Species Info

Algolope - 'Almost Rabbits'

Algolope are a large species of land-bound rabbit-like dragons, commonly found in many biomes, including Taiga, Plains, Mountains, and Deserts. While they often avoid Swamps and Jungles, this is merely due to problems navigating the terrain, due to their size and need for open space for hunting and running. While the common Algolope is not found in these areas, there are rumors of sightings of smaller more agile cousins, though it's not been confirmed. The species itself is native to the continent of Tamaranth, a large region split by mountains and with variable climates. 

In the far north there is a cousin species of a much larger size, but sightings are rare and little is understood of this species.

Algolopes are distinguished mainly by their primarily Rabbit-like head and hind legs, deep chest and lean body, with a fur-less and scaled belly, throat, and  underside of the tail. They hunt mainly in packs, much like common wolves, and often many members of the pack are siblings originating from a dominant wild pair. Their main skill is running down the stamina of their prey, and while they cannot bite to deliver killing blows, they use a large stinger at the end of their semi-opposable tail as well as their claws. The edges of the stinger are also capable of slashing, and Algolope hunters usually achieve this by chasing down and toppling their prey, while another pounces on the animal and delivers a killing blow.

Algolope speed is rivaling that of a cheetah, though their endurance is much more developed, and while they don't chase prey at all times at a full sprint, they often trot or lope after, gaining the second part of their name. Domesticated Algos are used in competitive racing and as work-animals to manage herds and flocks of livestock. Some keep them as riding animals without interest in the sporting side, and others like to show off their Algos in conformation or agility courses. Generally anything a horse would be used for there's a sister sport or use in Algos. Particularly tame Algos could be used to pull carts or carriages and as long travel companions or pack animals.

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The species has tamed lines dating back several hundred years, and generally they are rather placid and well tempered as long as they are keep entertained and fed. Tamed Algolope, and in rare cases, wild counterparts have a habit of bonding with a single individual, strengthening this bond often leads to rather loyal and fierce animals that would  fight to the death to protect their riders or owners if it came to it. 

Wild Algos are a mix of truly wild creatures as well as feral populations and are rounded up or tracked on occasion to be tamed and adopted out to new prospects. These algos can be a bit more difficult to work with but are often hardier and stronger than their domestic counterparts, and may also introduce new bloodlines and mutations. 

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Dragons and Algolope
Being a draconic species, albeit landbound like drakes, Algolopes do not hunt or fight other dragons unless needed. They are considered kindred species and Algolopes are known to be able to communicate with wild dragons, both the lesser variety and the giants or Greater Dragons. While they may not be friendly to all dragons, and the latter towards Algolopes,  there is an unspoken rule among draconic beings to respect the territory and ways of other dragons.

Intelligence
While used as mounts and for racing, Algolopes are considered rather intelligent and can form strong bonds with members of their pack or even their riders and handlers. It's considered a mutual relationship when Algolopes do tasks for humanoids, and often with expectation of reward or other offerings such as shelter and steady food supply. Algolopes who are mistreated or abandoned will take matters into their own claws and find a new place for themselves, whether that's a new rider or handler, or becoming what's known as 'Feral'.  Algolope do not accept 'Owners' and seem to react poorly when spoken or treated as property or livestock.

Algolopes keep grudges, much like their larger cousins, once shunned an Algolope will remember it forever and can be quite spiteful or troublesome for any individual who betrays their trust. Local villages often kick out humanoid individuals known to mistreat their Aglos, not wishing for the wrath of the creature and whatever it brings with to befall their settlements.

Reproduction:

Wild Algolope often mate for life, living in a family comprised of their offspring. When a Pack gets too large, the younger members often depart to form their own packs and territories. Tamed individuals aren’t so picky, often being together only long enough to complete breeding, and then being separated for their safety. The exception is when a rider or breeder chooses to let their Algolope pick its mate and do not interfere otherwise.

Most Algolope breed at 2 years of age, and females are capable of continued breedings once a year until they reach the age of 30, afterwards they are retired. Male Algolope can continue to breed until 40. However young or inexperienced Algolope cannot breed more than 5 times, as it's monitored and prevented  past that to keep the breed healthy and strong. Once an Algolope reaches a higher rank, their owners are trusted to breed them more often, though still with regulations for the algos safety and health.

Litters

A female Common Algolope often produces litters of 1-4 kits, and in very rare cases 5. It's also not unheard of for low-rank and inexperienced Algolope pairs to produce empty litters, even if the breeding seemed successful.

On very very rare chance, mutations can surface in a few kits, often gaining the breeder or owner a large sum of money should they desire to sell it, or keep it for future breeding.

Inbreeding

Inbreeding in Algolope is often dangerous and heavily frowned upon as it mucks up the lineage and causes the offspring to either be stillborn or with defects such as malformed spines, stingers, blindness, brittle or weak bones, infertility, as well as deafness. While these animals can be tended and cared for, they are often banned from races, and many events. On occasion Blind animals can be taught to hunt or fish, but they are never allowed to race.

Retirement

Even with the general retirement and breeding limits, it's possible to breed a retired Legendary Algolope 5 more times. Though with each subsequent breeding, the health of both the dam, and/or sire, and kits may be decreased, and the chances of small litters or empty litters also increased with each breeding. The only safe way to ensure the health of the sire, dam, and kits, and to prevent stillborn or empty litters, is to hire breeding specialists. This is often accomplished by purchasing a Specialist Ticket per slot, and ensures at least 1 kit per slot, with no detriment to the health of the kits or parents. Please note that you do not need to do this to breed past the 28f/38m retirement slots, though the health and success of the litter is not guaranteed. 

Diet

Algolope are Omnivores, and tamed individuals can be fed a mixture of vegetables and meats. Wild Algolope often subsist primarily on fresh meats and fish, since steady access to greenery may not always be available. Young Algolope feed on a mush of partially digested meats and plant matter, though tamed individuals can be substituted a formula of milk, ground meat, and soft fruits. While it’s not the most desirable combination, particularly to those that have to feed the young, it does provide them with balanced nutrients and promotes their healthy growth. 

Common Algolopes:

Average Lifespan: 40- 50 years

Maturity: 2 years

Female Retirement: 30 Years (28 slots at Legend Rank)

Male Retirement: 40 Years (38 Slots at Legend Rank)

Average Litter Size: 1-4, rarely 5

Average Height (withers): 72-80 inches, 6ft to ~6.66 ft
Small Height: 60-72 inches, 5ft-6ft
Large Height: 80-84 inches, ~6.66ft - 7ft

Acceptable Height Range: 60-84 inches

Average Weight: 700-1000lbs

Average Land Speed in a Lope: 5-10 mph

Average Sprint Speed (Unencumbered, short distance): 45-72 mph

Average Race Speed (Encumbered): 40 mph
Maximum Speed*(Unencumbered): 60-80 mph 

Long Distance Average Speed: 20-40 mph