Murid

A rodent-like species with caprid facial features and an affinity for body and root magic.

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Murid folk have bipedal, rodent-like bodies and caprid facial features. They have different shaped horns depending on their ancestry: some have large curled ones whereas others have long and pointy horns - and all shapes and sizes in between, of course! They are sometimes described as "a goat-like species with rodent features" or "rodent-like folk with goat features", depending on who you ask.
They are often associated with the use of body and root magic thanks to their ancestor's mastery of agriculture and perseverence in physical activities.

Physical features

Fur Colours

Murid fur comes in a diverse range of colours from true black to pure white, with countless shades of cream, brown, and both warm and cool greys in between. Some greys even look almost blue under certain light! They have longer hair on their head that they enjoy styling.

Markings

Some folks have just a solid colour all over their body, others have a gradient or flecked pattern. It's also common to see blotchy or dappled patterned markings among murids either in bright contrast or with subtle tonal difference. Some patterns are seen as particularly beautiful in certain cultures.

Hair Types

Murid folk can be seen with a variety of different hair types. Some have thick or curly hair which can make them appear "fluffy", most have straight haired fur but some folks have much longer hairs, some can be coarse, others silky or velveteen, and some murids are naturally hairless.
Their ability to grow out certain hair styles or facial hair is not limited to their sex, and different cultures have notably different ways of expressing their personal grooming.

Eye Colours

Murid eyes are typically black, brown, hazel coloured, or pale blue. For an uncommon few, their eyes may show a bright pink or red colour under bright lights (known as ruby-eyed). Some folks have one eye be a different colour to the other.

Self expression

Murid folk love to style their hair with different ties, cuts, and braids - they also enjoy experimenting with dyeing it in bright colours extracted from plants and berries. Some folks shave patterns into their fur, especially to expose meaningful tattoos. Others simply enjoy their natural look just as they are - which isn't always a cultural influence.

Ancestral magic

Murid folk have an easier time learning how to use body magic and root magic thanks to their ancestors affinity for agriculture and physical labour. Not everyone is great at these though, as much like any skill it takes a lot of practise and enthusiasm to master complex spells and abilities.
Other folks often associate murids with using root magic to enhance and maintain crop growth, and also of body magic to use sudden bursts of strength and agility to manage their animals and protect their farmsteads. These stereotypes are long outdated, especially in modern cities of the world.

Lifespan

Childbirth

Murid folk typically give birth to one or two children at a time, with pregnancy lasting an average of 7 months.

Childhood

Murid children (sometimes called kids or kits) start to experience their first use of magic startlingly early in comparison to other folk types and can grasp simple abilities at the speed as they learn to walk.

Adolescence

Adolescence in murids begins from around their 12th birthday and they will begin to sexually mature and develop facial hair and see their horns begin to grow. Their fur markings may also change slightly in pattern or colour.

Adulthood

Adults reach physical maturity by their 20th year, but their horns will continue to grow (which slows down in later years). The laws of the culture they live in defines what age it means to be an adult and what responsibilities they have.

Elder years

Healthy murid folk can expect to live a long and happy life to the ripe old age of 60 to 80 years old, but some have lived even longer than that!

Contents

Lifespan

60 years

Overview article
Folk Ancestries