The Kura

Physiology

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  Overview of The Kura

  

  || ✔ 150-200 Average Lifespan | ✔ 6 - 9.5 feet | ✔ CS Hybrids (w/permission) | ✔ Crossbreeding | ✔ Disease Resistant ||

  

  
  

  Physically speaking, the Kura are a bit of an amalgamation of traits, but their foundation genetics are canine. What the breed in question is, is anyone's guess.
  
  Kura maintain palettes that range from warm, to cold and contrasting color schemes, but are by and large relatively muted in comparison to that of the color of their flesh. The fur of each Kura is extremely close cropped and velveteen, save at the buds of the ears, elbows, calves and tail, where it gets fractionally thicker, and the transition from fur to plant leather is almost unnoticeable.

  
  A Kura's skin tone is actually broken up into categories: plant leather and flesh. The flesh color, which encompasses all but the plantlike parts of their physique, is often unusual, and produces its own soft bio-luminescent glow. This glow never wanes save when the Kura is near death, or gravely ill due either to poorly vented energy buildup, or some other form of disease that depletes the naturally occurring enzymes present in all Kura. Each Kura has a unique flesh tone, courtesy of the aforementioned, which act as a catalyst when paired with other chemicals present in Kura biology.
  
  

  It should be noted that any secretion from a Kura will contain this glow as it contains the same enzymes and chemicals present throughout their DNA, and while strong in saliva and flesh, it is at its brightest in the concentrated mucus of the vent membranes littering their body.

  
  A Kura's plant leather is also unique, it can be spotted, striped and touched with splashes of their flesh tone, but is largely muted by comparison. The palette chosen for this can be incorporated in the ears, quills, chitin, tentacles tail bulbs or petals, etc.
  
  

  Kura markings tend to favor their native environment, favoring tropical flora and fauna.
  _{(I have personally used tropical frogs as a foundation for markings and some color schemes for my own characters.)}

  
  

  Builds among Kura can vary from short and stout, to long and lean, and sexual dimorphism is about on par with most known species, creating a very clear line between feminine and masculine at its extremes, and muddying the waters with androgyny and effeminacy at its most grey-- there is no standard build for any gender.

  
  

  

  
  

  Static Physical Traits Ears All Kura share the same unique ears. Males have three petals in their inner ear, while females have five inner ear petals. The ear's setup is such that - when at rest - these sensitive filament fringed petals collapse over the top of one another, and the pliant, leathery exterior of the ear curls around them almost entirely to block out nearly all extraneous noise pollution. It has been argued ad nauseam by those overseeing the development of the Kura, that because of the additional petals on the females, their hearing is superior to the males, but has heretofore, never been proven in any significant test. A Kura's ears are an impressive piece of their highly specialized anatomy, they never stop moving and are in a constant state of twitching motion (see: bat ears.) Additionally, when they are completely unfurled, Kura can pick up on the slightest vibration a mile off, making them excellent in pursuit predation, as well as pursuit hunting. The downside is an extreme sensitivity and tendency to be overwhelmed in noisy places, hence the development of a countermeasure in their physiology, and the ability to close their ears to all but the nearest source of noise. Note: The ears - due to their makeup - are extremely sensitive even to touch, this is a unique erogenous zone for the species and it is considered culturally inappropriate to touch a Kura's ears if you are not a significant individual in their life. Syrinx Although not seen, this piece of internal anatomy is something that makes them and their language entirely unique. Where most species have a larynx capable of creating a single sound, the Kura's syrinx is a double-barreled cavity. Each barrel is supplied air from their own lung via bronchus and a central valve separating the two is opened when necessary to combine the pair in single tone sounds for languages not founded on the ability to create layered or staggered sounds. A Kura's lung capacity determines the strength and the consistency, or longevity of the sound produced from either, or both simultaneously. This is the basis for the sometimes unnerving native language of the Kura, and source of their otherworldly melodies. Eyes Complete with dual pupils. Kura's eyes are specifically tailored to their low-light native environment and hunting-- A common theme within their genetic makeup is pairs. Primary and secondary pupils vary in that only one is active at any given time. The reason for this is that the larger of the two is meant for dilation to take in ambient light to its fullest, whilst the secondary is completely designed to read infrared signatures. Unlike most subterranean species, they have not completely evolved out of use of their eyes because of the proximity of their cavern to the surface world, and the bio luminescence it effects. Because of their unique eye setup, they are extremely photosensitive and can't - without shaded lenses - function on the surface in any efficient capacity, this has made them more nocturnal since their landing on Allarssyn. Nose Everything in pairs, the Kura have dual-slit nostrils. To date this has not been proven to in any way aid in their sorting and sensing of smells beyond the more obvious ability to take more in at once, but may - per observations - have some effect on their tasting ability per chuff when tracking. Kura have a highly developed sense of smell not unlike a bear, able to smell carrion at 20 miles off, and more complex, subtle aromas at half that. The drawback is that the worst smells at close proximity are that much more offensive, unfortunately. Tongue There isn't a great deal to this, but for the sake of design, it should be noted. Kura have forked, or pronged tongues. I may expand on this later, but for now it was simply a design choice. Vents These are typically concentrated in three key areas on the Kura's body: Beneath the pectorals, generally over the anterior muscles, upper back and beneath the corner of the jaw on either side. These have been likened to gills by many, but do not - in fact - serve as alternative means for oxygen absorption of any kind, they serve an entirely different purpose. In most encounters, these won't even be visible, as the Kura secretes a unique mucus which keeps them sealed until they're needed for use, when they aren't, one will find a unique toothed protein structure the keep combatants from exploiting the easily accessible delicate tissue within. Each Kura is capable of engaging the appropriate muscles to retract the defensive mechanism in order to make use of the mucus they produce. The mucus itself is antimicrobial and dual purpose, providing bio luminescent gel the Kura can smear on surfaces to mark their movement in any given place, it's typically used for spelunking beneath the cavern they hail from to clearly mark their path. That aside, the vents serve a few different purposes, such as venting chemical energy their bodies naturally build up in excess. This energy is now being harnessed in myriad ways by the Kura, from storing it to increase core temperature for cold climates, to manifesting and directing its flow for both martial and practical purposes. Documented cases have shown that advanced users can manifest everything from superheated weapons for combat, to additional limbs and energy fields for deflection. Tails Tails vary between males and females, both in appearance, and in their use. A male's tail is long and muscular, with an enclosed bulb at its end that - when unfurled - has an inner structure that is almost identical to that of a flowerhead. The half cupped enclosure houses an ovary, complete with ovule which produce a potent neurotoxin with a similar makeup to a tetrodotoxin in lieu of pollen. The stamen/filaments mask the actual central tube and emit a cloyingly sweet aroma (to the opposite of those carnivorous plants that emit rotting, foul odors.) The delivery method is projection and generally at the face to introduce it to the nervous system of the prey quickly. Fortunately, the beast that delivers it is also the source of the cure. Kura saliva carry the antibodies needed to destroy the toxin and much like the toxin it is fast acting and will often be delivered via licking an open wound. A female's tail does not share the same extensive length, but remains long in its own right, and it is not smooth and sleek, but marvelously plumed in layers of delicate, interlocked and woven petals whose thin membranous makeup gradually thickens and tapers towards a point, where - within a more vibrant array of protective folds - is housed a bulb, or a peridium, from which the ostiole can propel a cloud of spores outward in defense or offense, and completely blanket a substantial amount of area in seconds. Inhalation of these spores will effect the nervous system in the same way the male equivalent can, and can only be counteracted by the saliva of a Kura. Hands & Feet Kura only have three fingers, and three toes. Both have a near saurid quality that dabbling overseers believe is simply a errant gene that somehow made it into their evolution. What, or whomever the contributor of this particular piece of their genetics, they remain key features of the Kura as they are today. Elongated foot and three toed structure is equipped with thick claws which do not retract. Similarly so for the hands, their claws, or nails require filing to maintain shape. Their feet are also equipped with a functional dewclaw that can aid in grappling. Genitalia Male genitalia is all internal and concealed, leaving them with smooth pubic curves until the appropriate time for it to emerge. Imagery for this will be forthcoming in the future, but for now, this will be the placeholder information. Female genitalia does not vary from what is considered standard.

  Optional Physical Traits Quills Quills are a relatively uncommon occurrence, but less so than other listed traits. In the early (and still recent) past they were a large part of the body weaponization aspect of their culture, but in more recent years have become somewhat obsolete in lieu of other abilities. Quills are centrally located, and the highest concentration tend to be between the dorsal muscles, but they run from the forehead, all the way back to the first foot segment of the tail. These are detachable, capable of causing harm, but not poisonous. Chitin Chitin is a rare trait seldom occurring in the species. Even rarer still (but highly regarded) is the combination of chitin, frontal vents and tentacles. Their chitin is naturally occurring and tends to develop early on in their adolescence, manifesting first as patchy skin focused about the shoulders, nape and scapula. As the Kura grows, the spread of this varies from one to the next, sometimes halting over the ridge of the tail and tops of buttocks, or continuing over the tops of thighs, shins and feet. It grows most dense over the shoulders, collar and chest, and the weight of it into adulthood tends to make for stockier, more muscular physique. It has a look similar to that of a tree fungus, acting as natural camouflage, but has a feel similar to a nails or hooves. (See pangolin scaling and tree fungus for a loose idea in the interim.) Tentacles Nature is an interesting beast, with interesting, unpredictable evolutionary tracks, and recessive genes. Where this comes from, no one is quite sure, but when one deals in the business of creating a species with a flagrant disregard for the variables nature so loves to throw in, one ends up with bizarre, but functional anomalies. Not unlike the limb of a squid, or octopus, this appendage comes in pairs and manifest over the tops of the scapula on the Kura in question. Overdeveloped muscles in the region allow for swift propulsion of these limbs for combat-- and that is strictly what their use appears to be for. Those who've been touched by nature in this way have also the benefit of corrosive mucus in lieu of the antimicrobial variety normal Kura have, creating more pronounced vents and an overabundance of scartissue there. This carries through into the largely elastic structure of these additional limbs, which are equipped with slits for every foot or so, controlled by yet more muscle. These additional openings can widen and secrete the corrosive mucus onto live targets, effectively causing chemical burns, and if not removed, necrotization of all living tissue of the victim. This is especially advantageous when paired with the equally rare Pectoral and Abdominal Vents. However, because of the detriment to themselves, those who are gifted with this evolutionary trait are often compromised from within, as vents begin scarring over and prevent the Kura from purging their energy exhaust. Short lives, but extremely powerful ones for these lot. Pectoral & Abdominal Vents What the label says, front-facing vents (beyond the anterior) that allow additional output of energy, but are not overly advantageous unless paired with a couple of the other traits listed. These are relatively rare, but less so than tentacles or chitin. Fungus Fungus is relatively unusual for Kura to develop, but due to their mixed genetics and predisposition to manifest plantlike qualities, it seems to suit. Fungus can manifest in entirely unique ways, from crowning manes of pagoda, to smatterings of little parasols over tails and around the ears. This serves no purpose and appears to have no nerve endings linked anywhere, allowing the often superficial growths to be purged quite easily. The Kura don't regard the rampant growth of body fungus as something practical or socially acceptable, barring very unique cases, so culturally one sporting this may be a bit of a pariah.

  

  Vents, their Purpose and the Generation of Bio-Energy -

  

  
  Vents are mentioned a great deal, and the energy they're meant to purge largely in passing. The purpose of these vents is more important than simply bio-weaponization, although that is a recently harnessed byproduct that makes the Kura unique even among the 12 races of the Otherworld.
  
  All Kura - from the moment they're born, to the moment they die - are batteries. The chemical composition of their bodies produces an abundance of energy that needs regular venting. The consequence of not being able to vent it isn't that they'll explode or something equally dramatic, but more that the excess produces toxic waste. Like plaque that builds up in our bloodstreams, so too does the chemical waste of this energy build up in a Kura.
  
  Venting at regular intervals helps the Kura stay healthy and frees up much of the existing space within to continue the endless cycle of generation.
  
  So, what happens to all that energy? It's converted into fuel for the body in one part, and purged in its pure form in another, because the reality is, they don't need the amount that they generate on any given day. Initially this purge was purely practical, it emerged as heat and dispersed into the environment, but over the course of their development, they began tapping into it like an energy core and using it as a means for manifesting energy based limbs to give them an edge in battle, super heated weaponry and energy fields.
  
  Not every Kura can harness this ability, but it is latent in all of them. They were designed for this purpose. Bio-weaponization was always the aim by those who dabbled unfairly in their evolution.