg (287 to 375 lbs). They can live up to 115 years. Their fur is typically a tawny shade that varies from a light-sandy color to a deep, reddish-brown. The manes of males—which give the appearance of a royal cloak about their broad shoulders—are typically darker in color than their coats, with some being darker toward the tips or composed of varying shades. The eyes of a royal leonine are usually a captivating amber or yellow hue and exude an air of regal authority.
Their disposition echoes their appearance: royal, dignified, and commanding. They tend to prefer strategic and deliberate action and are known for their precision and patience. They indulge in elaborate social rituals, from grooming to rubbing heads, which are considered regal, courtly manners among their race. The intensity of their roars resonates across their domain and serves as a symbol of their pride's unity and strength.
Living primarily in the grasslands and savannas, they form the largest and most complex prides among the leonines. They are found predominantly in the Northwest Lowlands of the Pristine Northwest and the Land of Prosperity’s Grand Praetorian Plain.
Silverback Leonines
Silverback leonines are humanoid lions. Males average 2.2 meters (7.2’) tall and weigh 170 to 210 kg (375 to 463 lbs), while females average 1.9 meters (6.2’) tall and weigh 110 to 150 kg (243 to 331 lbs). They can live up to 105 years. Their fur is typically a shade of gray, infrequently with a hint of some autumnal color. They derive their name from the distinctive streak of silver that runs along their back from the top of their head to the base of their tail. The manes of males are typically also silver or white. Their eyes are typically amber, yellow, green, or blue.
Silverback leonines exhibit a lithe grace and regal tranquility that belies their size and strength. They are known for harboring a deep respect for—and understanding of—their habitats, often seeing themselves as both sovereign and custodian of the flora and fauna within their dominion. They will act with authority, determination, and an unwavering commitment to preserve the equilibrium of their home. Their hallmark stoicism and patience is mirrored both in their interactions with others and in their methods for tracking and hunting prey. Their roars serve not only as a call to their kin but as a celebration of harmony in the symphony of their environs.
Silverback leonines prefer forests and other woodland habitats. They are found predominantly in the Western Lowlands of the Broken Lands.
Wild Leonines
Wild leonines are humanoid lions and the smallest of the leonine races. Males average 1.9 meters (6.2’) tall and weigh 130 to 170 kg (287 to 375 lbs), while females average 1.6 meters (5.2’’) tall and weigh 80 to 120 kg (176 to 264 lbs). They can live up to 100 years. The fur of their coats and the manes of males are typically beige, taupe, khaki, olive, moss, rust, or other warm, muted tones. The weaving of leaves, branches, twigs, and other foliage into their fur and manes is both an ingrained custom and method of camouflage widely adopted by wild leonines; this natural artistry often extends to their clothing as well. Their eyes are typically brown, green, or blue.
Wild Leonines usually keep to their own packs and avoid interaction with others. They've mastered the art of stealth and coordinated ambush, which allows their packs to blend seamlessly into the environment and launch unexpected strikes on their prey. While they may seem aloof to outsiders, within their pack, wild leonines exhibit the same complex social interactions as other leonine races, including social grooming, distinctive purrs and roars, and wrestling.
Most wild leonine prefer ancient forests and other remote woodland habitats. However, their domains are often transient, as many prefer to live a nomadic lifestyle in harmony with the pulse of nature, making temporary shelters amid the underbrush or in the cradle of trees. They are found predominantly in the Northwest Lowlands of the Broken Lands.
Llamataurs
Llamataurs are humanoid llamas that average 1.7 meters (5.6’) tall and range from 115 to 205 kg (254 to 452 lbs) in weight. They reach adulthood at around 15 years and can live to about 75 years old. They are covered in a thick, wooly coat that protects them from the elements; it can be any variety of shades and combinations of white, black, and brown. Their heads are elongated and somewhat rectangular, with a blunt nose and wide-set brown or blue eyes. A pair of large, curved ears stand erect upon their heads.
Llamataurs have a muscular, arched neck, broad chests, and a robust, sturdy frame. Their strong, powerful unguligrade legs end in two-toed hooves and are built for both speed and endurance while traversing rough terrain. Their long, bushy tail averages about 30 cm (12”) long and is used for balance and communication.
Llamataurs are social, often found in tribe-like herds, and have a strong sense of community and cooperation. They are generally calm and patient but can be assertive when necessary. When threatened, offended, irritated, or otherwise aggrieved, it is not uncommon for a llamataur to spit at their perceived antagonist. They are herbivores and use their strong, flat teeth to grind down vegetation. They are also extremely efficient eaters and able to survive on relatively sparse vegetation. They have a gestation period that lasts for about a year and typically give birth to a single offspring at a time. Their young are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile shortly after birth.
Llamas are hardy and well adapted to harsh conditions, especially the cold temperatures, thin air, and scarce vegetation found at higher altitudes. They are found predominantly in the foothills and mountains of the Central Fire’s Northern Highlands.
Minotaurs
Minotaurs are hulking humanoid bovines, standing 2.2 to 2.8 meters (7’2” to 9’2”) tall and weighing over 140 kg (309 lbs). Their lean, heavily muscled bodies are covered in short, sparse hair, with males also capable of growing facial hair. They reach adulthood at 17 years and can live up to 200 years. Minotaurs have whip-like tails measuring 60 to 100 cm (24” to 39”), ending in a tuft of coarse hair known as a switch. Their bovine heads feature bull-like horns in males, and their plantigrade legs end in cloven hooves, providing stability, durability, and endurance, particularly on rough terrain.
Minotaur societies are tight-knit and hierarchical, with the strongest typically holding leadership. They value strength, courage, honor, and wisdom and are highly territorial, responding aggressively to challenges. Despite their ferocity, they are generally stoic and introspective, excelling in problem-solving and strategic thinking, making them natural scouts, warriors, and tacticians.
Minotaurs are primarily carnivorous but supplement their diet with local flora.
The subraces of minotaur are:
Bluehair Minotaurs
Bluehair minotaurs have brown, tan, beige, yellow, or blue skin and hair in shades ranging from light sky to deep midnight blue. Their thicker hair, an adaptation to the cool winds of Praetoria’s northern seas, sets them apart from other minotaur races. Their eyes are typically brown or blue. They have cornidelantero horns, which extend outward and downward before curving sharply forward.
Bluehair minotaurs prefer coastal environments and are primarily found in northeastern Praetoria, particularly the Northeast Machair and Northeast Coastal Steppes.
Brownhair Minotaurs
Brownhair minotaurs have brown or tan skin and hair in shades ranging from light beige to dark chocolate, an adaptation to their woodland habitat. Their eyes are typically brown, amber, or green. They have corniapretado horns, which extend horizontally before curving sharply upward and slightly inward.
Brownhair minotaurs prefer woodland environments and are primarily found in western Praetoria, particularly the Western Lowlands.
Grayhair Minotaurs
Grayhair minotaurs have brown or black skin and gray hair ranging from pale silver to deep charcoal. Their eyes are typically gray, blue, or green. They have gacho horns, which extend from the sides of the head, curving symmetrically forward and inward.
Grayhair minotaurs prefer wetland-adjacent environments and are primarily found in southern Praetoria, particularly the Fenmoor Basin.
Redhair Minotaurs
Redhair minotaurs have brown, tan, beige, or red skin and hair in shades of red, from pink to maroon, an adaptation to their volcanic habitat. Their brown eyes and corniapretado horns, which extend horizontally before curving sharply upward and slightly inward, distinguish them from other minotaur races.
Redhair minotaurs prefer volcanic environments and are primarily found in eastern Praetoria, particularly the Great Plains and Lower Flats.
Whitehair Minotaurs
Whitehair minotaurs have tan, beige, or white skin and thick, snow-white hair, an adaptation to their arctic habitat. Their pastel-colored eyes and playero horns, which extend horizontally before curving upward and outward, distinguish them from other minotaur races.
Whitehair minotaurs prefer arctic environments and are primarily found in northwestern Praetoria, particularly the Frigid Coasts.
Rodentias
Rodentia are humanoid rodents characterized by upright postures, compact frames, and rounded faces. They lack canine teeth but have large, ever-growing incisors, typically yellow or orange due to iron in the enamel. Most develop a habit of gnawing on wood or other materials to prevent overgrowth. Their fur-covered bodies and long, flexible tails aid in balance and communication.
Rodentia have sharp eyesight, acute hearing, and an exceptional sense of smell, making them skilled foragers and adept at detecting threats. They are omnivorous, capable of surviving on seeds, fruits, leafy plants, and insects, though they may hunt small animals when food is scarce.
Rodentia societies are typically formed around familial ties or cooperative survival, with communal foraging and shared defense against predators. Their playful behavior persists into adulthood, reinforcing social bonds and group cohesion.
Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, Rodentia thrive in diverse environments. They nest in tree hollows and underground burrows and, when threatened, flare their fur and chatter their teeth as a warning.
The races of rodentia are:
Muriden
Muridens are humanoid mice, averaging 0.75 meters (2’6”) in height and 10 kg (22 lbs) in weight, with a lifespan of up to 45 years. Their short, soft fur, typically brown, gray, or black, is lighter on the belly, throat, and lower jaw. They have large, rounded ears set high on their heads, dark eyes, and hairless, scaly tails measuring 0.3 to 0.4 meters (1’ to 1’3”). Their hairless hands and feet provide exceptional dexterity.
Colloquially called "squeakborn," muridens are highly social, living in large, intricate burrow systems. Their societies, known as mischiefs, are lively, unpredictable, and centered on curiosity and playfulness. Leadership is typically held by a dominant male or female, with age, wisdom, and respect determining status and responsibilities. They often communicate with one another through a complex series of squeaks, using pitch and intensity to convey emotions, coordinate movement, and share information.
Adaptable and resilient, muridens thrive in diverse environments and are primarily found in the southern and southwestern Praetoria, particularly the Southern Highlands and Grand Praetorian Plain.
Quilliun
Quilliuns are humanoid porcupines, averaging 1.45 meters (4’9”) in height and 22.7 kg (50 lbs) in weight, with a lifespan of up to 110 years. Their soft fur, typically brown, black, or white, is interspersed with dense, barbed spines in alternating bands of brown, black, and white covering their back, sides, and tail. They have a small, rounded face, beady eyes, and a blunt snout, with swept-back quills around their head. Their small, rounded ears are often hidden in their fur. Their prehensile tails, measuring 33 to 41 cm (13” to 16”), are shorter than those of other rodentia races and are also covered in quills. Though bipedal, they are capable of swift, quadrupedal scurrying.
Quilliuns are generally solitary and less playful than other rodentia races but may form loose groups, or prickles, for foraging, defense, and social bonding. They practice self-anointing, chewing objects and applying the scent to their quills to communicate emotions, reflect mood, and mask scent. Their quills serve primarily as defense, flaring outward when threatened. However, they also use them offensively, swinging their quilled tails like clubs or even launching themselves at adversaries. Their quills are painful and difficult to remove.
Quilliuns prefer forested, grassland, and badland habitats and are primarily found in northwestern Praetoria, particularly the Drybone Badlands and Northeast Machair, making their homes in tree hollows or underground burrows.
Scavo
Scavos are mole-like humanoids, averaging 1.1 meters (3’7”) in height and 13.2 kg (29 lbs) in weight, with a lifespan of up to 65 years. Their bodies are covered in thick, velvety fur in shades of brown, black, or white. Unlike moles, they have hairless, humanoid hands with three fingers and an opposable thumb rather than clawed paws. Their small, weak eyes make corrective goggles common for enhancing vision.
Scavo societies are organized into labors, named for their industrious nature. A labor can tunnel up to 1.95 km in a day while producing an average of 3.45 unique technomagical artifacts—which may or may not function as intended. Their burrows are extensive and intricately structured, with chambers dedicated to sleeping, storage, personal effects, and waste disposal. Labors are typically led by the most venerable male or female, chosen based on age, wisdom, and character.
Unlike other rodentia races, Scavos are primarily insectivorous, favoring worms, insects, and other small invertebrates. They are found primarily in the five realms of the Deep.
Venari
Venari are humanoid rats, averaging 1.1 meters (3’7”) in height and 22.7 kg (50 lbs) in weight, with a lifespan of up to 45 years. Their coarse fur is typically brown, black, or gray, with lighter shades on the belly. They have large, rounded ears, small beady eyes, and long, hairless tails measuring 0.4 to 0.5 meters (1’3” to 1’7”). Their hairless hands and feet provide exceptional dexterity.
Venari societies are structured into colonies ranging from a few dozen to several hundred individuals. Most are led by a dominant male or female, with a hierarchical structure based on strength and power. Venari have a notable fondness for shiny objects, often hoarding items with little intrinsic value. Their assertive, aggressive, and territorial nature is driven by curiosity, with material fascination often taking precedence over morality.
Highly adaptable, Venari thrive in diverse environments but are found primarily in the five realms of the Deep and the Shimmering Coasts' Fenmoor Basin.
Suidae
Suidae are humanoid boars, standing 1.5 to 2.25 meters (4’11” to 7’5”) tall and weighing 150 to 270 kg (330 to 595 lbs). They have dense, bristly fur in shades of brown or black, an elongated snout with a disk-like end, and sharp tusks suited for combat and foraging. Their thin, tufted tails and sturdy, muscular builds enhance their resilience. Suidae can live up to 110 years.
Suidae societies are organized into sounders, typically led by a dominant female (sow) and composed of extended kin. While females maintain the core of the community, males (boars) often serve as warriors, hunters, or wanderers, sometimes living apart but remaining deeply connected to their sounder. Suidae are highly territorial and aggressive when threatened, particularly in defense of their young.
Omnivorous and adaptable, Suidae consume roots, fruits, rodents, and reptiles, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments. They are primarily found in northeastern Praetoria, particularly the Drybone Badlands and Northeast Machair.
Ulunds
Ulund are massive, humanoid hippopotamuses, standing between 2.3 and 2.9 meters (7’7” to 9’6”) tall and weighing 450 to 800 kg (990 to 1,760 lbs). They have broad, barrel-chested bodies, thick pillar-like legs, and wide, padded feet adapted for stability. Their thick, leathery skin is typically purplish-gray or blue-black, with a pinkish hue around the eyes, ears, and belly. They are mostly hairless, though some have sparse, coarse hairs around their snouts. Their skin secretes a natural red-orange substance that protects against infections and sun damage.
Ulund heads are large and elongated, with powerful jaws capable of opening nearly 180 degrees. Their lower canines grow continuously, reaching up to 50 cm (20 inches), used primarily for intimidation and combat rather than feeding. Despite their imposing appearance, their diet is primarily herbivorous, consisting of grains, roots, and aquatic vegetation. They can live up to 120 years.
Ulund society is highly structured and pragmatic, emphasizing discipline, diplomacy, and communal responsibility. Known for patience, resilience, and methodical approach to decision-making and strategy, making them well-suited for leadership, particularly in administration and governance. They also excel as bureaucrats, tacticians, and merchants.
While generally peaceful, ulund are fiercely territorial, especially in Ulundin, their largest city-state. Its sealed borders foster self-reliance and a deep communal bond. This isolationist policy stems from a strong commitment to stability and order, as well as a deep-seated distrust of outsiders.
Though they favor diplomacy, ulund do not forget slights. They respond to threats with overwhelming force, relying on their immense strength and endurance to dominate the battlefield. Their warriors can break enemy formations using only their sheer mass.
Beyond Ulundin, smaller ulund enclaves exist throughout Praetoria, often establishing trade hubs, administrative centers, or military strongholds, reinforcing their role as both defenders and stewards of civilization.
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