Species -- Aquines

[Howl]

[Howl]

Description

The Aquines (pronounced "AH - kwins") are an aquatic species of Islander with attributes of both equines and fish, who get their name from a combination of the words "aqua" and "equine." These creatures have no hind legs, so they are unable to travel on land. But with the numerous lakes and rivers crossing the island, the Aquines have no trouble meeting and interacting with terrestrial Islanders.

A fairly large Islander species, the Aquines are equal in size of our own horses, about 7 or more feet from nose to tail tip. Slightly more than half that length is the elegant tail, which ends in a broad, semi-transparent tail fin. Powerful muscles in the tail propel the Aquine through the water, allowing them to reach high speeds for a short burst to evade danger or predators. The smaller fins on the Aquines back and front hooves keep the creature stabilized in the water.

Aquine senses are about average. Sight and hearing work both above and below the water's surface, with their underwater senses slightly better than in the open air. Their sense of smell is much diminished in the air, but works much better underwater.

The Aquine is a mammalian species, not a fish. They have lungs instead of gills and must occasionally come to the surface to breathe. Usually they surface to breathe once every minute or two, but can hold their breath for up to ten minutes if need be. Their bodies are covered in very short hair, not scales, with much longer silky manes along their necks. Aquines come in colors of earth tones like our horses, as well as bright fish-like colors and any other colors found in nature.

[Howl]

Behavior

Aquines are considered highly intelligent Islanders. Of the four stats that each species shows (Constitution, Endurance, Wisdom, and Creativity), Aquines place highest in the Wisdom stat. They are generally calm and peaceful animals, rarely causing trouble amongst themselves or other Islanders.

Aquines are also strong social animals, usually living in close family groups of 5 or 6. Unlike our own horse herds that are usually groups of females and foals led by a single stallion, Aquines live in groups of both males and females, led by an older mated pair or a single leader looking for a mate. Occasionally young members of the group who don't agree with the leader will strike out on their own to form their own band, so some individual Aquines are seen living on their own. Fights for dominance are rare; more often Aquines solve their problems verbally.

Aquines are herbivores. Their diet consists entirely of underwater plants such as seaweed and kelp. They enjoy finding new delicacies to try, but their digestive system is not equipped for digesting the tough plants that grow on land.

[Howl]

Habitat

The Aquines are a freshwater species, living most of their lives in the rivers and lakes of Howl's Island. They are able to survive in salt water for a short amount of time, maybe a few days, so occasionally Aquines will travel to the ocean waters surrounding the island (especially the Coral Forest, where young Aquines like to prove their bravery by exploring the ocean depths). But the longer they remain in salt water the more uncomfortable they become, eventually becoming sick if they don't return to the island.

Aquines are primarily a nomadic species. They usually have one area of Howl's Island that they prefer over others, but they rarely pick one particular place they call "home." Rather, they consider their home to be the other Aquines in their band. Aquines also don't have physical homes, but in bad weather they will take shelter in underwater caverns or hide from predators in kelp beds. On calm nights most Aquines find a quiet lake to sleep, floating at the surface under the stars.

[Howl]

Species Interaction

The Aquines are well known on Howl's Island for being able to get along with just about everyone. They make friends easily and their friendships are deep and lasting. Their advice is often asked for because of their reputation for being wise and thoughtful.

At this time the only other intelligent Islander species known is the Taiutors, a large predator species easily capable of taking down a lone Aquine. Although it is generally agreed among Islanders not to prey on other intelligent island species, Aquines do have an instinctual wariness around such large hunters.