Dracs
No one really seems to be sure where then Dracs came from, how long they've lived in the Foreverwood, or even how many of them there are. Each Drac is different from the next, and nothing is really known about their reproductive habits or internal family structures. Given the variety of physical appearance, it's doubted that traits are passed on from parent to offspring, if that's even how they reproduce.
What is known is that they seem to consider themselves the guardians of the Foreverwood, and do not take kindly to reckless disruption of the wild by outside influences, such as the sport hunting of some of the Free Radicals. Perhaps this accounts in some way for their affinity for the X's, given the tendency of X's to rely on natural formations for shelter, modifying only what is necessary and not reforming the landscape as a whole.
When a Drac chooses an X as a partner, a number of things happen. For one, perhaps as a sign of the bonding between the two, the defining markings of the Drac (mostly fur, though occasionally scales or feathers,) changes color to match the color of the X's tail. There also seems to be a less tangible connection, as the longer a relationship persists, the more readily an X can seem to understand the vocalizations of the Drac. The actual amount of understanding varies heavily from X to X, ranging from a rough grasp of indications ("go here," "danger!" "I'm hungry," and other expressions of that nature,) all the way to a level of comprehension that parallels normal speech. To an outside observer, the yips and howls and other sounds that compose a given Drac's speech may sound similar and unintelligible, but the X the Drac has attached himself to will understand as clearly as if hearing normal spoken words, with seemingly nothing lost in the nuance and inflections. In most cases, an X can only understand one Drac clearly, although it's not abnormal that the X can at least have an accurate idea of the feeling of another's "speech," especially if the foreign Drac and his own partner share a bond. Very rarely, an X can be found that understands all Dracs as if the speak his own language, and they understand him just as clearly.
There are many advantages of this partnership, the most obvious of which is the addition of a Drac's heightened senses to any situation. They have excellent noses, ears and eyes, and are likely to spot danger coming long before their X does. These talents also make certain necessary chores easier, such as hunting for food and fresh water while traveling. In addition to ordinary senses, there is some evidence that Dracs can also see things other beings cannot, an aura that seems to be indicative of a creatures soul or intentions. Even when the eyes would deceive, this extra sense is infallible when assessing a quarry's true nature.
Although being separated from the natural world is an uncomfortable state for a Drac, they will not hesitate to follow their X into The City should the need arise, sometimes to the dismay of the X. Dracs are fiercely protective of their X, and to a degree, any X at all. They warn of approaching danger and can track a target even along the coldest trail. Unless accompanying their X, Dracs have never been known to enter The City.
What is known is that they seem to consider themselves the guardians of the Foreverwood, and do not take kindly to reckless disruption of the wild by outside influences, such as the sport hunting of some of the Free Radicals. Perhaps this accounts in some way for their affinity for the X's, given the tendency of X's to rely on natural formations for shelter, modifying only what is necessary and not reforming the landscape as a whole.
When a Drac chooses an X as a partner, a number of things happen. For one, perhaps as a sign of the bonding between the two, the defining markings of the Drac (mostly fur, though occasionally scales or feathers,) changes color to match the color of the X's tail. There also seems to be a less tangible connection, as the longer a relationship persists, the more readily an X can seem to understand the vocalizations of the Drac. The actual amount of understanding varies heavily from X to X, ranging from a rough grasp of indications ("go here," "danger!" "I'm hungry," and other expressions of that nature,) all the way to a level of comprehension that parallels normal speech. To an outside observer, the yips and howls and other sounds that compose a given Drac's speech may sound similar and unintelligible, but the X the Drac has attached himself to will understand as clearly as if hearing normal spoken words, with seemingly nothing lost in the nuance and inflections. In most cases, an X can only understand one Drac clearly, although it's not abnormal that the X can at least have an accurate idea of the feeling of another's "speech," especially if the foreign Drac and his own partner share a bond. Very rarely, an X can be found that understands all Dracs as if the speak his own language, and they understand him just as clearly.
There are many advantages of this partnership, the most obvious of which is the addition of a Drac's heightened senses to any situation. They have excellent noses, ears and eyes, and are likely to spot danger coming long before their X does. These talents also make certain necessary chores easier, such as hunting for food and fresh water while traveling. In addition to ordinary senses, there is some evidence that Dracs can also see things other beings cannot, an aura that seems to be indicative of a creatures soul or intentions. Even when the eyes would deceive, this extra sense is infallible when assessing a quarry's true nature.
Although being separated from the natural world is an uncomfortable state for a Drac, they will not hesitate to follow their X into The City should the need arise, sometimes to the dismay of the X. Dracs are fiercely protective of their X, and to a degree, any X at all. They warn of approaching danger and can track a target even along the coldest trail. Unless accompanying their X, Dracs have never been known to enter The City.