Vulpur Lycan

Vul Lycan, or Vulpur Lycan, is a racial minority of the Vulpur/Vul.

During the "River Kingdoms age of Serrona," the Vulpur Lycans, once a fox-like species, embarked on a unique journey. Over 40,000 years ago, as glaciers melted and seas rose, they transformed, evolving toward sentience. This age also witnessed a catastrophic flood that swept their cities away, dispersing their populations.

In a later chapter of their history, a "Great Fire" would further scatter the already displaced groups of Vulpur Lycans. Today, they are primarily found in Vulpinia, standing as a rare and resilient subspecies marked by wolf-like attributes and a tenacious spirit. This is their story.

Appearance

 * Vulpur Lycan, recognized as a unique subspecies, presents distinctions that set them apart from the foxlike features of Common Vulpur. Their skeletal structure is robust, adapted to support powerful musculature, making them a formidable branch of the Vulpur lineage. The Vulpur Lycan are humanoid wolf people that typically grow heights similar of that to a human. Both female and male Vul Lycans typically range in these height boundaries. Unlike the Common Vul, Vul Lycans reach final height around the age of 13 to 16 years old. The Vul Lycans lifespan reaches anywhere from 90-100 years old, while reaching the age of maturity around the age of 13. The fur color of a Vul heavily depend on the parents though in some are cases were children can be a complete different color than both parents. Fur color on Vuls can vary widely, with it usually being brown and thicker in texture. The only known recorded furs as of this moment are Black, Grey, White, and Brown. Eye color is heavily influenced by the parents. Intermingling has been known to happen between the foxlike Vulpurs and the wolflike Vulpurs, The Vulpur Lycan genes seem to be more dominant when determining the offspring.

Bone Anatomy

 * In direct contrast to the agile and slender physique of the foxlike Vulpur, Vulpur Lycan display a physique reminiscent of wolves. They boast broader shoulders, robust limbs, and a skeletal framework adapted for strength. Their facial features are distinguished by pronounced muzzles, sharp canine teeth, and fur patterns that closely resemble the pelage of wolves. Their fur is thicker and coarser compared to that of Common Vulpur, designed to withstand the more demanding environments they historically inhabited.
 * As Nuncio Yolcotl aptly put it, "Regional variations mean nothing to the modern Vulpur; on the contrary, they can form stronger bonds thanks to this. In general, the adaptations of the Vulpur only lie in the coat and small physiological differences that allow the survival of the species in different environments." This quote emphasizes the adaptability of the Vulpur species, with coat variations and minor physiological differences being the norm. Vulpur Lycan, however, represent a unique case where these differences are more pronounced, making them distinct among their Vulpur kin.

The Vulpur Lycan Digestive System: Unraveling Complexity

 * Vulpur Lycans, influenced by their wolf-like nature. have a higher tolerance for certain foods that could be indigestible or harmful to the foxlike Vulpurs. Their digestive system are better suited for handling a diet with a higher proportion of animal-based foods. In alignment with their wolf-like preferences, also have a similar affinity for meat-based foods in addition to berries. Their digestive system is specialized to extract maximum nutrition from these sources.

Origin
" Bone fragments, tools, and other types of expressions that identify the Vulpur presence were found in Serrona, however migrations of individual groups took place, which led to the diversification of physical attributes in the various types of Vulpur." - Liber Vulpur, Nunc
 * Serronan pre-historic findings suggest that the Vulpur Lycan were likely once part of the Vul, and had split off due to the nature of nomadic tribes.


 * Bone fragments of one particular group found in Serronan former taiga and snow plains suggest that this group had evolved to share more resemblance with wolves, to adapt and survive the harsh climates. It is believed that the historical emergence of Vulpur Lycan may have influenced not only their physical attributes but also their cultural identity.

History
Not much is known on Vulpur Lycan, but historical documents suggest that the group started to mingle with the Vul during the River Kingdoms age of Serrona, potentially inspiring the god Lycandeus of Vulpur Nabu.

The Great Fire and Persecution

 * Tragically, Vulpur Lycan's history took a dark turn with the onset of the great Serronan climate crisis, which led to the collapse of the River Kingdoms. During this tumultuous period, a catastrophic event known as the "Great Fire" consumed the majority of the Lycan River kingdom, resulting in the dispersion and significant reduction in Vulpur Lycan populations.
 * One of the most devastating chapters in their history was the relentless persecution and genocidal acts carried out by humans, who viewed Vulpur Lycan as a threat or target. This ruthless campaign against them further contributed to the drastic decline in their numbers.

Newfound Hope?

 * Today, only a small number of surviving Vulpur Lycan individuals exist, with Vulpinian Records documenting a mere five recorded instances of Vulpur Lycan since the establishment of modern-day Vulpinia. Remarkably, no other instances of surviving Vulpur Lycan have been reported in Serronan documents, highlighting both their extraordinary rarity and unwavering resilience as a distinctive subspecies. However a Vulpur Lycan named "Nuggy Yolcotl" was recently born to a Vul Lycan named "J. Alexander Vulavich-Yolcotl" and a Vul named "Ixtab Yolcotl" as a result of interbreeding. This raises new found hopes that the Vul Lycan may just as well re-populate and reverse the countdown of what seemed to be extinction for the sub-species.

Culture, Demographics, and Religion

 * The Vulpur Lycans, on the brink of extinction, have seen their cultural heritage eroded over the centuries. The trauma of the "Great Fire" and the subsequent nomadic lifestyle imposed on them contributed to the gradual dissolution of their once-vibrant customs and traditions.
 * Instinctual Wolf-Like Behavior In the absence of concrete cultural practices, Vulpur Lycan have turned to instinctual behavior resembling that of wolves. They exhibit traits such as adherence to pack identity, a heightened sense of aggression when facing threats, and a relentless focus on survival. These behavioral patterns are a testament to their adaptation to the nomadic way of life thrust upon them by circumstances.

Integration with Vulpur Culture

 * While the social hierarchy may be different based on circumstances, what is left of the Vulpur Lycan after generations being snuffed out by Persecution and Genocide has lingered and integrated with their Vulpur counterparts after they extended their paws out to those who wandered upon the Valardom of Vulpinia.

Oral Traditions and Lycandeus Worship

 * Oral traditions play a vital role in preserving Vulpur Lycan's cultural heritage. Storytellers captivate audiences with tales of survival, resilience, and their unique attributes. Central to their oral traditions is the worship of Lycandeus, strengthening their spiritual connection to Vulpur Nabu and the larger Vulpur/Vul civilization.
 * Central to Vulpur Lycan culture is their worship of Lycandeus, a deity closely associated with Vulpur Nabu. Oral traditions often include myths and legends that revolve around Lycandeus, the God of Discovery and Exploration.

Cultural Symbols
Vulpur Lycan culture, influenced by integration with their Vulper counterparts, maintains a collection of cultural symbols that reflect their unique identity and history.
 * In Vulpur Lycan culture, the moon and stars take on a special significance, symbolizing their connection to the night, a time when they are most active. The stars, in particular, reflect their nomadic lifestyle and the spirit of discovery and exploration attributed to Lycandeus, the God of Discovery, Explorers, and Father of the Four Winds.
 * "The Lycandeus Emblem" is a distinctive symbol within Vulpur Lycan culture. It takes the form of a stylized wolf's head, capturing the essence of their wolf-like physical attributes. It serves as a reminder of their ability to adapt and endure even in the harshest of circumstances.
 * "The Tapestry of Resilience" is another notable symbol, depicting a fox and wolf—one representing Vulpur and the other Vulpur Lycan joined together. This symbolizes the bond forged between the two subspecies, emphasizing unity and solidarity in the face of adversity.



The Week of Remembrance
Every three years, the Vulpur Lycan set aside their work for a week of Cultural Ceremonies. They are as followed

Days 1, 2 - Days of remembrance. This time is used to re-tell Vul Lycan myths and legends, alongside with known history.

Days 3, 4 - The great Mourning. This time has a fast and vigil to mourn the great loss of their people. The fast is used to show solidarity with their ancestors, and inspire compassion for the visitors of the future, regardless of race.

Days 5, 6 The Great Feast - This time is used to celebrate the good times of the past and help aid in optimism for the future.

During these events, the use of furnaces and fire is prohibited. It is seen as extremely offensive.