faunidae
All faunids originate from the "Primordial" Faunids who were a mass hybridization of extant deer.
Over millions of years, proto-faunids adapted to new habitats and climates, walking bipedally more easily as their dew claws became nimbler (thumb-like). Most proto-fauns were blessed by Herne to succeed humankind with true hands, functioning arms, and high intelligence. Some chose to remain as typical deer.
Together, they were tasked with keeping Atalav alive and prosperous.
An overview of the taxonomy of Faunids and their cousins:
Faunid Sizes
Faunids have a dramatic range in sizes based on visual species inspirations (e.g., elk, pudu, axis).
Use the quad chart to approximate where a species falls; several species sit between categories.
Height charts drawn by Necrologia.
Height Chart — Quadruped
Height Chart — Anthro
Cervicheirus Cornibus (Anthro Faunids) and
Cervilania Cornibus (Quadruped Faunids)
Cervicheirus Cornibus (Anthro Faunids)
Cervicheirus Cornibus are the most populated and versatile subspecies. Somewhat resembling the extinct Homo sapiens, Faunidae are equipped with five fingered hands and incredible intelligence. This species has varying qualities that closely resemble extinct and extant standard species of deer in terms of face shape and antlers.
Standard conformation of a Faunidate consists of an anthropomorphic deer with feathers. Occasionally, a Faunid will have a mutation that breaks from the standard conformation and traits. Considered the original Faunidae subspecies, some individuals claim they were made in Herne's vision.
Features;
- Antlers never shed.
- The only subspecies capable of primordial mutation.
- Most likely to be corrupted.
Cervilania Cornibus (Quadruped Faunids)
Almost identical in shape to standard deer, Cervilania Cornibus (Quadruped Faunids) are quadrupedal Faunids with matching intelligence to that of their sister species. Lacking hands, they typically employ themselves as means of physical labor similar to that of work animals.
Features;
- Antlers never shed.
- Some individuals can communicate with standard deer.
Cerv. Aquatilis (Merfauns)
Cerv. Aquatilis (Merfauns) are a family of water-borne mammals that primarily populate secluded bodies of water. Unlike Cornibus, Aquatilis are incapable of walking on land and instead use fish-like tails and fins to maneuver. Their form most closely resembles that of the quadruped Faunidae. The range of cervid-adjacent variation is just as varied as their terrestrial cousins.
The skeletons of this species are relatively simple in form. Comprised of flexible yet durable bones, their anatomy is made to withstand hits to rocky outcrops and unfortunate trips toppling over coral reefs. It is very uncommon to see broken bones that are unable to be healed in time.
Occasionally, feathers will appear on the front half of a Merfaun. These feathers will naturally be covered in a thick preen oil that is supplied by small glands located at the base of the individual feathers.
Merfauns are all partially covered in extremely dense fur. The structure and density of this short fur is capable of trapping a thin layer of air and allowing the individual to be insulted in colder waters but to also glide effortlessly underwater.
Features;
- Antlers never shed.
- Susceptible to corruption.
- Can hold breath for ~3 hours.
- Tastes like fish.
Cerv. mimotaur (Minodae)
Cerv. Mimotaur are a large subspecies of Cerv. Cornibus that are mainly located in theSplit Mountains. This species almost always outweighs and outgrows the standards of Cerv. Cornibus (outside exceptionally large faunids that resemble moose/elk).
Their bodies builds and holds onto fat much more readily than any other species. Considering the environment that they live in, it is most assumedly an evolutionary advantage to help survive brutal winters or poor harvests. This species does not have "showy" muscles and even in the summer, will be proportionally larger than any other sub-species.
Hormones affect Minodae through both horn size and aggression. Any sex/gender can grow horns, but those who have a higher rate of testosterone will naturally grow larger horns. Plants and other natural sources have been found that are capable of supplying additional testosterone and/or estrogen.
Young aggressive Mimotaurs may engage each other in friendly headbutting. While it is called friendly, to outsiders it may not appear as such. This activity is oftentimes banned within the confines of villages due to its destructive nature during the course of battle. Headbutting typically is done inside of battle-training arenas.
Features;
- Only bipedal.
- Less susceptible to corruption.
Petra domesticus
The Petra domesticus is a cryptic and controversial subspecies thought to have emerged through a prolonged sedintary lifestyle. Compact, ovate, and completely motionless, P. domesticus is most notable for its high mineral density, complete lack of metabolic activity, and unmatched emotional stability.
Though lacking appendages and internal organs of any kind, Petra domesticus is considered highly loyal, never leaving its parnter's side unless forcibly moved.
This species can be found almost anywhere in Atalav. It displays remarkable adaptability, thriving in both sun and shade, solitude or social settings, silence or music. It does not eat, sleep, move, or die (under ordinary circumstances).
Due to its perfect emotional insulation, they are banned from gambling halls in Veritam.
Features;
- Frequently discovered in riverbeds and walkways.
- Capable of short-term flight with assistance.
- Reproduction requires bodily sacrifice.
