This is a general information journal for my original species, Lamrels, and as such will be updated as more information is added to the species since I'm still sort of developing the species. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment on this journal and I'll answer as best I can.

Lamrels are a CLOSED SPECIES, thus will only be available through adopts, auctions and customs. Please do not make your own!!

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General Information

Lamrels are mainly a mountainous species, living in tribal groups led by a Chief, usually inside a small network of caves that lead into their mountain homes, with one or more exits to the outside. From late spring to early fall they spend the majority of their time outside, gathering food and supplies to stockpile for the winter and sometimes spending nights outside to enjoy the company of the stars. From late fall to early spring, they spend the majority of their time sleeping inside their cavernous homes, wrapping their fluffy tails around themselves to keep them warm and only occasionally waking to eat and defecate.

Lamrels are a hermaphroditic species, having both male and female reproductive systems. On their own, Lamrels are pretty neutral and can either lean towards being more masculine or more feminine in personality, or neither. In relationships, there are two types of Lamrels; dominant and submissive. Dominant Lamrels take on the role of male in the relationship, whereas submissive Lamrels take on the role of female. ALL Lamrels have the capability to be dominant or submissive, though whether they take on one or the other depends on the relationship they end up in; some willingly choose which through discussion with their partner(s), whereas others may fight each other to determine who is what role. It is possible for a Lamrel to have more than one mate, which can make for a complicated yet interesting relationship for all involved. Some Lamrel may even choose not to have a 'mate' but rather have a harem of submissive (and/or dominant) Lamrels, with them as the superior dominant over all.

Lamrels do not have a mating season, nor do not automatically go into heat. Mated Lamrels can have sex with each other as much as they like, but neither/none become pregnant. It is only when both (or two if mated to more than one) Lamrels mutually decide they want to breed, that the submissive Lamrel becomes fertile and goes into heat. The two Lamrels then seclude themselves away for a week to mate without the interruption of others. Commonly Lamrels only give birth to one child, but uncommonly they can give birth to twins or, very rarely, give birth to triplets. It is impossible for a Lamrel to give birth to more than three, as their bodies aren't capable of carrying more than that at a time. Obviously, most Lamrel will mate when they're most active during the summer months, but the odd time they will mate during winter if they desire to.

Lamrel's can be anywhere from 14 to 21ft tall from the tops of their heads to their feet, with their tails being varying lengths. Their horns often vary in size as well, but only by small amounts. The shape of the horns are the same for ALL Lamrels, possibly with only minor differences. The only time this is majorly different is when a horn is broken. A broken horn sadly will not re-grow, even if broken when a Lamrel is a child, it will simply grow as a broken horn. Their eye and hair color are always the same as each other, and their hair color cannot be changed, even hair-dyes do not work.
Lamrel's can live an average of 150 years, though some have lived decades longer than that.

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Common & Themed

There are two types of Lamrel. Common & Themed.

Common Lamrel are pretty much standard and normal. Their strengths and weaknesses vary from each other but all generally have nothing incredibly special about them. Appearance-wise, their colors vary greatly and can even be 'unnatural' colors, but the patterns are usually fairly random and have no real theme at all.

Themed Lamrel are quite different. Appearance-wise their colors and patterns lean towards a particular theme, such as a flower-themed Lamrel would have color and patterns either themed towards varying flowers or to a specific kind of flower. They can be any theme imaginable, even ones that don't seem to make sense to others. The special thing about Themed Lamrels though is that they can be blessed with powers connected to their theme, such as an ocean themed Lamrel possibly having a water power, or a plant themed Lamrel possibly having the power to control plants. This is, however, a rare occurrence. It's not very rare, but rare enough to not be uncommon. And the powers do have limits, which can vary from Lamrel to Lamrel.

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Mutations

As with any living being, mutations can and will happen. A mutation can happen in any Lamrel, and can skip a generation, or even generations. Even in pairings of a normal Lamrel and a Lamrel with a mutation, or both having mutations, the offspring can end up having no mutations whatsoever, or end up with a mutation completely different to their parent(s).
Here is a list of mutations separated by how common they are (will be constantly updated). Be forewarned, all mutations under the rare mutation list is auction-only and will never be available for regular customs.

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Common Mutations

Extra fluff;
Extra fluff is quite common in Lamrels and most often occurs in Lamrels born in particularly cold climates to help keep them warm. Extra fluff can happen anywhere on the body and can be short fluff or longer fur.

Two Tails;
Two tailed Lamrels are actually a common mutation, being particularly useful for Lamrels born in extremely high mountainous tribes or tribes living in especially cold climates as the extra tail helps to keep the Lamrel warm during winter.

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Uncommon Mutations

Third Horn;
A third horn that appears in the center of the forehead. This is a fairly uncommon mutation, bordering on rare. The horn grows in a similar shape to the two horns Lamrel normally have already. Some tribes see it as an unnatural mutation, while other tribes won't be too bothered by it.

Multiple Tails (3 to 5);
Having 3 or more tails is considered uncommon for Lamrels, with every extra tail becoming an even rarer mutation. Multiple tails stop being uncommon when a Lamrel has 6 or 7 tails, with 7 being the rarest and most potent of them all (will be explained in rare mutations below). Multiple tails aren't often seen as unnatural as during winter they are very useful in helping keeping themselves and other Lamrel around them warm.

Extra Ears;
While having an extra pair of ears is useful, it's seen by most tribes as a fairly unnatural mutation and Lamrels born with this mutation will often be teased and bullied for it. Thankfully it's a somewhat small mutation that doesn't warrant extreme violence against any who have it.

Dew Claws;
Dew claws appear on the hands only, adding an additional claw to a Lamrel's hands. No one really understands why this mutation came about, but some assume the dew claws give additional help in scaling sheer cliffs and rock-faces. It's a decently uncommon mutation though so isn't seen very often.

Skin Conditions (Albinism, Melanism, Piebaldism, etc.);
Skin conditions are quite uncommon for Lamrels, with Albinism and Melanism being a little more rare than other skin conditions. Some tribes might see a few skin conditions as bothersome due to them making Lamrel's more easy to spot while hunting, but in truth most tribes don't see any problems with a fellow Lamrel having a skin condition such as piebaldism or albinism so such Lamrel are very rarely outcasted. However, they may get some bullying and teasing during their lifes.

Blindness;
Blindness is only considered a mutation if a Lamrel is born with it, whether it's in one eye or both. In this case, blindness is actually quite uncommon and rarely seen as a good thing. Blindness induced by injury is actually more common than the mutation, as a Lamrel's claws are usually quite sharp and a blow to the head/face in the eye area can cause either temporary or permanent blindness of one or both eyes. In some tribes, those that lose their vision in a fight/battle are often given respect and treated better than those who were born with the mutation.

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Rare Mutations

Hornless;
Hornless Lamrel's are a somewhat rare sight to see among Lamrel society, despite that the mutation is a slightly more common occurrence than the species believes. A majority of tribes see them as useless and worthless, due to Lamrels using their horns to protect themselves against predators, fight for mates and as a way of ending disputes between each other when discussing it doesn't work. As such, a hornless Lamrel often finds these things more difficult to accomplish and are forced to adapt a slightly different lifestyle to try and get past this disadvantage.
Due to how outcasted hornless Lamrels are many parents that end up giving birth to one in a tribe that doesn't accept them well, will sometimes sadly take the child into the wilderness and abandon it to die, rather than be ridiculed by their fellow Lamrel for the rest of their lifes, thus making adults with the mutation such a rare sight. Some tribes do accept the mutation though and such tribes become safe heavens for these Lamrel, but these tribes will also often come under ridicule from neighboring tribes. As such these tribes might regretfully send some hornless Lamrels away to avoid drawing more attention to themselves, especially if one or more neighboring tribes are known to be violent.

Different Eye Color;
The basic grasp of this mutation, is that the eye color ends up different to the hair and flesh color of a Lamrel. This is an extremely rare mutation and seen as incredibly unnatural by most tribes since the norm is that eye color, hair color and flesh color are usually all one color together and is never supposed to be different. This is only an appearance-wise mutation and doesn't really have anything special about it. Those born with this mutation end up extremely outcasted by their home tribe and some tribes may even exile these Lamrel, either with their family if they exile them immediately or alone, waiting until the Lamrel is old enough to fend for itself before exiling them.

Extra Arms;
Most tribes will consider this kind of Lamrel to be an abomination, even worse than the Hornless and Different Eye Color mutations. Though many tribes will see the usefulness of Lamrels with extra limbs, most see it as an unnatural mutation that shouldn't even exist. These Lamrel if born in a tribe that does not accept them, are left to die in the wilderness way more often than Hornless Lamrels because not only are the parents ridiculed if found to have one, they are also exiled from the tribe but not before being forced to watch the child killed right in front of them with everyone else watching. It is sadly cruel, but many tribes that will not accept this mutation will go to great lengths to purge it from their existence.
Those that actually reach adulthood, most will be on the craftier side of things such as crafting items for the tribe to use or to trade to other tribes, such as clothing, cutlery, or even weapons. Others will become excellent food and supply gatherers while some may even become skilled fighters. This is where many tribes have actually come to accept those with this mutation due to them being better at certain tasks than normal Lamrel.

Third Eye;
Third eye Lamrels are one of the few mutations that are actually seen as a good omen and welcomed by most if not all tribes. Third eye Lamrels have a power than no Lamrel, common or themed, will ever have otherwise; the power of premonitions. These Lamrel have the power to see the future through their third eye, but it is unpredictable, uncontrollable and completely random. Only when their third eye is open can they see the future, in which when it is open the Lamrel will go into a type of trance-like hibernation. They can stay in this trance for as little as a few minutes to a full week, with some cases lasting even longer. Because of this premonition power, any tribe that is born with one will worship the Lamrel like an oracle or prophet, sometimes even spoiling them with gifts with the (futile) hope they will be given predictions of good luck in return.
There is, however, a danger with these Lamrel. Anyone that looks straight at the third eye when it is open is instantly sent into extreme madness by the sight of it. It is unknown why it causes this sudden change in those that look at it, but what is known is that the change is sadly permanent and in most if not all cases of this happening, the affected Lamrel(s) are quickly killed to prevent them from hurting and/or killing anyone else; especially the Third Eye Lamrel (since they're usually in their trance state and so cannot defend themselves from any attack). As such, because of this danger most tribes will have precautions to prevent the possibility of fellow Lamrel from seeing the third eye when it's open. Some will use blindfolds or veils to cover the third eye, while others will have them live beyond a curtain with only their silhouette visible to those on the other side. Each tribe will have their own way of solving this predicament, so they are certainly not limited to these options.

Bone Spines;
Bone Spine is another mutation that is often welcomed by most tribes. The mutation isn't actually visible at birth unlike most other mutations, so a Lamrel born with this mutation can easily be mistaken as normal until the boney protrusions begin to break through and grow through their skin as they get older. These Lamrel are similar to Third Eye Lamrels in that they have an ability other Lamrel can't have normally; they can instantly grow extra boney protrusions from their body which they can use as is, shoot them out (whether at random or at a specific target) or pull them out and use them as weapons (mostly used like a spear or bo staff). Because of this ability, most Lamrels with this mutation are trained to be extremely skilled hunters and/or warriors, but some may be able to choose to do their own thing rather than be forced into this path.
Because of how most Bone Spine Lamrels are 'forced' into this lifestyle with little to no choice, some will actually leave their home tribe to either; find a new tribe that will allow them to choose what they wish to do, or wander alone for most, if not the rest, of their life's. There is another option though, as it has been rumored that small groups of Bone Spine Lamrel can and have formed so some will seek out these wandering groups to live with them. These wandering groups can have any sort of motive and lifestyle; some are peacekeeping warriors, others are violent marauders that will attack tribes to steal their supplies (some might even kill the whole tribe if given the chance), while still others are just curious explorers journeying to see all they can of their world.

Multiple Tails (6);
Lamrels with 6 tails are extremely rare, rarer than the Different Eye Color mutation, but not as extremely rare as 7 Tailed Lamrel. The differences between 6 and 7 tailed Lamrel are huge, but the general difference is that Lamrel society knows that 6 tailed Lamrels can, will and have existed. They're not seen as especially special 'cause there really is nothing special about them except that they have 6 tails. Some 6 tailed Lamrels will feel slightly cheated by 7 tailed Lamrels due to how special 7 Tailed Lamrel are and some wish they could take this resentment out on them, but since very few 7 tailed Lamrels exist they'll never ever really meet one unless they spend their whole lives trying to find them, which is generally seen by most to be an utter waste of their life.

Multiple Tails (7);
7 tailed Lamrel are said to be the most rare and most powerful of all mutations (on it's own). Though it is uncommon for a Lamrel to have more than one tail, the more tails a Lamrel has the rarer the mutation and 7 tails is the rarest of them all as 7 is the maximum a Lamrel can ever have. They are so rare in fact that they are almost considered a myth and/or legend by most tribes and many will debunk any rumors they might hear of a 7 tailed Lamrel existing in another tribe simply because of how extremely rare they are.
It is only 7 tailed Lamrels that gain something from having the multiple tail mutation; everything from their senses to their instincts to their physical strength, reflexes, etc. are incredibly enhanced to a point that even healing from injuries occurs faster than normal. Themed Lamrels can end up being even more powerful if they've gained a power connected to their theme, as their power will also be enhanced by being a 7 tailed Lamrel.
Because of all this, if a 7 tailed Lamrel is miraculously born, they are worshiped by their tribe as much as Third Eye Lamrels are, if not more so. This does however mean that 7 tailed Lamrels can and will be very spoiled by their tribe from a very young age, as their fellow Lamrels seek to keep them happy so they will have a reason to protect their tribe from attackers and aid them when times get tough. Because of this, many 7 tailed Lamrels will grow up with the attitude of a spoilt prince/princess and can end up showing violent tendencies if things don't go their way, to a point they can become incredibly dangerous to be around. Some 7 tailed Lamrels can grow up to be perfectly respectable Lamrels though, despite being spoilt rotten, and become beloved peacekeepers and protectors.

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Other Facts

> Combinations of mutations can and will happen, with most being combinations of common and uncommon mutations, and very rarely a combination of a rare and common/uncommon mutations. Even more extremely rare is the combination of rare mutations, which is usually seen as a bad omen as a Lamrel with two or more rare mutations combined can lead the Lamrel to become unstable in genes and/or in power if the rare mutation comes with a unique ability, and even more unstable if it's a Themed Lamrel with a theme connected power.
The rarest of the rare mutation combines, as well as the most powerful, and most dangerous is the combination of the Third Eye mutation and 7 Tailed mutation. A Lamrel of these two mutations combined is even more mythical than normal 7 tailed Lamrel and are seen as an extremely bad omen if one is ever born simply due to how incredibly unstable such a Lamrel is, both in the mutations and mentality.
It is a legend amongst all Lamrel that one with these two mutations was born a very long time ago, who went on to kill almost a quarter of the population of the planet due to it's extreme powers before it was finally killed. Described as god-like in it's power, anyone that was in close proximity to it when it's third eye was just closed was sent into a raving, suicidal madness no matter if they were looking at the Lamrel or not, and when it was open everything in a 5 mile radius was killed simply from the power that emanated from it. No one is actually quite sure just what finally ended the Lamrel's life, since it seemed anyone that witnessed it either didn't survive or went into hiding, or whether the Lamrel in it's psychotic madness actually killed them self instead. All anyone knows was that when the killing finally ended, a few brave Lamrel eventually found the Lamrel's decomposing body but refused to get too close to actually figure out what killed it least some of it's power still remained. The area where the Lamrel died has since remained untouched and rather scarily barren.

> It is possible for a Lamrel to survive on it's own without a tribe, but it is very difficult so it's fairly unheard of for a Lamrel to live alone unless they're traveling as a hermit.

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Getting a Lamrel

There are three ways of getting a Lamrel. Through buying a cash adopt (might sometimes have common/uncommon mutations), winning one via auction (these usually have rare mutations) or getting a custom (in which you can choose the palette and the hairstyle and any, and as many, common/uncommon mutations you might want).

If you would like your own custom Lamrel, please note me with this form;
Type: Common or Themed (if themed, explain what kind of theme)
Hairstyle: Explain what hairstyle you want (even give links for reference), or allow me to do whatever hairstyle I decide, or you can choose to have them be bald.
Color Palette: Put a link to the color palette here.
Other: Mention anything else here you might want me to know, such as a possible mutation (list is below). PLEASE be specific on extra fluff options. You can give refs if that'd help.

Customs will be $10 as a base price, whether they're normal or themed. Mutations will cost extra depending on the mutations. Common mutations will either be an extra $2-3 depending, and uncommon mutations will be $4-5 extra depending.
You can also get a back view in addition to the front view base, which would cost an extra $5 to get.

If you get a Lamrel through cash adopt or auction and would like a back view, cost will same as above.

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F.A.Q.

> I want a custom Lamrel and have an idea for a mutation, could I suggest it?
People are more than welcome to give ideas for mutations as the list isn't just limited to what I've got above and new mutations are often welcome. However, that doesn't mean I'll accept all mutations suggested and depending on the mutation, I might make it a rare mutation (in which case I'll allow the original suggester to have their custom with that mutation, but every Lamrel with the mutation after that will have to be auction-only).
The only mutation that I will not allow if people ask for it is wings of any kind. Wings will never be a mutation for Lamrels ever, so please don't ask and don't complain if I still say no if you do ask. And no amount of bribery will change my mind.