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SPECIES INFORMATION

GENERAL ANATOMY

 Jape snakes are reptile-like creatures born of the will of Beginning, an Armanguis. Their wide variety in genes is caused by their creator taking inspiration in what she enjoyed in the world. It makes it possible for Japes to have many sub-species, ranging from amphibious to fur-covered. But, some things do stay the same for every Japes (mutations may overide): Long body covered in small scales, three fingers on their hands with thumbs, three toes per foot. Japes have Spikes are present on the Jape's tail, usually three or four. The amount of spikes present tell of the Jape's type. Japes' mouth have many sharp teeth, though none at the front of their mouth. This is so that they can flicker their longue tongues easier. Speaking of tongue, they usually are fairly colorful, differently colored than the rest of the body as a mean of intimidation. Their tongue, when not out, is in a pocket-like pouch in their throat. This "pocket" is also used when a Jape has youngs: it will keep its tongue dangling out of its mouth to carry very young Japes in i

Lesser

   These Japes are not big (or strong) enough to be ridden by a regular handler. Their strongest point is their inteligence, making them more adequate magic users. These are the most common type of Japes.
   Regular height: Usually ranging from minimum 1'5" to maximum 2'8" (to shoulder)

Greater

   Greater Japes are big and strong enough to carry a ridder. They are usually seen more as the guardian type than their smaller counter part. While they can wield magic, they usually prefer to use their brute strenght over spending days and days attempting to learn a spell. This type of Jape is less common than Lessers, with a usual ratio of 1 Greater for 3 Lessers.
   Regular height: Usually ranging from minimum 3'5" to maximum 4'8" (to shoulder)

SOCIAL

Names

   While a Japes name may be practically anything, it is their full name that is interesting: A Jape's fullname from the clan of the Rosetorn would be, for example: Rosetorn Azaic. This is because Japes take on the name of their clan, and put it before theirs, since their clan is supposed to come before themselves. When visiting another clan, a Jape will identify itself with its full name, and the other clan will usually only usually use its clan's name. When in their own closed group of friends or clan, they will use their short name only. For example, if our little friend Rosetorn Azaic was within its clan, he would only be refered to as Azaic.
   When changing clan, it will lose its own clan name to take on its new one: this is a mean of prooving that the Jape is not only part of the new clan, but also that it is no longer part of its old clan. It is very difficult for some Japes to change their clan's name, and is thus seen as a huge sign of loyalty.
   In the case of domesticated Japes, they will usually take on part of the name of the owner as their "clan's" name. For example, if the handler's full name is "Marie Rose", the Jape may identify itself as either "Marie Azaic", or "Rose Azaic".

Clans

   Japes usually live in clans. Sometimes, a clan may only be a family or two living toghetter, while another is filled with a dozen of families. When a Jape is in a relationship with a Jape from another clan, one of the two may change clan to go live in its new one, or, in rare cases, both clans may fuse into a single one. A Jape may also leave its clan to make its own. Sometimes, clans share a territory, while others may be more territorial. A clan is simply seen as a social group of like-minded Japes. Japes clans are, from a technical standpoint, anarchic. This means that there are no laws that apply to every single clan or Jape. This means that every clan has its own little unwriten rules, laws, traditions and celebrations, which may be wildly different from another clan. Some clans do share celebrations and traditions, originating from ages and ages ago when there wouldn't be a lot of clans. The anarchic system makes it difficult for a Jape to properly integrate into a new clan, thus a Jape will not change clan like you change your socks.

Sir/Dam

   With the intent to keep the bloodlines strongs, Japes have what is refered to as a sir/dam system. While a Jape may be in a relationship with one, they may still seek a sir/dam, usually chosen with their partner, to have a clutch. This is not only so that the youngs are healtier and have stronger genes, but also makes it possible for couples which would not usually be able to breed and produce youngs to have their own. While usually the couple will take the young from the sir/dam and go on their way, it is often possible for the sir/dam to live with the couple to help care for the young, though this is seen as a little unsual (but not frown upon.) Sir/dams are practically only seen as the biological parents. So youngs do not even get to meet their sir/dam in their life, and do not usually seek to meet them.

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