~~The SquirrelWings are a fantribe owned by Princess Delta the SeaWing-RainWing-NightWing. Under no circumstances may any aspect of this tribe be used in other projects without explicit permission.~~
Overview[]
The SquirrelWings are an intelligent and usually peaceful vegetarian tribe living in deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests on the fan-continent known as Penthama.
Kingdom[]
The SquirrelWing kingdom is located on the continent Penthema, and is composed of mostly deciduous and mixed forest, with some purely coniferous forest increasing in quantity towards the northern borders. Mostly flat and located partially on mountain foothills, it is a coastline rain-shadow forest, separated from most of the rest of the continent by a range of mountains. These mountains are called Atlas's Peaks by the SquirrelWings, which according to legend were enchanted by the only SquirrelWing animus, Atlas, to grow as a barrier between the SquirrelWing territory and the rest of the continent. The kingdom is divided into separate groups, called Drays, which are each named after the Lady leading it. Each Dray is led by a Lady, traditionally relatives of the queen, and a tradition of the Ladies training apprentices has grown, to take over when they die or retire. The king and queen also lead a Dray, called the Inner Canopy, which contain their palace and the Royal Hatchery, as well as the normal things a Dray should have. The Ladies meet with the queen and king once a month to speak about goings-on in the tribe. The king and queen lead the tribe equally, and are usually mates.
Drays[]
A Dray is a community in which SquirrelWings are most often found, composed of smaller communities known as Dens. A Dray usually contains about 15-20 Dens, arranged in a circular pattern around the center of the Dray, which holds the Lady's home, the main cache, a meeting hall, and a communal hatchery. Each Den is composed of ~30 buildings, which can be homes, businesses, practically anything. There are 3-5 circles of buildings, with the ones farther out usually being homes and the ones closer in being businesses and other things. The Inner Canopy also contains the palace, a giant hollow tree enchanted by Atlas to grow into the palace, much like the Summer Palace of the SeaWings. It remains living and healthy, and bears a small, red fruit during the summer and fall. Eggs are are kept in communal hatcheries individual to a Dray, and a seperate royal hatchery in the Inner Canopy, with guards to keep them safe until they hatch. Dragonets are raised by their parents in their home, or if orphaned, raised by aunts/uncles or the Lady of the Dray. When they become adults, they are apprenticed to an adult dragon to learn whatever trade the adult dragon does, such as gathering, building, guarding, healing, etc. Gatherers and builders are common in all Drays, as they all require food, and are constantly having nests wear down and fall into disrepair from weather and general use. Each Dray specializes in one thing, such as food gathering, the arts, tribe defenses, etc.
Foxtail Dray; specializes in tribe defenses and discipline.
Hazel Dray; specializes in building and menial labour.
Chestnut Dray; specializes in external relations and politics.
Opossum Dray; specializes in food and supply gathering and cultivating.
Nutmeg Dray; specializes in the arts/literature and education.
(Living) Nobles and Royalty[]
Royalty:[]
Queen Walnut
King Redtail
Princess Shrew
Prince Maple
Nobles:[]
Lady Foxtail (Not to be mistaken for Princess Foxtail)
Lady Hazel
Lady Chestnut
Lady Opossum
Lady Nutmeg
Appearance[]
Normal fur colours for a SquirrelWing are earthy tones, shades of browns, tans, and grays, with dapples/stripes/other naturalistic markings of lighter, bright-hued colours like green, blue, yellow, pink, etcetera. Eyes can be any colour, but red or pink eyes are limited to albinos, and blue or grey eyes are rare, and generally only appear in the royal bloodline. A typical SquirrelWing has slightly shaggy, medium-length body fur, and a mane of long fur around their neck and chest that runs along the spine down to the tail, interspersed with discreetly hidden slim, porcupine-like spines. The fur is most often noted to be longest nearer the spine and shortest on the face and underbelly, with the exceptions of the mane, and occasionally longer tufts of fur around the end of the tail or feathering around the talons. The general length and thickness of their fur increases in the winter, and they shed the extra fur in the spring for their lighter, shorter summer coat.
A typical SquirrelWing's build is small and rather muscular, with generally shorter limbs and small wings to help them manoeuvre around the tight spaces of the forest they inhabit. Mutations, diseases, etc. which result in a dragon being smaller than usual are generally more common than the opposite, for unspecified reasons, and generally being smaller than the average is much more common than being larger. Warmer seasons generally show the more average build of a SquirrelWing; in preparation for winter, they tend to stock up on supplies and eat more than usual, as during the colder season they tend to become lethargic and sometimes enter a hibernative state; during the spring, when they come out of this state, they're often much slimmer simply because they wouldn't have eaten near as much during that season.
SquirrelWings have horns that typically branch out somewhat like antlers; their horns only start growing in at around age four, and their size is heavily tied to the dragon's age. Their claws are a bit longer than other tribes, and they are ridged/serrated for better traction when climbing or jumping between branches. Antlers and claws have the same colour scheme, with light ivory or bone colours, whereas spines are typically a colour similar to the rest of the coat and also tend to have a slight transparency. They are quite small on average, the smallest of the Pentheman tribes and around half the size of the largest tribes. They have short tails made more for counterbalancing short distances than in flight, proportionally large and motile ears (often tufted), and a short layer of water-repellent fur protecting their wing membranes from weather and some injuries..
Eggs are small and round, with a gritty or bark-like texture and thick shell, in discreet, earthy tones to camouflage them from potential predators, and are very rarely ever different colours. Dragonets simply appear as smaller SquirrelWings, with slightly larger heads and wings in proportion to their bodies, and lacking horns, which they begin to grow at the age of four. Both eggs and dragonets are central to SquirrelWing society, and not out of plentifulness; a SquirrelWing egg is carried for almost three years before being laid, and the egg takes another nine months to mature and hatch after the fact. Additionally, SquirrelWings tend to have almost twice as many broken or weak-shelled eggs, and they're more prone to eggs being diseased, infected, or malformed. Having an egg is a full-time job for most SquirrelWings and their mates, and is considered as such by the culture and government support surrounding it.
Relationships/Attitudes[]
SquirrelWings often form very close bonds with their loved ones and are known to grieve intensely over losses; they are also known to generally get along well with other tribe members. They are polite and courteous to dignitaries and visitors from other tribes, but are quite distrusting of strangers and dragons of different tribes. They are extremely loyal, both to their Ladies and their king and queen, and treat them with the utmost respect, to the point where many are willing to follow them directly into danger. Hybrids are uncommon, and even those with almost entirely SquirrelWing blood are treated as strangers and other, and heavily excluded. Dragons with special abilities or mutations are treated mostly the same as normal, but a higher level of respect, and are more likely to become a Lady's Apprentice if they identify as female.
Common personality traits in SquirrelWings are loyalty and trust in authority and their tribe in general, and it's a common expression to say 'As loyal as a SquirrelWing' or 'As trusting as a SquirrelWing'.
Abilities[]
Venomous:[]
They have a potent venom imbued in their teeth, which affect members of their own tribe as well as others. A full-grown, average adult biting another dragon of the same traits on a limb would result in full paralyzation of the victim in about six hours, and kill them in about a day, for example; along with an intense, burning pain accompanying all phases, spreading from the site of the wound outwards and often causing shock and hysteria. The venom can be nullified by consuming the small red fruit that grows on the palace tree, but if it has progressed enough, some of the effects, although reduced, will still remain; it is much more common to see fully or partially paralysed SquirrelWings than almost any other tribe. Cuttings have been taken from the palace tree and gifted to SquirrelWing allies on the chance there's an accidental injury, but this species of tree has never been seen naturally occurring anywhere else, and it is the only known antidote.
Firebreath:[]
SquirrelWings have the ability to breathe weak light-coloured fire, but only when they are warm; otherwise they are rendered unable to use this breath weapon.
Mutations, Diseases, and Special Abilities[]
Too much/Too little venom:[]
This is a mutation which can only occur in twins, triplets, etc. For those with too much venom, they have the normal venomous bite, but also have venomous claws and generally much more potent venom. They usually have darker fur colours, and sometimes have tail barbs, a mutation of the spines, which are also venomous, and are more prone to developing issues involving overgrowth of the bones or tissues, or extreme growth in general. Those with too little venom are either completely venomless, or their venom is only strong enough to knock a dragon out, not kill or paralyze them. They usually have paler fur colours, and are sometimes born without spines, teeth, and/or claws, and are more prone to issues involving bone or connective tissue weakness, or stunted growth.
Bloodmoon born:[]
This occurs when an egg is hatched under a blood moon, which is very rare. Being born under one blood moon gives them either the ability to influence the behaviour of, or understand and communicate with, other mammals. Being born under two blood moons gives them both of the before powers, and an increase in the powers' strength as well. This can only occur in pureblooded SquirrelWings.
Fireless:[]
This can occur in any SquirrelWing or hybrid; it results in the dragon in question being completely unable to use their firebreath, even when warm.
Brightclaws:[]
This can occur in any SquirrelWing or SquirrelWing hybrid; it results in all the fur/skin/scales etc. on the dragon in question to be coloured in the typical marking colours, rather than earth tones. These colours are also often brighter than usual, and affected dragons usually have dark eye colouration.
Furless:[]
Like the name describes, a SquirrelWing who is hatched with a lack of fur, either entirely furless or only partially. Some diseases can also cause fur loss, but usually only temporarily.
Other mutations/diseases/disabilities, such as deafness, piebaldism, etc. are permitted, and most human and mammal diseases are applicable to the tribe as well. Animus SquirrelWings are NOT permitted, as this is an important part of their history, and no dragon with even the smallest amount of SquirrelWing blood can be one sans my express permission and approval.
Diet[]
The diet of a SquirrelWing consists of nuts, berries, seeds, fruits, the bark and leaves of some trees, some species of insects & arthropods, and the roots or bulbs of tuberous plants. They store them in caches over the winter, and when lacking food sources will go into a hibernative state; up to half a year may pass in this state before a normally healthy SquirrelWing will starve to death. Food is generally and most easily prepared raw, but preserved foods are also common, and special treats/meals may involve cooking. Sweet and fatty things are generally preferred over sour or salty foods. SquirrelWings are mainly vegetarian and insectivorous, although hybrids may be fully omnivorous or carnivorous.
Naming Traditions[]
They are usually named after nuts and seeds, as well types of trees, small mammals, and squirrel types, which usually end in tail, such as Graytail. It is common for dragonets to be named after family members (deceased or alive) or after important historical figures, although naming dragonets after oneself is discouraged. SquirrelWing bloodlines often have specific crests, and crest/family names that go along with them, that are carried down, usually within a specific Dray-- being denied use of the family crest is considered similar to being disowned in SquirrelWing culture.
History[]
Recorded History[]
wipwipwip
Legends/Myth[]
They have one legend about the great SquirrelWing animus, Prince Atlas, despite no actual preserved records of the story. The child of Queen Oak and King Linseed, he was found as an egg, a bright white egg, left in the royal hatchery alongside their two other eggs, who would hatch to become Princess Foxtail and Princess Marmot. His egg was left with a short note, cryptically speaking of great abilities, and that he had been brought to their tribe to help them in this time of war. The rulers named him Atlas, in hopes that he would be the map to guide them into a peaceful future. According to the legends, he did-- in the midst of the very vaguely andinnacurately recorded 'Great War'. Prince Atlas enchanted mountains into existence to protect the SquirrelWings from the other tribes, he grew a new palace when theirs was burned down, healed dragons, and fought alongside those he helped. He was a great dragon, fending off their enemies and saving his tribe, and others. But in all this time, while he built back up their tribe without a thought for himself, he never took a mate, had dragonets, nor even made a friend. Perhaps he knew it was his fate to disappear as he did, and wanted to leave no dragonets behind to be raised without a father, no mate yearning for him when he vanished, no friends to mourn his lack of presence. But according to their legends, he was considered one of the best dragons his tribe had ever known, and for this and his amazing feats, he would be remembered forever in the hearts, minds, and scrolls of the SquirrelWings.
Society[]
SquirrelWings form their society based on a dragon's role in their Dray and the kingdom's hierarchy.
WIP
Festivals and Celebrations[]
SquirrelWings celebrate a variety of cultural holidays throughout the year, a semi-religious tribe with simple customs.
Festival of Atlas[]
This festival celebrates the hatching-day of Prince Atlas, the SquirrelWing's original animus dragon, and the savior of their tribe, and honours his name. This festival brings music, fine food, games and races, happiness and fun all around. It is accompanied by a huge royal feast, the entire tribe coming to the Inner Canopy to celebrate this occasion. Dragons often wear ornate jewelry and elaborate garments to this celebration; showing off their most precious pieces of treasure. This festival is celebrated on the spring equinox, the day Atlas was hatched.
Worker's and Builder's Gala[]
As winter comes to Penthema, the SquirrelWings celebrate the hard work and diligence of the labourers and builders of the tribe by spending an evening celebrating. They sit in a place of honor amongst the royals and nobles, and enjoy music, fine food, and other luxuries generally only affordable by figures of importance.
WIP
Succession[]
If the queen retires or dies of any cause, the oldest female heir will become queen, and the former queen consort will be relieved from rule and retire as well. The SquirrelWings participate in no challenges or trials to become queen; they are a mostly peaceful tribe and would wish no harm upon their rulers.
However, if enough of the SquirrelWings believe one or both of their rulers are inadequate or at fault, they can overthrow them and either have the heirs become rulers, or elect their own new rulers. This happened only once, under the reign of Queen Alder, and her mate King Acorn remained king, as the SquirrelWings still believed him to still be a good and just king, only mislead by the manipulation of his mate.
In general, queens have been the ones to rule in the SquirrelWing kingdom; despite allowing male rulers, they have been influenced by the queen-centric views of many other tribes, so a female heir, even if younger, will still the the one to take the throne over a male heir.
Strengths and Weaknesses[]
Strengths:[]
Speed:
Agility:
Climbing:
Hearing:
Weaknesses:[]
Size:
Endurance:
Strength:
Water:
Alliances[]
Pentheman[]
Allies: Northern/Arctic SquirrelWings [SealWings] (WIP), NewtWings (WIP),
Enemies: HawkWings (WIP), HailWings (WIP)
Neutral: LizardWings (WIP), CragWings (WIP)
Other/Non-Canon[]
Allies: N/A
Enemies: N/A
Neutral: N/A
Currency[]
WIP
Religon[]
WIP
A Day In The Life of a SquirrelWing[]
You wake up and stretch out your wings. It's a normal day on Penthema, and you plan to make the best of it. You leave your nest in the Nutmeg Dray and greet your neighbors, before going out to grab a breakfast from the cache, and you're on your way to your job caring for the eggs in the Inner Canopy.
As soon as you arrive, you see tables stocked with various fine foods being prepared. There are also festive booths draped with fine garments and jewelry for the upcoming Festival of Atlas. You smile, as you love the fun-filled, joyous holiday yourself.
The various other dragons around you move on with their days, passing you as you head to your job. On your break, you purchase a beautiful necklace for your partner. You'll present it to them on the Festival day- you're sure they'll love it.
You run into a couple of important-looking SealWings on the way back- apparently, they're looking for the queen. No surprise, the tribe's recent talks of alliance with the CragWings has drawn a lot of attention from your cold-climated counterparts. You, personally, are still a heavily wary of the mountainous dragons your tribe had allied with. You settle down in your nest that night and recall the festival preparations, the necklace (which you have hidden in a very clever spot; your partner will never find it), and the aristocratic SealWings. What a lovely day, you reminisce happily as you drift off to sleep.
Official Members[]
Queen Walnut (Mate of King Redtail) (NPC)
King Redtail (Mate of Queen Walnut) (NPC)
Princess Shrew (Child of Queen Walnut & King Redtail) (NPC)
Prince Maple (Child of Queen Walnut & King Redtail) (NPC)
Lady Foxtail (Not to be mistaken for Princess Foxtail) (Lady of Foxtail Dray) (NPC)
Lady Hazel (Lady of Hazel Dray) (NPC)
Lady Chestnut (Lady of Chestnut Dray) (NPC)
Lady Opossum (Lady of Opposum Dray) (NPC)
Lady Nutmeg (Lady of Nutmeg Dray) (NPC)
Birch (Owned by Princess Delta the SeaWing-RainWing-NightWing)
Prince Atlas (Deceased) (Adopted child of Queen Oak & King Linseed) (NPC)
Queen Oak (Deceased) (Mate of King Linseed) (NPC)
King Linseed (Deceased) (Mate of Queen Oak) (NPC)
King Acorn (Deceased) (Mate of former Queen Alder) (NPC)
Princess Marmot (Deceased) (Child of Queen Oak & King Linseed) (NPC)
Princess Foxtail (Deceased) (Not to be mistaken for Lady Foxtail) (Child of Queen Oak & King Linseed) (NPC)
Former Queen Alder (Deceased) (Mate of King Acorn) (NPC)
Trivia[]
- SquirrelWings generally don't have as much of the creatives arts as many other tribes, but of those arts, carving and sculpting are the most common!
- SquirrelWings were originally going to be allied with the HawkWings, but it was eventually decided against.
- Former Queen Alder was overthrown when she was discovered plotting to kill her mate, King Acorn, so she could take over the kingdom and declare war on the SealWings. She wanted to do this because she thought the SealWings had betrayed them by splitting off into a different tribe, and wanted to wipe the 'heretics' out.
- SquirrelWings have an aversion to killing squirrels for any reason; although there is no specific reason for this other than not wanting to do anything to the animal they share a name with.
Making a SquirrelWing[]
Commoners are open to make freely, but should follow tribe guidelines, and may need to be approved before public use. Royalty/Nobles/Hybrids/Mutations etc. require explicit permission from the tribe owner to make, and will likely be limited. This does not include regular mutations, only tribe-specific ones.
Image Resources[]
The following resources pertain to the entire SquirrelWing tribe and are free for community use. Please do not put art that is specific to your character in the gallery for the SquirrelWing tribe. Credit the artists and don't erase signatures. Currently featured bases do not correspond with the tribe's canonical appearance, and are innacurate.
(ClassyHeadbanger) Venomless variation.
(ClassyHeadbanger) Venomclaws variation.