The Garrox has a skeleton made of stone, hard to damage and harder to break. Their body is covered in tough skin and coarse, short hairs. The stones of their spine tend to cause a ridges and bumps across their back, and their shoulders and hips are incredibly blocky. Their brows and horns are connected, and their long ears have a central flap that closes to keep out water, dust, and other invasive things that may damage their ears. Garrox paws have the same dexterity of human hands, and as such they can be used to pick up, hold and grab things.
Garrox, who share very similar anatomy to horses, are thick necked and barrel chested. Their large rib cage leaves space for a larger pair of lungs and big heart. They can gallop at high speeds and not have to stop for rest, and can leap over fallen trees, rocks and other hazards with ease. Their claw tipped arms are often used to keep their balance, spread out at their sides, or used to spear prey as they get close enough snap their arm forward, claw extended.
Garrox are fierce and extremely territorial. Threat displays are not at all uncommon, as they are prone to fighting with anyone outside their own pack. Standing with their neck outstretched and chest puffed out to seem bigger is usually enough to ward off any threats, however they are also known to bare their teeth and claws, and in very extreme cases, unhinge their jaw and let it hang open as they scream to frighten their opponent.
Subspecies
The Garrox species has four different subspecies - Petite, Neutral, Doe and Brute.
These subspecies used to live in various parts of the world, residing in different climates from their kin. However, in the years that followed after the attack of Infranos, the remaining garrox were forced to come together. Due to this, purebred garrox no longer exist, and as such every garrox is a mix of two subspecies, and takes their attributes from them. For example - a Brute/Doe mix may be tall and thick, or a Doe/Petite may be stilt legged with round, soft features. The possibilities for these mixes are endless, leading to many unique looking Garrox!
These subspecies used to live in various parts of the world, residing in different climates from their kin. However, in the years that followed after the attack of Infranos, the remaining garrox were forced to come together. Due to this, purebred garrox no longer exist, and as such every garrox is a mix of two subspecies, and takes their attributes from them. For example - a Brute/Doe mix may be tall and thick, or a Doe/Petite may be stilt legged with round, soft features. The possibilities for these mixes are endless, leading to many unique looking Garrox!
Subspecies by Mekko-chan
No subspecies is considered rarer than the others, and all are equally as common. However, purebred, single subspecies Garrox are not allowed.
No subspecies is considered rarer than the others, and all are equally as common. However, purebred, single subspecies Garrox are not allowed.
Petite
Petite Garrox are often shorter, with rounder features than other garrox. Sharing many of its traits and appearance with the species' cubs, the Petite subspecies was first assumed to be a mutation. However, this tiny clawless Garrox is very quick and has the best hearing out of all the subspecies. They lack claws, and survive mostly on scavenging from plants, fruits and carcasses. They survive best in hotter conditions, where they fan out their large ears as a sort of cooling system. They are not very good jumpers, however, due to their shorter legs.
Neutral
The Neutral Garrox has a little bit of each of their kin in their appearance, which gives them their name. A subspecies with no particular pros or cons, the Neutral Garrox has the best eyesight. They're incredibly vocal, moreso than other subspecies, and are good climbers, using their large raptor-like claws to support themselves in trees, rather than for killing and slicing. The neutrals often have the thickest hair, and dwell in colder climates.
Doe
Long legged Garrox that feed mostly on plants and fish, the Doe is the most graceful subspecies of Garrox. They're fantastic jumpers, and can scale dangerous terrain easier than others. However, they cannot climb trees like the Neutral subspecies as, like the Petite, they lack the raptor-like claw on their hind paws. They are also excellent swimmers, and those that live closest to water may develop webbing between their toes.
Brute
The stockiest subspecies, Brutes are skilled on the offensive and defensive. Their hide is often much tougher than others, and often sports short thick hair. Their claws are often thicker and longer, and their fangs are much more efficient. Strictly carnivorous, but not vicious by nature, the Brutes are often vital to any pack, and make fantastic cub sitters.