Seer
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION- Intent: To create a hunting companion for the Nasvalo mountain people.
- Image Credit: shiprock on DeviantArt
- Canon: N/A
- Links: Nasvalo
- Name: Shuvu
- Designation: Semi-sentient
- Homeworld: Manas
- Language: Chirps and screeches
- Average Lifespan: 14~22 years in the wild, 25~35 years domesticated/bonded
- Estimated Population: Planetary
- Description: Shuvu are avian creatures native to the mountains of Manas. These birds are rather large and have sharp beaks and talons used for hunting game. Quite a few have been tamed and bonded with Nasvalo hunters and are often used as hunting companions. Shuvu are covered with feathers that come in varying shades of white, grey, brown and black. They are not considered to be particularly beautiful creatures and many are downright homely and rough looking. The lack of looks and an aggressive temperament make them difficult to tame and keep as pets, but once they are fully bonded with a hunter they are loyal companions for life.
- Breathes: Type I
- Average height of adults: 30-50cm
- Average length of adults: 40-64cm
- Skin color: Various shades of brown beneath the feathers
- Hair color: Feather colors come in shades of white, grey, brown and black
- Distinctions: Razor sharp beaks and claws
- Races: N/A
- Strengths:
Eagle Eyes: Shuvu have naturally keen eyesight (up to 8x better than humans) and are able to spot color and shape distinctions from far away. Additionally, Shuvu have the ability to detect lifeforms with thermal vision making them ideal for hunting. - Brave Bird: A Shuvu bonds deeply with his or her handler, becoming very protective of them and will defend them to the death should they be in danger.
- Pointy: A Shuvu’s beak and claws are both hard and razor sharp, enabling them to tear through the flesh of their prey with ease.
[*]Weaknesses:
- Temperament: Shuvu can be hostile and independent creatures even when domesticated. These creatures tend to be wary around strangers and may become easily aggravated--even if the stranger is shown to be friendly and of no danger. While a Shuvu will only listen to his or her handler, they are liable to act aggressively towards anyone unfamiliar unless instructed otherwise.
- Squishy: Though made for tough mountain life, Shuvu are still squishy birds that are made for offense rather than defense. A well placed bout of blunt trauma or blaster bolt will take them down.
- Upkeep: Shuvu burn a lot of calories and must intake a lot of protein in order to survive. This can prove difficult during winter and in times of famine when game may be scarce when a hunters may not be able to properly feed Shuvu, causing them to become lethargic and even starve to death.
CULTURE
- Diet: Small rodents and occasionally insects. Can be fed certain vegetables and fruits in small amounts, but grains will cause bloating and bowel obstruction and should be avoided.
- Communication: Vocally among members of their own species
- Technology level: N/A
- Religion/Beliefs: N/A
- General behavior: Shuvu are aggressive and solitary. They do not form attachments easily even among their own kind and mother Shuvu will gradually lose their maternal instincts to the point where she will chase her adolescent children from the nest (conveniently after they are biologically ready to be on their own). Typically they live and hunt alone, competing with their own kin for territory and meals.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Shuvu have lived on Manas for thousands of years and have been loyal companions for just as long—at least, that’s what the stories all say. Because history is passed down through word of mouth there are very few written accounts of the Shuvu. However, many ancient tales and works of art include the Shuvu and its bond with a Nasvali hunter.
