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salparadiselost · 4 years ago

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Demon Species Chart

(An Accounting of the Modern Demon Species Complied by Diana K. Creet, Professor of Demonics)

Modern Species

Incubi/Succubi: Common Potentially Dangerous

Incubi/Succubi are the most widespread species of demons due to intense trafficking of them during previous centuries. They are referred to as 'sex demons' and this species of demons feeds off of human emotions generally obtained through sex. They have the ability to control human emotions, though they rarely use their powers, preferring to flee rather than fight. They are a highly social species and form extremely strong packbonds with their kins.

Levisti: Extinct - Presumed Feral Levisti are considered the most dangerous species of demons and can control lightning and their signature 'blue flames'. They are called demons of wrath because of their propensity to hold grudges and destroy entire villages due to slights against them. The species originated from Eastern Europe, though spread widely into greater Eurasia. Most of their habits are unknown and much of current evidence is complied from myths and legends.

Lucifereans: Threatened Dangerous

Lucifereans are 'power demons' and a direct descendant of their extinct ancestors the Carpethians. They are the only modern, living species that are direct descendants and still retain some of the more primitives instincts such as a propensity towards aggression and a general distrust of humans. This is only amplified by their desire for power, which amplifies their own abilities, creating a feedback loop for them. Lucifereans also show some firemancing abilities and prefer to live in warm practices.

Wraiths: Endangered - True Numbers Unknown Dangerous

Wraiths are a dangerous species that is widely unknown to modern science because of their propensity to being involved with the criminal underworld. They are commonly employed as assassins and spies for world organisations, which fits their generally secretive nature. Much about their social habits are unknown because of that. Along with the species' increased speed and agility, they can also camouflage into their environment.

Unnamed Species: Threatened Potential Dangerous

This species have not been named by modern science although they do have multiple local names in their home territory. These demons mainly reside in the island nations of the Pacific and the southmost tip of Japan. They are considered revered beings in their communities, and modern scientists have been denied access to them. Most of their specific species traits are unknown.

Oriens: Common Domesticated

Oriens are an extremely common species of demons and considered one of the most successful in terms of integrating with humans. The Oriens species is named after Thomas d'Oriens, one of the demons who helped with many discoveries in demon anatomy. Oriens are within the Amdukias family and have minor control of elements in their environment. They have the ability to manipulate light and can control light and shadows.

Alectos: Threatened Domesticated

Alectos are the other species within the Amdukias family and share the ability to have environmental control. While Oriens control light, Alectos can bend elements in their habitat to create visual illusions and glamours. Though they do well among humans, they are one of the more independent species and generally keep to themselves.

Stola: Endangered Dangerous

Stola are an all-female species of demon that have one feathered wing that appears like a cape trailing down their back. They live together in secluded covens and stay away from humans, except for when they decide to breed. Their natural abilities like in bloodmancing, which they use to manipulate men when they leave their covens to hunt.

Royal Zepars: Extinct Highly Dangerous

Royal Zepars are one of the two flighted species of demons and were hunted to extinction in the 1800's. They are close cousins of the Common Zepars and both species originate from South American. Royal Zepars were given their imperial title due to their beautifully coloured, feathered wings and their generally larger size. They had the demonic ability to charmspeak, which made humans obey their commands when used, and used it to prey upon the native humans. During the Demon Hunting Era, Royal Zepars were considered one of the greatest prizes because of their highly-coveted feathers and their general difficulty to hunt down.

Common Zepars: Common Domesticated

Common Zepars are the only living modern species capable of flight and have outlived their more extravagant cousins. Unlike their Royal siblings, Common Zepars have leathery, bat-like wings and a smaller, slighter build. They also have the ability of suggestion, which only urges a human in a direction, rather than giving them the complete control of charmspeak. Common Zepars are highly social and form large pack-flocks. They also seem to greatly enjoy human company and gravitate towards living in cities.

Beladonics: Endangered Highly Dangerous to Feral

The Beladonics is an extremely dangerous species of demons that have the unique ability to possess humans and rarely other demons. When a human is possessed, they will come under the control of the demon and follow their orders. Luckily, most of these dangerous demons have either been domesticated with extensive human contact or are being monitored by the appropriate authorities.

#the demon au #additional lore #demon species #a guide #kay speaks #my writing

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nanominyo · 3 years ago

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Yay my original humanoids which is a mix of orcs, fauns and reptelians has been designed - sorta - and I call them Rexens!

Rexens

The rexens is one of the 4 major humanoid species. The other species is Humans, Elven and beastmen. Rexens can most easily be described as a mixture of orc meets faun meets reptilian people. In general are they 1-3 heads taller than the humans and are often muscle strong. Most of their variants from country to country has no major visible difference between males and females, and they are often known to have a lot of intersex people between them. Most of them mark if they are male, female or intersex through earrings.

Rexens walk on the front of their feet like an animal and most of them has big and strong tails. Only the northern version got shorter, weaker and more stumpy tails. Females, despite maybe having some visible difference will always be flat chested unlike the humans and beastmen. Rexens eyes are usually red, pink or purple but their Nordic counterparts may sport yellow and blues too.

Most cases they dress like their fellow humanoids in the different areas they live. They are able to breed with Humans and Elven, often resulting in the creation of a beastman. The Beastmen as a humanoid specie in itself is basically the evolutions of some of the first Rexen and human breeding and usually live as an independent humanoid specie today, though the mixing still happens and is more pure than the actual beastmen.

Variants:

Frayciën:

The Frayciën variant has exchanged the scales for fur and are thinner and less muscle strong than their fellow Rexens from around the world. They are also between those with major visible difference between male and female. The males have bigger horns, ears, and teeth. In winter, their fur becomes extra thick. Height wise they are usually 1-2 heads taller than humans, but in some cases, they may be on height with the humans.

In early days of the Frayciën culture where they were seen upon as gods and are still to this day highly regarded as the protectors of the land.

They mainly live of plants and vegetables from underground which they split apart with their big teeth by dragging it down over.

Qutetish:

There used to live a Qutetish variant of the Rexens until a few hundred years ago where the humans and Elven of Qutetish began killing Rexens, beastmen and nomads. It is said there still live some and their genetics may occasionally show up around the world, but since they are officially written as extinct does very little know and hold on to the knowledge about how they look.

Donchatish:

Donchase lays right below Fracië and therefore do they share common traits, though the Donchatish version has scales on their backs and generally smaller ears and horns. They do have fur on rest of their body, but usually in a thinner layer there in the winter usually becomes thick around the head, neck and their main body to keep in heat.

Both males and females are often seen with shorter haircuts though, but their difference comes in the female having smaller ears, horns and teeth. The female even has more pointy ears than their male counterpart and are usually of a more stable and thicker built. Just like those from Frayciën are they only around a head taller than humans, and often seen to be human height too.

They live mainly of plants, berries and underground vegetables like their fellows from Fraycië, but also include meat in their diet in form of rodents and birds.

Kanakarian:

The Kanakarian version seem to have gone fully extinct all by itself. No one is really sure if there has been one for the area in itself, but the usual Rexens to live around here seems to be of either Paskarian or Ardelian origin.

Shuirinian:

The Shuirinian Rexens doesn’t only have teeth pointing upwards but so called also some pointing downwards. They usually have medium sized horns pointing inwards and slimmer eyes. It is said the slim eyes happened due to the rainforests – this means in terms of avoiding getting insects and plants in the eyes as they would run and move around on their hunts. Despite this they are often seen living of smaller animals like fish, rodents, birds and small deer like creatures.

Builtwise are they sportier in their muscle-built and stand around 2-3 heads taller than the humans. Blue earrings indicate female, green for intersex and red for males.

Raeyerian:

The Raeyerians are big, dark and scaly. Despite the maybe scary looks are they known to be a kind people – towards everyone else but themselves. Some will be chosen out as kids to be the sexual toys for the pack and get marked with two earrings in either black, gold or silver in one of their ears. At times they may choose out a human, beastman or elven even if their lust is too great to control.

It is best said to not stay overnight in a Rexen town in Raeyeria due to them becoming beasts at night while being super friendly at day.

The stand with a heavy muscle built and a giant strong tail and are good 3 heads taller than the humans there is around. Their food source is usually rodents, smaller fox-like creatures, insects, snakes and local amphibians.

Gold earrings means male, silver earrings means female and lack of earrings means intersex.

Ardelian:

The ardelian variant is around 2 heads taller than humans, has small horns pointing upward and big floppy ears. They are built just as strong as the Raeyerian variant but is less sexual and has smaller teeth. They appear to be slightly more dump than many of the other variants and are still despite the evolutions in the world – quite primitive. A few though has made it into the human society.

The humans mostly just let them live in their own small villages and take care of themselves.

They have medium sized tails, though strong. Their scales are rather small though. They live of farming – this includes cows, pigs and sheep are included in their diet.

Here the size of the earrings plays a part in telling the gender. Big earrings means male, medium for intersex and small means female.

Dotish:

Being much lighter in color and their scales being blue has something to do with their food. Their food is primarily the local fish which contains lots of minerals, some which has changed the pigment of these scaly Rexens. It has turned their scales blue while their non-scaled parts are in light skin color. Their teeth are primarily small though and they have small upwards horns on their forehead.

They are strongly built and has long, strong though slim tails. They are only the size of humans though.

Their earrings have symbols. Cross for female, line for male and lower circle + cross for intersex. They are skeptical of humans and elven and prefer to live away from them but has adopted the human technologies.

Vitian:

The vitian variant is another furrier variant of Rexen, being placed along Fraycië and Donchase. Their horns are curlier and more uncontrollable, not growing in same rates nor same way, resulting in them having two different horns nearly. Their ears are floppy and hanging and they usually have longer hair. They have small scales on their back and has a shorter tail, though not so much fur on it.

They mainly live off fish from the rivers and sea, but also includes fruits and vegetables in their diet when fish can’t be caught. Unlike most other Rexen they care the least about gender and doesn’t even matter showing it off for everyone to know.

The Vitian variant is incredible smart but prefer to be alone and far away from other humanoids. They are often found to be the singular farmers outside of villages and their numbers are falling due to them wanting to be alone.

Noshurilien:

The Noshurilien variant of Rexens is unlike its north-western neighbors not of a slim and sporty built but now leaning over in the bigger muscular built. They are mostly scaly on most of their bodies but are bare on the front where they have extreme volume of chest and stomach fur hair.

They have medium sized horns going in a bit of a half moon shape. Their tales are medium length and slim as it’s made more to keep balance than to be of some help to lift things.

The earrings placement plays in on gender here. On the tip we got males, in the middle is intersex and close to the head is females.

The Noshurilien variant lives equally to any other humanoids but are often found in industries requiring bigger muscles like building, timberwork and guarding.

Paskarian:

The Paskarian variant is an outlier for the Nordic Rexens, as it’s lighter of skin and has purple scales and darker purple hair. Their horns are made more as a defense circle around their heads. Unlike their fellow Rexens do they have an overbite instead of an underbite as well. They have a long and strong tail suitable for their big and strong bodies as they stand 3 heads taller than the humans. They use fur hats to warm their head most of the year as their bodies are made for warmer areas (from the days Paskaria used to be warmed up by the sea). Human structure took a lot of the warmth away over the years.

The number of rings in the earrings plays a part in gender telling. One ring means male, two means intersex and three means females.

The Paskarian variant lives in the mountains, hunted away from human villages. They are small in numbers and only seem to become smaller and smaller in their numbers.

Dacharen:

The Dacharen variant is very dark both in skin and scales. They even have scales on their head. Standing 2 head taller than humans, can they look intimidating, but overall are a kind people. They even cut off their horns to appear more friendly. Females and males have same face structure, but only males get facial hair. Their eyes are incredible dark, and they tend to live of the local wildlife like horses, oxes and goats.

They have long and strong tails to match their big and strong bodies, but they are more athletic built than their neighbors.

The Dacharen variant lives equally to other humanoids.

Meizen:

The Meizen variant is sporty built and has long and pointy ears. Their horns leans back, and they have weird pupils which is said to come from the fact that Meiss is very svampy. They also have dark purple They have small teeth and live off smaller creatures like rodents and birds but also live of local plants, berries, and vegetables.

Their earrings goes the same as the Ardelian variant. Small ones are females, medium is intersex and big ones are males.

The Meizen variant lives a more luxury life and are seen as the better “man” in the community. The humans often offer gifts and helpful services for the Rexens of the Meizen variant.

Beizenian:

The Beizenian variant is very much like their neighbors. Lighter skin with blue scales and purple hair. Their teeth are bigger, though round and used to split fruits and vegetables apart.

They are only slightly taller than humans but are very muscular built and has long and strong tails.

The earrings are made to say filled out = male. Hole = female. Hole and earring in it = intersex.

They aren’t looked greatly upon and are actually hunted by humans as a form for trophy – this means winning over someone bigger and stronger than you. Many tries to flee to the mainland but some of these smugglers sell them out.

#tales of ardelia #ardelia #nanodoodles #world building #worldbuildings

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therealvagabird · 4 years ago

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The Days of Clay - Pt. 2: Beasts, Peoples, and Class Concepts

Part 2 of my paleo/neolithic RPG setting concept. Here are the concept overviews for the more “living” aspects of the world.

You can read the full setting rundown all at once on my WordPress.

Feel free to a leave a comment, and share!

Saurians

Found throughout the tropical and otherwise hot regions of the world, from searing deserts to sweltering jungles, saurians are a common form of fauna across the equatorial continents. Though most saurians are quite similar to all other animals – skittish, of varying size, and uninclined to hunt humans save under ideal circumstances – the great Thunder Lizards are well feared, and stories of them are known the world over in tales of dragons and other great wyrms. Saurians are cold blooded and include such species as the tyrannosaur, the carnotaur, velociraptor, and oviraptor as prominent therosaurs. There are also the mighty thagosaurs, the ceratops, brachiosaurs, and diplodosaurs as among the grandest of the Thunder Lizards. The hunting of these beasts outstrips even the danger of hunting Great Mammals like the mammoth, though that has not stopped some of the most fearsome warrior-tribes from attempting and succeeded at such feats. Tales of the taming of Thunder Lizards are also common, though even less substantiated. Not that factuality matter more than a good story to most shamans and their listeners.

Ape-Men

Ape-Men comprise all those varieties of bipedal or mostly-bipedal humanoid creatures who straddle the line between ape or monkey and man. Those who live in areas where there are no ape-men to be found might think that the distinction between an ape-man and a monkey, or an ape-man and a rather blunt and hairy person might be indistinguishable. Those who have ever seen an ape-man know the uncanny appearance by which those creatures can be identified. Though some believe that the ape-men are just as intelligent as humans, they have no language, no writing, and use but the most primitive of technologies. Some are quite small, while larger breeds can also be found, even in high altitudes and frigid environs. Most ape-men tend to cluster in basic den formations, and though they will not craft tools or shelters, they are sometimes smart enough to set up basic lean-tos, making use of existing caves or other helpful geography, and may pick up and utilize bones and rocks as basic weapons and the like. Though not very violent by nature, ape-men tend to compete for similar habitats as humans, and so often come into conflict with them. Ape-men clans who have lost great numbers to humans before tend to avoid all future confrontations even generations later.

Lizardmen

Similar to ape-men, lizardmen are the various breeds of bipedal, dexterous lizards who can sometimes be found in the territories of other saurian species. Little is known about how they differ from other scaled creatures save for their intelligence. Like ape-men, despite not having any known language or culture, the lizardmen have shown some ability to use tools, and tend to cluster in social groupings. Many of these dens are found in places most humans know as “Shatterlands” – angular rock formations common in deserts and some jungles, which various lizardmen of different species seem to all gravitate towards as ideal homesteads, even displacing other saurians in the process. Lizardmen range from the great crocolids and saurids to the more diminutive skinks and kobolds. They are uncommon outside of their usual ranges, and some say they are even dying off little by little.

Great Mammals

Found throughout the world, though most of all within the great tundra of northern lands like Batyr, Siral’ik, or Dziil, there are those creatures known as the Great Mammals. Also known as Great Beasts or Great Hairy Ones, these are the mammalian creatures who nonetheless rival the largest saurians in size and power. Mammoths, shellbacks, giant sloths, sabercats, dire wolves and dire bears – these are a source of both great danger and great plenty to those tribes who share their lands. Some Great Mammals may be found in southern reaches, such as with the giant ape-kin, or the elephants, giraffes, and the like which wander the savannahs of Noba Rugna. It is uncommon for saurians and Great Mammals to share habitats, though the bloodletting when the two come into contact can be significant and godlike.

Great Coldbloods

Separate from the saurians, Great Coldbloods is a catch-all term for creatures such as the giant snakes, colossal toads, and other creatures which do not share the same general markers of “true saurians” like the therosaurs, brachiosaurs, or ceratops. Though the distinction is rather vague, it is important to tribal peoples who live in southern lands, as Great Coldbloods tend to not be as aggressive and predatory as saurians – they are no less dangerous, but they prefer to stick to their well-defined hunting and ambushing grounds. Some Great Coldbloods are significant enough to take on and fell saurians in their own right, and command just as much fear as any other terrifying predator.

Great Shellhides

Perhaps the broadest category by which the human tribes of the world define the largest types of various animals, Great Shellhides comprise all those cold-blooded, hard-skinned, and boneless creatures which crawl beneath the earth. Though most “bugs” are insignificant things perhaps defined by powerful poisons to compensate for their size at the deadliest, Great Shellhides are monstrosities able to go claw-to-claw against other Thunder Beasts and Great Fauna. Hellspinners, elephant beetles, stoneborers, sand-devils – though some can be quite docile despite their size, most pose significant threats to any humans who dare to trifle with them. Within the seas there are also the giant crabs, temple clams, and devil-lobsters, among others. Though most hunters would not dare attempt to assault any Great Shellhide due to their impervious armor and the terrible ways they are capable of killing, the promise of tender blue-meat and a rich supply of chitin for crafting means that to many, the risk is worth the reward.

Leviathans

Encompassing all those beings which make sailors quail at the mere mention of their names, there are the seabound leviathans. Leviathans are not a single species, nor even a clade, but rather a term for any aquatic monster which is defined by its immense size. Whales are often considered leviathans, along with the great sharks such as the megalodon. More terrible are the leviasaurs – mosasaurs and ichthyosaurs and the like. Kraken, or the god-squids, are another class much feared by all who know of them, as well as the sea-serpents and dragon-turtles. Despite their fearsome reputation, most leviathans pose no great threat to humans, confined as they are to the abyssal sea. It is more common for even the bravest of seafaring tribes to meet their end by exposure or storms than by the direct attack of a leviathan, though that is seldom comforting to most sailors. The hunting of leviathans is considered by many to be the penultimate feat of prowess – to slay something as large and terrible as a Thunder Lizard, yet within their own element.

Giants

Sometimes conflated with ape-men, giants are among the rarest of all the near-human species. Defined as massive humanoids, tending to display blunted manlike features and standing anywhere from over two to five times the height of an adult human. Giants are usually found in reclusive dens, or solo, in the wilder areas of wherever humans might be found. The very largest are confined to the north and far east, in the most remote reaches of lands like Fjallgarth and Siral’ik. Little is known of giants, save for their prodigious size, ferocity when challenged, and rather hideous appearances. Much like ape-men, lizardmen, or parcies, they seem to have no higher culture, yet maintain a level of intelligence above most base animals. They may use fallen trees or great stones as makeshift tools, and some have even been said to herd Great Mammals, though it is unknown if there are any truth to these stories, or if the giants merely hunt such beasts. Most giants prefer to avoid humans when they can, unless in a desperate or vengeful position, as it is a common feat of strength for warriors of the northern lands to seek out and slay giants when they can.

Parcies

Pronounced “park-ees” and often referred to as “little folk”, “sprites”, “gremlins”, and numerous other regional names. Parcies are a strange class of creatures believed to be offshoots of humans or ape-men. Though there are many different breeds of parcie, they are often defined by short stature, and intelligence somewhere between humans and beasts. Humans born with conditions such as dwarfism may be confused with or referred to as parcies, but it is known to most who have encountered the little folk that they comprise their own group of species altogether. Most parcies are shrouded in mystery, living far away from humans, and maybe engaging in clandestine theft if they need to. Kidnappings, misfortunes, and other ills are sometimes attributed to parcies, though good luck and positive happenstances may also be called the work of parcies. While most are reclusive and nonviolent, they have been known to attack humans if threatened. Taking inspiration from certain parcie stories, some humans have even “tamed” parcies as servants or pets when they can. Notable breeds of parcies include brownies, gremlins, tomtens, dzedka, memegwesi, memegwaans, and nimerigar, A singular parcie can also be called a parca.

Humans:

Wisewalkers

Most humans throughout the world are of the breed known as “wisewalkers”. Though there are just the most minimal of differences between the different human subtypes – beyond even more tertiary traits such as skin color, cultural inclinations, or habitat – some distinct traits can be identified. Wisewalkers tend towards being the least hirsute of the human breeds, and the most inventive. The grander settlements of human make have oft been the work of wisewalkers, and the technologies they have pioneered are impressive. Though not so strong or swift as their cousins, the mental acuity of the wisewalker breeds has seen them become the most prolific of all humans.

Hobblehands

Smaller than wisewalkers, hobblehands are known for their great agility and cleverness. Though they are not quite as inventive as their larger cousins, they are quick learners and were the first creators of many basic tools that the wisewalkers would later improve. Standing about three to four feet tall on average, hobblehands are named for their dexterous skills, making for great ambush-hunters and adept crafters of small implements. They tend towards darker or ruddy skin tones depending on region, with curly hair, and round-featured faces that some have said look halfway between an adult and a child – though not in the same way an adolescent’s does. Hobblehands can be distinguished from dwarves or parcies by their proportions, looking rather like full-grown humans of a smaller size. Most hobblehands tend to live within their own tribal communities, and though they are not often leaders of mixed societies, they are much appreciated as crafters by the wisewalker shamans.

Neanders

Large, muscled, and brutish in appearance, the neaders are the human breed most known as warriors and hunters. Stereotypes of their low intellects and blunt affect obscure a significant truth, however – that the neanders are just as sharp and clever as any human strain. Most often found in the north, neanders stand about the same height as wisewalkers, though tend to hunch and have an overall more apelike physique. Besides these differences in build, they are the closest to the wisewalkers in terms of overall appearance. They possess greater strength than wisewalkers, and significant stamina. However, though they have displayed no less cleverness than their cousins, they seem to lack a certain degree of inventive spark. Neander tribes – perhaps due to their skill at hunting – tend to eschew higher technologies if they feel they have no need of them. Sometimes battling their wisewalker neighbors, many neander tribes have been brought into the fold of larger wisewalker gatherings for their might and skill.

Wildlings

A class of humans who straddle the line between true humans and ape-men, wildlings far exceed the strength of the neanders and the agility of the hobblehands – yet unlike those two sub-species, they are marked by a noticeable lack of higher cleverness. Though still capable of tool crafting and the basics of human civilization, wildlings are not very inventive, and prone towards blunt solutions even when it might not be in their best interests. They prefer the wilds from which they take their name, eschewing large gatherings in favor of tight-knit tribes. The most physically adept of all humankind, they tend to be feared and mocked by their cousins, though like the neanders they may be contracted as formidable warriors. As they are so skilled at survival, most wildlings are content in their primitive ways, wanting for nothing more than the bounty their own two hands can bring them. They are often hunched and quite hairy, with apelike visages, though otherwise human in appearance. Their most common roaming grounds are in the southern grasslands and forests, though they may also be found anywhere in the deep wilds that they have staked out for hunting and foraging, from the frozen north to the burning south.

Class Concepts:

Magic is nonexistent in the known world, but that does not mean that mysticism and superstition are absent. Neither does it mean that these belief systems are without merit or use. Shamans, witch doctors, prophets – these are individuals who act as storytellers, leaders, and the glue which holds entire tribes and even emerging states together. Many possess skills of great importance, not bound to one cultural context, such as knowledge of herbs and natural substances, knowledge of crafting and building, or an uncanny memory for the behaviors of animals or the patterns in the weather. For some, belief is a powerful force in and of itself, with warriors and magicians able to work themselves into states of mania which help them endure beyond typical limits. A human can only do so much with their body, even at the strongest, but knowledge and faith are what set humanity apart from the other beasts.

Warrior

A versatile hunter of both men and beasts, able to specialize in various types of weaponry and combat-craft. Warriors, depending on tribal background or personal preference, may choose to focus heavily in certain talents, or diversify for the sake of adaptation. In some places, like the city-states of Sakha, warriors are free to spend more time mastering the arts of combat, given that they do not have to worry as much about base survival. Wilder types may not be as refined in their martial talents, but know the arts of hunting and foraging, or even translate knowledge of poisons and clever crafts into effective fighting supplements.

Shaman

The cornerstone of most tribes is the clan shaman – the priest, the healer, and the storyteller. Shamans, much like warriors, are as varied as the flowers of the field, or the birds of the sky. They blend concrete knowledge and skills with a flair for the dramatic, able to command great respect for their wisdom. Shaman may specialize in many fields, such as healing, inspiring their allies, lore of the wilds, and afflicting their foes with terror or poisons. Some shaman may hold combat knowledge, but for the most part these figures are noted for the stories they tell and the knowledge they keep rather than any outstanding physical abilities. Memorized lore of humans, beasts, plants, seasons, and more can all be utilized by a shaman in order to achieve their ends, whether that be leading their flock to prosperity, or leading their enemies to their doom. Though many think the skills of the shaman to be magic, most of the time trained wisdom and a perceptive nature is just as good.

Skinchanger

One art renowned and feared across the wide world is that of the skinchanger. Shamans who specialize in channeling the spirits of beasts, skinchangers may hone a number of abilities based upon their chosen spirit-animals. Skinchanging requires two physical components – a hide, and a mask. These shamans undergo extensive training in their youths to assume the mind of a given beast, studying their quarry for months and even years so as to learn what it is to be that animal. Then, they must slay that given beast and take its hide, as well as craft a mask from its remains. By donning these, the skinchanger enters a unique mania granting them the power of that beast. Though no real change comes over the individual, they are not to be trifled with. The pelt of a bear or a saurian is still a great armor, and when the person wearing it is bearing a set of claw-gloves and has worked themselves into a frenzy, even great warriors can succumb to terror. Other skinchangers may pursue less “direct” approaches, such as by donning armor made from the carapaces of creatures like the Hellspinners, stalking the high treetops, besides others. Skinchangers learn much by studying their given animals – of which they may have several, should they choose to carry several costumes – such as techniques for climbing, digging, using poisons, foraging, and hunting.

Berserker

Similar to the skinchanger is the berserker, who trains themself to enter a blood-frenzy during battle so as to shrug off injuries which would incapacitate other humans. Berserkers are defined by their great martial skill, and the means by which they enter their blood-frenzy. Some channel simple rage, while others call upon totem spirits or other shades to empower their bodies, and some make use of more literal bloodlust or even strange herbal concoctions. These warriors tend towards a very direct style of combat, favoring brute strength over more diverse or subtle means, yet berserkers tend to also be noted for the various skills they accrue in training their blood-frenzy. Berserkers may be quite knowledgeable in techniques of survival, or hunting, or herbalism as dependent on their backgrounds. For one to rely on strength alone is not enough, however mighty, and so berserkers tend to hide greater wisdom than meets the eye.

Boxer

Somewhere between a healer and a fighter, boxers are set apart from more typical warriors by their deep and intimate knowledge of the human body. Boxers are fighters who have received a degree of training as bonesetters, spiritual healers, or even chirurgeons. A boxer may in combat leverage this knowledge to target their enemy’s pressure points or vital organs, while out of combat they may apply the same techniques to their allies to alleviate pains or fix physical ailments. Boxers pay for their very specialized skillset by struggling in circumstances outside their training. They do not fare well against beasts lest they have knowledge of their anatomy and are not as able as dedicated healers to treat diverse illnesses. They do not do well in armor and may only competently use a set number of specific weapons. Still, the arts of the boxer are much respected by those who know of their reputations.

Beastmaster

The taming of wild animals is not an uncommon calling among certain tribes. Many warriors may hew closer to the path of the hunter, appreciating the company of a loyal hound or boar. Certain shamans may keep birds or other noble creatures as pets, believing them to grant good fortune, or training them to perform useful tasks. Skinchangers go a step further, and attempt to emulate and become as beasts. Beastmasters focus first and foremost on breaking the wills or otherwise earning the trust of wild animals of all stripes, allying themselves to the might of nature. These individuals are much more skilled at taming a larger variety of creatures than a typical hunter might, though even when they choose to simply use a dependable hunting-wolf, it is likely that their wolves will be better trained, and they will be able to command more of them at once. Some beastmasters end up taming great and fearsome beasts like saurians, great mammals, shellhides, and the like. They may even use such massive creatures as mounts. Others could specialize in directing much greater groups of smaller beasts. This could range from a small pack of hunting dogs, to entire swarms of vermin. If a beastmaster is able to safely forage and care for something like a wasps’ nest or a rodent warren-queen, they may even tame a whole horde of tiny pets.

Crafter

Creating things such as tools and shelter is a must-know skill for any human in the wide world, but for some it is more than a simple necessity. Some pursue the knowledge of material things the same way shamans pursue stories, or beastmasters and skinchangers pursue animal lore. Crafters specialize in creating items of exceptional make and identifying the uses of various materials. Bone, stone, wood, hide – even rare metals such as copper – all of these can be put to a multitude of uses by crafters, such as the making of weapons, tools, talismans, and more. Other crafters may specialize in larger projects, such as masonry, forestry, or boatbuilding. The downside is that crafters do not often make for good warriors or hunters and cannot be expected to do much more in combat than level their tools against the foe – though those tools are bound to be of exceptional make. Yet many bands of tribals do well to have one or more dedicated crafters among them, as just as they can put rare materials to good use, they are also quite adept at dismantling things. This can range from skinning a beast to chiseling a hole in the weak portion of a stone-brick fort. Likewise, groups with crafters always tend to accrue more loot, as crafters are skilled at pulling every last thing that could be of use from a fallen beast or a resource-rich area.

#paleolithic #neolithic #worldbuilding #rpg #fantasy

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justslowdown · 5 years ago

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So because I'm super interested, are you trying to found a new breed of herding spitz or is this just a cross breeding project to make better and healthier farm hand dogs?

Yall should expect by now I can’t answer anything short and to the point, sorry!

I don’t think I’ll ever be breeding the kind of consistency you need to found a breed, and am not interested at all in creating one even with an open studbook. This is more just a personal project trying to mesh my infatuation with spitz types with my farm lifestyle :) And now that I have a couple of really experienced mentors things are picking up speed!

I don’t think what I’ll be breeding will be better per se than the pure breeds we already have. Certainly won’t be better workers, but people with small farms like ours don’t need crazy skilled herding dogs, we just need a dog who can do a lot of things good enough. There are some multipurpose breeds like that already, but I prefer a different kind of dog than what’s available to me for farm work.

There are multipurpose, spitzy herder purebreds out there, like the ones I named in that other ask, and I hope to breed some into my lines. But, I really don’t like how small the gene pools are in the US or the idea of breeding within a closed studbook. And the lower-key, all-arounder farmdog breeds with a more traditional herdy look just aren’t my style when it comes to personality or appearance

I hope that by crossing my two husky mixes (not a breed I’ll add in again!) with the above types, I can get a dog who’s practical and helpful to have around the farm, unlike a purebred Siberian husky, that also has the look and some of the primitive dog personality traits I’m head over heels for

It’s taboo to say it but I really do believe that crossing breeds stacks the odds in my favor for robust health, like you mentioned in your ask. If anyone wants scientific sources I can dig them up.

Anyways, another side of the breeding project is companion dogs! I feel very strongly that being a pet is a job and there are temperament traits you can breed for that can help them excel at it. And pet buyers deserve thoughtfully raised puppies from health-tested lines without paying upwards of $1K

Kai has blown me away with how bombproof, stable, chill, loyal, and take-anywhere he is. People get in over their head with huskies but if more of them were like Kai, less would be in shelters. So, there will be individual pups from my working litters I’ll place in pet homes, as well as litters I’ll be breeding specifically to try to produce more dogs like my guy Kai.

Me n my boy. It means a lot to me that I could give another person the experience of raising a dog like him. Chai really took after him, my co-own puppy with a friend, so it breaks my heart we can’t breed her like we planned.

#dogs #dog breeding #crossbreeding #if you check my crossbreeding tag i've talked a lot about this before #although the farther back you go the more you see how my plans have changed

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worstfruit · 5 years ago

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GOBLINS

Ok-- this setting focuses on a small continet, a bit smaller in width than australia, but longer (think the stretched greenland we see on globes). To the north, past a mountain range that crosses the land, lay and endless expanse of pete bogs and moors and thick, thonry shrub forests: here live the greenskins and barbaric humans of lore: free creatures and beasts and even men, who pay no mind to the settled empire that exists just south. Focusing on one of these races, I will be talking about my favourite! The goblins (sometimes called the ‘Moors Goblin’ bc i published this on dnd beyond so i could use it as a homebrew race). I’ve borrowed a lot from Warhammer and 40k but as I work on world building I hope to separate these fuckers from both dnd and warhammer.

What differentiates your Moors Goblin from their more classic fantasy cousins is primarily their culture and disdain for sunlight (ok since writing more...unsure if i want them to be light sensitive!! will have to stew on this). Even Moors Goblins who live outside of cave networks don't see too much direct sunlight due to the cloudy and rainy climate of the northern highlands, and so they're prone to sunburn and blindness during prolonged exposure. Likewise, dryer climates greatly weaken their immune system, and so they rarely travel far enough south to mingle much with other races. The Moors Goblin is unique in that their genetic makeup is closely linked to that of fungus, making them incredibly hard to kill despite some of their more glaring weaknesses. They bleed viscous, green blood, thick with spores that, when the time is right, allow for the birth and growth of new goblins. While they do possess many organs similar to most mammals, like cold blooded reptiles, Moor Goblins can survive seemingly impossible amounts of tissue loss and internal damage, as their green bodies generate oxygen through photosynthesis and their central nervous system operates as a networked inlaid along their vascular lines. For this reason, many tribes take to the belief that it is actually impossible to kill them without the aid of fire or acid, and will chant some iteration of 'no burial mound can hold me' as a warsong. Even if a goblin is crushed beyond recognition, a new goblin may soon crawl from the dirt below the sight of his death due to the spores released upon his body's destruction.

Your typical cave Goblin may not know how to swim very well or see all too well in the sunlight, though some tribes do make a living off fishing the river ways in which they reside or travelling large, flat plain lands during daylight hours. Your average Goblin lives a simple lifestyle with a group of their own, and while some clans may be open to trading and friendly relations with other native races such as orcs or humans, Goblins are known for being isolationists and rather...tricky. They've had many altercations with more southerly dwarves and wood elves(? -- unsure if ill use elves in this manner as ive yet to expand on them). If asking any Dwarf about them, you'll likely hear that they are all cutthroats and petty thieves (largely in part due to land disputes within the mountains), whereas an Empire Elf would likely have little to no experience with them whatsoever.

In general, the world does not know too much about Moors Goblins and the inner workings of their society, as the race enjoys keeping to itself, and for the most part, other, more dominant races tend to likewise keep away from goblin controlled regions.

Older Goblins hold no higher rank in society, though they are allowed more relaxed roles due to their age and resulting feebleness. What does elevate their standing is their outward apperance: namely height and scars. A goblin tends to form welts, pockmarks, bumps, or discolorations after being wounded. Goblins who don’t see much warfare or even friendly sparring tend to be smooth, and as a result, assumed inexperienced, whereas more seasoned goblins tend to be more disfigured or even missing limbs (this implies that they have reached the age and status to breed, though sometimes old goblins may be smooth skinned, and young goblins with a rough early start may appear older than they are). Though more muscular goblins may bully their way through the nest, this doesn’t affect their social rank, though muscle build tends to correlate with height, and height a prized trait within Goblin society. The tallest Goblin is the defacto leader, but this tends to lead more diminutive individuals to ‘augment’ their height through unnatural means (stilts, hats, and even magic). The chieftain of a tribe often wears some sort of elaborate mask made of animal bone that helps to augment his height, and also represent the clan's culture through color, symbol, etc. If a tall goblin is entirely smooth, he must rely on his wits and magic knowhow to gain a reputation worthy of leading. If a very muscular but short and scarred goblin arises, he may fight for the title-- though this is rare. It seems instinctual for these creatures to flock to the tallest.

The Moors Goblin generally has very large ears, useful for detecting sonic frequencies within the earth.

They tend to have more angular facial features, larger noses and chins, hollow cheeks, and large, eyes with yellow sclera and slit pupils. Irises vary in color, from those ranging normal to humans, as well as rarer shades of red, purple, black, or even white. Goblin eyesight is exceptional in the dark, making them adept at living underground and scavenging for food at night, but making them poor day time hunters. Their sense of smell is keen like that of a dog, helping tunnelers to seek out anything from fungal food sources to rare minerals and dangerous sulfur deposits. Claws are large and thick on both hands and feet, and the front teeth are sharp, with pronounced incisors and canines and a set of flat, crushing molars at the back of the jaw.

Cutting open a goblin will reveal a startling lack of any apparent major organs! They possess spider-like booklungs, a network of bladder like muscles that have thousands of little capillary rivulets expending from within and connect the tissue to itselve. Cutting into muscle reveals a sort of crystalline pattern, made of a meat like, gooey substance similar to the consistency of what inside an aloe leaf. These fluids range from a watery, yellowish-green, to more viscous forest greens and even dark browns. Although any surgeons in this world would not be able to discern this easily, the goblin does posses a CNS, it is simply spread through the entire body. Likewise, there is no apparent heart organ, but it seems that electrical impulses force a reflective twitch from this network of innards that compels the goblin body forward. The closest thing to a brain can be found along what resembles a spinal column, where more obvious veins stem from to attach to the eyes, booklungs, and multiple small stomach like sacks. Their skeletal system is composed of a highly resilient and flexible cartilage made of keratin, similar to beetle shells. The goblin’s capacity to heal is astounding and quicker than that of your average mammal, though their springy ‘bones’ and soft flesh do make for easy wounding. Some older, stronger goblins develop a thick callous and scar tissue that makes for excellent, natural armor, and is sought after as a source of leather by some dwarvish tribes.

Eating goblin meat is ill advised, however. It appears to be toxic to pink skins, and no known predator relies on these creatures as a food source.

For this reason, as well as their reproductive nature, goblins are seen as a plague amongst some northerly dwelling empire races. Cut one down, multiple eventually appear. Many have learned to burn goblin bodies rather than cutting up their remains; the more green blood spilled, the more likely they are to return from the earth! Infant goblins can be surprisingly strong and viscous towards perceived threats, and in a great number, they can do a lot of damage.

To an outsider, it may appear that all Moors Goblins are male. In reality, there is only one sex, or rather, in goblin terms, there is no sex or /really/ gender. Moors Goblins have no native terms for 'he' or 'she', though in Common they are typically just referred to as male due to their physical features. Moors Goblins have no need for more telling indicators such as breasts, but do coexist with races that do recognize a binary sex and gender, so they are somewhat familiar with the concept and may navigate it according to their preferences, if they have any. Many are fine with just being labeled an it, a they, or a he/she, though some more involved with humans may chose a set of pronouns.

Moors Goblin society is collectivist at its core; this may be confusing to outsiders however as Goblins are extremely easily distracted by anything they might consider valuable–– be it shiny, aromatic, tasty, dangerous, or just large and heavy. While this kleptomaniacal behavior may seem individualistic on the surface, Goblins operate similar to a termite or ant mound, or even beehives in that they collect food and goods to add to a collective hoard. It’s an animalistic sort of instinctual partnership a Goblin has with their clan, wherein they gather and fight as a collective, for the collective good, in exchange for food and protection. It could be looked at as a primitive form of taxation, but don’t let their demeanor fool you. Many aspects of Goblin society differ so greatly from human culture that it would be easy to mistake the creatures as mere beasts.

Their written language only exists in pictographs and simplistic glyphs, though someone unlearned in their ways may not be able to decode their cave scrawlings. If something must be written for delivery, Goblins utilize clay tablets (much like ancient Sumerians) and rarely take part in record keeping or history. Only the immediate now, and the looming future, really concern the Goblin folk. Oral tradition is common though mostly for religious purposes, and the orator role seems to be taken by older Goblins who have survived wars and skirmishes to tell the tale. In spite of this, Goblins are highly intelligent; though they lack long attention spans and tend towards the hyperactive and impulsive (and greedy) nature, they are adept magic users as well as rogues, druids, rangers, barbarians, and fighters, even bards, and a few exceptional individuals often leave their home to pursue training with other races. Goblin clerics, wizards, monks, and paladins are almost nonexistent, though it is certainly possible for exceptional individuals to arise and take on these roles...just, unheard of. Medicine men are often looked at as Shamans and revered as mystics. If a Moors Goblin has the capacity to learn, or the natural ability to use magic, he will often become a Shaman; as such many 'Shaman' are either sorcerers or clerics, though goblins do not differentiate between the two much, aside from designating some shaman as healers and others as battlemages. Healer shaman are typically alchemists and herbalists.

Religion is not at the center of Goblin culture, though it does play a significant enough role that it merits mentioning. A Goblin may worship any number of deities from a polytheistic pantheon of old, elemental gods; they take their beliefs from oral traditions passed on from generation to generation. Mining and tunneling act as the fulcrum for many folk lore and urban legends, using cautionary tales of careless tunneling practices and unearthing unspeakable evils of the deep. Mentors will often tell these tales to their charges to keep them in line, mostly. As creatures composed of plantlike matter, Moors Goblins tend to feel a kinship with the earth, moss, lichen, and the sort. Shaman, like clerics, draw their powers from the elements and deities who represent them, and on occasion may use their abilities to aid in battles, though primarily reserve them for healing and supplementing their oral tradition.

Goblins will pair bond with one or multiple partners throughout their lifespan, though a coupling for the sake of childbearing is useless in their society. A single goblin may have multiple litters of children in a lifetime, depending on anything from the availability of food to a need for more goblins in a clan. The collective cares for newborns, with a little focus on the biological parent as authoritative figures, though many young goblins may bond with a particular elder and chose to spend more time around them. Many older goblins may mentor or teach younger ones in their trade if they take an interest, though rarely is a goblin forced into a role. It varies among tribes, but is generally a very organic process where any given goblin simply does whatever he is good at. This is how names are given: first names are mostly what matter and are derived from telling characteristics that arise as the goblin child ages. Surnames exist as well, however, and are assigned later once a trade is selected or perhaps a deed done that awards merit. This helps differentiate goblins with more common names, from seperate tribes, or from a proud lineage: fore example, let’s say two Dweezles exist in the same clan for whatever reason. One may become a hunter, the other may become a bard of some sort. The hunter may be named Dweezle Lantz whereas the bard may be called Dweezle the Yox, or in common, Dweezle the Merry. (I am using a very bastardized patois as a basis for a lot of goblin names simply bc i like the idea of Goblle being derived from Orc lowspeak, which I base off a very bastardized French! For no reason other than shits and giggles).

Goblins are often 'born' as twins or triplets, though the mortality rate is somewhat high due to disease and accidents. Goblins share a distant ancestry with that of fungus, and as such their reproduction involves a gestation stage wherein the parent blood lets beneath mushroom caps in a central breeding chamber within the cave networks he may inhabit. From here the spore-filled fluid takes to the dirt and develops into fetuses, which gather further nutrients from the rich soils and the other fungal and plant life found in the cave floor. It continues to grow until a full formed Goblin baby is ready to crawl free from the earth. Infants will possess exemplary motor skills once unearthed and instinctively know to crawl towards older goblins and the scent of food.

Your typical Moors Goblin dwelling is found around the base of a mountain, rolling hills, or within the nooks and crags of a cliff. The tunnels are narrow and warren like but lead to a number of different caverns, both natural and goblin-made, that are much more open. The central chamber has many interconnecting tunnels and can range from large to massive in size. The larger the tribe, the larger the atrium. Often, tribes will seek out pre-existing caverns to make as their atrium, which is similar to a plaza or the town centre of a human village. Here, cave paintings and banners decorate the walls, Shamans will set up shop to offer medical aid or entertainment and education in story telling, the chieftain will make his rounds or sit atop a central throne and hear reports from foot soldiers or settle disputes amongst tribe members, and children will run about and practice battle or play. Beneath the atrium lies the food storage, and below there lies the brood. If a cave network has lava, blacksmiths and cooks may conduct their business around these pockets of magma, but will otherwise carry on outside the tunnels. Individual goblins may seek out and dig their own rooms for sleep, though many will seek others to sleep in piles. Goblins live both within these tunnels and on the surface around the outside of the area. They guard the territory around the mine for miles, sending out patrols of hunters equipped with war horns and using wolves as watchdogs to alert them to intruders.

The Moors Goblin spoken language is quick and sharp on the tongue, spoken in fast fragments meant to quickly convey information. Moors Goblins of old were purported to operate as a literal hivemind, not needing verbal language to communicate with one another, though the modern Moors Goblin has lost this telekinetic ability. The influence of such can be seen in how they work in groups. Pheremone signals and bodily gestures (such as ear twitches or stance) carry nonverbal information throughout the entire brood; attacking one goblin in or near their mound can result in a full fledged, hive-wide retaliation. For this reason it is highly advised to isolate enemy Goblins, or to use crowd control measures when dealing with multiples.

Goblins will align themselves with orcs and humans in times of war, making them an intimidating force to be reckoned with. Even a single tribe can be difficult to battle, though, as they attack in droves and rely on their sheer numbers to viciously bring down any enemy. Shamans and bards will aid a fight using berserker elixirs and spells, AOE heals and buffs/debuffs, and providing chants that both invigorate their soldiers and deter the enemy. Bards typically play animal bladders fixed with a series of tubes, much like the real world bagpipes, war drums, or brass oboe-like instruments that sound off a deep resonance (similar to a didgeridoo). Hunters and rangers will lead a charge on wolves or other tamed beasts, while the chieftain leads the foot soldiers. Tribes at war have a high turnover rate for their leaders.

When teamed with orcs, it is common for goblins to serve as a replacement for pack animals, even during hunts, however it should be noted that goblin slavery is not a common practice among the northern orc tribes and seems to be a willing symbiotic relationship between both races.

The Goblin diet consists of local fauna and flora that is relatively easy to hunt or gather. Goblins don’t participate in much agriculture aside from a few species of mushroom and various moss or lichen, and do not partake in domestication or cattle rearing of any sort, though a variety of rats, bats, small reptiles, amphibians, and insects coexist alongside the Goblin people in a similar manner to humans and domestic dog and cats. Granted, these creatures are also often on the menu. Many rangers will capture wolves and ride them to hunt, as well, though this is less common for goblin groups that live deep within cave systems.

Due to the lack of sunlight, Goblins get their vitamin D through both photosynthesis of available, diffused light and a hearty diet of fatty meats and protein based foods, supplementing it with small rocks and precious gems, nuts, berries, roots, grasses, and leafy greens. Some minerals may actually imbue a Goblin spell caster with certain heightened abilities for a short while, ranging from increased sensory capabilities to hallucinogenic effects. Contrary to popular beliefs, Goblins do eat a number of root vegetables and fruits, gathered and bartered from surrounding forests and towns. Shamans enjoy brewing powerful elixirs and even moonshine that aid in battle or serve as poison to coat their weapons in.

Relationships with other races are mostly dependent on trade, though due to border conflicts, Goblins have an adversarial relationship towards Dwarves. The Goblin’s inclination towards stealing and eating gemstone and ore, as well as collapsed tunnels and collisions have put the two races at odds with each other.

Many tribes align themselves with Barbaric human clans or nomadic tribes of neighboring orcs, and will fight or even live alongside these different races in relative harmony.

i think that’s it for now!!!!

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ainawgsd · 7 years ago

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The Norwegian Fjord Horse or Fjord horse (Norwegian: fjordhest) is a relatively small but very strong horse breed from the mountainous regions of western Norway. It is an agile breed of light draught horse build. All Fjord horses are dun in color, with five variations in shade recognized in the breed standard. One of the world's oldest breeds, it has been used for hundreds of years as a farm horse in Norway, and in modern times is popular for its generally good temperament. It is used both as a harness horse and under saddle.

The Fjord horse is one of the world's oldest and purest breeds. It is believed that the ancestors of the modern Fjord horse migrated to Norway and were domesticated over 4,000 years ago. Archaeological excavations at Viking burial sites indicate that the Fjord horse type has been selectively bred for at least 2,000 years. The Fjord horse and its ancestors have been used for hundreds of years as farm animals in western Norway. Even as late as World War II, they were useful for work in mountainous terrain. The Fjord horse also has a long recorded history of pure breeding without crossbreeding from other sources.

The Fjord horse has a distinct appearance. It has a strong, arched neck, sturdy legs and good feet, and a compact, muscular body. The head is medium-sized and well defined with a broad, flat forehead and a straight or slightly dished face, with small ears and large eyes. The hair coat becomes particularly heavy and thick in the winter. The natural mane is long, thick, and heavy, but is usually clipped in a distinctive crescent shape to between 2-4 inches so that it stands straight up and emphasizes the shape of the neck. This roached mane is thought to make for easier grooming. It also accentuates the horse's strong neck and full-length dorsal stripe. There is some feathering on the lower legs; however, the breed standard discourages profuse feathering. There is no upper or lower limit for height set for the breed, but heights between 13.1 and 14.3 hands at the withers are recommended. The weight normally ranges from 880 to 1,100 pounds Though some individuals may fall under the traditional cutoff between horses and ponies, the Fjord horse is considered a horse, regardless of height.

The dun color itself is a dominant dilution gene. Dun is a body color that is a tan, gold or related shade with darker (usually black or dark brown) points and primitive markings. All Fjord horses are dun; therefore they are homozygous or nearly so for dun coloration. The breed standard recognizes five shade variations, officially recognized in Norway since 1922. White markings are discouraged, though a small star is acceptable. The primitive markings associated with the dun gene are often quite vivid in the Fjord horse. These include the dorsal stripe, darker mane and tail, horizontal stripes on the back of the forearms, and, in rare cases, transverse striping across the withers. Fjord horses are also consistent for having pangare traits: lighter hair on the muzzle, belly, inside of legs, and over the eyes.

The Fjord horse breed standard recognizes five colours. 90% of all Fjord horses are "brown dun" (the color called "bay dun" in other breeds). The remaining 10% are either "red dun", "grey" (the color known as grulla in other breeds), or two colors reflecting the influence of the cream gene: "white dun" (or "uls dun") and "yellow dun".

Brown dun (brunblakk) is the most common color. The body colouris a pale yellow-brown, and can vary from cream to almost a light chestnut. The primitive markings are black or dark brown. The remainder of the mane and tail is usually cream or white, though may be a darker on darker individuals. The color is genetically bay diluted by the dun factor, called "dun", "bay dun" or "zebra dun" in other breeds.

The red dun (rødblakk) has a pale golden body color. The primitive markings are red or red-brownish, always darker than the color of the body, but never black. The rest of the mane and tail is usually cream, though on some individuals the entire mane and tail may be white. Like red duns in other breeds, this shade is produced by the dun factor diluting a genetic chestnut base color.

The "grey" (grå) has a grey body; the shade can vary from light silver to dark slate grey. The primitive markings are dark grey or black. The remainder of the mane, tail and forelock are a lighter grey than the body color, and can be very pale. The term "grey" and even "grey dun" are misnomers, as the Fjord horse gene pool does not carry the greying gene. The term used for this color in other breeds is grullo, or blue dun. Like grullos in other breeds, the "grey" body color is produced by the dun factor diluting a genetic black base color.

The white dun or uls dun (ulsblakk) has a cream body color. The primitive markings are black or off-black. The rest of the mane and tail are lighter than the body color. The coloration is genetically a bay-based dun further diluted by a single allele of the cream gene, what is sometimes called a "buckskin dun" in other breeds.

The yellow dun (gulblakk) is the rarest recognized color of Fjord horses. It is a red dun with an additional dilution factor that makes the body a light cream colour. This also due to the cream gene. The forelock, mane and tail can be completely white, and the primitive markings can be indistinct.

Along with the recognized five shades of dun, two cream dilution alleles (CCr) on any other color results in a horse with a light cream coat colour and blue eyes. This color is called "kvit" ("white") in Norwegian, and is known as cremello, perlino or smoky cream in other breeds. A dun with double cream dilution will have faint or indistinguishable primitive markings. In the Fjord horse, Kvit was traditionally considered undesirable, and thus is a very rare color in the breed due to intentional selection against it. Nonetheless, it is a normal color within the gene pool, as the nature of cream genetics statistically will result in the occasional kvit horse any time two horses that both carry a single copy of the cream dilution are mated, such as an ulsblakk and/or a gulblakk.

#equine abc's #N #norwegian fjord horse #fjord horse #fjordhest #primitive breed #ancient breeds #light draft horse #horses #source: google

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naivepets · 3 years ago

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The Top 10 Fastest Dog Breeds

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You might know a few fast pawl breeds, but can you list the top 10 fastest andiron breeds ? Some breeds are easy to name, while others will pleasantly surprise you. If you own a breed with a want for amphetamine, you credibly either have a big backyard. Or frequently go to a pawl park, or enjoy going for runs with your pooch . With adequate exercise, some of these breeds listed are content loafing around the house. But others on this list have endless amounts of energy that hardly seem depleted by a good run. With a few ties, there are more than 10 breeds that make the clear 10 tilt. here are the 13 fastest pawl breeds according to World Atlas :

Reading: The Top 10 Fastest Dog Breeds

#1 – Greyhound – 45 mph

There ’ s no surprise that the Greyhound tops the list of fastest dogs. The were primitively bred to chase hares, foxes, and deer. Greyhound racing far refined the breed into the fastest dog on worldly concern. They ’ re idea to have originated in Egypt and have been prized among royalty for thousands of years. Greyhounds are sprinters, not survival runners, and they ’ rhenium quite happy to spend much of their time napping .

They ’ ve been nicknamed the “ 40 miles per hour sofa potato ” and will do well in an apartment with a few walks a day and the periodic dash at the dog park. Although it is possible to buy a greyhound puppy, the huge majority of darling greyhounds in America are retired rush dogs who would otherwise be euthanized or sent to labs to be wop pigs in the diagnose of science .

#2 – Saluki – 42 mph

Along with the Greyhound, the Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds. According to Dogtime :

“ once known as the irani Greyhound or the gazelle cad, the Saluki has long been considered one of the most ancient of breeds. Recent genetic testify confirms this to be the case. Scientists speculate that Salukis and other ancient breeds descend from the first dogs and made their manner through the world with their mobile owners. Depictions of dogs resembling Salukis — with a Greyhoundlike torso and feathering on the ears, tail, and legs — appear on egyptian tombs dating to 2100 B.C.E., some 4,000 years ago. even older are carvings from the sumerian empire ( 7,000-6,000 B.C.E. ) that show dogs with a dramatic resemblance to the Saluki. ”

Salukis hunted hares and gazelles. They were mummified by egyptian pharaoh and revered as a giving from Allah by Muslims .

#3 – Afghan Hound – 40 mph

The Afghan Hound is primitively from Afghanistan, where it was used to hunt in the deserts and mountains. Its long, flowing coat was required to keep it warm. Another ancient breed, Afghan Hounds have a very freelancer personality and can be difficult to train. They are known as a buffoonish breed and require extensive prepare to prevent their flowing locks of hair from getting matted. Afghan Hounds are evasion artists and can be incredibly unmanageable to catch due to their speed. They tend to bail with one specific person .

#3 – Vizsla – 40 mph

Tied with the Afghan Hound for being the third-fastest cad, the Vizla was developed in Hungary to be both a pointer and a retriever. They worked close with hunters and that personality trait has continued into modern times, leading to the nickname of the “ Velcro Vizsla ” for their inclination to stick close by the side of their favorite person .

The Vizsla has a lot of energy and needs enough of exercise to prevent it from becoming destructive. Since they are therefore conclusion to their people, they are prone to separation anxiety if left alone besides much. They would make a great playmate for older kids but are credibly excessively boisterous for fiddling kids .

#5 – Jack Russell Terrier – 38 mph

Compared to many of the other breeds on this list, the Jack Russell Terrier is a relatively young breed, having been bred by Parson Jack Russell to be the perfect dodger hunting frump. They have endless amounts of energy and an independent mentality. They hate to be bored and can cause trouble if their intelligence international relations and security network ’ triiodothyronine given an mercantile establishment. If you have the time and solitaire to train a Jack Russell and provide him with plenty of department of energy, he can be a bang-up companion and may excel at a variety of frank sports .

#6 – Dalmatian – 37 mph

Read more: Potty training a puppy: The best ways to house train a dog

This breed should come as no surprise on our list given their long-familiar history. Dalmatians were bred to run aboard carriages for many miles at a time to fend off highway robbers, so they have an exceptionally high energy degree. They are besides prone to deafness. According to Dogtime :

“ approximately eight percentage of Dalmatians are born wholly deaf, and 22 to 24 percentage are born with hear in one ear only…Some people believe deafen dogs can make good as fantastic pets as hearing dogs if they are trained with hand signals and vibrations so they are less probably to be startled. If you are considering adopting a deaf puppy or older adult cad, be certain to inquiry the issue and the special concern requirements of know with a deafen frump before you suffer the grief of taking the cad in and not being able to manage his wish by rights. ”

While Dalmatians aren ’ t the correctly engender for everyone, they can make great companions for the right kin .

#7 – Borzoi – 36 mph

The Borzoi was developed in Russia for hunting and course, going after rabbits, foxes, and wolves in teams of 3 dogs. They were favored by royalty. Like Greyhounds, they are glad with a moderate amount of practice and will be happy to lounge in seam most of the sidereal day. They don ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate like to be alone and would prefer to be by your side a much as potential. The Borzoi is ill-famed for shedding and requires regular training .

#8 – Whippet – 34 mph

Smaller than their cousins, the Whippet was nicknamed the “ poor man ’ s Greyhound ” and was probably used for poaching rabbits. The Whippet possesses a senior high school prey drive and may not do well living with cats or other belittled animals. It is suggested that the Whippet should be leashed if they aren ’ metric ton contained by a improbable wall. This is chiefly because they will chase after anything that moves, no matter how well-trained they are. Whippets can make good class pets if they get adequate exercise, and even enjoy a thoroughly cuddle .

#9 – Doberman Pinscher – 32 mph

While Dobermans were originally bred to be guard dogs, they can make full family pets if they are trained, socialized, and given enough of use and things to keep their healthy mind occupied. They enjoy being region of a family and will naturally protect the people they love. According to Dogtime :

“ Once upon a time, in the late nineteenth hundred, there was a tax collector named Louis Dobermann, who lived in the town of Apolda, in the Thuringia zone of Germany. His job of collecting money was dangerous because there were bandits in the area who might attack him as he made his rounds. Since Dobermann was besides the town dogcatcher, he frequently took along a andiron for protection. Dobermann began breeding dogs with the idea of a loyal companion and defender in mind. The leave of his breeding experiments was the early Doberman Pinscher. ”

#10 – German Shepherd – 30 mph

The German Shepherd systematically ranks as one of the 10 most democratic breeds in America. They are besides in a 3-way tie for the fastest frank in the world. This versatile breed has been used for everything from security to drug sniffing to herding to assisting those with disabilities and much more. unfortunately, their popularity has been their precipitation, as unscrupulous education has led to a high gear incidence of pelvis dysplasia and other familial diseases. Do your research cautiously when looking for a breeder if you choose to get a german Shepherd puppy .

#10 – Standard Poodle – 30 mph

standard Poodles were originally bred as water dogs to retrieve waterfowl for hunters. Don ’ t let their fancy hairdo fritter you – standard Poodles are identical active, clean dogs that do good with a job to do. They are highly intelligent and will find something to do if bored – even if that something means tearing up your home when they ’ re alone. Their curly coats require extensive amounts of dress, particularly if they spend a significant measure of prison term in the water, as their coat can become painfully matted .

#10 – Border Collie – 30 mph

Read more: How Long Does a Dog Stay in Heat?

Bred to herd sheep, Border Collies can run all day long without tiring. They are extremely intelligent and adapt well to closely any dog sport you can imagine. According to Dogtime :

“ The Border Collie is a herding chase, which means he has an overpower recommend to gather a flock. That flock could be sheep, children, cats, squirrels, or anything that moves, including cars. This instinct to nip, nudge, and bark, along with his energy, can not be trained out of him. rather, it must be directed. He must have a undertaking, whether it ’ s actually herd sheep or competing in chase sports. A bracing walk or a bet on of fetch every day isn ’ triiodothyronine enough action for the Border Collie. ”

( H/T : World Atlas )

generator : https://blog.naivepets.com Category : Dog

source https://blog.naivepets.com/what-is-the-fastest-dog-1645562557

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ezatluba · 3 years ago

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Talking Duck Stuns Animal Behavior Researcher

Leiden University’s Carel ten Cate tracked down 34-year-old duck recordings—and the man who made them—to verify that musk ducks are capable of vocal learning, an ability that hadn’t been thought to exist in waterfowl.

Christie Wilcox

Sep 5, 2021

If it walks like a duck and talks like a person, it’s probably a musk duck (Biziura lobata)—the only waterfowl species known that can learn sounds from other species. The Australian species’ facility for vocal learning had been mentioned anecdotally in the ornithological literature; now, a paper published September 6 in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B reviews and discusses the evidence, which includes 34-year-old recordings made of a human-reared musk duck named Ripper engaging in an aggressive display while quacking “you bloody fool.”

Ripper quacking "you bloody fool" while being provoked by a person separated from him by a fence

The Scientist spoke with the lead author on the paper, Leiden University animal behavior researcher Carel ten Cate, to learn more about these unique ducks and what their unexpected ability reveals about the evolution of vocal learning.

The Scientist: What is vocal learning?

Carel ten Cate: Vocal learning, as it is used in this case, is that animals and humans, they learn their sounds from experience. So they learn from what they hear around them, which will usually be the parents, but it can also be other individuals. And if they don’t get that sort of exposure, then they will be unable to produce species-specific vocalizations, or in the human case, speech sounds and proper spoken language.

TS: What drew you to studying vocal learning?

CtC: I’m interested in communication by sound by birds. That has been a major topic in my research over the years, and that also included how do sounds develop. There are bird groups in which sounds—vocalizations—develop without much experience, like pigeons, for instance. Also, ducks and geese are usually considered not to be [vocal] learners, in contrast to songbirds. In songbirds, there is clear evidence for many species that, if they don’t have experience at an early age, they don’t sing proper species-specific songs. I’m interested in why [there is] this difference, and what’s the advantage of learning your vocalizations, as opposed to developing them without any impact of learning.

TS: What can comparative studies of vocal learning in different animals teach us?

CtC: An important reason to study that has to do with the fact that we are vocal learners. But among primates, and great apes, we are the only species who are vocal learners. In other great apes, they don’t need experience to develop vocalizations. . . . It’s quite a special feature of us. In order to understand why that might have evolved, and how that might have evolved, you need comparative studies on other animal species where you can make this contrast between learners and nonlearners.

For both mammals and birds, there are only a limited number of examples of vocal learners. That is to say, all the songbirds are vocal learners, and all the parrots are vocal learners, but because their ancestor, the common ancestor of these groups, were vocal learners, all the later-appearing species—they got that trait from that ancestor. We can’t look back in the past deep enough to understand why it evolved in the ancestor of parrots or hummingbirds or songbirds. This duck is so interesting because there you may have relatives, relatively close relatives, which don’t show vocal learning, and others which do.

TS: That brings us to musk ducks and Ripper. When did you first learn about Ripper?

CtC: I’ve been doing a review on vocal learning in birds—of the type I just discussed, but also in some bird species, there’s evidence that they may modify existing vocalizations by reinforcement. . . . So I was working on the review and reading up all I could find about vocal development in birds of any kind. And then, in a book chapter, someone mentioned, well, there is a report about a duck imitating vocalizations. That triggered me because that would be highly unexpected. So then I started to trace the reference for that. Through a whole series of various steps and computations, I managed to find the source of that reference. And it turned out that the recordings related to that reference were actually in an Australian sound archive. I got in touch with them, and after a long exchange, they managed to send me some of these recordings.

TS: What went through your head when you first heard those recordings?

When I first heard and saw the report of it imitating a human voice, it also mentioned that the duck imitated ‘you bloody fool.’ I thought: is this a hoax?

CtC: I was amazed. I was really amazed. When I first heard and saw the report of it imitating a human voice, it also mentioned that the duck imitated ‘you bloody fool.’ I thought: is this a hoax? I couldn’t believe it. It would be—it is—so unexpected from a species from this group, which is considered quite primitive. . . . Vocal learning is considered quite an advanced trait, and that it would be present in any representative of these groups—yeah, I couldn’t believe it.

That’s also why I went out of my way to get hold of these recordings before I dared to contact the guy who made them, because I wanted to be convinced myself that it was a genuine imitation. I was really flabbergasted.

The recordings were very convincing. And I discovered that the man who made these recordings was actually still alive and around. . . . And he, then, was capable of telling me from his own experience, but also from people whom he contacted who had been involved in the rearing of this duck at the time, how it was raised. And yeah, the story of Ripper then unfolded.

TS: What is Ripper’s story?

CtC: He was hand-raised in an Australian bird park where they were breeding waterfowl. . . . He was bred from the egg and hand-reared. Now, the interesting thing about this duck species is the ducklings are dependent on parental feeding—or maternal feeding, rather—which is quite exceptional among ducks and geese, because [most other ducks and geese] are precocious—they are, to a large extent, independent and not fed by their parents, not in a direct way.

So there was a caretaker who was feeding this duck, and looking after it, and so on, and that probably gave rise to an intense bond between the duck and this caretaker. That might have made this duck imitate the sounds it heard around it, when it was still in a duckling phase and a bit older.

The potential for vocal learning, apparently, is there in the species, but it’s only by being exposed to a very unusual sound environment that it revealed itself. I mean, normally, [the duck] would be raised in the context of conspecifics. And there are reports that in the wild, there is some . . . local variation in the natural sound it makes. But it’s very limited geographic variation, which you’ll find in many species, but that it’s due to learning—that was quite unexpected.

TS: Do you think that there are other waterfowl, or other birds in groups that are not traditionally considered to have vocal learning, that might have the ability—we’ve just never had the opportunity to see it?

CtC: There might well be.

Now, there’s of course a very long history of keeping various duck species and geese species in captivity. I mean, you think of Konrad Lorenz, the Nobel Prize winner, well, at home he had many ducks and geese, many species, and never noticed any vocal learning. There are also no reports from other people who have been keeping ducks and geese that there is vocal learning involved in their development of their vocalizations. It might be that there are other species in that group doing it, and those might be species who have never been examined—not all ducks and geese have, of course, been examined in great detail. It was a bit of a chance event, I think, that this occurred.

On the other hand, it is a duck which is quite deviating in several characteristics from other duck and geese species. I was mentioning the dependence on the parental feeding, which is quite exceptional. They have small broods in comparison to other duck species. They also have a very special social system, and breeding system, which is different from most other species. This all makes it quite a special species. It might be interesting to look at the closest relatives of this species. Interestingly enough, it’s not quite well-known what the closest relatives are. . . . Its taxonomic position hasn’t been fully determined.

It would be very interesting to see what’s going on in the brain—what is the neural architecture which in this case enables vocal learning.

Now, for whether it might occur in other groups: it’s quite interesting that in mammals, you have the same issue. For instance, for pinnipeds—seals and sea lions—there you also don’t find this imitation in the field. Or it had never been noticed, until there was an observation of a harbor seal which was hand-reared. Hoover is the name. . . . It had been hand-raised by an American fisherman, and when it became sexually mature, it started to produce human speech sounds very much like Ripper. There is also a case of an elephant, Kaushik, who was actually reared in the zoo, and imitated Korean sounds from its Korean keeper.

These are really exceptional cases of animals from groups where no one expected any vocal learning, because in the field, the vocalizations are all standard, species-specific. But when individuals were reared in very deviating conditions, that revealed that in reality, they had the capacity for vocal learning. So it could be that there are other groups around where the same might be occurring. It requires probably quite special conditions of being reared: apart from conspecifics, close social interaction [with other species], and possibly also some life history traits . . . like a long lifespan, very intense parent-offspring interactions, and things like that.

TS: What work would you like to see done on musk ducks?

CtC: Although it’s clear that it is a vocal learner, and we know that the sounds are being imitated at an early age, much isn’t clear: whether they have a sensitive phase for vocal learning, and if so, how long does it extend into their life. What exactly are the factors which do promote it? We also know nothing about how it is operating in the brain.

When you’re looking at the brains of vocal learners such as parrots and songbirds, and also hummingbirds, they have a special circuitry in the brain devoted to vocal learning, which shows similarities among these different species. But the nuclei in the brain [that] are evolved to focus on learning in these species, are, as far as I know, not present—or, if they are, [they’re] very underdeveloped or different—in duck and geese species. So it would be very interesting to see what’s going on in the brain—what is the neural architecture which in this case enables vocal learning. That may also tell us something about what options animals in general have for evolving these sort of abilities and whether there are different ways to arrive at the same endpoint.

Unfortunately, there’s also probably a reason why this species, or this case, hasn’t been examined. It’s a species which only occurs in Australia. . . . It’s a very hard one to keep in captivity in general. . . . So it’s not an easy species to continue with this type of research.

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belerencodex · 7 years ago

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Elves in the Crucible States

Once the Elves were mighty. In forgotten corners of Beleren statues and overgrown ruins speak of the wonders of a lost age. ALl that came to an end in a period called the Age of Silence. Even the mightiest clerics and wizards of the elvenkind have been unable to seek out the souls of those lost in this age. Much of the knowledge of the elves was lost in this cataclysm. Draconic histories tell us of the last citadels of the elves falling under the onslaught of the Orcs when Orcs Were Mighty. In the ages since, elves have struggled to forge a new legacy, but they do so without unity. Their ancient histories and oral traditions speak of a time when all elves spoke but one language and lived in palatial estates of tremendous arcane attunement. In the Crucible States there are four main types of elves who are identifiable culturally, each speaks their own language. Different permutations of a lost ancestral proto-Elven that scholars believe likely resembled Sylvan: the language of the Fey. The Elves of today are quarrelsome and often hyper-individualistic, many of their tales speak of the decadence and weakness of their ancestors as being their undoing.

A Place In the Sun: The greatest threat to the Elves in the past few millennia seems to come not from the Fiends, unseelie Archfey, or Dragons who have long sought the destruction of their race. Rather it seems the greatest threat to elves seems to come from the burgeoning, young Human Race. Already wars with Humans have turned into wars of survival. The Efreeti-blooded sorcerer king who founded Rijan and Kulvin did so by obliterating the Visnoi (Sand Elves). Conflict between elves and humans have been continual since the first human civilizations rose up under the guidance of their Draconic overlords. But the conflict is not so simple as a tale of good and evil. Terrible acts have been done both by Elves and Humans against one another. Great love has blossomed before though and time and again they have proven what unity between the two races is capable of.

Ash Elves

The Ascren Empire was built on the idea of creating a culturally homogeneous realm in the tumultuous and fractured lands of the Crucible States. Many resisted this process of assimilation but few as much determination as the elves. With their long lives and secluded settlements they were able to resist well. But when the Empire couldn’t win over or break the elves, they instead began kidnapping elven children from the meadows and groves where they were raised, burning these kindergartens behind them. These children were placed in boarding school or under the wardship of noble families of good standing and would grow to adulthood over the long centuries of Imperial rule. Can’t Go Home: The tutelage of Grey Elves was meant to alienate them from the ‘savage nature’ of their native cultures. They were raised to be civilized, the Ascrene called them Noble Elves, a term hated by the Belnoi and Seqnoi, who instead call them Motnoi (Ashen ones) or Ascanoi (Traitorous ones). As such they often clash with their elven kin, being thought of as haughty or prejudicial. As such many Motnoi either live in human metropoli or in remote solitude. They exist best either in mixed company or no company at all. A Stern Education: Elven wards were taken with the express aim of utilizing their natural abilities to the advantage of the Empire. They were trained as knights and wizards, serving as elite guards and master mages of the arcane universities that made Ascren powerful. Emperor August Prelatorian.

City Elves

The busy shipping lanes through Artan Bay bring with them many Aigadosi elves, mostly found in the coastal merchant cities but sometimes finding work as bards, court painters, and artisans, the city elves are renown among humans for their astonishing beauty and grace. Physically they mature at about the same rate as humans though they can live upwards of a thousand years. Few do though, city elves tend to be brash and drawn to adventure. A Proud People: The land of Aigados has endured for millennia as a shining republic of the City Elves. This long history and legacy of freedom and prosperity has given the City Elves or ‘Koinoi’ as they call themselves in their native tongue something of a haughty and prideful demeanor. This attitude extends even to their own cousins the swamp and pine elves, who they consider somewhat more primitive.

Art and Culture: The culture of the City Elves predates humanity, drawing their art and mythology from the lost High Elves of ancient times. Tales of great romances and epic adventures, centuries old have been immortalized in statues, paintings, plays, and poems by the Koinoi. They are deeply proud of their history of artistry and hold the Koinoi form as the highest standard of beauty, a beauty standard that has become imposed on some human cultures. While they respect the artistry of the dwarves and their craftsmanship they view most human attempts at art crude, quaint, or folksy.

Swamp Elves

In the wide swamplands that line the coast west of Feldri and in the marshy tributaries and mangrove forests that creep their way inland, lies the realm of the Belnoi or Swamp Elves. They generally live in familial clans led by the eldest female member, usually a druid. They, and their cousins the Seq’noi live in very similar cultural structures, their main differences are marked by religion and appearance. The Swamp Elves can be slightly startling looking to humans, their fingers are long with webbing that reaches the first knuckle, their skin mottled shades from silty tan to deep, muted greens. Their hair is thick and wild and some Belnoi go so far as to cultivate vines or mosses into growing in the tangles. Spirits of the Swamp: Many divine creatures lurk among the mangroves and lagoons of the Belnoi’s territory. Demonic toads, catfish blessed by water spirits, snakes that act as messengers of the angels, can all be found if one is looking with the right skillset. Many swamp elves seek out these creatures for veneration and so draw their power from the connection to these nature spirits rather from the Feywild as their cousins do. Some hommage is still paid to the Feywild but the relationship is more antagonistic, many of the swamp dwelling fey are deeply malevolent. Unconquerable: There was never a way for the Ascren Empire to formally declare war on the Belnoi, they drained swamps, cut back mangroves, and were met with armies of swamp-dwelling creatures. Time proved that the best strategy was simply to surround them and leave them be. Human colonies were built in the swampland under Ascrene rule and tax collectors were sent to the tribes that didn’t shoot on sight.

Pine Elves

The Seq’noi are close kin of the Belnoi, are masters of the wooded foothills of the mountain spines that run through the center of the Crucible States. They are less openly hostile in their dealings with humans than their cousins but tensions do still arise. In culture they are a lively people, fond of loud jangly music and wild dancing. Elven firewater and gin are highly prized, in Feldri there is even a famed elven distillery run by a powerful clan. In appearance Pine elves are often born with features of the creatures of the forest around them, skunk striped hair or skin brindled like the coat of a boar, though they are fond of cosmetic enhancement and using magic to tamper with their appearance. Advancing Wilds: The Seq’noi consider themselves something of an anti-civilization. Everywhere their forest touches they consider their realm. The depths of the forests are to them sacred places and they will wage war on lumberjacks, hunters, and any other who would do harm to the land or it’s creatures. With the fall of Ascren they have stood unopposed in their forward march, new growth spreads fast over the unclaimed and empty landscape. Kindred of the Fey: The Seq’noi are very traditionalist in their attachment to the Feywild. The homeland and progenitor of the elven races is the basis of the religious system of the Seq’noi and they align themselves closely with many of the archfey.

Half-Elves

To humans, elves are often considered beautiful, their grace and delicate features make them deeply desirable. On the flip side of this for many elves, humans hold a strange fascination, their ability for quick adaption as well as their mayfly lifespans give them what some elves consider a romantic quality. Especially with the Koinoi but also with the Seq’noi and Belnoi as well , this leads to crossbreeding with humans. Half-elves mature slightly slower than humans and live near twice as long, two traits that can cause them to feel out of place or awkward in their youth as their peers outgrow them and enter adulthood. Among the Koinoi half-elves usually can find place and fit in but often they can end up feeling distant from the long-lived Seq’noi and Belnoi. As such Half-Elves usually end up living in human societies. A Mixed Inheritance: Many different people have many different reactions to Half-Elves, among the Ascrene and the Koinoi they are a common sight and few would think much of it. In Cymrin they might be mistaken for nobility, but in the more unfriendly Belnoi communities they may be considered abominable half-breeds. The Orumic as well may be more hostile as their coastal settlements frequently skirmish with the Seq’noi. Ambassadors: Because of their cultural mobility between elves and humans, half-elves often end up being mediators between the two. In general once a town has a few half-elves their relations with the local elvish community begins to improve quickly.

#beleren #pathfinder #d&d #elves #worldbuilding

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mrspectacularity · 7 years ago

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The K’sunga-Darri And Their Second Sun

The K'sunga peoples are a species of humanoid-saurian taurs with the upper bodies of dark-skinned elves and the lower halves of totally scaly raptors that meet at the humanoid waist and saurian shoulders, making it appear as if their legs meld into their lower halve's arms. K'sunga are known for being incredibly alien in their thinking, acting on instinct and only being able to speak most languages in a broken manner. They rarely communicate verbally with each other due to their highly sensitive empathic connection to one another. Because of this empathic nature, the K'sunga often live in a sort of hive underground, usually a massive subterranean complex of burrows and stone chambers beneath a massive stone pyramid-like temple covered in carved stone stairs and pillars leading up to each entrance. Most mortal races describe the behavior and general mannerisms of K'sunga to be cold and almost uniform, having little apparent diversity in their personality traits when observed with the untrained eye. Despite this, many K'sunga show a natural ability to pick closely acquainted members of their social circles out of crowds, their kind able to quickly restructure into a natural social network soon after having being disrupted by any given natural disaster. The K'sunga are very mechanical in their social functions, able to take up many different tasks at any given time from being a caregiver to their young to become a warrior in order to protect them. Their saurian halves are both ambidextrous and just as agile and articulate as their upper halves and they are known to utilize their natural abilities to wield dual daggers with their saurian limbs while using spears and glaives with their upper limbs, occasionally honing the sharp up-held claws on their hind feet for a more carnal and primitive form of defense. The K'sunga are also somewhat Hermaphroditic, having a masculine and feminine gender that allows them to breed with each other, themselves, sexually, or empathically with other humanoid species and taurs (Though breading outside of their own kind often results in dominantly K'sunga children rather than total hybrids of the parents). K'sunga can breed with outsiders through a tantric mating ritual in which they lay along the ground and press their mate's skin to their own where it begins to heat up rapidly to above human body temperatures as their sexual organs become incredibly fertile for a short time before having to cool off for a number of days afterwards. During this process, it seems a K'sunga absorbs the 'essence' of their mate through their skin, using this essence to fertilize their eggs before they lay a clutch of hopefully powerful future members of their society. The K'sunga are also held in high regards by some architects as they are attributed with the creation of stucco as an insulation that allowed for comfortable living in some parts of the wasteland as well as the creation of a special kind of mud brick that becomes stronger as it gets rained on and plants grow on it, making for small structures that can withstand the occasional massive hurricanes that struck the rocky western regions of North Straya at least once every year. K'sunga are worshippers of an entity known only in Centralian dialects as the "Blue Sun", a deity that embodies a foretold rebirth of the world ushered in by the creation of a second blue sun in the sky followed by a churning of the earth and sea and finally the world itself turning inside out to reveal the impression of catastrophe on it's flipped side which forms a new world.

#K'sunga-Darri #Lore #Blue Sun #Straya #North Straya #Gender #K'sunga

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path-to-the-salaf-2 · 8 years ago

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The Myth of Darwinian Evolution (Part 1)

Bismillahi Wal Hamdullillah Was Salātu Was Salāmu ‘alā rasoolillahi

Ammā Ba’d:

It is an established trait from the traits of those who rejected the call of the prophets and the messengers of the past that they would use various conjecture based claims to stand against the prophet and his followers.

The affair was no different at the time of prophet Muhammad, the pagan tribe of Quraish who stood against him would forge lies upon him while at the same time they themselves were proponents of belief systems based upon conjecture and falsehood.

Allah the most high mentions in the Qur’ān:

أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ اللَّاتَ وَالْعُزَّىٰ

Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-‘Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs).

وَمَنَاةَ الثَّالِثَةَ الْأُخْرَىٰ

And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the third? {Suratun Najm: 19-20}

Allah then goes on to say a few verses later:

إِنْ هِيَ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءٌ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنتُمْ وَآبَاؤُكُم مَّا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَانٍ ۚ إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا الظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى الْأَنفُسُ ۖ وَلَقَدْ جَاءَهُم مِّن رَّبِّهِمُ الْهُدَىٰ

They are not but [mere] names you have named them – you and your forefathers – for which Allah has sent down no authority. They follow not except assumption and what [their] souls desire, and there has already come to them from their Lord guidance. {Suratun Najm: 23}

Thus rejection of the prophets has historically been based in conjecture. In our era, the affair remains the same. But rather than rejection of the oneness of the creator, and his sole right to be worshipped alone, due to blind bigotry towards an idol, we have in our era blind faith of another kind. A concept masked in the guise of ‘established fact’ and ‘well known undisputed truth’ and ‘compelling evidence’, while the reality is, it is as much a ‘belief’ as any other man-made religion is and that is the belief in the theory of Darwinism.

Who was Charles Darwin?

Charles Robert Darwin (12 February 1809– 19 April 1882) was an English naturalist and geologist. He was born in Shrewsbury, England. He is famous for his theory of evolution.

Charles Darwin’s views about common descent (the belief that all living beings, share a single common ancestor), as expressed in his book ‘On the Origin of Species’, were that he argued that there was only one ancestor for all life forms

His book ‘On the Origin of Species’ (1859) did two things. First, it provided what Darwinist consider evidence that evolution has taken place (even though latter day Darwinists added to the body of ‘evidence’ presented by darwin, without furthering his plight one iota). Second, it proposed a theory to explain how evolution works. That theory is known as Natural Selection. Evolution by natural selection is one of the key concepts within Darwinist belief. They hold that it explains the presence and diversity of life on Earth. Therefore belief in a ‘Creator’ is a fallacy, since science explains why and how we exist.

Natural Selection (Or ‘Survival of the fittest’)

Darwin believed that living beings have been modified primarily by ‘natural selection’ acting on ‘random variations’ or in other words ‘Survival of the fittest’

He wrote:

“I am convinced that natural selection has been the most important, but not the exclusive means of modification”

He argued that lifeforms, all returned back to one common ancestor. This one common ancestor changed into different species and types through random mutations, that occurred within that one species. Those mutations brought about stronger forms of the same being, that were better able to survive their environment, causing the previous ‘weaker’ life forms, to remain unchanged or ultimately die out. They then went on to breed with other randomly ‘mutated’ beings like themselves, over generations. Eventually, they became a separate species that was unable to mate with it predecessor. Thus we had the creation of a new ‘species’ of animal.This, he believed, was the process that brought fish, reptiles, birds, amphibians and mammals into existence, not to mention the varying types of animal within each animal ‘group’.

Therefore he argues that, all the organic beings which have ever lived on this earth have descended from one primitive origin, into which life was first breathed

Jerry A. Coyne is a professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at The University of Chicago. In Why Evolution is True, he summarizes Darwinism—the modern theory of evolution—as follows: “Life on earth evolved gradually beginning with one primitive species—perhaps a self-replicating molecule—that lived more than 3.5 billion years ago; it then branched out over time, throwing off many new and diverse species; and the mechanism for most (but not all) of evolutionary change is natural selection.”

(Jerry A. Coyne, Why Evolution Is True (New York: Viking, 2009), p. 3.)

Coyne further explains that evolution “simply means that a species undergoes genetic change over time. That is, over many generations, a species can evolve into something quite different, and those differences are based on changes in the DNA, which originate as mutations. The species of animals and plants living today weren’t around in the past, but are descended from those that lived earlier.”

(Coyne, Why Evolution Is True, pp. 3-4)

According to Coyne, however, “if evolution meant only gradual genetic change within a species, we’d have only one species today—a single highly evolved descendant of the first species. Yet we have many… How does this diversity arise from one ancestral form?” It arises because of “splitting, or, more accurately, speciation (pronounced ‘spee-see-ay-tion),” which “simply means the evolution of different groups that can’t interbreed.”

(Coyne, Why Evolution Is True, pp. 5-6)

Important definitions

The following are some essential definitions we should be acquainted with early on in our discussion.

Evolution

Evolution has many meanings. In its most general sense, it means change over time. The present is different from the past. No sane person rejects evolution in this sense.

Not all change is considered Darwinian evolution, therefore the type of evolution we are referring to is ‘cumulative (i.e. increasing, growing) change over time’. The fact that things change over time is also not controversial. Biologists refer to evolution specifically as ‘a change in ‘gene frequencies’ (‘mutations’ for short) over generations’. Similarly, evolution in this sense is still uncontroversial. One person’s genes differ from the genes of his parents, and theirs, differ from the genes of their parents, and so on.

Decent with Modification

Darwin’s term for evolution was: ‘Decent with modification (i.e. Decent with change)’ this definition of his, upon first hearing it doesn’t sound particularly problematic either, as it could well include the differing in genes between parent and child we mentioned earlier. Animal breeders have used decent with modification for years, but within a specific species (make a note of this as it is important to our discussion)

The same occurs in the wild, but again only within a specific existing species.

Thus far, these understandings of evolution are not problematic.

Charles Darwin claimed far more than any of these things though. In ‘The Origin Of Species’ he set out to explain the origin of all species of living creatures, that is, all the diversity of life on earth. Thus our discussion is, in truth, around Darwinism and not merely evolution in the general aforementioned sense.

Darwinism

Summary of the theory

Darwin’s theory of evolution, therefore, revolves around the concept that, organisms in nature, typically produce more offspring than can survive and reproduce, given the constraints of food, space, and other resources in the environment. But they may have random mutations that give the life form, an advantage over its weaker counterpart. These differences that occur, due to random genetic mutations within DNA, may be passed on to their offspring. If competing offspring, have traits that give them an advantage in a given environment, they will survive and pass those traits on. As these differences accumulate over generations, populations of organisms diverge and differ, from their ancestors. This process has led the earliest organisms on earth to diversify into all animals and microorganisms that exist today.

Thus the theory applies to living beings.

Darwinism, therefore, consists of the following claims:

All living things are modified descendants of one common ancestor

The principle mechanism of modification has been natural selection (survival of the fittest) acting on undirected random variations that originate in DNA (gene) mutations, and,

Unguided random processes are sufficient to explain all features of living things, so whatever may appear to be ‘design’ is just an illusion.

This is Darwinism.

Darwin wrote in ‘The Origins Of Species’:

“I view all beings not as special creations, but as the lineal descendants of some few beings that lived in the distant past”

A note on the term ‘Intelligent Design’

Intelligent design refers to the use of empirical evidence (i.e. verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic) to indicate that some features of the natural world are best explained by an intelligent cause, it is not always used, however, to refer to belief in god. There exists a body of atheist scientists who believe in Intelligent Design, but do not believe in God (for example the well know atheist philosopher Antony Flew – 1 February 1923 – 8 April 2010. After being a well-known atheist for many years, he converted to ‘deism’ in 2004. Though when arguing that he believes in Intelligent design, he advocated an Aristotelian philosophical god and not the god of Christians and Muslims). The ID movement, as it is sometimes called, is a relatively new one, gaining popularity in the 1980’s. Therefore, while some may use the term in a general way intending by that, belief in god, it is important to know that this is not always intended by all who use it. In short, all belief in God is belief in Intelligent Design, but not all belief in Intelligent Design is belief in God. The issue here is, one must be sure to ascertain the intent of the one who uses this term.

In rejection of intelligent design, Darwin strikes an example of a house built from rock, found at the base of a mountain. He argued that while the rocks are important to the architect, their relationship with the house he has built, is similar to the relation of the variations of each organic being, and the varying forms of their descendants. So even though the rocks were used to build something beautiful, the rocks themselves are just random accidental structures.

In this parable of his, the architect (as far as Darwin was concerned) is natural selection. While this parable may sound convincing, the correct parable, in relation to his theory, would be like the same architect closing his eyes, then throwing those rocks in any direction or even (for arguments sake) in one direction, if he throws enough rocks eventually they accidentally fall in just the right sequence so as to produce, a beautiful, two storey home, with winding staircase, living room, kitchen, a number of bedrooms, fireplace, a beautiful chimney and high wall surrounding it. What then is the likelihood of that occurring? A parable that, I’m sure you’ll agree requires rethinking!

Secondly, if a stranger were to stumble across the house, what is he most likely to conclude, that it was the work of an intelligent architect, building with open eyes or the work of a random individual throwing rocks randomly with both eyes shut tight? And for what reason would that stranger reject the first suggestion, and fight and argue vehemently for the second?

But the reality of what he is suggesting with his theory doesn’t stop there, supposing he goes on to postulate that the same thing occurred with the house next door, then the houses on the whole street, and then all of the real estate within the city!? This, in essence, is what he suggests, and more.

And thirdly, would he dare reject the fact that this was the work of an architect? and go further to deny his existence claiming there is no evidence proving he exists because he had never personally seen him?

Fourthly, the parable is, in essence, a refutation against his theory since the house he suggests is based on the work of an ‘Intelligent designer’ (in this case the architect) something he rejects!

Darwin and Darwinists have struggled to find and compile evidences for the theory. There is not a single established evidence for the ‘belief’ yet they are bold enough to refer to the theory as ‘fact’ and not theory. Upon analysis, we see they are unable able to substantiate their claim with a single firmly established undisputed argument. Thus Darwinism is considered by many in the scientific world, much less among believers in God, to be nothing more than a set of ‘beliefs’ or simply put, another man-made ‘religion’ with ‘Natural Selection’ and ‘Decent with modification’ as it as its deity.

The ‘evidences’ for the theory?

Any theory that purports to be ‘scientific’ must somehow, at some point, be substantiated through observation and/or experiment.

Theories that survive repeated testing may be tentatively regarded as true statements.

But if there is a consistent conflict between theory and evidence, the former must submit to the latter.

If this occurs, it is no longer science, but a myth.

Testing must also be made public, so as to be examined by experts, which is known in the science world as ‘Peer Review’

Darwinists have a number of ‘so-called’ evidence they believe substantiates the theory.

These evidences are regularly used in science texts book and quoted by lecturers as undisputed fact.

As a young, biomedical Science University student in the early 90’s, I remember being taught some of this evidence very early on in the degree. They are taught as fundamental building blocks essential to every science student, particularly the science of biology. And I am sure the same applies to other universities teaching similar degrees.

These oft-quoted evidences then, are:

The Theory of Natural Selection

The Miller/Urey experiment: A laboratory simulation of the earth’s primitive atmosphere in which it is claimed electric sparks produced the building blocks of living cells (The Operin/Holdane hypothesis supported by the resultant Miller/Urey experiment)

The fossil records: An analysis of a growing body of fossil and molecular evidence reconstructing the evolutionary ‘Tree of Life’

Pictures of similarities in early embryos showing that amphibians, reptiles, birds, and human beings are all descended from a fish like creature

Similar bone structures in a bat’s wing, a porpoise’s flipper, a horse’s leg and a human hand that indicate their evolutionary origin in a common ancestor

Archaeopteryx (pronounced Ar-ke-op-ter-ix, sometimes referred to as Urvogel (meaning original bird). A fossil bird with teeth in its jaws and claws on its wings, the missing link (it is claimed) between ancient reptiles and modern birds

Darwin’s Finches: 13 species of finch Darwin found on the Galapagos islands that diverge from one, it is said this is what inspired Darwin to formulate his ‘theory of evolution’

Fruit flies with an extra pair of wings showing that genetic mutations can provide the raw materials for evolution. And finally ;

Drawings of ape like animals evolving into humans, showing that our existence is merely a by-product of purposeless natural causes

In the following parts of this series we will look at these ‘evidences’ one by one inshallah.

Wa Sallallāhu ‘alā nabiyinā Muhammad

@abuhakeembilal

#Islaam #Refutation #Darwinisim #Atheism #Muslim #Non-Muslim

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gracespilkerr · 5 years ago

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Dalmatians & The Fire Service: An Iconic Dog

Dalmatians and the fire service have always been associated with one another, and this beloved spotted dog has become a popular mascot at fire stations across the country.

In fact, the public has now come to expect each fire station to have its own dog. While some stations will take on other breeds, the Dalmatian is still one of the most popular choices is firehouses today. Is this because of tradition, specific traits of the breed or a little bit of both?

In this article, I want to talk about Dalmatians and their role in fire service history. Why are they associated with fire protection and what roles did they have? How has this progressed over the years into the current role?

Also, I want to look at the breed characteristics of this animal. What is it about the Dalmatian that makes it such a good fit for the role?

Dalmatians as loyal companions for firefighters

The Dalmatian has been a part of the fire service since the 1700s. Back then, the animal had much more of a practical role and was a great aid.

To understand the role of the Dalmatian in all this, we have to remember that firefighting equipment and methods were a lot different. Crews would attend fires with horse-drawn carriages to bring all the right equipment to the scene.

It all seems slow and primitive by today’s standards, but it was a long way from borrowing buckets of water from neighboring houses. The Dalmatians would follow along and guard the equipment and horses.

Dalmatians were carriage dogs in Europe long before they were fire dogs in the US.

Fire crews simply saw the potential of the animals within the profession and applied the animal’s special traits to their own needs.

It was the New York fire department that popularized the use of Dalmatians in the late 1700s. That means over 300 years where dogs were working with crews in some manner. As long as there were horse-drawn carriages there were Dalmatians to run alongside.

They also had other duties when not out on a call. There is no doubt that this dog would have been seen as a companion at the station too.

They might not have had the same amount of lavish attention as their descendants today, but they would still have been part of the crew.

They were also put to work on guard duty at the station and to act as rat catchers. Essentially, if you have a canine colleague working for food and shelter you’ll find a way to put them to work.

But, why Dalmatians in the fire service?

There is some variation in the breeds of dog used in other branches of public safety. For example, the police and military will see the same desirable traits in German Shepherds as Belgian Malinois and other related breeds.

They might even use Rottweilers or Dobermans for combat or guard duty.

But, it is almost always the Dalmatian when it comes to choosing a dog for a fire station. Part of this is now down to tradition.

There isn’t the same need for specific physical or personality traits and Dalmatians are what the public expects to see.

Decades ago, it was a different story. They needed a breed that had all the right traits to perform well at the station and out on calls.

This is an active slim dog – when treated right – and it has a lot of endurance. This, plus the loyalty to the crew and friendly temperament, meant it was the perfect choice.

It would run for miles without any desire to turn back and would follow commands with ease. Other breeds may have lagged behind the carriage or shown some stubbornness when faced with tasks they didn’t want to do.

They couldn’t have a dog that suddenly didn’t feel like staying with the horses on a cold night. The Dalmatian would always stay. This is a true team player and remains that way to this day. Those traits are still important in choosing a station dog.

Dalmatians and horses…a unique friendship

Before the Dalmatian worked with the fire service, he would be used in stables and other occupations where there were horses.

For some reason, this breed, in particular, has a love of horses. It will follow them closely and stay by their side at all times – if necessary. This means that they have always been good stable companions and guard dogs.

When the dogs used to run alongside the fire equipment and carriages to attend a fire, they would do so at surprisingly close proximity to the horse. They like to stay at one particular spot, sometimes even practically underneath the horse, for that close contact.

The beautiful thing about this relationship is that it is mutual. The horses are often just as enamored with the dog as the dog is with them.

This creates a strong bond between the animals that really helps in a working environment. The presence of the dog can calm the horses in times of stress. This was crucial in the days of the horse-drawn carriage.

The horses pulling them would be left alone when the crews went off to fight the fire. There is no doubt that the sights and sounds of the fire would be terrifying to many horses and those that were skittish, and when unattended would run away.

The dogs would stay with the animal and keep them calm – saving the horse and the crews’ means of getting the equipment back to the station. The horses trusted them, and in turn, the firefighters would trust the dog even more.

Another interesting thing about this breed is that these animals are still shown in competitions and other events that celebrate these traits. Dogs with good breeding that typify the fire dog characteristics and show off their agility, loyalty and endurance.

Dog shows that look for the best Dalmatians will still favor those with the lean fit bodies needed for the role. For 30 years, the Westminster Dog Show even had a category purely dedicated to fire service Dalmatians.

The role of the Dalmatian has changed over the years

There is no place for a dog to run alongside a fire truck today. It wouldn’t be safe or fair to expect them to be able to keep up with modern engines in busy cities.

Although, given what we know about their loyalty and endurance, they would probably give it a try.

But, that doesn’t mean that they can’t enjoy a ride in the engine or perform other duties.

Today, these dogs are kept more as mascots and valuable members of community service programs. One of their main roles is to work with firefighters when carrying out educational talks.

Kids love the dogs and immediately recognize them as brave symbols of the fire service. It can be a way of connecting with children that might not feel comfortable.

Some children get shy around the police, fire crews and other figures that may appear intimidating. The dog is a nice way to break the ice. The addition of the dog can also make important talks more fun.

Firefighters can let the Dalmatian act as your warm-up act bringing in the crowds and then they can get into the more important information about fire safety. Or, they can try and use the animal in their talks and demonstrations – as long as it isn’t going to stress or harm the animal.

However, their work isn’t over when they get back to the station.

Some dogs may also be employed to work additional roles in security at the station, much like their ancestors. The buildings and procedures may have changed in the last century but some of the threats remain the same.

After all, you don’t know who might want to cause damage or steal equipment from a fire station (it happens more than you think).

A loyal dog can help warn crews of threats and scare off any potential thieves. A fit, active dog can also continue that old-fashioned role of pest control if needed.

Crews may not think that they have a rat problem, but some older buildings could benefit from a canine patrol unit just to make sure it’s all clear.

The modern role of the Dalmatian in the fire service may also mean a form of an online presence. If the animal is a popular member of the team and well known in the community, they may have an online reputation to uphold with social media.

Crews can have fun creating these profiles and using platforms to share videos and photos. The dogs aren’t necessarily going to achieve Grumpy Cat levels of fame, but they can share information about public safety and events to a wider, younger audience. It gives them a voice as a “spokes dog” that previous fire dogs wouldn’t have had.

Dalmatians as therapy dogs for firefighters

Another role that is more serious, and not always mentioned in the job description, is that of a therapy dog. These animals aren’t therapy dogs in the same respect as other service dogs. They don’t go through the same level of training to handle specific situations.

However, they can prove to be of great comfort to their human companions at the station. Firefighters regularly deal with stressful situations and poor mental health as a result of what they see and do.

It can be difficult to take that home to a loved one or to talk about feelings with other members of your crew at the station. But, you can tell a dog anything and they will only listen and offer love.

They won’t answer back or judge you for whatever you did. They won’t offer unhelpful platitudes or pretend to understand.

There is also a nice distraction in having a dog to take care of at the station. This therapeutic role could also extend to the people saved in fires and accidents if the dog rides along in the fire engine.

Dalmatians will always be the top choice for fire service mascots, but they aren’t the only dogs related to the service any more.

Dogs in the fire service

It is interesting that while the role of the fire service dog has adapted and diversified over the years, there is still plenty of room for the Dalmatian in all of this. The breeds below all have their place. But, there is nothing quite like the loyalty and temperament to offer that endless source of protection and companionship.

You can bring in other dogs for specialist work, in particular rescue operations. You may see other dog breeds working alongside the fire department depending on the job.

Arson dogs are a great aid for sniffing out evidence as you need a powerful sense of smell for the best results.

That is why fire marshals will often work with Labradors and Spaniels in this line of work. They love the game of going off to find the scents and getting praise from their owners.

Dogs may also be used in search and rescue capacities. Here Labradors, German Shepherds and Collies are all great helpers in locating people that are lost or trapped.

You may also see firefighters and fire stations with other breeds or mixed breeds that they have adopted.

Some crews will have the misfortune of rescuing dogs from fires or accidents without being able to save their owners. They may then choose to adopt the animal themselves to give them a warm loving home.

The Dalmatian will continue to be a vital member of the fire service for a long time to come.

As you can see, there is a lot more to the beautiful Dalmatian than just a cute image of a fire pup mascot.

While the work they do today is still vital, we can’t overlook the impressive resume of the breed and their bravery from years past.

Today they are valuable assets of the fire prevention and education services as well as possible therapy dogs in some situations. But, they would never have evolved into these roles without the work of their ancestors.

Those animals found courage, ran for miles, guarded the station’s loyally and helped the crews provide the best possible service to the citizens they swore to protect. Clearly, our Dalmatians have always been heroes too.

Other articles you may be interested in:

Fire Department Bulges: A Simple Guide

History of the Maltese Cross

The Fireman’s Prayer: A Simple Guide

Firefighter Shift Schedules and Working Hours Explained

https://www.firerescue1.com/evergreen/articles/the-history-of-dalmatians-in-the-fire-service-Srstlg2H0RnXHI8L/

https://www.livescience.com/33293-dalmatians-official-firehouse-dogs.html

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travelcenter-uk · 5 years ago

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Blissful Antigua & Barbuda in 7 days!

They say “Life is a beach” and in the Caribbean, this saying couldn’t be truer. Undeterred by their colonial heritage, Antigua and Barbuda are quintessentially Caribbean. Compassionate locals boasting about being able to hit a new beach each day throughout a year, the “Land of 365 beaches” has entrenched itself as a destination of class and preference among families, travellers, honeymooners, and even the most pre-eminent of celebrities, long for luxury holidays in this mere island.

With the ample number of beaches, there’s a lot of water-based activities to engage in Antigua escalating from swimming with stingrays to a romantic sunset catamaran tour or an enthralling jet-ski adventure. Once you etch the periphery of Antigua’s palpable artistic appeal, surely, you’ll stagger upon more alluring traits. Here you’ll be able to witness the prime breeding and nesting colony of the Magnificent Frigate Bird in the world. Reef-fringed Barbuda is one of the outclassed ecological secrets in the West Indies. Her rugged landscapes, splendid serene shores, salted lagoons and abundant wildlife may be a resource as treasured as its fisheries.

The land-lubbers can tour through St. John’s city (the capital of Antigua and Barbuda) and the UNESCO World Heritage site in English harbour along with a fascinating off-road safari to yield an incredible experience. A zip through the rainforest or an adorable heart-warming horseback ride would please your mind.

Fact: Located in the heart of the West Indian colony, about 1000 miles east of Jamaica and approximately 4090 miles from London, averages an eight-hour fifty-two-minute direct flight journey to the V.C Bird International Airport, Osbourn, Antigua. Antigua has an area of 108 square miles and the sister island Barbuda with 62 square miles.

Your 7-day odyssey!

Day 1 – Say hello to Paradise

What about lounging under the lush palm trees relishing the spark of the pinkie white stretches of silky sand, snorkelling under the turquoise blue waters with assured twilights and ravishing milieus? Any idea of savouring fresh lobsters at the beach bar while sipping rum cocktails nearby a pool? Spend your 1st day in the most emphatic way; tranquillizing your muscles and tanning your backs accompanied by world-class amenities at the Royalton Antigua resort & spa 5* multi-centre holiday destination. Just a 13km drive from the V.C Bird International airport, brace yourselves to feast in with the hotels’ exquisite Antiguan buffet and their delectable cocktails.

Day 2 – Discover the Nelson’s Dockyard and party at Shirley Heights

The island is ripe for the venture, though, and it would be a shame to spend the wholeness of your getaway under a sun umbrella. Equip up to take in the history at Nelson’s Dockyard. From the old cannon-topped frigates of the colonial British forces in the 1700s to the glittering silvery yachts that puff down from Freeman’s Bay today has been fluttering down the waters of Nelsons Dockyard. You can see the aged naval capstans lining the water’s edge with a huge anchor left over from the great English naval warships. Track along the hiking traces which consents you to enjoy the park’s natural beauty.

Tip: Nelson’s Dockyard is also home to the fabulous Seafood Friday’s event. Not to be missed for any discerning foodie!

Head onto Shirley heights, a restored military lookout, standing at 490ft gives you the best view in Antigua. No trip to Antigua is complete without a night watching the nightfall over the historic English Harbour whilst dancing to steel drum music, dining BBQ and drinking Cinnamon spiced rum. The Antiguans are the most content people you could ever walk in to, so tag along with a local and enlighten your nightlife.

Day 3- Legacy of the Devil’s Bridge

Self-possessed by limestone rock, the rugged terrain of Devil’s Bridge is the result of millions of years of erosion by the continuous onslaught of the Atlantic Ocean waves on the east coast of Antigua and is famed for the craggy appearance and dramatical swelling of waves. The Devils Bridge has many blowholes in the surrounding rocks erupting like geysers. No, don’t ask me how the bridge got her name, I’m leaving that for you to find out. The spot is also immersed in a lengthy haunting history, so the horror enthusiasts got something I guess.!

Day 4 – Go sweet at Betty’s Hope!

Being one of the primitive sugar plantations dating back to 1651, well-known as Betty’s hope, has the most impeccable fertile soil in Antigua. This stands as a reminder of the deep record of slave ownership by the Englishmen on the island. At present, one of the two sugar mill towers have been restored completely with sails. An on-site visitor’s centre showcases a collection of original tools used in the production process back then. Now I’ve got a slight feeling that you know this heritage landmark is well worth a visit, isn’t it?

Day 5 – Find new friends at Stingray city

Continually rated as one of the top things to do in Antigua, Stingray City will be the highlight of your vacation. Experience swimming and interacting with the rays while feeding and snorkelling with them. Be free enough to click some cuddly snaps featuring your newly found companions *wink*. A short speedboat ride whisks you to a shallow pool with a white sand bottom surrounded by some gorgeous coral reefs, which will surely make your camera tiring.

Day 6 – A day with the “man-o-war” birds

A short boat trip through the sluggish Codrington Lagoon on untrodden Barbuda to reach the prime spot for seeking out the curious red-throated fliers that bellow and bulge with their weird and wonderful mating displays. This is the largest Frigate bird colony in the western hemisphere including a vast reserve of lush mangrove, mud swamps, brackish bayous and waterways. A comprehensive number of pelicans and sea birds are present here while the sublime landscapes mark the far end of the Codrington Lagoon National park.

Day 7- A shopping vibe before take-off

Distancing just 7km from the Royalton Antigua Resort and Spa 5*, Heritage Quay is the place to be when visiting Antigua’s capital city of St. John’s. Offering two floors of shopping, also known as the shopper’s paradise, provides an array of tax- and duty-free merchandise for you to cash in on amazing values and savings from retail prices of the UK. Electronics, local music, cigars, liquors, fine crystals & china, designer clothing & footwear, swimwear, sporting equipment’s, fragrances, skincare cosmetics, fine jewellery, high-end watches and other souvenir items are just samples of the goods available.

Nibble, Sip & be jolly

From grilled barbecues and tamarind balls at the beach bar to the finest fish exclusively at the Royalton Resort and Spa 5*. Hang out at the resort and bite away from your all-inclusive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Antigua and Barbuda aren’t just handsome tourist destinations, they are a melting pot of persuasion drawing people from all over the world. The Antiguan cuisine is mainly found on the spicy side. The locals often whirl around fresh seafood including red snapper, conch, mahi-mahi, shrimp and lobster, also you’ll also be able to sample French, Italian home-cooked, and American dishes alongside Caribbean fare, including the traditional fungi and pepper pot for which the island is famed.

Tip: Make sure you check out the tasty fare served by street vendors on your way too.

Travel information

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earthcommentator-blog · 6 years ago

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Jiaqi Hu: SECTION FIVE: THREATS FROM EVOLUTIONARY LAWS

One: Inheritance, Mutation, and Evolution (Hu Jiaqi)

Men produce sperm and women produce eggs. Both are cells. When a sperm cell combines with an egg cell it forms a fertilized egg. Fertilized eggs can split into two exact same cells, which can then split into four, then eight such cells, eventually forming a living person.

The formation of life is the result of cell division. This applies to humans and all other organisms. Why are people different from each other, and why are animals and plants each different in their own way? The secret lies within the biological cells.

There is a substance called DNA in cells; its basic unit is deoxynucleotides, and it stores the genetic code of life. Simply speaking, a cell is made of the central nucleus and the peripheral cytoplasm. There is a very important material called chromosomes inside the nucleus; it is the carrier of DNA, and it always exists in pairs: one half comes from the male parent, and the other from the female parent. This means that half of our traits are decided by the male parent, and the other half by the female parent. Humans have twenty three pairs of chromosomes.

DNA molecules are composed of two long chains in a double helix structure, which resembles a spiral ladder twisted together. The handrails of the ladder are made of phosphoric acid and deoxyribose, which is the backbone of DNA. The steps of the ladder are made of base pairs, and the genetic codes of life are engraved on them. The “genes” we usually refer to as the deciding factors of traits are fragments of DNA. According to results from the Human Genome Project, it is estimated that humans have twenty thousand to twenty-five thousand genes.

The two chains that form the DNA double helix structure are identical to each other but reverse in direction—that is, the two ends of the chain are reversed and wound together in a right-hand spiral. During cell division, the two long chains of the DNA molecules are split to form two separate strands, each of which is paired with other deoxynucleotides to form a new double helix structure. Each newly formed spiral is exactly the same as the original spiral, producing two identical DNA molecules. This is the self-replication function of DNA.

When we say that the DNA molecule self-replicates to form two double spirals exactly the same, we refer to an almost 100 percent accuracy. However, nothing is foolproof, and one accidental error will appear among numerous perfect copies. This is called a “mutation.”

On ranches, we sometimes find that cattle or sheep will produce an off spring completely different from its parents; this is an example of mutation. Distinctly different crop seedlings will also appear on farms, which is also mutation. The same phenomenon happens in humans as well. All creatures mutate; some mutations are inherited and some are not. Mutations are usually not beneficial, as they produce weaker individuals. Cancer is one such adverse mutation within the body; radiation syndrome is another example where high-energy rays penetrate into the cell’s nucleus and destroys the DNA structure, causing mutation.

In biological mutation, sometimes there will occur a mutation that produces a stronger individual. If this mutation can be inherited, it will form a stronger species. This is what we call evolution. Earth’s primitive life developed into the vibrant variety of creatures today through evolution; we humans are a product of evolution as well.

Reverse evolution also occurs in organisms when unfavorable mutation becomes a common phenomenon that can be inherited. This situation can also be called “degenerative evolution,” or “devolution.” Devolution will cause a species to be less adapted for survival and less suited to the environment, and they will usually go extinct after a period of struggle.

All species are evolving, and according to the theory of evolution, all creatures on Earth are descended from the same ancestor. Primitive life mutated differently in different environments, leading to the differentiation of animals, plants, and fungi. These life-forms continued to evolve; the strong survived, while the weak were eliminated in a process we call “natural selection” and “survival of the fittest.” It is also referred to as the law of natural selection; this is one of the most important laws in the theory of evolution.

Two: Reasons for Species Extinction

There are about 2,000,000 species of animals, 270,000 species of plants, and 35,000 species of microorganisms currently recorded, and scientists estimate the total number of biological species (recorded and unrecorded) in the world to be ten to thirty million. However, many more species have existed on Earth. We can almost be certain that the species on Earth today are less than 1 percent of the grand total, as over 99 percent have already gone extinct.

The extinction of Earth’s creatures in the past was mainly a result of natural forces. Life on Earth has existed for 4.28 billion years and gone through numerous extinctions, but life itself has never been interrupted. Since the Cambrian explosion, Earth’s creatures have experienced five major extinction events, the biggest of which was the Permian-Triassic extinction 250 million years ago. During this event, 90 percent of marine organisms and 75 percent of terrestrial life disappeared, yet many species were preserved. We know that since life began, Earth’s environment has never deteriorated so much that no creatures could survive; even during major extinction events, it was only certain creatures that could not adapt.

Through the study of species extinction, it can be concluded that extinction always results from one of these three factors:

1. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors are the changes in the natural environment that cause species’ extinction. The earth’s environment is affected by a variety of factors, like volcanoes, asteroid or comet collision, geomagnetism disappearance, and climate change—all of which change Earth’s environment significantly. Some organisms can readily adapt to changes in the environment, while others may evolve to suit the environment in a gradual process. These organisms survive. Any species that does not fit one of the above conditions will become extinct.

Environmental factors are the main factor in species extinction, especially large-scale extinction. Studies of the five major extinction events show that environmental factors were the main reason every time. It is easy to understand how environmental change leads to mass extinction. Most organisms are exposed to the natural environment and sensitive to environmental change; such changes will inevitably lead to adaption challenges. Dramatic changes in the environment are especially conducive to extinction.

2. Competition

Competition refers to the extinction caused by stronger species eliminating weaker species, or interdependent species reducing in conjunction. Competition also includes the extinction caused by intraspecific competition. Competition generally only leads to routine extinctions, not mass extinctions.

3. Devolution

Devolution refers to the adverse mutations a species might suffer when there are no environmental or other external factors that may affect the species. These adverse mutations are hereditary, leading to a devolution of the species as a whole.

Once the devolution of a species becomes an irreversible trend, it will become increasingly difficult for the species to survive. They will be continuously eliminated until the species goes extinct. Devolution usually leads to routine extinctions.

Three: Threats from Evolutionary Laws

Evolutionary laws act on all species, including humans. All species are subject to the ruthless laws of extinction, adapting, or going extinct accordingly. Does this mean that human beings might also become extinct from natural forces?

1. Threats to Humans from Environmental Factors

Most organisms are exposed to the elements and adapt to environmental changes in a very simple manner. If global temperatures drop, animals evolve thicker skin and longer fur; if global temperatures rise, animals evolve thinner skin and shorter fur. Those who cannot adapt this way face extinction.

Additionally, due to the food chain relationship between species, the extinction of one species will inevitably lead to the reduction or extinction of other species that prey on it. Since animals have no way to process their food apart from chewing, they cannot change inedible species into an edible food source. Though digestive systems can evolve, few species complete such evolution. Animals obtain food from nature; they cannot domesticate and breed food, so changes in nature will affect their food source significantly.

Humans are not in this situation because their intelligence has reached an absolute high ground, and humans have mastered far more advance technology. Humans interact with the natural environment in a completely different way.

Humans are no longer exposed in nature; we mastered the use of animal skins and fire tens of thousands of years ago. Today, things are even more optimistic; we can adjust to the outdoor temperature by changing clothes, and we can adjust to temperature indoors with heating and air conditioning. We can even design specialized clothing and work facilities for extreme temperatures.

In regard to the environment’s impact on human food sources, we have an unparalleled advantage over other animals. Millions of years ago, humans learned to crush shells with stones and eat the nuts. Later we learned to use fire to cook raw food. Ten thousand years ago, humans learned to domesticate poultry and plants, far surpassing other animals.

Today we have greenhouse vegetables and fruits to eat in winter; we can change the genes of crops to cultivate temperature-resistant, pest-resistant, disease-resistant crops; and we can breed all manners of livestock in all kinds of weather.

Humans are also an omnivorous species. Plants and animals—cooked or raw—are all suitable food sources for us. This makes it much easier for humans to solve the problem of food shortages when environmental changes occur.

Does this mean the environment does not have a decisive influence on mankind? Of course not. The previous sections of this chapter have outlined environmental impacts that may threaten humanity; however, an environmental threat that could lead to human extinction would be one that could completely collapse global ecology. It would be far beyond normal environ mental change. The nearest threat that would threaten human survival is the threat of the sun evolving into a red giant, but that is too far in the future to consider today.

2. Threats to Humans from Competition

Powerful dinosaurs once ruled the Earth. Let us use this to make a hypothesis: if dinosaurs and humans existed on Earth simultaneously today, which would dominate the other? I think the answer is clear—humans would dominate the huge dinosaurs, not the other way around.

An empty-handed man encountering a wolf in the wild will be torn to pieces, let alone if he comes across a dinosaur. However, humans as a group—especially highly intelligent humans who have mastered high-tech means—have unparalleled strength.

It is certain that no species on Earth could destroy the seven billion humans today through competition. From an evolutionary perspective, mankind would not allow any species to evolve enough to threaten human survival. Humans are completely capable of controlling plant and animal evolution on Earth—enough to ensure they never become threats to humanity. Microorganisms are the most difficult to control, as they are so small in size and vast in number, new viruses and bacteria can unexpectedly attack humans. Malignant infectious diseases are especially terrifying; however, the infectious disease control and treatment methods we possess today are enough to limit this threat within a certain range and prevent it from causing too much harm to humanity.

There are facts to support our capability. The Black Death of the Late Middle Ages killed half of Europe’s population, but Milan was saved from the catastrophe because the bishop of Milan ordered all patients, dead or alive, to be kept behind walls and buried. Later scientific development coined this effective method as isolation, and it is one of the most effective means to treat epidemics.

In 2003, a highly infectious and highly malignant infectious disease called SARS broke out in China. Due to the convenience of travel, this disease spread to more than thirty countries throughout the five continents in only two months. People were terrified of SARS; however, countries applied effective inspection and isolation methods and curbed its spread after only five or six months, even though there was no effective drug treatment. Ten thousand people were infected in the end, and the death toll was less than one thou sand. If this had happened one hundred years ago, the situation would have been much deadlier.

The antibiotics and drugs we now have are effective enough to treat most new diseases. Though our treatment of SARS was not especially effective, it was good enough to deal with the situation. We can be sure that although diseases brought on by microorganism evolution will cause some death and harm, the modern methods we have mastered can prevent them from destroying humanity.

3. Threats to Humans from Devolution

The devolution here refers to the devolution of human beings—that is, whether human beings will devolve due to irresistible genetic mutations resulting in extinction. For example, we might stop reproducing, or our intelligence may decrease until we become common animals, or some other type of devolution might occur.

According to the principle of evolution, the more an organ is used, the more it will evolve. Humans are the only creatures that use their brains to adapt to the environment; thus, humans’ brain capacity will only become more developed. In terms of creativity, human creativity has been steadily growing with no signs of stagnation or regression. As long as our intelligence does not devolve, humans are fully capable of dominating Earth and adapting to the environment continuously.

Even if humans did start devolving intellectually and physically in the future, the gene re-engineering technology we currently have would be enough to save ourselves after some development. Gene re-engineering refers to a technique that cuts, pastes, and repairs the genes on DNA using enzymes. This technology has already been widely used. Scientists can turn cotton red, yellow, or brown; they can produce seedless watermelon and seedless grapes; they can make frogs grow six eyes; and they can stop rats from growing tails. All this is the result of gene re-engineering.

If we wish to, humans can re-engineer their own genes in the near future. The Human Genome Project has conducted a comprehensive study and sequencing of the twenty thousand human DNA genes formed by three billion base pairs and has achieved considerable results. As biological science develops more in the near future, it is entirely possible that we will find out all about human genetic structures and genetic life codes. With a little more effort, humans will be able to freely re-engineer themselves.

We are pleased to see that current technology has succeeded in saving many endangered species. For example, British scientists have launched a plan to freeze and store the DNA of endangered species, and Chinese scientists have successfully cultivated the endangered yew tree and protected the endangered giant panda, Chinese alligator, crested ibis, and so on.

It is clear that any species mutation will not happen all at once. If we found signs of human devolution in the future, we would be fully capable of using bioengineering technology to prevent such adverse mutations, and we would have ample time to prepare for such an event. Therefore, devolution is not a factor that will lead to human extinction.

To sum up, if we use the sun’s evolution into a red giant in five billion years as a boundary, there are no factors in nature that will cause human extinction. In terms of natural chance, we have a long future ahead of us. This can also be proven through the survival of other species. Sixty-five million years ago, dinosaurs survived on Earth for 160 million years. Humans are stronger and smarter than dinosaurs and much more capable of adapting. It is only logical that humans will survive much longer than dinosaurs. Relative to the history of dinosaurs, we are yet in the infancy of our development. The idea that we have hundreds of millions of years ahead of us is just logical reasoning.

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worldofthebatala · 6 years ago

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Lore: Slavery in Siquotia

//I think it's about time I write this out once and for all, as to clarify some confusion regarding slavery as it is practiced among the Hitoh and how it affects characters like Madahon and Kalayaan.

The short version: Slavery in Siquotia is NOT chattel slavery. Slaves are not 'property', and at times can even have more privileges and rights than the poorer members of Hitoh society would have. However, they are still conquered people, they still have masters, are denied most if not all rights of the Hitoh, and are subjected to its own caste system that can last generations which children of slaves can be recognized as 'fully civilized'.

The long version: Read below

The model of slavery among the Hitoh onto the Taong Bundok is less like slavery as it was practiced in the New World (so the United States, the Caribbean, etc), and more like the Ancient Romans, the Ottomans, certain African tribes, and even pre-Spanish Filipinos.

Slavery has been around in the Ba'talang World since some time after the Rifting, when it was first observed and recorded. The model they follow tends to entails subjecting to conquered people into forced assimilation at the expense of total abandonment of their previous cultures and identities, which often resulted in the creation, division, and evolution of different races and ethnicities. Slavery and often entails when enslaved, in fact, is often believed to be the reason for the divide between avian races that would eventually create the defining line between the Himmelia and the Abeah Hitoh (flight vs non-flight). By the time we get to the current timeline, slavery is still ongoing, but largely by the Hitoh and the Jan-Taj; other societies have evolved to a point where slavery is just not a notion, either due to trying to recover from a history of already being conquered, or having abolished it on their own some time ago.

In Siquotia, slavery is mostly instilled upon the conquered Taong Bundok as the Hitoh are trying to expand their territories southward. While conquest started during the late Takah Dynasty, it didn't become particularly prominent until the Iinu Dynasty, and it continues to this day. The Bundok, who are inhabitants of the Islands of Kali (or Kaliang Islands), would be torn from their homeland as soon as it's seized, then sent over to Siquotia to be "re-educated" into "proper civilized people". Since the Taong Bundok possess mixed animal traits, a big transgression to the Hitoh, proper integration among Hitoh society tends to not happen right away for a particular generation, but to their children, or their children's children, and so forth. The closer they take on appearance of a recognizable tribe, the higher of acceptance from the Hitoh.

Sound confusing? I'll give an example through two of Polore's slaves, Di’awata and Kapure.

Di'awata and Kapure are taken in by Polore's household. As Taong Bundok, they do not look like any particular tribe--they have goat heads, but their skins are scaled, have Havvia barbels, their tails are reptilian, and are all blue. Because they cannot be expected to fully integrate into Hitoh society, Polore must represent them publicly, as they otherwise have no full rights of their own, such as the right to own property, the right to work for themselves, the right to marry who they want to marry, etc.

If Polore wants them to have a better life, the best he can do is to make sure they're well fed, well clothed, well sheltered, etc.,... but he knows full well they can't all the rights a fully recognized Hitoh can have. However, he can allow their children to have a better life, and in order to do so, he must make sure Di'awata and Kapure breed with someone else that'll ensure the children get physical traits closer to a recognizable tribe--in their case, likely a Hitoh goat, or a Taong Bundok with more goat traits. If the children born appear more goat-like than their parents, that child will have more rights than they would, and to ensure their own stability in their family is secured, they must make sure their children marry only goat-like people and produce more goat-likes. It may take three or more generations, but soon enough, their family line can be recognized as Goats, and thus, completely accepted in Hitoh society. Sure, they'll have to get rid of Taong Bundok culture and identity, but what matters is that they become integrated as Hitoh, right? Right?

Now of course, the rights and privilege a slave would have depends on who their masters would be. Naturally a Palace slave would be considered the best position a slave could ever get--they get good food, good clothing, a large beautiful home, etc. Does this mean they're not mistreated? Of course they are. Does this mean they get to practice their own religions and speak their own languages. Of course not. Can they even have Bundok names? Absolutely not. The purpose of Hitoh slavery upon the Taong Bundok is to put the conquered people into their place as second-class citizens, to completely remove their 'barbarian' or 'primitive' identities, and enforce their own ways upon them and their descendants as to ensure they completely vanish as their own people.

Note that this applies only to the Taong Bundok. As stated here:

Mongrel: Mixed Hitoh heritage only. Taong Bundok: Any cross-continental mixing. That means mixing with anyone from Klartinon and Puso. Untoucheable: The lowest of low caste, often composed of criminals, prostitutes, bedridden, disabled, etc. Often denied adequate housing and forced to live in squalor outside of the city. Typically branded. You don't have to be a Mongrel or Bundok to be Untoucheable, but because society won't look twice at you, you can interbreed as much as you damn like.

Only Taong Bundok become slaves, because they are the actually conquered people. Mongrels, on the other hand, are a result of conscious mixing between Hitoh people, and tend to be just outright banished or outcast among the Untoucheables. It is possible, though, for children of mixed marriages to pass as Taong Bundok slaves with their parents as masters in order to get rights to adequate housing. This is actually what happened to Butiki, who is actually a result of adultery within the Tokakoh household, and had to pose as a slave before coming out as just a Mongrel when she got into the entertainment business in the Northern regions of Siquotia.

#[Lore]#[Hitoh]#please do not look at this as me condoning slavery as a concept or in general #this is a fictional world that is not written to be a SJW's utopia #it's not a utopia at all #a lot of crapsack ugly stuff happens #I just want to clarify that this is NOT a fetishization or endorsement of said ugly stuff #slavery tw

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