Approved Species Najax'kahn, Geminian Hounds

[Palm-Imer]

Young Najax Hound, trimmed fur.​

• Intent: To create a species native to the Consors System.
• Image Credit: Banner Image (could not find creditable source, found on pinterest); Second image by Atenebris (could not find a direct link to the image); Third image by Chenneoue; Paw picture by KJfromColors. Edited by me.
• Canon: No.
• Permissions: N/a.
• Links:
  • Dog.

• Name: Najax'kahn. (in Nexilis)
  • Also known as:
    • Najax Dog/Najax Hound.
    • Geminian Dog/Geminian Hound.
    • Sentinel Hounds.
• Designation: Semi-sentient.
• Origins: Consors system. (Geminidae)
• Average Lifespan: 25-30 GSY.
  • Pup: 0 to 2 years old.
  • Adolescent: 3 to 5 years old.
  • Adult: 6 to 20 years old.
  • Elder: +21 years.
• Estimated Population: Planetary.
• Description: The Najax are a large canine species endemic to the planet Geminidae. They are often recognized and differentiated from other canid creatures because of their polycaudal tails and their distinctive large and pointy ears. They are covered in abundant and shiny fur which can sport any color or pattern, and are described as being both beautiful and imposing. More often than not they are seen in the company of their masters or found in packs in the wild. The species does not exhibit sexual dimorphism.

• Breathes: Any, so long as there is oxygen.
• Average Height of Adults: 0.9m-1.50m, from paw to shoulder.
• Average Length of Adults: 1.2m-2.3m, from chest to haunches.
• Average Weight of Adults: 60-90kg, well fed.
• Skin color: Any, most commonly greyish.
• Hair color: Any.
• Distinctions: Large and imposing, these canines have an array of characteristics both external and internal that set them apart from others of their kind. At a first glance, Najax Hounds are well built and sharp-looking dogs with long and strong figures. The most notable features are their long, arrow-head shaped ears, their clawed paws and their polycaudal tails.
  Najax Hounds possess a respiratory system that allows them to breathe and function normally with minimal amounts of oxygen and filter out most noxious substances thanks to having replaced their lungs for a set of tubular structures capable of stopping any other gas or particle from being absorbed besides oxygen.
  
  Their joints and spines are greatly reinforced and more flexible, allowing them to move better and more freely with less risk of injury. This is specially true for their paws and necks, for their wrists are more articulated and therefore, a Najax Hound's paws look more like ones belonging to a large feline than a large canine (padded, retractable claws, better ability to grip). A Najax's Hound neck allows them to turn their head 180°.
  
  Their ears are large and end in a distinct sharp point. Composed of several small and precise muscles, they can point them in any direction or lay them completely flat against their heads. Their design is meant to improve their hearing, a Najax Hound can even hear a beating heart within a chest from quite a distance.
  
  However, their true powerful sense is their smell. Their olfactory cells are unlike those of any other creature, and the portion of their brain in charge of interpreting smells is highly developed. A Najax Hound never forgets a smell, and some even theorize that they may need their sense of smell to form proper memories of other beings.
  
  Internally, their systems work in a such a way that it is easy for them to make up for sustained damages. None of their organs are strictly vital excepting their brains, which gives them a better chance at surviving serious injuries that would be lethal to other creatures. Their blood, like most creatures native to the Consors system, has a rich purple color and much like the Geminaie, they depend on a high-iron diet or must receive supplements in its stead.
• Races: There are no identifiable races.
• Force sensitivity: All, limited. (see distinctions and strengths & weaknesses)

• Nature's Gifted Hunter: Without being the biggest, the strongest or the fastest, the Najax Hound remains the undisputed, most efficient hunter in the Consors System. They are agile, but most importantly possess an endurance and a pain tolerance unlike any seen in any other species. Their sense of hearing and smell are unmatched and they will stay on the pursuit for days if needed, with little to no rest. A pack of Najax Hounds, if large enough, can take down a skelmorn.
• Adapted: Unlike most canines, the Najax'kahn can climb trees and are also decent swimmers. Their ability to regulate their own temperature has been perfected and they fair well both in the cold and the heat, although if they are to be suddenly introduced to a hotter environment it is advised to trim their fur.
• Cognition: The Najax are incredibly intelligent and wonderful learners. Although they still lack the cognitive capacity of full sentients, these dogs have powerful minds. Their intelligence goes as far as allowing them to possess a notion of morality, which they usually adopt from the leader of their pack or their master. They can be trained, although they can also learn simply by watching and are incredibly receptive to communication. They pick up very easily on others' behavior and emotional/mental state.
• Home Is Where the Pack Is: The Najax Hounds are homing creatures, although instead of being able to return to a certain terrain, they return to the leader of their pack or their Master. The mechanisms that allow them to track and find their way back to their Masters are still unexplained, but so far proven infallible. Their bond to their leader is immense, and they have been known to recognize them correctly even when presented with an exact clone. These dogs never get lost.
• Resilient and Armed: These brave canines have to share territory with creatures that are many times their size and more powerful than they are. Their skin is not the best armor, but their bodies are strong and they have been known to survive wounds that would be fatal to other animals. The muscles in their jaw, head and neck are massively powerful, making their bite capable of crushing and penetrating metals (within reason: armor plates, thinner metals) without much effort and breaking bone. Their claws can easily slash or grab onto exposed flesh.
• The Force: The Najax Hounds are an all force-sensitive species. It is believed they acquired this connection as a means to better protect themselves and thrive in an environment were, comparatively, they are are the weaker predator. They have been known to use their affinity to the Force to surveil their surroundings, sense potential threats and those more strongly attuned can be taught to use force cloak. Their precognition works in the same way it does for an untrained force-user, expressing itself as an instinctual and vague fear or sense of caution when a disturbance is felt. On the other hand, their ability to sense their environment can be broken down into three distinct stages. The first and most common one is maintained by a calm, relaxed dog and it allows them to sense other living beings and/or movement in a radius of about 10m around the hound. The second one is displayed by a Najax Hound that is alert and/or actively engaged (hunting, exploring an unknown place, anxious, etc.) and pushes their radius to about 100m. The last stage, commonly known as the "sentinel stance", allows them to dedicate their full concentration and energy to the task of guarding and push the limits up to an area of 2km around them. This last skill occurred as a means to guard over their territories in the wild. Their perception is truly uncanny, and it makes them better guardians than most state-of-the art surveillance systems. (see weaknesses)

• Strength in Numbers: These creatures are team-workers. A Najax Hound on its own must tread carefully, they are vulnerable and weak when compared to other predators pound by pound and are met with poor odds if not protected by their numbers and group-hunting tactics. They do not thrive in one on one confrontations, and their prudent and intelligent nature compel them to avoid such scenario; for even if they can hurt their opponent, the risk taken is too great.
• Soft Skin: Unlike some creatures and even most other canine species found in the galaxy, the Najax Hounds lack strong scales, a rough hide or extra layers beneath the skin to keep them protected from threats. Their thick fur may be able to take the brunt of melee attacks if they are lucky, but if they are not their soft skins won't protect them from much. A vibroblade will easily slash through or reach dangerous depths if stabbed with enough force, blaster shots or slugs will cause severe if not fatal damage and lightsabers will absolutely maim them if they are lucky enough to not be cut in half.
• Force Sense: Najax Hounds have an incredible affinity for force sensing skills that allow them to pinpoint other living forms or movement. The most famous of this stages is the Sentinel Stance, that allows them to keep guard over extensive areas of terrain or buildings of up to 2km. However, entering this stage demands the animal's full focus and energy. A Najax Hound will remain absolutely still while guarding over large areas, and will only be able to keep his guard up for a couple of hours before needing rest. If the Hound moves, the state is disengaged and their sense-radius immediately drops down to their default 10m. The 2km radius is only achievable if the Hound does not move at all. Once they get out of the Sentinel Stance, no matter for how long it was kept up, they will have to wait for a few hours before being able to push their limits to 100m or 2km again. Furthermore, individuals who are very skilled at force stealth and move carefully may be able to go unnoticed.
• Loyal to a Fault: Their loyalty, obedience and sense of duty precede their outstanding intellect and even their self-preservation instinct. If their Master orders them to stay put, a Najax Hound will not move from their place until told otherwise, even if this means perishing to thirst or hunger. Their trust, once gained, might as well be completely blind because even if they are well aware of any dangers, they will lay down their lives simply because it is their leader's wish. It is believed this instinct was a result of natural occurring eugenics while in the wild, where young hounds that were weak and incapable often ended their own lives in some way at the behest of the pack.
• Sensory Overload: The price to pay for their uncanny sense of hearing and smell, the Najax Hound can fall prey to sensory overload if overstimulated (with smells) or in the presence of sudden, loud noises that they cannot get used to (sonic weapons, being too near explosions, etc.). Sensory overload leads to immediate disorientation, terrible pain and may even lead to permanent damage (to their eardrums or olfactory cells), passing out or death. It also has collateral symptoms that will take at least several hours to pass such as a lack of focus, restlessness and discomfort, stress, fear or anxiety and hyper sensitivity, which makes them even more vulnerable to a second overload episode. This is why the Najax Hounds trained as battle dogs or for other purposes were sensory overload is a risk, require protection that dampens their senses.
• Old Bones: Like for most creatures, age comes hand in hand with decay. An older Najax Hound is weaker, slower and vulnerable to ailments related to the elderly such as joint pain, loss of hearing/vision, heart problems, kidney issues and the like. Still awesome companions, definitely not suited to take anywhere near too much action. They are also known for being quite grumpy old pups.
• High Maintenance: If they can hunt, Najax Hounds will provide for themselves and even their owner but it is not often that they find themselves in a suitable territory with suitable prey. If this is the case, feeding this dogs can be quite costly, they are large and have high nutritional needs. If they are outside of Geminidae, they will need to receive a daily iron supplement or risk the effects of mountain sickness (dizziness, nausea, fatigue, disorientation) and potential death.
• Force Nullifiers: They are incapable of using any abilities involving the Force when in the presence of force nullifiers such as void stones or an ysalamiri field. Furthermore, they are not used to being cut off from their ability to sense their surrounding and if not trained to stay calm, they will grow anxious, cautious and defensive for they will fear an impending threat.
• The Leader: If sufficiently bonded, the loss a leader or a Master is a crippling blow to these creatures. They are very emotional, and it is not uncommon for them to die of heartbreak and grief. Najax Hounds are noble followers, and it is extremely rare if even possible for one of them to thrive on their own. The center of all their societal structure is the one they perceive as their leader, main protector and guide. They bond more strongly to this figure than they do to their mates or offspring, and as such they will often become docile and fearful if they believe their leader faces a threat they cannot help them fight their way out of. Just like in chess; once the King is down, the game is over. Alternatively, a Najax Hound without a dominant personality that lacks proper guidance is prone to becoming mentally and emotionally unstable.
• Terrain: Just because one can do something, doesn't mean one should. The Najax Hounds can climb, sort through the imposing heights that are the thick branches of the geminan giant trees and swim, but truly they are ground hunters. While climbing or swimming, they are much more vulnerable and not in a position were they can properly put up a fight.

• Diet: Omnivores, strong carnivorous bias.
• Communication: Barking, whining, groaning, yapping, growling, howling and body language. Can understand verbal commands and learn other species' body language if they are trained or familiarized. A Najax Hound can understand complex languages surprisingly well, maybe not word by word but they do get the general meaning of things. Still, it is better to establish short and clear commands as these are sure to never be misinterpreted, but this dogs do understand their humanoid counterparts in a way most canines cannot.
• Technology Level: None. Can be trained to interact with some technologies (touchscreens with icons, pressing buttons, etc.)
• Religion/Beliefs: None.
• General Behavior:
  • Social Behavior: Najax Hounds are pack animals. They naturally band together into groups that can range from two individuals to about forty, with ten to twenty being the average. With a strong sense of hierarchy, there is one leader in each pack that has maximum authority over the others. The alpha is usually established through fighting, although thanks to the intelligent nature of these animals it is not strange to see leaders picked for their intellect rather than their brawn.
  • Reproductive Behavior: Najax Hounds females can reproduce thrice a year. They will usually choose a mate and keep it for a couple of years, and depending on their success rate in protecting and getting their pups to reach adulthood, will stay together for life or find another mate.
  • Feeding: While they are omnivores, the Najax have a strong carnivorous predilection and as such are hunting animals with a pursuit instinct. If left to their own devices, a Najax Hound will hunt to feed and only eat other foodstuffs if they come across them.
  • Learning: Unlike most canines, they do not need a reward system to be trained. So long as they perceive a certain individual as their leader, clear communication and showing them what one wants them to do is enough for them to learn. They are highly intelligent, and therefore easy to train unless they happen to have a stubborn or dominant personality.

A Geminaie's best friend, Najax Hounds have been at the side of the sentient inhabitants of the Consors System since as long as anyone can remember. In a similar way to how most canine species are domesticated, it all began when the hounds of old established bonds and a symbiotic relationship with the primitive geminaie tribes. However, given the tendency of the geminaie to be respectful of nature and its creatures, domestication did not happen as fully as one would expect.

The dogs and the near-humans shared spaces, and the hounds began to see the geminaie as part of their packs but overall they remained physically independent from the geminaie. They still lived in nature, hunted and faced many of the dangers they were naturally destined to face. This ensured that, even though they stood alongside the sentients, they continued to evolve freely and in their own time.

Many believe that the geminaie's breeding programs were originally inspired by the Najax Hounds, who instinctively allowed themselves to perish if they were not suited (due to weakness, sickness, etc.) to protect their pack and/or pass on good traits. Once the two species became closer, the geminaie began breeding the Najax Hounds to strengthen their genes and abilities but never for an aesthetic purpose. After, their behavior would be profiled and they would be trained and prepared for certain tasks, much like the geminaie are. They are a symbol of loyalty and safety for the geminian people.

 

[Allyson Locke]

ope I meant to approve this before the NPC O_O. This is great btw!