Sofontti

Introduction

Sofontti are a species located primarily in the region of Kalevala, hidden territory north of the land. They are split into multiple species of animals that existed in the region's fauna. They vary from predators to prey animals. They are considered 'the Blessed ones' as a result.

The Blessed Ones

The Blessed ones are ones that chose the path of enlightenment when their Gods offered it to them. They were blessed with changes to their anatomy and a higher intelligence which enabled them to be more than a feral creature. These became the animals of Kalevala. The term blessed one is an ancient one and mostly forgotten term that would describe them. Those that refused the blessing chose to remain as animals and are now hunted for food or taken care of as domestic beings.

As a result the blessing, the smaller species have grown larger in size and mass.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Unlike a feral, a blessed one can stand up on their hinds, possess higher intelligence than a feral and also have more dexterity in their fingers enabling them to craft and use different tools. They are no longer bound to just utilize their instincts but are now able to craft and build. They can however fall down to their fours and move naturally like such as well.

Genetics and Reproduction

They reproduce biologically but don't create hybrid species among one another, thus no animal will share traits of another species unless they are able to reproduce if they share similar genetic background, i.e wolves and dogs, horses and donkeys, lions and tigers etc.

Usually these vary between animals, but early spring is the time for estrus season for many of the predators and prey animals. Their mothers will be fertile and able to carry a litter. Though mothers that already have offspring are unlikely to produce eggs whilst they are still feeding their young. Once their young no longer need their mother's milk the females will be able to be fertile once again for a new litter.

The litters size varies from species to species.

Growth Rate & Stages

Due to extended lifespan, their pup stage last a while longer, and they will live for a while longer than common feral animals.

Sofonttis are born blind and deaf as small critters to their parents, needing warmth and milk to grow up. After a period of time they start developing into puppies, kits or cubs where they start out like many offspring of their cousin wild animals. They will reach toddler stage, then teenage stage and finally early adulthood around age of 16 but full maturity at the age of 18.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Sofontti species have formed packs, herds, prides and similar groups. These family units often consists of members of the same branch and their spouses and offspring with a leader chosen from among them. The clans are known to have multiple of similar family units banding together to form a clan consisting of one species. They will act together in a usually homogenized society. Through times these have evolved into Petty Kingdoms where a county has come together to form from one type of species or combination of many different species together.

Each Clan will consist of a Leader, which carry a title of Chief or High Chief, from a dynasty with either Gavelkind succession where the offspring of the Chief succeeds after the death of the previous leader, or an elective succession where the leader is chosen by the heads of different families through vote.

Average Intelligence

Higher intelligence than feral cousins, ability to understand and comprehend philosophy and complicated topics, memorize and pass that knowledge onward, keep vocal records, adapt and overcome challenges and difficulties.

Civilization and Culture

Average Technological Level

Sofontti live in a period most commonly referred to as the Iron Age. They know how to use basic tools, create pottery, construct simple structures and walls, craft weapons, refine bronze and iron ore and craft bronze and iron tools and weapons, irrigate land and modify their surroundings, build longboats and use simple navigation, raise and care for animals, hunt and farming.

It is incredibly rare to find Sofontti's traveling far away from their land, but occasionally travelers might've come across a merry band of Sofontti who have set out to explore the world beyond their homeland.

Culture

Wip

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

It isn't uncommon for Sofontti to form alliances and pacts among each other or even live together in the same region, though there has conflicts between rival species. I.e foxes and rabbits, wolves and deer and foxes and wolves as a example.

Despite these biological instincts Sofontti species have been united under the same banner and will do so to fight against foreign invasions despite their differences. They all share the same religion, language and similar culture.

There are known records of Sofontti clans marrying their sons and daughters with members of another species to form unions between the different clans. The offspring that results from these are often either of the parent species. Hybrid creatures are known to happen between species that are able to produce them, such as mules, ligers and wolfdogs.

Attraction between the different Sofontti species varies individually and anatomical differences can cause issues in their relationship.