AN INTRODUCTION...
For a more in depth look at the difference between males and females, click here.
TYPES OF TOSKAL:
There are four types of Toskal that are commonly referred to as ranks. These four ranks can be found within a myriad of tribes around the world and commonly are capable of living together in relative peace.
Grunt /Brute |
Grunts and Brutes are a type of Toskal that is short in stature and temper. These smaller variants of Toskal often sit at the bottom of the social ladder and many Alpha's have little to no qualms in stepping on them. - Gender is usually difficult to identify, the "Brute" variant merely refers to the larger build of the two Grunt types, often the females. - Small but scrappy. - Rough and unkempt fur. - Mane is commonly patchy - Sloping forehead and thick brow bone. - Ear tip flares out unlike other Toskal ears. - Have 3 or 4 ear ridges, no more no less. - Has a weak shock level but fast recharge time. |
Common |
Common Toskals are the most... well, common, of the species. These Toskals populate most tribes and are considered the standard. Females aften outrank males due to their fiercer nature and taller stature.
- The standard Toskal. - Females are regularly taller than the males. - Females often hold higher positions within society. - Commonly have dark red blood (near black is acceptable). - Have 3 or 4 ear ridges, no more no less - Have an average shock level with average recharge time. |
Alpha |
Uncommon with female Alphas considered the rarer of the rank, an Alpha Toskal stands on average a head higher than their common counterparts. Occupying many important and respected roles within Toskal society, Alphas often pride themselves on their horns and horn pageantry. - Uncommon and often outnumbered by lower ranking Toskals. - Usually take leadership roles within tribe settings. - Alpha males are on par with and can outrank common females, Alpha females will always outrank Alpha males. - Horns are not for fighting! A broken horn would be the ultimate shame to many Alphas. - Ears have more ridges than the normal 3 or 4 - Strong shock with a average recharge time. |
Apex Alpha |
Rare and often considered special, Apex alpha males are the unicorn of the Toskal world. As the only males that outrank any female, these Apex males pay a price for their four horned legacy. - Have four horns (Apexes with the mutation 'Polycerate' have six). - Can only be biologically male (mutation is passed via the Y chromosome). - Highly aggressive in adolescence and young adulthood, causing many to be forced from their tribe. - Have been known to take over tribe leadership roles. - Are at least one head higher than Alpha females. - Ears have more ridges than the usual 3 or 4 - Powerful shock strength but with a very slow recharge time. |
TOSKAL EYES & DEMON MODE:
Toskal eyes are a stark and bright white, with their pupils and sclera a deep black. These eyes are highly reflective and can be spotted in even the darkest of nights. For a list of known eye mutations, click here.
When a Toskal is highly agitated and/or distressed, this burst of emotion triggers a biological reaction that releases a rush of adrenaline, causing increased strength, speed and aggression. This also causes a strain on the body, a side effect of which is the bursting of small capillaries in the eyes that cause their vision to cloud with blood. Often blood will leak out from the tear ducts when this occurs. This is commonly referred to as demon mode.
LIFE STAGES:
Pup
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The young are completely dependant upon their parents for the first few weeks, and stay close to a parent for the first year, often sleeping clinging to the tail of their carer. The pups eat mostly softened fish and plants, tougher foods and other meats are introduced when older. Their eyes are too light sensitive at this point so they're closed tight for the first week. By only a few weeks old they can start to crawl and wreak havoc. (If the pup is alpha their horns show at approx 1 year old.) - Soft droopy ears. - Downy fur, very soft to the touch but not very waterproof. - Electrocyte cells along the spine still developing so charge is very low and sporadic. - Communicates with rolling growls and chirps. - Colours as bright as they'll get, but markings can change and spread slightly as they grow. - Very inquisitive. |
ADOLESCENT
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Taking their first steps into the swampland of their home for 'The Rite'. Reflexes at their best to counter the changing and deadly environment as they learn to adapt on their own. -Markings won't change or grow any further. -Ears more developed and pointed, able to move to better locate sounds. -Fur is rougher and develops an oilier quality to counter the wet landscape. -High energy, hyperactive and very instinct driven. -Electrocyte cells fully connected and developed, producing strong electrical charges for defence. |
Adult
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At the peak of physical fitness, they're swift, agile, strong and crafty. If a Toskal reaches 15 they're likely to survive the rest of their 'Rite' at least. Around 20 years old they re-join a tribe and start settling down, often choosing a specific skill set to master. -Pelt colour can start to dull. -At their tallest. -A lot calmer and more reasonable, especially after they return home. |
ELDER
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It's impressive to reach an old age in Toskal society simply because of all the dangers in their homeland. They're well respected and often take the role of teachers in their tribe, passing on specific skill sets they mastered as adults to any who show interest (and the pups who don't care but still need to learn). -Scruffier rough fur, greying around the edges. -Pelt not as vibrant as in younger life. -Eyes clouding with age. -Generally scarred, especially on the tail which is used for unarmed fighting. -Mane can only hold a weak charge now, with the old cells no longer renewing. |
