Ferrukas

Ferrukas (*Feh-roo-kah-s*) are a non-sentient species inhabiting Ixotis.

## Biology

Ferrukas are a species in the family and genus Felirosteri(ds), meaking feline-like beaked ones. These are named due to their felid-like anatomy of the torso and primary legs, and the pseudo-beaks they have on their upper jaws.

## Appearance

Ferrukas don't bear a close resemblance to any one Ymmye or other animal. Their head shape is roughly horse-like, but with a shorter muzzle. They have a beak-like structure on top of their lower jaw, with the nose being further inward on the head. They have sharp teeth for tearing meat and pointy blue tongues. They have dark brown eyes with horizontal pupils and pointed fuzzy ears, as well as a crest of about five feathers on top of their heads.

Their body torso and leg shape is roughly snow-leopard like, but with longer primary front legs and hind legs. Their reproductive organs bear resemblance to that of a canid, and they have short, hairless, curly tails that can hardly move at all. They have a rudimentary secondary pair of legs (often simply referred to as "arms") pointing upwards behind their primary shoulder blades.

Ferrukas are covered in a long and shaggy white coat, which is slightly shorter on their arms, hind legs and around their nostrils and eyes. They have a blue blaze marking between their eyes, the shape and size of which varies. Ther skin is pale blue. They have retractable claws they barely use.

## Range

Ferrukas live anywhere in Tolores and the very north of Rentrenarriay.

## Behavior and diet

In the wild, ferrukas prefer to live in forests or on open plains. They're not often preyed upon as their meat has a notably disgusting taste, but some beings may try to hunt one down in times of extreme need.

Ferrukas are often kept by Elves as steeds. They're not too difficult to tame, especially by Elfkind, which stands closer to nature than Men. They may also be used as beasts of burden. When used as mounts, these animals hardly ever require reins to steer, as they can be easily trained to move by using their hands as tool to steer. Still, they will often wear a bridle of some kind, to make sure they don't wander, off, which they may do from time to time. Ferrukas don't easily bond with others, but as long as they are well-provided for, they will often have a mutually beneficial relationship with their owner(s) and thus stay where they are, as long as they are content.

Ferrukas are known for being not territorial in the slightest and just go where they please in the wild. They tend to avoid other individuals except during mating season in the wild, but they can go well together with one another in captivity, too.

Ferrukas generally avoid each other in the wild, but may travel in small gr

oups of two to three animals as well, especially when juvenile. They don't really hunt unless they have to, preferring to scavenge their meals.

Though technically omnivorous, these critters strongly prefer to eat meat, preferably carrion.

## Abilities

They are generally not seen as the brightest creatures around, but they can be taught a few tricks. Ferrukas also have an extremely keen sense of smell. They're rather fast and do well on steep or rocky terrain. Their thick coats shield them perfectly from the cold. They also have strong teeth to defend themselves with, as well as retractable claws, though those are only used as a last resort.

Some captive individuals can be taught to use their hinds for holding small objects, but this is extremely rare. Even if the animal is intelligent enough to be trained to do this, it still requires them to have dexterity in their fingers, which not many ferrukas have.

## Aging

Ferrukas do generally well when it comes to this, with even wild individuals usually making it to at least fifteen years old, if not more. In captivity they may even reach their twenties, but they generally don't age past that.