This is the reference sheet for the mutaped, a species of my design. I already have a design for my own mutaped-sona, Rez, and I may design them for others in the future. If I do design them for others, I'll either come to you personally or explicitly ask for volunteers, outside of those situations I won't take mutaped design requests.
That said, if you want to design your own mutaped OC, feel free to do so. If you do, please try to keep to the general standards of mutaped design (there are specific traits, mentioned towards the end of this description, that are true of all mutapeds). If you're unsure whether you're doing it right, or want advice on mutaped design, feel free to message me either in notes or via Telegram. Base-form mutapeds are always fine too, but you should keep in mind these are the product of reproduction rather than transformation.
If you do upload anything mutaped-related, my only requirement is that you credit me as the species creator. Also, not a requirement, but do let me know if you upload anything mutaped-related, I'd love to see it.

Also I probably don't need to say this, but treat others' mutaped OCs like any other OC, that is you should probably ask them for permission if you want to draw them. Whenever I draw others' mutaped OCs I will specifically mention them in the description to make sure anyone's aware they're other peoples' OCs and not just random throwaway characters.
If you specifically want to draw Rez (see my other uploads), please contact me first, and I will provide his ref sheet if I'm ok with whatever situation you intend to draw him in.

Also one last note regarding mutaped OCs, the "official" setting is modern and has humans as the only other sentient species, but I have no problem with people designing mutaped versions of their nonhuman characters or characters from other settings. In the case of mutapeds originating from a tailed species, you can use the tail shape and pattern of either species, but the frills at the tip (and their colours) remain regardless of shape. For any other special considerations, you can always message me for help.

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So what's the deal with mutapeds anyway?

It is unknown when, precisely, the amphogen parasite first came about. A product of genetic engineering, the parasite burrows into the victim's body and merges into it. From there, it injects its genome into the human host's cells, which triggers a process of metamorphosis. Over the course of the following week, the host's body gradually transforms into that of a huge creature, known as a mutaped, somewhat resembling a cross between a salamander and a raptor. As the DNA is added to that of the host, rather than replacing it, they often retain physical traits of their pre-infestation body, often including things such as hair, eye colour, and areas of the body retaining their human skin colour. One most curious trait of this metamorphosis is that any smaller objects, such as clothing, that remain in physical contact with the host throughout the initial stages of metamorphosis are incorporated into the body, developing either as skin patterns, or as entirely new, vestigial body parts.

The mutaped's body contains a series of pockets - one at the base of each limb, and another in front of its saddle - which act as spawning beds for the parasites. These pockets are also directly connected to the mutaped's nervous system, allowing a creature making physical contact with the pocket's interior to control the mutaped's motor function with their mind. The pockets at the base of the limbs grant control of the given limb, while the one at the saddle grants control of the body as a whole. The creature may also perceive through the senses of the mutaped in addition to their own this way. As these pockets are often filled with freshly-spawned parasites, this means the mutaped is often trapped in its own body, controlled like a puppet by a collective of parasites whose only drives are to feed as much as possible (to facilitate higher spawning rates), and to spread them through as wide an area as possible.

The existence of the amphogen parasite was made known to the world in the year 2000, when it was unleashed upon the world in an act of biological terrorism. The motivation for this act is unknown, as the culprit was found dead weeks later, and seems to have acted solo. The spread of mutation caused chaos, but by the end of the year, the situation had been brought under control. The mutapeds were proven to fully retain their minds, and as such ridding the world of them was deemed inhumane. So, a gene therapy treatment was developed to shut off the spawning function, and existing parasites removed from the captured mutapeds, so that they may regain control of their bodies, and no longer pose a threat to society.

The mutapeds proved useful to society, whether as mounts, beasts of burden, or manual labourers, their massive size and high speed making them well-suited to physical tasks. Additionally, being amphibious, expert climbers, and possessing powerful wings, their ability to traverse all terrains enables them to both live and work in places usually off-limits to the average person. Due to this, as well as their existing connections to old friends and family, the mutapeds soon became well-integrated into society.

Inspired by high labour demands, and a wave of transhumanist thought, hospitals began providing metamorphosis to those who seek it. This is often limited to the poor and desperate, who see it as a new way (though often an absolute last resort) to make a living, but there are those who would simply prefer life as a mutaped. Special breeding hosts are kept to supply parasites (another way out of a life of poverty, if you're really desperate), which are then treated to have their spawning disabled, before being injected into the patient. Patients are encouraged to bring anything they would wish to incorporate into their new form, and advice is given on how their way of dressing may impact the process. In particular, shoes are often discouraged (as they sometimes result in more hoof-like hind feet, an issue since these are the mutaped's primary grasping appendages), along with any particularly restrictive clothing. At the end of the day, though, these matters are left up to the patient, and only dangerous objects are disallowed outright (electronics are allowed, and are mentally controlled and fully functional, but are very energy-inefficient and significantly increase the mutaped's required food consumption, so they're also not recommended).

Much of a given mutaped's form can potentially vary from the base form, but some traits are more resilient than others. Firstly, it goes without saying that the general shape is set in stone, as are the locations of the pockets. The neck pouch is always present in its standard, purple colour, its size depending on the size of the mutaped's tongue (which can be manipulated by wearing a sufficiently tight scarf, which becomes the mutaped's new tongue). The frills on the chin and the base of the neck are also always present, as are the colourful markings surrounding the eyes, and the shoulders always maintain their shape and colour, including the "poles", and the metallic rings surrounding them. If the patient wears a saddle, its form will carry over, but otherwise the saddle will always have the same appearance. As humans lack tails, the tail (and tail-wings) will always be the same. It should also be noted that the size and bulk of the base form assumes a patient of average size - slimmer or fatter individuals will have that reflected in their form, and some go on special diets beforehand to achieve their desired size.

While the situation is mostly under control, there are still cases of "feral" mutapeds in the wild, spreading parasites through the wilderness. As such, it is advised to take care in areas of wilderness, and bring your own food and water, as local sources may be contaminated (the parasite only affects humans but can survive in animals, so spotting contaminated food is difficult). When spotted, they are usually captured and used as breeding hosts, as mutapeds who spend too long under the control of others slowly begin to lose their humanity, and revert to wild beasts. There is at least one documented case of somebody intentionally exposing themselves to becoming a feral mutaped, but this is an extremely rare occurence, as it entails voluntarily ridding yourself of all bodily autonomy.

It's pronounced muta-ped. Muta- as in mutant, -ped as in biped. If I ever hear somebody pronounce it mu-taped I will cry uncontrollably, run away and sit in the corner sobbing until somebody comforts me and gives a long monologue about leaving the past behind. Consider yourself warned.