Creature:Tundrakle

The Tundraklos (singular Tundrakle, possessive Tundraklen) are a race of bipedal mammals from the arctic planet of Aktron. Though they are rather green to experiences beyond their home system, they are rather notable for their culture and history.

Physiology
The Tundraklos are a bipedal race of mammalian creatures, with a bulky physique and an average height of 5 feet and 6 inches (in Earth measurements), with arms ending in 5-fingered hands (one of which is a thumb) and legs ending in paw-like feed with three toes. Two large antlers grow from their skull, and a good way to determine the age of a Tundrakle is through the small chips in their antlers which build over time due to the near-constant hail of Aktron. They have tough jaw bones and muscles, partially to support their large tusks which develop from their two front teeth at roughly 7 Earth years of age.

Tundraklos have loose, blubbery skin to retain heat on their planet, and a short layer of fur atop of their skin. Their bone structure is built for durability and support of the skin layer, and in older Tundraklos rises through the skin to form a bony pad on their forehead. However, one of the most intriguing parts of Tundraklen anatomy is their 'coldsteel' gland, which requires a regular consumption of ice to work. By combining excess waste with the ice, the body secretes a natural mineral substance they call coldsteel resembling icy crystals, which functions well in an alloy. Another interesting digestion function is their ability to build up nutrients like fat in times when food supplies are short, allowing them to live without many nutrients for months.

Diet
Being omnivores, Tundraklos can digest plantlife of meat easily, though their main diet consists mostly of fish they find swimming below thin ice and the occasional fruit, obtained from cold-resistant plants or from other races through trade. As stated above, they can also 'digest' ice as part of making their 'coldsteel', and can store nutrients for long periods of time when needed.

Evolutionary history
While the Tundraklos are still researching various possible ancestors, the most commonly accepted prehistoric precursor is a species commonly referred to as Tundrarcus, who were omnivorous beings who walked on four legs and had a distinctive horn, which is thought to have become the bone plate commonly seen in older Tundraklos. As for the Tundraklos themselves, it is known they used to have a much less upright posture, with a hunched back and ridged brows. While several other possible ancestors have been discovered, none of them have been proven to be precursors to modern Tundraklos, although a common theory says that cross-breeding was common and that technically all these candidates are ancestors.

Culture
The Tundraklen culture is a deep, rich, and historical one, shaped by their past but still growing as they enter a new age in space. For a majority of their existence, Tundraklos have gathered in a concept they call a 'bloodtwine', similar to the concept Ciof a family. Bloodtwines include close relatives, old friends, and co-workers or apprentices. The average Bloodtwine consists of of 20 - 35 Tundraklos, and while loyalty is a large part of the concept, a Tundrakle can belong to multiple Bloodtwines at once, provided it is not to avoid family or mates. Bloodtwines will reside in large tombs made of raw coldsteel, which often has carvings of the group's escapades adorning the walls along with stocked food and living quarters. The Bloodtwine functions as a family, a clan, a group of warriors, or something beyond the well-describable spectrum of relations depending on the people in it.

In terms of a more literal family, Tundraklos are raised as part of a Bloodtwine, with each older member functioning as a role model and/or caretaker. While in traditional communities Tundraklos remain nameless until they do something considered worthy of a unique name, more modern Bloodtwines will give individual names to younglings. Upon reaching an old enough age to walk on their own, Tundraklos will stop being frequently fed and start being taught to hunt for themselves, and will reach full maturity at the (Earth) age of 23. Generally, those who choose to not participate in any Bloodtwines are considered eccentric, but accepted, albeit with some animosity.

Work is a large part of Tundraklen culture, with efficiency being valued highly and most time being spent in work. The most common jobs are working in mines or sculpting coldsteel, but agricultural jobs have been on a steady uprise since trade brought more fruit to the planet. Due to a focus on work, the Tundraklos prefer to avoid war to allow for more time spent improving. Even their leaders are mostly chosen from hard workers who prove to be good in a leadership role. However, recreational time is still provided, as the Tundraklos appreciate a well-earned rest or time spent with twinemates as much as the hard work they go through to reach it.

'for further information and history, visit the Interstellar Tundrakle Commonwealth page