A wonderful Reference to my Tirix character Ryoko by Mr. Cross; providing a great time to talk about the species. Something I've wanted to do for a while. I'm opening this species to anyone and everyone who wants to use it, being a relatively flexible one too.
But first, I want to thank Mr. Cross for his efforts. Go check out his stuff! He does such good work and definitely deserves a lot more attention <3 https://www.furaffinity.net/user/jarickocross/
Without further ado
Tirix (Species)
"That's why you're here, isn't it? To remember the damn past? What you've lost and what's left for you to fight for? Even if it is no longer your life, it was the thing that brought you here. What you were missing in your next life, or Ryoko's. It's what's giving him, giving you, purpose." ~Ragin, Life Of My Own
A Tirix is a failed experiment of reincarnation. A strange mix between synthetic and organic sciences or magics to create a "vessel". Imperfect, but an operational prototype of a body without a soul, able to withstand the ability to house one. Giving a deceased essence the ability of another life, if not for a limited time. It is considered a failure due to it being somewhat unreliable during the transfer process, the percentage of success is marginally low. Several errors kept occuring during experimentation, including the Tirix's previous personalities consuming the soul forced into it (vs the expected other way around), the original personality outright rejecting the soul and forcing it back out, or the original personality merging with the soul to become something entirely different.
...Confused yet? Okay, very simple terms: Magical Cat-Dog that can be used as a body for Leonardo Da Vinci (or whoever pretty much died/is close to death), giving it an identity crisis... If things go according to plan but they usually don't. Hence the 'failed' part. I'll go more in depth about this later in the "Purpose/Soul" section, but first:
If you don't want a lore/information dump and just want to make one, here's a super quick rundown
Stuff 'Set In Stone' (pretty much required for a Tirix): -Pick a Canine Species [Arctic Wolf, Spotted Hyena, Corgi, etc.] -Pick a Feline Species [Lion, Tiger, Tabby cat, etc.] -Fuse those two together, add a flame at the end of the tail [color=]
Stuff that isn't 'Set In Stone' (very flexible from here on out): -Colors [Go nuts. Main Body, Mane/Hair, Tail Flame, Eyes, use whatever you like] -Body Type [Anthro, Feral/quadruped, a mix inbetween, that's up to you] -Size [Weight, Height, Bulk. It's typical to use the average of the two species that you chose above. But you can use the extreme of one or the other.] -Fur Style+Patterns [does NOT have to be from the two species you've picked above. If you want a Corgi-Tiger with a Stripeless Collie's coat, go for it] -Age (human years): 1-700 [1-3 Infant, 3-15 Cubhood, 15-30 Adolescence/Teen, 30+ Adult, 600-ish being Senior] -Name [Whatever you like. It's not uncommon for a Tirix to adopt the naming styles of other species/cultures they grew up in.]
All that's left is the backstory, along with the soul related bit. To help you from searching, that'll be placed up-front:
The "Purpose"/The "Soul" As stated before, the Tirix was created (in many different ways, using science or magics) to house the spirit of another (or in rare occasions, a subconscious). That's what the Tirix' main purpose was, but upon creating them they discovered that it wasn't exactly a 'shell'. It wasn't "A robot without any inner programming", that the creature does end up developing a consciousness and personality on its own, even if it does house a soul within it. This created conflicts in terms of who was actually in control of the body, often making the creature remember past events that did not happen to the actual body (but the soul that occupied it) and question who exactly it was. Hence: "Identity Crisis" Often enough, if the personality of the soul housing the Tirix was more kind in nature, it would likely give the 'new one' (the original personality of the creature) time and room to grow. Allowing them to bloom into whatever the original's experiences offer. Whereas more evil/selfish/'determined' essences would lock the original personality away or possibly even devour it. Allowing a true 'reincarnation' of sorts to emerge, just with a different body. But reliably, previous powers can be developed and channeled through the Tirix's form. This can be from past memory (like recalling a ritual of sorts or remembering the vocal requirements of a spell), to unlocking entirely new abilities naturally. Including, as stated before, the ability to shapeshift into different forms (Feral to Anthro, for example). It's important to note that a soul can enter and be carried by a Tirix at any point of the creature's lifespan, whether the Tirix is willing or not. It is possible for the creature to resist it when they're older, but it is an up-hill battle of sorts for them. And eventually the Tirix will have to confront the spirit within it and reach an agreement of sorts about who will host the body. It is possible for the two to co-exist, and in rare occasions, for the 'loser' to overtake the dominant one later in its existence. It all honestly depends on the individual and what they are up against. I have written an example of this exact thing happening in a short story titled "Life Of My Own", portraying this discussion/battle in a form of a 'Nightmare' that took place within the Tirix's mind.
This isn't required by any means, if you don't feel like 'more reading', no worries.
How the soul is carried by the Tirix is also up to you as well. Some examples Mr. Cross came up with were:
Soul Lantern - An opened container of sorts that is worn like a large amulet, giving them a form of light that the Tirix must stay within. If the two are separated, it could either weaken the Tirix dramatically, or even cause it to fall unconscious. Possibly resulting in death as well. (This may sound a little harsh, but weaknesses make characters interesting)
"The Iron Man" - For those who want to add more technology to their characters, they could use the soul as a form of "Battery". Maybe stored in the chest, much like how Tony Stark replaced his own heart in Marvel Media. Perhaps even weaponizing the energy the soul could produce if needed.
Soul Carrying Hair/Mane - ...I know- I KNOW! It sounds dumb on paper, but imagine glowing hair or even a fire mane. Vibrant colors, perhaps changing either during energy levels, moods, or some other status that would often effect the Tirix.
My point is: Get Creative! If you'd rather keep the concept unknown, that's okay too. But have fun with it
Appearance
'Cat-Dog' kinda gave it away, but a Tirix usually takes characteristics of two animals. Rarely more than two, but usually one canine and one feline (commonly a larger/wild one over a domestic). Meeting in the middle-ground of the two species, and occasionally getting the features of them. An example being a thicker wolf body with a male lion's mane (Wolf + Lion mix). While it is very common for them to be quadruped (four legged/feral), they can be trained to have the balance of a bi-pedal relatively easily. There have been cases of Anthro Tirix as well, both with plantigrade (heels) and digitigrade ("animal") hind legs. Tirix also possess a small flame at the ends of their tails. This provides very little light and warmth (not enough to start an actual fire), even underwater. It is more cosmetic than anything, not requiring air but it will go out if the creature dies. Also makes them kind of bad at Hide & Seek or playing dead. No color seems to be unnatural to a Tirix, seen in rather flexible coats and vibrant manes/tails/eyes. Stripes, patterns, and fur markings are all quite common, but due to their experimental nature, it's also quite common that they are marked in some way as well. Usually by a set of numbers and/or letters somewhere along the body used as a tag. Naturally born ones though don't usually have these, but there have been some instances where patterns within their furs can look like familiar shapes. Overall, they are a rather flexible species in terms of appearance.
Features
What Tirix almost always have though is the following: -Opposable Thumbs on their forepaws, giving them the ability to use tools and objects like in their previous lives.
-Tend to have a Locking Jaw; allowing them to latch onto an object or flesh while the jaw remains in position. Need to almost completely have their fangs closed before this lock releases. This is not to be confused with the medical condition in canines "Lockjaw" (or Tetanus Bacillus), though a Tirix can develop this.
-Very high Adaptation, allowing them to survive in a variety of different climates and situations, if they can live long enough within it. So, jumping into an active volcano to survive against lava isn't going to work, but being stranded out in the desert for a week will build up quite a bit of heat resistance. Along with this, they tend to heal relatively quickly (taking hours to heal a cut vs a week+ compared to a human) and have a high resistance against illnesses. Even if it does cause a form of death, which leads us to...
-'Second Chance': If a Tirix is clinically dead, the body can still continue to heal over. If the brain is fully repaired, it can attempt a restart if the creature is carrying a second soul. At the cost of having that second soul in charge, and with very little memory of what happened. It is possible to regain these memories in shards, or even for the previous soul to recall such actions, but rarely does the original essence of the Tirix (in its first life) regain full control. Now, if the body is unable to repair itself, the creature's new life then begins in place of where another Tirix would be made/birthed (usually the ladder). Having them go through life again but with the second soul in control, for better or for worse. If this happens... It is very rare that any memories of the first life will return. And often enough, if this new youth was being used to add yet another soul into the body, the odds of success are incredibly slim. Often resulting in the loss of life, and the end for the Tirix.
-Hidden Claws within their forearms. While the Tirix does have a set of dull nails at the end of their 'fingers and toes' (usually the dull forms of a canine nails. There have been some who have more retractable feline claws instead), able to defend themselves quite well with just these alone, they do have a set of hidden long-claws. These are stored in the forearms, and retract down towards the 'knuckles' before locking the wrist in place. These 'claws' are about 20 cm average in length and often put the creature in a bit of pain (both from the sharpness of the exit and the straining of the muscles that remain tense for as long as they are out). While extended, the Tirix's hands remain in a fist-like position, able to move their opposable digit (thumb) relatively freely but their other digits are locked in place until the claws are retracted. Drawing these weapons can be forcefully done by tapping the wrist-area quite hard, and same goes for withdrawing them. --It's important to note how dangerous and sharp these claws tend to be; able to pierce through quite a few metals and even stone. They are deadly weapons, but are still able to harm the creature itself if not carefully used.
--Design wise does differ slightly between tirix, be it length or tip style.
Lifestyle It's rare for a group of Tirix to live within the same 'Pack' that isn't related by blood, due to their rather explorable nature. However, they are relatively social creatures, often seeking out interaction and relationships with other kinds of animals or people. Adopting the cultures that they find themselves in, providing said cultures are willing to accept them. In the rare occurrence that they do form a pack with other Tirix, it is very commonly in a form of solitude. A couple sharing their own location, often near villages or small towns, eventually growing their family and possibly sharing locations with another pack (of Tirix or another species). They've been found residing in caves, underground areas, and even large trees. But most commonly; abandoned structures such as cabins or even bunkers. The main reason why such locations is their fascination with learning and technology. They take great pleasure in studies and discovering how to use tools, be it from the past or even new inventions that could possibly make their lives easier. This even includes forms of magic, though difficult for them to get incantations correctly at first (usually motion based ones). The species often attempts to combine the two; Technology and Magic, into one in order to improve their lives and the lives of others (and not just other Tirix). A Tirix is able to adapt quite well, but that doesn't mean their lives don't come with challenges, especially if they are naturally feral. Often having issues with balance and reaching higher places (like cabinets or shelves), even if they do have a significant advantage due to being part 'large cat/canine'. 'Fitting into' a society, especially one that tends to outcast those who are different, can also make things very difficult for the life of a Tirix. It's not uncommon for them to withdraw into the wild for some solitary privacy, or even venture off traveling around the world. Especially if it does make things easier for them to study or learn, being away from negative distractions. In terms of a litter, it is rare for a female to give birth to more than two cubs, but it has happened. Pregnancies usually last a full year and the youth do need to be watched for at least three years after in their infancy. Cubhood is usually when they begin to start forming full sentences, and it does usually last 10-15 years. Adolescence is another 10-15 and it is not uncommon in their "Teen Years" to go out on their own and discover a lot of answers for themselves. Sometimes they return to the pack, sometimes not. Eventually, they do reach young adulthood, which can last 20 years before considered an actual Adult. From there, it really depends on a lot of factors when it comes to estimating their lifespan. Creation seems to matter: if the Tirix was created by a natural birthing process it's possible for them to live up to 700 years, but being made from a lab or other methods tends to shorten that lifespan rather dramatically. Even shorter if they do obtain a soul, especially if it does create stress for the body and make it break down faster. However, death is not the end for a Tirix. If they were carrying a soul, they have a high chance of getting a form of 'second life' with the secondary essence in charge. If the body remains mostly intact, it will eventually heal up and actually revive, keeping it in the same location. However, it is rather unlikely that they will remember anything. And if the damage is too much, the form will revert into a younger state before revival. Often starting life anew, until the day that the Tirix and the soul carrying it once again conflict. This is what the Existence Stage is; determining what period of life the Tirix is living. "1st" being the creature's first signs of life from creation or birth, 2nd being the reincarnation if any.
Mating The species does not mate for life, but it is often quite loyal and prone to having one mate at any given time. Though it is difficult for them to lose a mate, it is possible for them to move on and find another to start a life with. Do keep in mind that a Tirix doesn't always have relationships with other Tirix, it is common for them to branch out and find other intelligent species to start lives and family with. Due to how their biology works, it is possible for them to conceive with most species that do so internally. Giving their young a chance to develop as a Tirix, just like the randomness of many other factors (such as sex and size). Given this, it is also quite random which 'Canine' and 'Feline' will be selected along with the many other stats (such as color). So, in terms of common features, it's hard to tell who exactly is the Parent of the young Cub. However, they can show some either mental or structural traits of the ones who conceived. Being a 'mixed species' in terms of appearance, their sexual equipment follows the same lines. Often being a mix of both Canine and Feline; like a typical dog penis covered in a cat's spines, equipped with the external scrotum and knot to help pleasure and incentivise a female to reproduce. Heat Cycles are also quite common in females, giving them 'Seasons' where they're more fertile than others, but do have methods of preventing pregnancies if desired. Sidenote: I'm not going to Lawyer you here, choose what you like. What I have here is just the default for those who want the 'Default'.
I'm not 100% sure what else to add here, so I'll leave this as a "Work In Progress". If there's something else you'd like to know or are curious about, feel free to leave a comment.
But for now, I'll leave you with some Examples of Existing Tirix within my stories. Starting with the featured:
Ryoko (Primarily featured in Life Of My Own)
Canine - German Shepherd Feline - Mountain Lion Body Type - Feral
Size --Height (top of head) 4'3" or 130cm --Weight 222 lbs or 101kg
Vessel Soul Status: Occupied (Kenis) Soul Relationship: Peaceful Soul Conflict: Resolved Existence Stage: 2nd Life
Colors Main Body - Dark Brown Markings/Tattoos - Light Brown (underside) Mane - Light Grey Tail Flame - White
Deago (Often spotted in Winter Metas, but no primarily focused story as of yet)
Canine - Newfoundland Dog Feline - Tiger Body Type - Feral
Size --Height (top of head) - 6' or 183cm --Weight - 312 lbs or 142kg
Vessel Soul Status: Occupied (Former Force Of Death, Exile) Soul Relationship: Aggressive, Peaceful Soul Conflict: Conquered, Resolved in Harmony Existence Stage: Unknown (Believed to be in 2nd)
Colors Main Body - Orange Markings/Tattoos - Black Mane - Red Tail Flame - Crimson Red
Krow (Primarily in Anthem Of The Lonely)
Canine - Rottweiler Feline - Jaguar Body Type - Shapeshifter; can access a Feral, Anthro, and even a human form.
Size --Height (top of head) - 5'6" or 167.64cm --Weight* - 422 lbs or 191kg (*Due to non-species related reasons, Krow is much heavier than he looks)
