Kangu

Written by Pookas Kreations

Kangu are kangaroo-like animalfolk. They are cousins to the Lepi, they like living on the plains or in forested areas.

Basic Information

Anatomy

These are anthropomorphic kangaroos. They have a more humanoid torso, better formed arms and legs like an amalgamation of a human/kangaroo structure. Their head is shaped like a kangaroo, but with more developed eyesight than a humans, a well-developed sense of smell, and a tail.

Biological Traits

They are medium-sized, have broad shoulders, a marsupial pouch, large wide feet and a long tail. For those without young, it is often used for storage and can hold as much as an average-size backpack.

Genetics and Reproduction

They are marsupials like their ancestors, the kangaroo. 1-2 young are usually born in the spring. They are similar enough to the Lepi to breed as well as to their cousins the Treekin. While it is possible to dally with the Wombu, their body structure is vastly different and would make it difficult.

Growth Rate & Stages

Joeys grow quickly and leave the pouch after 2-4 months. Maturity comes between 2-4 years, afterwards males usually leave their parents house to join the other young bachelors in a barracks. Here they learn the skills that they'll need as adults. After another 1-2 years they'll compete for the favor of a female to take as their mate. Females usually stay with their mothers to learn the skills that she'll need in the future.

Ecology and Habitats

Any temperate land, preferring grasslands and forests. Most live on Animas.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Kangu are strict vegetarians, they only eat plant life from the local area that they live. Mostly greens and root vegetables, that they prefer raw. They are constantly snacking, many carry something in their pouch at all times.

Additional Information

Social Structure

They tend to congregate in large groups and are rarely found in less than threes. These can be any mix of males and females. Like personalities drift together and often become mated trinities. Kangu go on group outings, to get to know their age mates. In this way they learn who is compatible. This starts in school and continues until everyone is in their life triune. Sometimes they form trial groups for 1 year to test their compatibility. When they are sealed together a physical, emotional and psychic link is formed that is only broken by death (not always even then).

Facial characteristics

Kangu have long narrow faces with tall ears.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Mostly on Animas, but also on Sylvania and Avalonia.

Average Intelligence

The are of average intelligence, but are very wise.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Lowlight vision and scent, lesser.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Their names tend to be combinations of words or concepts that describe the individual or events that have happened in their life. Alira-quartz crystal, alinta-fire, adina-voluptuous, beautiful; bunji- mate, buddy, friend, partner; ellin-wish, jarli-barn owl, etc.

Major Organizations

Family, moiety, sept, clan are some of the common types.

Beauty Ideals

Facial structures, colors and ears are all popular. Fur dye patterns and tattoos.

Gender Ideals

No differentiation of gender.

Courtship Ideals

Groups spend time together to find compatible mates.

Relationship Ideals

Harmony and unity.

Average Technological Level

Kangu as a race are in the Bronze age and mostly are nomads transitioning into an agrarian developing culture. Some still roam, but most have decided to start growing food, setting down roots, to build houses and towns.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Kangan. Lepi, Sylvan, and Elven.

Common Etiquette Rules

To help each other whenever needed.

Common Dress Code

They often wear aprons, tunics and/or vests.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

A Kangu's culture is similar to the Australian Aborigine, they are a loose confederation of clans and family groups. Led by a council of tribal elders and their shaman.

Common Taboos

Contaminating the environment, wasteful actions, greed, gluttony.

History

The Kangu mutated after drinking water from a lake that was contaminated in a battle on Animas during the Chaos Wars. It took many generations to cause the changes that their descendants currently have. Most are internal, like their intelligence and magic affinity. A few in every generation become Dreamwalkers, that are able to talk to the Rainbow Serpent on the Astral Plane; or Dreamweavers, sorcerers that are able to alter reality to affect change.

Historical Figures

The Rainbow Serpent

Common Myths and Legends

The Dreamtime

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

They are the closest to the Lepi, that live in more mountainous and rocky areas on Animus. Any good aligned races are their allies. Enemies are any vermin and the Atlanteans.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Red Kangaroo

Scientific Name

Homo Macropus rufus

Origin/Ancestry

There are a few variations of Kangu: tree dwellers (Treekin) and burrowers (Wombu). These are both smaller than a Kangu. The tree kin look like a smaller version, but the wombu have short stubby legs like a wombat.

Lifespan

40 years

Average Height

6 ft

Average Weight

200 lbs

Average Physique

They are mostly tall and muscular.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The main coloring of their fur depends on terrain where they liver. There are variations, but the common colors are light, dark or reddish brown, gray or black (rare). Chest are usually of a lighter shade of the same color or a contrasting one.

Related Ethnicities

• Treekin
• Wombu