Lanjua

Bulky creatures that roam the world, mostly unwilling to settle. Known for their wide variety of colors and patterns, this species originated from now modern-day @Ellinyore , where they were driven out by humanity as they spread across the continent. They went on to settle in Lukif, and for the past ten thousand years have been changing its foundations to their liking. Many aspiring nations and warriors have attempted to drive these people from their new home, but their natural ability to blend in with the environment, tough bodies, and imposing weight makes them formidable opponents. The country itself is a hazardous place that few dare to venture into on their own will, which has led it to be a perfect home for the Lanjua.

Basic Information

Anatomy

While humanoid in shape, this species has a remarkable ability to blend its color with the environment. While this ability eventually gives out around the age of twenty three, many Lanjuians have used this permanent color to show their allegiances with organizations or countries by wrapping themselves with designs and meditating for weeks on end, until their ability finally gives out and the design has been finalized.
Their exoskeletons act like a beetle shell upon their backs, protecting them from most bladed damage. Traditionally, warfare against the Lanjuians has been favored with blunt weapons such as maces and clubs, although if faced head on, its front is usually less protected. They also have similar eyes to felines, both in design and utility .

Genetics and Reproduction

Like most species, Lanjuians reproduce by pressing their reproductive organs together in a process involving a man and a woman. Their appendages are slightly different however, as they are described as small organs with claw-like heads, which dig into the woman's organ, with little to no fanfare. Females lack breasts of any kind, and feed the young with regurgitated food, a process that often leaves the females of the species to lose a majority of their weight. If a female gives birth to two or more children, other females have been known to help with this process, often ones that were or will ever be unable to find a suitable mate for a variety of reasons.

Growth Rate & Stages

At birth, Lanjuians lack outer shells or exoskeletons, and are unable to move for the first six months of their lives. When their exoskeletons have developed, the ability to move is given, and a slime-like substance known as Movali (nicknamed Lanjuice) is excreted as their exoskeletons continue to grow. At the age of four, Lanjuians are able to consume solid food, and have the potential to walk. It is at this stage when they are also first introduced to their camouflage abilities, which can prove to be fatal if their parents do not take close enough attention.
At the age of thirteen, both males and females in their species go through puberty, where massive growth spurts and desires in the opposite sex begin. It is at this age where many Lanjuians go on travels with their parents, and then on their own around the age of sixteen. Their maws are able to crush objects such as apples with one bite at this stage, and many undergo trials when they're young so they will be ready for their maturity at twenty.
When they turn twenty, their bodies often lose the ability to camouflage, and it is common practice to align oneself to a household or bloodline by surrounding themselves with that group's design. In rare instances, Lanjua are able to camouflage later in life, and even rarer are able to do it until old age, but these cases are few and far between.

Ecology and Habitats

Lanjuians are often found in the mountainous reaches of the world, preferably with a mixed climate. In the summer, they scuttle across mountain tops and down in the valleys, and in the winter they keep inside their keeps and caves. While they are not cold blooded, they despise the cold as much as most.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Lanjua are primarily herbivores, although they are capable of eating meat from animals. However, due to the nature of their maws, they are unable to rip into meat and tear at it like other species, and thus stick to fruit, vegetables, and soups as their diet.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Largely grouped in Lukif, however there have been sightings of Lanjua on every continent and in every country.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Lanjuians have a heightened sense of sight, and their cat-like eyes allow them superior sight in the dark. Their hearing is on par with many other species, including Humans. Their sense of smell is nigh non-existent however, which often leads them to contact ungodly smells from their months of travel, often without their knowledge. Because of this, most academic studies of their homes have been described as "Inhospitable" and "Raunchy".

Scientific Name

Coleo Felis

Origin/Ancestry

Virlimarian

Lifespan

55 Years

Average Height

6 ft.

Average Weight

270 Pounds.