Aukoli

Anatomy

They can hold their breath for up to an hour, though this cuts into their energy output. Aukoli can store energy from the sun for later, which has been known to result in some nature-defying jumps or twists. The downside to this is if they ever run out of energy, they can become extremely fragile, a complete opposite from their native durability. Aukoli have been known to snap their spine or break legs by pushing themselves too far.

Aukoli have two little whiskery protrusions on their chin. These can be hidden in fur or beard without problems. They act like an extra sensory input at the high rate of speed many Aukoli live their lives with and gives them a split-second edge on reaction time.
This does not count as Whiskers Anomaly.

• Build: Slim canines with powerful legs and a surprisingly durable body. They are built to absorb heat, giving them a very high energy output in bursts, depending on how much energy they've absorbed recently. Typically short, stiff fur that's relatively thin due to enjoying hotter areas. Colors can be anything barring full vibrancy.
• Head: square and long, with a sleek face and two small whiskers on their chin.
• Eyes: long and slim, much like the rest of their bodies, they have a secondary membrane to protect from excess heat, also against general weather. This enables them to traverse all but the worst weather safely.
• Feet: large paws that spread across the ground for better traction, often have webbing between the toes.
• Tail: typically long and flexible for aerodynamics, though this, of course changes according to variation and traits.

Free Optional Mutation: Whiskers

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Genetics and Reproduction

Aukoli are capable of reproducing with the other four races they landed with, producing both purebloods and hybrids. Gestation is 7 months with another 3 to recuperate. Younglings are considered cubs until the age of 4, but don't reach sexual maturity until 6 years old. They're considered full adult at 10 and an elder at 150.

• A brooding female is a queen and an expecting father is a king.
• Typically, a litter is 1-3 pups, but can be as many as 7.
• Aukoli are born from eggs and are unusually tiny. 
• They are blind for the first month after hatching.

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Ecology and Habitats

Aukoli prefer the wide open plains or even deserts. Their typically short fur is somewhat hollow, keeping them cool even in extreme humidity. Some Aukoli have adapted to the cold, though they never really like it, they simply tolerate the climate.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Omnivore, tends to lean towards meat. With their high metabolism and high energy output, they must consume an unusually large amount of food throughout the day. Rich meats and high protein are best and many a canine will gorge themselves on an extremely successful kill.

Social Structure

Aukoli are friendly and more than willing to lend a helping paw. While they stick to relatively small groups, they can be considered high-maintenance compared to other races. Aukoli are also highly versatile and can learn any trick or trade and adjust to just about any climate. They like working and tend to be more studious and quiet to compensate for the high-energy bursts. Aukoli excel in healing, caregiver or mentor roles and can be quite mothering.

Aukoli tend not to be leaders, but prefer being behind the scenes, nudging their pack leaders in the right direction while being more focused on the pack as a whole.

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Visual Characteristics

TBD

No restrictions on color and pattern, though Aukoli tend to avoid others of their kind with brighter, more vibrant (dare I say obnoxious?) colors and patterns.

Lifespan

Lifespan of an aukoli varies greatly, though typically around 200-250 years.

Average Height

Common (blue) is about 3 1/2 feet tall
Atypical (green) stands about 4 feet
Unique (red) is about 4.5 feet tall
Legendary (gold) would be probably 5 feet
Demigod (white) stands about 6 feet tall at the shoulder.

Average Weight

200–800 lbs