Bone Beasts

Also called Bone Foxes

Basic Information

Anatomy

Bone Beasts are quadruped fox-like beasts. They have no fur, only thin skin and black, charred bones protecting their organs.

Growth Rate & Stages

Young Bone Beast kits are born with a thin layer of fur, but this fur usually burns off as soon as their leave their den for the first time in their life. As they grow older, their muzzles are also noted for growing longer.

When a Bone Beast is at its oldest, they are sometimes reported to not have any skin on their head area at all.

Ecology and Habitats

While the environment of Solignis is obviously not ideal for any species, the Bone Beasts manage to adapt. These adaptations, however, does make it hard for them to survive in 40 degree weather.
Because of the fur on Bone Beast kits, the surface of Solignis tends to be too hot for them, so Bone Beasts make dens in small caves under the surface.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Despite these beasts having fangs, they are mainly herbivores. When given the choice to choose between a plant or an animal, they'd likely choose an animal. However, they occasionally do eat meat, if found. Their herbivorous nature protects them from starvation, as there are few other animals on Solignis that could provide nutrition.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Bone Beasts have been observed in small familiar units. However, it seems only three generations are allowed in these families, as once the third generation is hit, the oldest breeding pair is banished from the unit and must live alone.

Facial characteristics

They have narrow muzzles, and slim heads. While their skulls have eye sockets, their eyes are covered with a thin layer of skin that tends to burn off in the heat of Solignis. Small, wide ears with little fur rest on the top of their heads; under normal circumstances of the heat of Solignis, these beasts would have larger ears. However, their ears would get burnt very harshly from the heat as well.

Average Intelligence

Fairly smart. They are able to detect different sounds, both artificial and natural. They can be trained to follow, either with something that make occasional clicks or by the way a certain fabric makes their high-pitched whines echo consistently.
They are also known for taking cover days before an eruption or a new lava river appears.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They do not have eyes, tongues, or much nose tissue. However, they are very good on picking up on sounds, so they have adapted to use echolocation.
Bone Beasts can vocalize by making guttural sounds and scratching, so this must not be confused with their echolocation. Their echolocation is usually made high-pitches whines that most species cannot hear.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

While beings that cannot understand languages of other beings, we have been able to connect certain sounds and the reaction of the Bone Beasts around to be something similar to names. It appears that Bone Beasts only have first names, and it is possible that they are named from certain things around a parent Bone Beast when their child is born.

Relationship Ideals

Bone Beasts mate for life, and usually don't gain another partner. However, when banished from their familial units, the pair may separate.

Scientific Name

Os vulpes chama

Lifespan

20 years

Average Height

30in to 40in

Average Weight

4kg to 5kg

Average Length

20 to 30cm

Average Physique

For an animal with little muscle, they are fairly strong. They often dig grooves and holes into the ground for shelter.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

While coming in various desaturated browns, grays, and blacks, the tail is always the darkest colored part of the Bone Beast.

Geographic Distribution

• Solignis