Basic Information
Ketucari are quadrupedal, dragon-like animals. They are large, standing between 14-20 hands high (56-80 in.) at the shoulder. Built to kill, they have lean, muscular bodies adapted for running at high speeds and are armed with large talons and teeth. Most of their body is covered with short fur, but they have feathers on their legs, neck, and tail. Their tail feathers are used to help them balance when running at full speed, while the feathers along their necks are used for display. While the tusks that display outside of the ketu's mouth are useful for delivering kill bites, they also serve as an indicator of the individual's health. Ketucari are considered healthy and attractive to the opposite sex if their tusks are kept clean and white. Their front feet are armed with sharp, elongated dewclaws for hanging on to prey.While ketucari primarily eat meat, they may eat plant life to supplement their diet or during lean times when they have no other choice.
Social Behavior
Ketucari live in packs that made up of not one, but several family groups. Their social structure is matriarchal, with packs being led by the wisest (often the oldest) female. Since females rule the roost, they are typically bigger and stronger than males. Ketucari are not considered full-fledged adults until they have proven that they can earn their keep in the pack, at which point they are referred to as elders. Once they reached this position of respect within the pack, the feathers along the tops of their neck will grow out into a more showy crest. Juveniles, called cubs, are taken care of not just by their parents, but by the entire pack. Ketucari may form monogamous relationships, though it isn't the norm.Reproduction
Reproduction is typically reserved to elder ketucari. Non-elders may sometimes produce cubs, but since ketucari social structure values the strongest individuals, matriarchs have been known to kill the offspring of lesser ketucari. In times where food is scarce, there is a higher chance of matriarchs killing off unwanted cubs. It is extremely rare for matriarchs to kill the offspring of elders, however. Depending on their genetics, ketucari can have 1-6 cubs in a single litter. Cubs will stay with their parents until they are around 2 years old, at which point they are expected to take care of themselves. They may choose to stay with their native pack or venture out in search of a new one.Intelligence
Relationship with People
Ketucari have lived with Velukaelo's nomadic tribes for so long that they have become a crucial part of their society. It isn't for sure how exactly this bond began, but it is one that is mutually beneficial. Both parties offer each other safety, companionship, and food. Outside of these tribes, ketucari are feared for their ferocity and cunning. Wild ketucari still exist, but they are rare and are only found in remote locations. While ketucari are large enough to be used as mounts, it is seen as a taboo to ride them among them and their people. Ketucari will only allow themselves to be ridden in dire situations (such as having to rescue one of their companions). They have also been known to allow children who don't know any better to climb on them without reprimand. Instead, ketucari will accompany hunters as they ride beasts of lesser intelligence, adopting a similar formation to hounds who lead hunters on horseback.
Ketucari have almost a revered standing among their companions. They are sometimes adorned with jewelry and paints and are allowed to sleep in tents with their people. They are never restrained in any way and are allowed to come and go as they please.
Magic and History
Though they are far from being all-powerful, ketucari do have some minor "magical" capabilities. Left unhoned, these abilities will fade over time. For those who take the time to learn, these abilities can be a lifesaver in battle. Ketucari are usually elders by the time they have mastered an ability. Since sapient species in Velukaelo are usually the only ones who understand and can use magic, ketucari are an anomaly among animals. This is yet another advantage to living with people, as they are willing and able to teach the ketucari how to use their abilities. Wild ketucari are unable to use magic at all, simply because they don't even know they can and have no one to teach them otherwise.
Magic information can be found here: Magic and Skills