Ausia

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Ausia is somewhat feline in structure, very thick-bodied, and are typically five feet at the shoulder when standing. For their size, they are often regarded as the strongest creatures in the forest, and carry with them a peaceful, quiet air of curiosity and power that makes them appear so god-like. Many refer to them as the beasts of the north, guardians of the forests, or messengers of god.

Their ears are squarish, set at the back of their heads, and curl upwards. Their eyes are entirely black, almost set on the sides of their heads, which is unusual for a predatory species. Their noses are more like two slits at the end of a muzzle, and long whiskers grow, six of which hold heat and texture sensing bulbs at the ends. A thick mane grow around the neck and chest, and sometimes extends along the spine, and is usually a darker color than the rest of their bodies.

The pelts of ausias are often thought of to be a silver white, with darker flecks along their sides, however their fur tends to turn darker and somewhat brown during the summer season. Their front legs are powerful and muscular, and they sport four-toed paws with thick, silver, retractable claws that are used either for killing prey or for digging. Their hind legs are just as powerful-looking, and so ausias have been known to bound and jump incredible stretches of land (records hold at six or seven feet). Their paws are recognizable by how far apart their toes can spread, helping the animal to walk over snow drifts with little resistance.

Finally, they have an incredibly long and thick tail. It isn't used for balance so much as it is a battering tool and a marker of fertility. The base of the tail has a diameter of six to eight inches, and it grows thinner until the end of the tail. At the end, males have shown to have three tufts of fur that matches the mane's color, whereas females have been shows to have one. Ausia tails have been known to be about as long as their body length--about six feet.

Additional Information

Social Structure

They are mostly solitary animals, except for mating and when a female is raising a litter of cubs (which consists of 1-3 offspring).

Domestication

They are not domesticated, as owning one would be seen as not allowing a godly creature to live as nature intended.

Facial characteristics

• Long whiskers that extend to sense heat and texture.

• Thick, two-inch fangs.

• Fuzzy, soft-looking ears.

• Large, black eyes set almost on the sides of an oval face.

• Slits at the end of a squarish muzzle act as a nose.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

• Deciduous forests and taigas, sometimes tundras.

• Endemic to the country of Oas.

Average Intelligence

Between 60 and 90 on a human scale.

Scientific Name

Oulsoua

Origin/Ancestry

Oasie

Lifespan

90 years

Conservation Status

According to the dominant religion in Oas, a country spanning most of its native territory, it's considered a sin against god to kill or harm this animal, or intrude on any plot of land it may claim. If an Ausia was spotted in the same area as a hunting party was active, the party would leave an offering (typically of dried meat) and hunt elsewhere.

Average Height

5 feet at the shoulder, 6 at the forehead.

Average Weight

850-900 lbs.

Average Length

10-12 ft., including the tail.

Average Physique

Bulky, powerful, thick.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Pale brown, greyish fur in the summer that turns to a silvery white in the winter with darker grey flecks along the rib cage in winter. The mane and tail tufts, however, typically remain a slate grey the entire year.