Fatalis, a closed species by darkmoondancer

Fatalis are a highly intelligent and social species that live in the worlds of Peace and Shadow.
They have the ability to shapeshift between two forms, known as Primal and Peace forms.

Due to the variety in height, weight and shape of snout, each Fatalis is unique from the next.
The body of all Fatalis is covered with a short soft fur all over. It is not uncommon for fur to be shaggy or textured, but it is Trait-locked _{(see traits journal in the group)} for it to be able to grow longer than a tuft in any given area. The exception to this rule is that all Fatalis grow a shaggy tuft of fur in the groin area. This does mean that from just looking at a Fatalis, it's nearly impossible to tell their gender, but this isn't a problem for the Fatalis because they have a keen sense of smell which would tell them what they need to know if the need arises. Some Fatalis do present breasts outside of child-rearing phases, but the majority of Fatalis simply present pecs year-round.

Fatalis have thick muscular necks that crane slightly forward, which often also adds a bit of a hunchback look to the species. Their torsos are generally fairly long, as are their arms, with knuckles usually reaching down to about the half-way point of their thighs. Beause of this and their digitgrade legs, it is not uncommon to find a Fatalis resting in a crouched position with a knuckled hand on the ground helping to prop them up, but they do stand upright with general ease and comfort.

Their hands and feet each end in 3 flexible digits that grow claws. These claws can be thick, thin, blunt, sharp, or even retractable. Some individuals may choose to file their nails down for comfort or style.
The palms of each hand may have light padding, while the underside of each foot always shows a larger pad plus a smaller one under each toe. The toes are semi-webbed in that they have stretchy skin that at rest keeps the toes next to one another, but when flexed, the toes can stand fairly far apart to help distribute weight of the Fatalis better and give them a solid stance.

Each Fatalis has 2 round-pupiled eyes, 1 leathery nose with 2 nostrils, carnivorous teeth, 2 ears, 2 arms, 2 legs, and may or may not have a tail. However, Fatalis have been exposed to the Shadow, which has altered many individuals to present strange traits that may replace or change these standard features!
Ears and tails are by far the most common traits that will differ from one Fatalis to the next, but other traits such as different pupil shapes or long hair are not uncommon. But there have been cases of more strange traits...

Fatalis also manifest a crystal which is very individual to each being. These are their Crystal Manifestation.
These crystals form as part of the Fatalis in any manner of ways, from a single small shape in one location, to big defensive plates along the back, to more complex or intricate manifestations such as replacing a lost limb or a decorative (but not functional) set of wings!
It takes a lot of concentration and practice to manifest these crystals, and so most Fatalis never bother to alter theirs. They are usually representative of some deep personality trait or facet of themselves. They are born with the manifestation in their Peace form and it is seen as an omen of their life. Those Fatalis who work closely with the Shadow often have the most need and capacity to alter their crystals manifestations, typically focusing on altering the more vivid forms presented in their Primal Form; Often for what is important to the character, whether it is a reminder of some past event, a tool for a job, or just a stylistic choice.

_{*Note: While not a hard and fast rule, it is helpful to think of the structures and style of a Fatalis head to be most closely representative of the animal genuses: Canidae, Felidae, Rodentia, and Ursus
More info to come as we release lore and more journals ;D}

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