Shadowkin

They have dark bodies and red, cat-like eyes. Instead of ears, they have antennae-like tendrils on their heads. They are very dexterous and good short distance sprinters, though they would have a harder time maintaining a good speed over a long distance. For any kind of running, it is easier for them to get down on all fours and run, even though they are capable of getting around decently on their hind legs. Their tail splits off into three tendrils at the end which they use to balance themselves during their day to day activities. It is also used as another arm or hand and is capable of picking things up, supporting a shadowkin, and wrapping around objects or people. Think of it more as tendrils than hand digits.

Shadowkin have large eye sockets which allow them to have big ol' red eyes for making the most of the red light their environment provides them. Their forelimbs are attached to their shoulders by free-floating clavicle bones which allow them to fit through any space that their head can fit into, much like cats.

Do they do the scruff thing? Yes, absolutely, you can get a shadowkin to go quiet and passive if you manage to get a hold of their scruff. Should you ever pick up a full grown shadowkin by the scruff? Absolutely not.

Their hands have sturdy claws that help them dig and climb.

Shadowkin bodies are covered in soft, whispy shadows. Most outsiders compare these to a very silky fur, but, unlike fur, these shadows can be burned away with exposure to light.

Biology

Reproduction

They're mammals, so, they reproduce like mammals do. Litters tend to range from one to three babies, with one or two being the most common numbers. They give birth at a very early point in the gestation, much like the mnemodi they live with, and keep their young in pouches.

Both sexes have pouches, though male pouches are used to contain their reproductive organs when they are not in use. Females who have children use them to protect their tiny babies until they no longer need to nurse. It's common practice for females without kids to stash things they like in their pouches for safe keeping, though, some elders frown upon this practice and consider it, 'really gross.'

Diet

Their diet consists mostly of insects and meat, but, they are known to enjoy certain kinds of fruit that grow in the outskirts of their home forest.

Magic and Abilities

They are capable of using shadows to travel and hide in, but lack physical strength. Even though they are able to manipulate shadows to hold items and move as they would like, their physical strength translates over into the capabilities they have using shadows. Any attacks they make using the shadows as a weapon or as a tool to wield something will still work off of the shadowkin’s actual strength.

Culture

Shadowkin are very social creatures and like to live in small groups within visiting distance of others.

There is social grooming, especially among friends and families. This usually involves smoothing out the other shadowkin's shadows with their claws and occasionally tongues.

Relationships

Most shadowkin relationships depend on the personalities of the shadowkin involved. There is documentation of many short romantic or sexual connections, but there is also a rich tradition of monogamy among a good number of the shadowkin. It really depends on who is involved and what the specific situations are.

Oftentimes, if a shadowkin gets into a relationship with an outsider, it is a short term situation, unless the outsider is willing to settle down in the forest.

Licking in general tends to be something done by

• Parents interacting with their children

• Kids being affectionate

• Couples or really close friends

The easiest way to tell if something is a couple situation is if there is tail winding involved.