Dovicorland

dovicorlands (pl)

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dovicorlands are four legged beasts, with two large wings to fold up against their flanks. Their feet are a single hoof with four claws on top of them, three over the front of the hoof and one coming down from the ergot and fetlock (the "ankles"). The claws on the forelegs are more dexterous and long than those on the back. The neck comes up from the shoulders, usually hidden within feathers, to a rather round head, with two long ears and a beak extending out. Their eyes are placed on either side of the head. Dovicorlands have a long thin tail with a long mane of hair underneath it and fanned feathers on the top.

Growth Rate & Stages

Dovicorlands have very specifically set out life stages.
Weightlings are dovicorlands within their first year. During this time they go from nursing to eating regular food. This is the lightest a dovicorland can be, in constant danger of being blown around by a breeze.
Yearlings are dovicorlands between one and two years old. This is the period of time dovicorland does most of their physical growth, size-wise. Their feathers begin to come in in strength, though they cannot fly yet.
Foltlings are dovicorlands between two and four. They are able to learn flying at this point, certainly will have finished gaining their complete height during this time. Their coats also will have completely filled out, especially those who live in colder climates.
Stalmr are adult dovicorlands.
Gilma are those who have reached elder status.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dovicorlands are mainly herbivores, though also like eating insects and berries to fill out their diet.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The dovicorlands live in a meritocracy - based solely upon one's healing ability.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The dovicorland's eyes are quite large, and are highly apt in catching rapid movements and catching the contrast of light. However, they are unable to detect edges or shapes based on colours, so if an object is obscured, a dovicorland is unable to use their eyes to mentally complete occluded shapes.
The hearing of a dovicorland is exquisite, as the pinna of each ear can rotate a half-circle, giving them the potential of hearing completely around them without needing to move their head.
Dovicorlands have the ability to create basic visual and audio illusions which, while short-lived, can be extremely realistic while they last.

Civilization and Culture

Culture and Cultural Heritage

While stalmr are all adult dovicorlands, the term is usually used to the adults who are still students. Likewise, gilma technically refers to all dovicorlands beginning to show signs of agedness, but is usually used when a dovicorland is retired and is cared for by their hospital.

Lifespan

60 years

Average Height

3'-5' at the shoulder

Average Weight

80-270 lbs

Average Length

4'-5'8''