Dogfolk
Dogfolk are as varied and individual as humans, but have a strong reputation as being industrious, selfless, and loyal. Their tendency to physical strength and strong pack-bonding has long been exploited by other races, but the guild system in Valor has helped them to finally reclaim the profits of their labor.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dogfolk tend to be slightly shorter than humans, at least in Valor. They have dog-like heads with tall, pointed ears, long muzzles, and keen noses. They tend to be long-torsoed with short legs in proportion to humans, and easily develop strong muscles. They tend to be much stronger and faster than humans--but with less endurance.
Biological Traits
Dogfolk vary in appearance even within families, but certain traits are more or less common in various geographical areas. In Valor, their coats tend to be short, smooth, and single- or two-toned, while the Shaodan breed tends toward tri-color or spotted coats, and the Deeproots Elidian breed tends to thicker, rougher coats. Valorian dogfolk mostly have long, pointed muzzles, like their Anteus kin, but smaller ears with a less pronounced point. There is little consistency in their tails--which range from long and thin to fluffy and curled to short and thick.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Dogfolk are omnivorous, but require a substantially meat-heavy diet to thrive.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Dogfolk are well established in most countries, but are most common in Valor and Anteus, particularly in rural areas. Dogfolk who do live in cities are generally there for work, often in construction work or other heavy labor.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Dogfolk have excellent hearing, sight, smell, and taste, but all of these senses tend to dull dramatically with age, with age-related disability much more common among dogfolk than among humans of a proportional age.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Dogfolk names often sound rough and brutish to other species, but they're good for yelling or howling across a field or worksite. They have adopted the human custom of adding a family (or pack) name after their chosen name. The pack name is generally selected at the birth of a couple's first pup, and may be a combination of the parents names, the area where they live, and/or something meaninful. The chosen name is selected by the individual from among those suggested by close friends and family. They may do so as soon as one feels right to them, but those who chose especially early may end up changing it once or twice before they settle. In rare cases, they may choose a meaningful name, or even a name more typical to a human, but they are more commonly aesthetic choices (even if that aesthetic is "just noise" to another race's ears)
History
Dogfolk have a long history as soldiers and laborers, with little opportunity for higher education or intellectual persuits. This is beginning to change as the well-respected Masons Quarry advances dogfolk with a good eye for structure, and the Architects Guild follows suit. The Merchants Guild has long relied on Dogfolk to bring caravans safely from market to market, and do not hesitate to promote those with a head for business.
Still, there are few Dogfolk in the pure scholar guilds, and this is unlikely to change until it changes quickly. There are few dogfolk that are comfortable leading the way into new fields, unsure whether others may follow.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
In the Raithar Empire, dogfolk were considered unintelligent but useful--ahead of the goblins, but well beneath the more advanced species. Though few would speak such a thing these days, many assumptions remain quietly in place. As such, dogfolk may have a more difficult time earning the respect of others, and may often be underestimated or patronized. This likely reinforces their pack instincts--better to associate with those you know won't doubt your personhood, won't demand constant proof of your 'usefulness,' as if that is all you have.
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