species information
introduction
Reepuls are a highly intelligent and ancient race with both reptilian and mammalian features, but are commonly considered a species of 'dragon'. However reepuls are like humans in many ways, able to create tools, learn hobbies, and even hold special jobs or roles within their communities. They are a highly social species and like people, often live in complex family groups (known as tribes) or settlements. Common abilities for these dragons also include venomous saliva, hypnosis, and limited color changing.
Although considered reptiles, they have several mammalian traits as well. Including live birth and the intense caring for their young. Reepuls mothers usually only have 1-2 chicks at a time, though litters up to four are possible.
Also, the body of these dragons is covered in soft leather-like skin along with a secondary fur coat that covers portions of the body. Coat coverage can vary with several different coat types. Scales and feathers are a more rare body covering for these dragons, but individuals do exist.
Probably their most unique attribute however would be their extra arm appendages. These extra 'arms' can grow from almost any surface of the body and are much stronger than they appear! They help reepuls move through their environments much like an octopus' arms would, and can also be used to hold and carry objects. These tendril arms are retractable and made of tissue and muscle, not hair!
The most common question is where do reepuls live? For millennia these dragons lived as the apex species of their world, in every corner of the planet. However as humans appeared, their world grew smaller and less mysterious, and many reepuls abandoned their orignal homelands in favor of living in secret, away from their new bipedal neighbors. Only for the past couple generations have reepuls been making their way back into the world. Some of them have integrated well, living in cities and becoming known residents and often times considered as friends to humans. Others are still wild in nature, holding onto their traditions and remaining rightfully distrustful.
Although considered reptiles, they have several mammalian traits as well. Including live birth and the intense caring for their young. Reepuls mothers usually only have 1-2 chicks at a time, though litters up to four are possible.
Also, the body of these dragons is covered in soft leather-like skin along with a secondary fur coat that covers portions of the body. Coat coverage can vary with several different coat types. Scales and feathers are a more rare body covering for these dragons, but individuals do exist.
Probably their most unique attribute however would be their extra arm appendages. These extra 'arms' can grow from almost any surface of the body and are much stronger than they appear! They help reepuls move through their environments much like an octopus' arms would, and can also be used to hold and carry objects. These tendril arms are retractable and made of tissue and muscle, not hair!
The most common question is where do reepuls live? For millennia these dragons lived as the apex species of their world, in every corner of the planet. However as humans appeared, their world grew smaller and less mysterious, and many reepuls abandoned their orignal homelands in favor of living in secret, away from their new bipedal neighbors. Only for the past couple generations have reepuls been making their way back into the world. Some of them have integrated well, living in cities and becoming known residents and often times considered as friends to humans. Others are still wild in nature, holding onto their traditions and remaining rightfully distrustful.
Size & Variations
Reepuls can grow to become quite large. In fact, they continue to grow throughout their lifespan. However, they do so slowly after reaching maturity at around 30 years of age. At this point an average standard-sized adult will range from 10 to 30 ft. in length. The very oldest reepuls have believed to reach lengths of up to 50 ft. Gender, diet, region, and genetics can all have an effect on the overall size potential of a reepuls.
Standards: Standard Reepuls are the wild, natural variation of these dragons. They can grow to massive sizes and live hundreds of years. Wild Reepuls typically live within a complex social structure, each with their own laws, communities, and roles to play within their groups.
Adult Size Range: 10 - 30 ft.
Toys: Toy Reepuls on the other hand are the result of selective breeding by man. These dragons have been bred to remain smaller than their wild counterparts. Still greatly wild in nature, these dragons aren't really deemed a 'safe household pet' but can be very social and loving companions. Most toys are found only in captivity, however feral strays can and do exist.
Adult Size Range: 5 - 15 ft.
Gliders: A much more ancient breed of reepuls, gliders were long thought to be extinct. This breed features feathered extremities that allow them to glide for long distances, giving them their name. Now resurfacing, gliders have begun to breed with both standard and toy reepuls, giving them quite a diversity in size and shape.
Adult Size Range: 5 - 25 ft.
Standards: Standard Reepuls are the wild, natural variation of these dragons. They can grow to massive sizes and live hundreds of years. Wild Reepuls typically live within a complex social structure, each with their own laws, communities, and roles to play within their groups.
Adult Size Range: 10 - 30 ft.
Toys: Toy Reepuls on the other hand are the result of selective breeding by man. These dragons have been bred to remain smaller than their wild counterparts. Still greatly wild in nature, these dragons aren't really deemed a 'safe household pet' but can be very social and loving companions. Most toys are found only in captivity, however feral strays can and do exist.
Adult Size Range: 5 - 15 ft.
Gliders: A much more ancient breed of reepuls, gliders were long thought to be extinct. This breed features feathered extremities that allow them to glide for long distances, giving them their name. Now resurfacing, gliders have begun to breed with both standard and toy reepuls, giving them quite a diversity in size and shape.
Adult Size Range: 5 - 25 ft.
Lifespan
The natural lifespan for reepuls can range up to 500 years. The oldest of the species are usually considered respected elders and are often rarely seen, living in the most remote locations.
Diet
Reepuls are omnivores! Diets generally depend on the region the reepuls are from and also on personal choice. Most reepuls eat a large variety of meats and plant life. Those living close to cities may also choose to eat more human made foods.
Reproduction
Reepuls are live-bearers with a gestation period of about a year. They do not hatch from eggs, like most would assume from a dragon race. Most commonly females will only have litters of 1-2 chicks, though litters of up to 4 are possible.
Reepuls mature rather slowly, only reaching their breeding maturity at about 25 years of age. In the wild reepuls will often court and keep lifelong mates, both parents helping to raise their chicks. These strong bonds also often grant a higher success rate in producing healthy chicks, as typically these dragons are known to have a low fertility success. However, some dragons never find their true mate and will still produce litters with other reepuls.
Reepuls mature rather slowly, only reaching their breeding maturity at about 25 years of age. In the wild reepuls will often court and keep lifelong mates, both parents helping to raise their chicks. These strong bonds also often grant a higher success rate in producing healthy chicks, as typically these dragons are known to have a low fertility success. However, some dragons never find their true mate and will still produce litters with other reepuls.
Communication
As mentioned before, Reepuls are a highly social species and as such are highly adaptable and capable of learning new languages. While no reepuls is simple born with the ability to talk to other species, it is quite common for reepuls to listen and learn the languages of other animals and even humans to better communicate and form friendships. This is also seen between reepuls tribes where different dialects may be spoken.
Characteristics
Arms: As mentioned before, reepuls have extra arm appendages that are used for a variety of things! These arms are made of muscle, not hair, and are tipped with tiny sticky-toed pads. They are great for climbing and hanging in trees or even on steep cliff sides. These arms are fully retractable, and regrowable if one were to break or snap off.
Eyes: All members of the species have a swirled iris, unless a mutation is altering them. These special eyes aid in the dragon's hypnosis abilities. Eyes can be any combination of color. For more info & examples visit the Eyes, Flesh, & Nails Guide!
Mouth: Reepuls have a long forked tongue that is sheathed within the mouth, like snakes. Similarly they can use it for a extra sense of smell, or 'tasting the air.'
Venom is produced in the saliva glands. Venom effects can vary slightly but commonly cause burning pain, muscle weakness, localized paralysis, or sickness in their prey. All of which other Reepuls are immune to. Venom can and often will turn a reepuls' saliva different colors. Each individual having their own venom color.
Eyes: All members of the species have a swirled iris, unless a mutation is altering them. These special eyes aid in the dragon's hypnosis abilities. Eyes can be any combination of color. For more info & examples visit the Eyes, Flesh, & Nails Guide!
Mouth: Reepuls have a long forked tongue that is sheathed within the mouth, like snakes. Similarly they can use it for a extra sense of smell, or 'tasting the air.'
Venom is produced in the saliva glands. Venom effects can vary slightly but commonly cause burning pain, muscle weakness, localized paralysis, or sickness in their prey. All of which other Reepuls are immune to. Venom can and often will turn a reepuls' saliva different colors. Each individual having their own venom color.