Symbols and mutations
AzureHowl features around 24 species which 3 of aren't revealed yet. Among the species however there exists symbolism and color mutations which allows some wolves to look a lot different compared to most. As symbolized wolves feature unique markings, the color mutated wolves feature unique pelts.
Non-Symbolized
Long ago when the dragons took over the land and effected it with it's power they blessed wolves all around which caused wolves from generation to generation to change and adapt as they evolved into unique species featuring mostly the colors of their god's or goddesses. Many area's which got effected were ideal for these wolves to live in and survive. They quickly earned one of the many qualities the dragons had, which was "Aposematism" were rather than blending in they stand out with their colors but at the same time depending on the area were the dragons of the species itself were born they are mend to blend in to their surroundings. So the species are born to blend in and stand out at the same time. There are about 24 unique species on Delv Ihoo of which 3 species are still unknown. The only unique traits a non-symbolized wolf can gain are unique abilities and a special eye color. As they can inherit the eye color of their possible color mutated/symbolized father or mother . It is said that if a non symbolized wolf is born and only shortly after blessed by a dragon, that they will gain markings. |
Symbolized wolves
Symbolized wolves are individuals among their species that include special markings on their bodies. They tend to stand out a lot depending on how many markings they have as some can have more impressive markings than others. Many wolves that are born symbolized had their advantages and disadvantages, as the advantage could lead many symbolized wolves to high ranks or could be used to scare of threats as many animals and wolves believe that a symbolized wolf is stronger and more dangerous while this isn't the case at all. Symbolized wolves however can become the victim of the society as when a low ranked wolf ends up symbolized they can be targets for bullies as the difference makes other wolves often jealous leading those wolves to make sure the life of a symbolized wolf isn't a pretty thing. Legend speaks of a magical beast that drops it's colorful mane into a pond causing wolves to be symbolized. This is however a legend. Around 25% is symbolized. They are most known for their unique attacks that they can learn, the unique markings gain them this advantage. Some symbolized wolves are known to be born with markings resembling their dragon god. It is said those are blessed by the dragon. Some say alterations of markings can take place if blessed by a dragon, meaning a non symbolized wolf can gain markings through a dragon god.
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Color mutated wolf
Color mutated wolves are extremely rare in Delv Ihoo. Only 5% of the entire population is color mutated. A color mutation takes place when a wolf of a species is born featuring different colors than it's original color. Most species color mutation however only features darker or lighter shades on their main body while other colors can be possible it depends on each specie to which are and in most case the colors are well fitting to their body or main markings. A color mutation as the name itself says is a mutation appearing and can increase the chances for it to be passed down on the parents possible future litter. A color mutation has no extra effect they do not include more advantages. There are individuals ranked as "late bloomers", these are basically young pups that do have a color mutation but one that takes place later on in their life. Usually the only colors that change are those of their main markings and not symbols. |
Color mutated wolf + Symbolized
Color mutated wolves + symbolism is a symbolized wolf and a color mutated wolf combined. When a parent that is color mutated has of-springs they can be color mutated and they can feature symbols as well on their coat. Even though a symbolized color mutated wolf can feature unique colors, it is known for some few individuals to obtain these as they grow older even if this is a rare situation. These individuals are known as "late bloomers", the colors affected are usually main markings not symbols. Although color mutations occur often with pelt colors known to the species, some end up with rather unique coloration. The only thing color mutated wolves can pass on to other wolves without the wolf having to be color mutated is the eye color. If a wolf in one of the past generations had a special eye color those can be passed down. |
Hybrid
Hybrids occur on Delv Ihoo by two different species of wolves breeding with each other. While this on it's own is known as rather unusual, it does happen from time to time. Most wolves are born among their own kind, because of this the odds of them having a partner of the same species is a lot higher. Those that are born as a hybrid, are often received with mixed responses. While some wolves are fine with it, others are against it. Because of this it's common that most hybrids die on an early age. When born, the pups will inherit features from both species. Despite this hybrids have only been known to gain 1 element. The more dominant element usually wins. When both elements are neutral it can be either that of mother or father. Hybrids gain colors and looks from both parents, meaning that the result of a fire+plant wolf can cause a plant wolf with a hair style. Hybrids have been known to gain abilities from both sides, for example would a metal+poison wolf mix, chances are the offspring obtains 1 ability from both sides. |
Pure-Hybrid
Pure hybrids are common among litters that resulted from two species mixing up. They are usually symbolized as they tend to gain markings from both sides but still maintain the "main traits" of their own species. For example, Nalyda gained markings of a typical plant wolf(this being the socks and belly), but still resembles a fire wolf only. With this meaning that she gained no unnatural traits to her species such as a green color. The element of a pure hybrids remains that of the species she is. They gain no abbilities from the parent with a different species. Nor would they gain additional features of a specific species(for example a tail of a water wolf). It is said that the dragons of Delv Ihoo caused this in order to fight the extinction of their own created species. Would a specific species go closer to extinction, the mixed breeding would aid the species with pure-hybrids. If a pure fire hybrid breeds with a normal fire wolf, the offspring would be a fire wolf, as the parents of the pure-hybrid change nothing in the genetics of their grandchild. |
Differences symbolized vs non-symbolized
Even though symbolized wolves feature different markings leaving others to believe they are stronger which is even what wolves in Delv Ihoo themselves believe, there is actually no difference aside from the looks. A non symbolized wolf can be physically just as strong as a symbolized wolf. Mentally due to looks wolves of course believe that to be different. The only advantage a symbolized wolf has is that they are capable of learning unique moves depending on the shapes their markings received. |
Born defects
Defects are extremely rare on Delv Ihoo and often referred to as the "marked curse". This is because those who are considered as "defects" do not fit in the social order usually. There are two types of defects known, the "lost defect" and "albino defect". When we talked about wolves with a "lost defect" we are speaking of wolves that are missing typical markings on their body. Taking the mud specie as an example (picture on the left), mud species are known for having several dark colored markings. Among those are 4 colored socks, on the example you can see that one sock is missing. This is considered a defect. Another great example is "Mutt", a symbolized mud wolf who misses 5 typical markings on his body. Only 3% of all wolves on Delv Ihoo is affected with this defect. When we speak of the "albino defect", we are dealing with wolves who's main body has become snow white featuring their typical markings in a lighter color. They eyes are pinkish featuring a red pupil and both the nose, paw pads and the inside of their ears has become pinkish too. Their gums are much brighter as well. This is probably the rarest wolf one could run into in Delv Ihoo. Only 1% of the wolves on Delv Ihoo is albino. It is simply extremely rare for a wolf to be born this way. Wolves with defects often struggle through life, in the social order these wolves often get picked on depending on how the defect is. The wolves could be pushed to a low rank or are generally not accepted. For wolves with a "lost defect" the packs can be harsh to the point of no acceptance even though not all packs are known to be so harsh, some will accept the wolf no matter what. For the albino wolf it's a much harsher fate. These wolves often are extremely sensitive to bright lights and can be born with difficulties on their eyes which will cause them to have a hard time to see properly. Aside from that albino wolves are hunted by the shadow clan as they are mistaken for the "white wolf" of the legend. Once the wolves figured out the mistake they will most likely dispose of the albino wolf. Due to this albino wolves are known to leave the pack and wander on their own for safety. It's said that many depending on element would seek the acceptance of "Ice wolves" as the snowy plains offer them a lot more safety from dangerous animals or enemy wolves. |
Colors of the speciesEvery species has it's own coloration, even when symbolized or color mutated each species has only a limited amount of colors that occur. Obviously each species isn't capable of obtaining every single color in existence. The colors usually depends on their environment as plant species are known to obtain flower like colors as nature around them displays these colors as well. On the left you can click on the images to see the charts and how they work. You can even try making your own AzureHowl Fan character.
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