Luumbra
A vicious, bloodthirsty species; Novanati's greatest threat.
Simply the name of these dark creatures strikes fear into the hearts of all Novatians [...] due to their ruthless, unpredictable nature.Known simply as the Luums in many places, the Luumbra (full name lupus umbra, lit. "shadow wolf") are a predatory species on Novanati that superficially resemble wolves. This resemblance is only skin-deep, as their true makeup is unknown. Many consider them to be demons or malicious apparitions, due to their shadow-like nature. Others believe they are the manifestation of evil itself. All Luumbra stand at least three feet tall at the shoulder, often times growing much larger. Some have multiple heads, limbs, tails, eyes, or mouths, or sometimes a combination of those. Leaders of Luumbra packs are characterized by brightly-colored manes, much like a lion's, around the head, neck, chest, and shoulders. They are vicious, will attack unprovoked, and have a strong rivalry with the sapient species of Novanati.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Superficially resembling wolves, these creatures usually only take a vaguely wolf-like shape. They are often mutated, though these mutations tend to be random and not passed down genetically or through the parents. Mutations include, but are not limited to: extra limbs, multiple heads, extra eyes, two muzzles, two mouths either side by side or one on top of/inside of the other, two or more rows of teeth, multiple tails, and more. This contributes to the ferocity of the creature.
Genetics and Reproduction
All Luumbra are only able to have two pups in their entire lifetime; however, because they cannot die from old age or any reason other than injury, this is often more than enough. Reproduction is largely unknown, as they do not appear to experience pregnancy, and they have no sexual organs.
Growth Rate & Stages
There are no life stages for Luumbra, as they are born fully-grown and fully-functional.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Luumbra feed off of the flesh of others, meaning they must hunt to survive. However, for an unknown reason, they seem to prefer and target sapient species rather than non-sapient ones.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Packs consist of two leaders (a mated pair), a close second to the leaders, and then normal members of the pack.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Luumbra are located on every continent in Novanati. There is not a single place they cannot inhabit. However, they tend to stick to the wilderness rather than cities and civilizations.
Average Intelligence
They are highly intelligent, sapient, and capable of problem solving.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
While most of their senses are equal to that of a normal wolf, and they are no stronger than an average wolf, each Luumbra has one sense that is magnified compared to the others. They are also able to communicate telepathically, and disappear into shadows when threatened (though they cannot attack in this form). They can also perceive sapience and intelligence in a creature.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
They usually refer to each other with either Greek letters, old Gods/Goddesses, or mythical creatures as names.
Scientific Name
Lupus umbra
Origin/Ancestry
Unknown, believed to possibly be supernatural in origin
Lifespan
Immortal unless killed
Average Height
3 - 6 feet at the shoulder
Average Weight
100 - 400 lbs
Average Length
5 - 12 feet from nose to tail tip
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Almost all Luumbra are dark-coated (black, gray, black-and-gray, or brown) with some having smudges of brighter colors on their coats. Only pack leaders have brightly-colored manes.
Comments