Woebegone

Basic Information

Anatomy

These creatures are very small, most able to fit into the palm of a hand. They have large eyes and upright ears, and are covered in a thin coat of soft fur which ranges from grey to reddish brown. They have small hands with opposable thumbs that they are quite adept at manipulating and small hind feet with small claws used for traction and a small measure of self defense.

Genetics and Reproduction

Once impregnated, the female Woebegone has a gestation period of approximately seven months, and they give birth to a single offspring which the female will care for until the youth is able to care for itself, however, the young are born with amazing dexterity and the ability to climb. This period of parental care will extend to about three years depending on the offspring and the environment.

Growth Rate & Stages

The young of this species will reach adulthood in approximately three years from birth, though they are fairly self sufficient from a much earlier age. The bond between mother and child remains a strong one until they are separated by circumstance or death. In humanoid settlements some of these creatures have been known to live up to twelve years, but this is substantially shorter in the wild.

Ecology and Habitats

The Woebegone prefer warm, dry climates, but due to their nature and needs, they will forgo this for an opportunity to form a symbiotic relationship with a humanoid, or in a humanoid settlement in order to boost their chances for survival. They are able to use their ability to manipulate empathic energy through sound to create amicable reactions to them in intelligent creatures who often view them as helpful or at least a positive influence in an otherwise bleak world.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Woebegone is entirely carnivorous, subsisting on insects, lizards, and occasionally snakes if they are small enough to be caught.

Biological Cycle

They will often burrow in during the colder seasons, seeking out a warmer location where they can huddle in safety and wait out the worst of the cold weather. They will spend a great deal of time foraging various things that can last through the winter months in order to avoid having to brave the outside. While they are able to and remain somewhat active during this time, it is primarily used as a period of rest.

Behaviour

While shy, the Woebegone has the unique ability to not only sense and define the empathic nature of a creature, but to actually manipulate it through the use of aits song which consists of a trilling melody in a higher range that is sung with a soft tone and is in a register that is immediately appealing to the ears of sentient creatures. They will use this as a means to gain favor and access to a humanoid residence or settlement where they will begin to sing their songs, often in small groups, regularly. The effect is entirely beneficial to the household or community in that it has been shown to relieve stress and decrease agitation, though it is nowhere near as powerful enough to force these emotions on another.

Additional Information

Social Structure

These primates will form family units of a pair of mates and their offspring. These units, or "choirs" of Woebegones will live with several others if given the opportunity or in the wild and appear to be very social among themselves.

Domestication

True domestication can be difficult, as no matter what the creatures remain wild, adn have an uncanny knack for reading intentions on another creature due to theri sensitivity to emotional stimuli.

Facial characteristics

A small round heard with short fur and large, round ears, dominated by two large eyes that range from black to amber in color.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

These small creatures can be found in many Seanachaisian settlements, as they seem to do well with the musical culture and empathic nature of them, and the Ventrytes as well, as the climate of their lands and the nature of the Ventryte culture is one that allows creatures of this nature to freely thrive without threat.

Average Intelligence

The Woebegone can understand a great many commands if someone is patient enough to teach them, though they are hard to train due to their skittish nature. They maintain a very animal intelligence.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Woebegone has extremely sensitive hearing and acute vision that allows it to see incredibly well, even in the darkest of places. Their olfactory senses are heightened as well, but more than these, their ability to sense the empathic energy of other creatures at a significant distance.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Humanoids and the Woebegones have formed a substantial symbiotic relationship over the years.
Scientific Name
Primate
Origin/Ancestry
Tarsiers
Lifespan
7 to 12 years depending on environment
Conservation Status
These tiny creatures are extremely rare to find in the wild and have taken up a symbiotic relationship with the humanoid species that will allow them too.
Average Height
3 to 6 Inches
Average Weight
3 to 6 ounces
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Grey to reddish brown fur. These colorations will tend to mirror whatever environment they are in as a means of camouflage.
Geographic Distribution


Cover image: Woebegone by Midjourney

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