Tenagatrice (species)

Tenagatrice (Tens) are a species of sentient, pseudo-monotreme, omnivorous plant-drones with rabbit-esque ears capable of transforming into incredibly heavy, muscular arms. Despite appearing mammalian they have beaks, though also sport claws, fingers and horns. Their distribution ranges anywhere from rigid tundras to scorching deserts, their birth mothers will adapt both themselves and their drones to suit the environment they’re born into. As mentioned, Tens are born from plants fully-mature and live in the wilderness protecting the plants they’re born from. However, it’s not uncommon for Tens to live domestic lives amongst civilisation once they’re outcompeted by their brood-mates. Tens can adapt and mimic the social norms seen in any society, meaning while Tens can live a feral lifestyle they can also be productive members of society after being replaced by a stronger drone.

Size
The average Ten stands anywhere between 4’0 (1.2m) to 8’0 (2.4m) with a weight typical of any average anthropomorphic. With ears extended their weight can increase by a factor of anywhere between one-and-a-half to three depending on their build.

Head
The skull of a Ten is very thick and dense to support the muscles in their ears. It is very atypical for Ten’s to experience any brain injuries or fractures to their skull because of how well protected their heads are. Furthermore, all Tens are typically equipped with two horns of any size and shape which work as further defensive components. Horns will never obstruct the ears and are almost never near the side of the head. Their mouth is a beak with two mandibles of any shape, beaks often are very dense and take the shape of any typical avian. The density of these beaks make them almost impossible to break or chip. These beaks always have nostrils at their base rather than on the beak.

Eyes
The eyes of a Ten are very adept. They are able to see as per any normal anthropomorphic and can see an average range of colour. They can detect movement relatively well but are particularly equipped at looking long distances. Two rings around the eyes and the pupil will dilate and contract depending on if they are looking close or far respectively. While the pupils will respond to normal stimuli, the two outer rings on the eyes will only do so when changing the distance of their focus.

Ears
While Tens do have a normal anthropomorphic anatomy with two arms and legs, they are also equipped with a set of rabbit ears. These ears are not curved like normal rabbit ears to pick up sound and are instead straight appendages. They often have an underside of shorter fur. The end of the ears will always taper off into ribbons depending on the amount of digits per ear hand, typically five. These fingers typically have shorter fur as well. When needed, these ears can expand to very large proportions into the form of arms with varying build. The tapered ribbons will also turn into fully functional, clawless hands with opposable thumbs. Even without bones, these arms are incredibly strong with a density of rock at rest and a density of diamond while tensed. The joints to the head are always incredibly strong and these arms are impossible to amputate or cut even in their floppy ear form. Despite this, the arms are still capable of being bruised, strained and cramped - though structural health of them will never falter. Each arm is capable of delivering insanely powerful blows, easily able to twist metal, break walls, rip trees from the ground and tunnel. The average Ten can support 9+ tonnes with both arms with a small amount of strain. The density of the arms miraculously does not seem to affect a Ten’s body or weight distribution, but a Ten standing for longer than an hour with these arms not supporting their weight on the ground can result in slight pain. This can graduate into other health complications, because of this Ten’s often only use their arms when needed and rest them on surfaces when possible. These arms also can fatigue and use energy much alike to medium intensity exercise. Furthermore, these ears can easily restrict hearing and Tens are not well equipped to hear well.

Fur & Skin
Tens are covered in a fur-like coat, the length of this fur is dependent on each Ten and their skin is usually a single colour. Tens can have anything between a coat suited for a tundra to no fur at all. Their skin is comparable to that of a mammal’s and some Tens will shed much like other anthropomorphics.

Ambulation & Arms
The Ten species always walks on a set of strong plantigrade legs with clawed toes. Their actual hands are also clawed. The length of these claws can be anything from completely absent to unnaturally long and sharp. They are not very fast on their feet but their ear arms allow for very speedy travel.

Diet
Tens are exclusively vegetarian and often indulge in faux meats when they can if their beak allows it - though that doesn’t stop them. Because of their ears they must consume more food than normal and will burn these excess calories with the use of their ears.

Internal Biology
The internal biology of a Ten is alike to an omnivorous mammal with no crop like their beak would suggest. However their mouth still has a glottis meaning they do not breathe through the same tube they eat. Tens may have flesh coloured tongues but the colour of their flesh is always a vibrant green and their blood is a clear, mucus-like consistency. Furthermore, their heart is unnaturally large to cope with the bodily strain of pumping such strange blood and the excess circulation for their ears.

Longevity
Tenagatrice live for approximately 150 years. Since they’re not susceptible to most common diseases they rarely die before this time and more than often perish from natural degradation of their hearts, lungs or nervous systems.

Mother Plants
Tenagatrice are not born from other Tenagatrice. Instead they are produced by “mother plants”, large, budding plants that aren’t well known even by the Tenagatrice themselves. They are fully mobile, able to move using their large and thick roots. They conceive a new Ten every 5 years, holding them within their bud before flowering and releasing a fully grown Drone. While they could be mistaken for normal plants, they hold an intense psychic connection with their offspring that intensifies the closer they are. Mother plants are fully capable of completely possessing their offspring they are in contact with when needing very precise or specific chores. Mother plants often keep a couple of around them at all times, casting out Tenagatrice that are weaker than their current group. Cast out Tenagatrice can still be controlled by their mother plants, but often go on to live closely within societies ranging from tribes to large cities.

Mutants
Mutants (a.k.a ) are a direct creation of the Red Syndicate - born atypically hostile and with an unbreakable loyalty to their mother plant. These deformations range anywhere from increased height to excess limbs or parts (four eyes, two beaks, four ears, etc.) With this increased strength comes an intense derangement, mutants are usually unaware or don't care about causing conflict or pain as long as their end goal is met - follow the commands of their mother plant.