Life Stages
Pup
From birth to 7 years old
The young are completely dependant upon their parents for the first few weeks, and stay close to a parent for the first year, often sleeping clinging to the tail of their carer.
The pups eat mostly softened fish and plants, tougher foods and other meats are introduced when older. Their eyes are too light sensitive at this point so they're closed tight for the first week. By only a few weeks old they can start to crawl and wreak havoc. If the pup is alpha their horns show at approx 1 year old. Traits: -Soft droopy ears -Downy fur, very soft to the touch but not very waterproof -Electrocyte cells along the spine still developing so charge is very low and sporadic -Communicates with rolling growls and chirps -Colours as bright as they'll get, but markings can change and spread slightly as they grow -Very inquisitive |
Adolescent
8 to 14 years old
Taking their first steps into the swampland of their home for 'The Rite'.
Reflexes at their best to counter the changing and deadly environment as they learn to adapt on their own. Traits: -Markings won't change or grow any further -Ears more developed and pointed, able to move to better locate sounds -Fur is rougher and develops an oilier quality to counter the wet landscape -High energy, hyperactive and very instinct driven -Electrocyte cells fully connected and developed, producing strong electrical charges for defence |
Adult
15- 37 years old
At the peak of physical fitness, they're swift, agile, strong and crafty. If a Toskal reaches 15 they're likely to survive the rest of their 'Rite' at least.
Around 20 years old they re-join a tribe and start settling down, often choosing a specific skill set to master. Traits: -Pelt colour can start to dull -At their tallest -A lot calmer and more reasonable, especially after they return home |
Elder
38 years +
It's impressive to reach an old age in Toskal society simply because of all the dangers in their homeland.
They're well respected and often take the role of teachers in their tribe, passing on specific skill sets they mastered as adults to any who show interest (and the pups who don't care but still need to learn) Traits: -Scruffier rough fur, greying around the edges -Pelt not as vibrant as in younger life -Eyes clouding with age -Generally scarred, especially on the tail which is used for unarmed fighting -Mane can only hold a weak charge now, with the old cells no longer renewing |