Caudam

Caudam are big canine creatures known for their keen sense of smell. While originally wild creatures, they’ve gone through a long process of domestication that eventually led the species to branch out into grand caudam (wild) and brevis caudam (domesticated).

Origins

Records show that the existence of a even more ancient version of grand caudam dating back to thousands of years, mainly appearing in heavily wooded areas in places like Dizajni. Their strength and keen sense of smell were greatly valued and led them to be domesticated throughout the years. Currently, grand caudam still call forests their home but brevis caudam have been integrated into society as a companion and pet to many.

Biology

Caudam are big quadruped mammals very similar to a lot of canines. They are covered in fur specially around the neck area, giving them a mane similar to lions. Their anatomy is particularly front heavy, with thick necks, very big front legs and paws, which makes them very good diggers. Caudam skulls are also uniquely tough, with prominent bottom fangs that almost look like tusks.

Wild and Domesticated

While still very similar, brevis caudam have lost some traits from their descendants' grand caudam during the domestication process as those traits were considered too bothersome to keep. Some of those traits are:

• The most obvious difference is their size, grand caudam are much bigger creatures than brevis caudam, nearly twice their size in most cases.
• Grand caudam have a very long prehensile tail while brevis caudam, as the name suggests, have a much shorter tail and have lost its dexterity.
• Grand caudam can have multiple sets of horns in all kinds of shapes and sizes, brevis caudam don’t grow them at all. Very few rare cases of brevis caudam growing horns have been recorded, and they don’t get past being very tiny horns.
• Brevis caudam grow much less and shorter fur than their wild counterparts, as the time and effort to upkeep such was simply too much, owners will also cut their fur frequently to prevent it from getting matted.
• Grand caudam have longer bottom fangs that curl while brevis caudam have shorter and straighter fangs.

Abilities

Caudam have aether glands adjacent to their brain and all of them are earth aspected. Their magic manifests on their claws; specifically on the front ones; reinforcing them when they want to dig things out of the ground or if they need to attack something. Grand caudam aspect also manifests on their horns. Caudam breeders have been researching ways to change their aspect but have been unsuccessful in achieving any results thus far.

Life Stages

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Size and Measurement

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• A brevis caudam pup measures around 2’7” / 80cm in height and Xlb / Xkg in weight.
• An adult brevis caudam can reach around 7’5” / 226cm in height and Xlb / Xkg in weight.

• A grand caudam pup is around 5’2” / 160cm in height and Xlb / Xkg in weight.
• An adult grand caudam can reach around 15” / 457cm in height and Xlb / Xkg in weight.

Note that these measurements are rough estimates. In the case of grand caudam the added height and weight of the horns aren’t being counted as those vary a lot.

Colors and Markings

Caudam fur colors are mostly earthy or neutral tones to help them better camouflage with the environment around them and the patterns are diverse. Occasionally more colorful or lighter pelt colors have been observed to appear. Brevis caudam breeders have been trying to achieve even more unique pelt colors and patterns to varied results.

Easily the most eyecatching part of their appearance is their claws, these are made out of mineral, crystal and rocks (igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary). Grand caudam horns are also made out of the same material as their claws.

Behavior

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Domestication

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As a Companion

Brevis caudam aren’t really animals fit to be everyday pets like cats or dogs, they are very big creatures that need a lot of space to move around, a lot of food, a lot of training and a lot of upkeep in general. While they are a big investment of not only resources and time but also dedication, caudam are animals that’ll be incredibly loyal and obedient for the rest of their lives if trained right.

While they can be used as a mount, they aren’t as reliable as avistuses. Brevis caudam can handle carrying people but their running style makes it a very bumpy ride. It’s recommended that, if one does need to use caudam to travel, that they don’t bring much with them or anything delicate, as the items are likely to be lost or simply break during the trip. Hunters or adventurers who don’t travel long distances seem to be the only ones interested in using them as mounts.

As a Helper

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Trivia

• Caudam are inspired by behemoths from the Final Fantasy franchise, Naga from the Legend of Korra, binturongs and caucasian mountain shepherd dogs.
• People use the phrase “You’re about as useful as a caudam who can't smell” as a insult, since many consider caudam who can’t smell useless.
• Grand caudam have been observed to wrap their tails around things like trees and boulders then carrying them around. Sometimes they throw such things with impressive strength when in fits of rage.
• Poachers try to hunt grand caudam whose claws and horns are made out of precious materials. A terrible idea really, as the danger and effort to put a single one of those creatures down is hardly worth it. That is, if they can even kill such a creature.