Body Structure
Coatls have slender heads with a big fluffy, feathery mane, horns, and long ears. Their bodies are large, long, and sleek that is similar to a puma's. Their paws are lion-like with big, strong claws that can retract just like how a cat's claws would. Coatls also have an extra set of smaller arms located underneath their front arms for carrying food, assist in climbing, fighting, swimming, and carrying their offspring. Hidden in thick fur near their extra arms, they have two teats. This way, when carrying their children, females are able to feed them as well. When not needed, however, Coatls can fully retract their smaller pair of arms into themselves (similar to Stitch's ability in the Disney movie "Lilo and Stitch") to the point where they are not visible at all. They usually only extend them when climbing or doing the activities listed above.
Coatls are digitigrade, but have the ability to stand bipedal (stand on two feet) and quadupedal (stand on all fours). They find it easier and quicker to run, jump, and climb on all fours rather than bipedal. |
Muzzles and Acid Spitting
Coatls have medium-sized muzzles with feline-like nostrils. They also tend to have a couple snaggleteeth that noticeably jut out from the mouth. The skin around and inside a Coatl's mouth is unnoticeably tough, thick, and secretes an oil that counteracts their spittable acid in case of accidents. Their tongues are also covered in the same substance and are usually slightly pointed, but some may be forked. Each Coatl has a set of sharp fangs along with incisors and some molars due to their omnivorous diet.
Although males and females aren't all that distinguishable from each other, Coatls do have one sexual dimorphism trait: males have small "cheek" feathers sprouting along their jawline, which start to grow when they reach 7+ years of age. |
All Coatls are born with the ability to spit an acid that is strong enough to dissolve most metals. They have a unique pouch in their organs that produce this special acid (seperate from their stomach) that they can activate any time. Coatl kits are taught to aim their acid so they are less prone to accidents.
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Manes and Horns
A Coatl's mane consists of feathers that can be any length and color, and may fluff up or flatten depending on their mood. When angered, excited, or in a state of panic, their mane tends to puff up. They also fluff up their mane as a way to intimidate enemies and when they're spitting acid. Their manes usually flatten when they're feeling sad, anxious, shameful, or fearful.
At the base of their necks underneath some feathers, Coatls have a hidden pair of gills on both sides of their necks that assist them when swimming underwater.
There is no restrictions on what shape, size, color, or length their horns may be (I discourage the use of antlers though). They can only have one set.
At the base of their necks underneath some feathers, Coatls have a hidden pair of gills on both sides of their necks that assist them when swimming underwater.
There is no restrictions on what shape, size, color, or length their horns may be (I discourage the use of antlers though). They can only have one set.
Ears
Coatls have long pointed ears with excellent hearing. They also have a unique earlobe that points outward. This special earlobe acts as an extra sensory and helps the Coatl know if a storm or natural disaster is approaching soon. Normally, a Coatl can sense a large storm that is almost a week away, but any that might've heavily pierced their earlobes dilutes their senses. This results in the Coatl only being able to sense the storm if it is only a couple days away.
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Eyes
Although Coatls have great hearing, their eyesight is standard. Their pupils are more of an oval shape, and the iris can be any color EXCEPT for white or any very pale variation of a color.
White eyes are extremely rare mutation and have only been found in Coatls on a few occasions, only been seen in the royal bloodline as the mark of a magic, "Tezcatlipoca".
A blind Coatl's eye will have a paler pupil or no pupil at all, but the iris does not change. Completely black eyes are fine, though completely white eyes are not allowed. Eyes without irises or pupils are also ok, as long as they have color and aren't very pale.
White eyes are extremely rare mutation and have only been found in Coatls on a few occasions, only been seen in the royal bloodline as the mark of a magic, "Tezcatlipoca".
A blind Coatl's eye will have a paler pupil or no pupil at all, but the iris does not change. Completely black eyes are fine, though completely white eyes are not allowed. Eyes without irises or pupils are also ok, as long as they have color and aren't very pale.
Paws
Tails
Coatl tails are usually very long (5-9 feet in length), are prehensile, and have a tuft of feathery-fur on the end. Some Coatls may have "docked" tails from accidents or fights. Some, although uncommon, are actually born with stubby tails that only consist of the tuft of fur/feathers. Coatls often use their tails to communicate their emotion, such as coiling or wagging when happy, flickering when angry, and fluffed up when excited or scared.
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Coloration
A Coatl's fur pattern usually imitates that of any animal, fish, bug, or plant that lives in tropical areas. Their pelts may also have their own color scheme (usually bright or tropical colors) and have any pattern. Designs are limitless and there are no restrictions to any markings or colors except that you may NOT copy off of Kalani or anyone else's design!
Sizing
A Coatl starts out as a small 10 in (25 cm) cub, but steadily grow to 3 ft (0.91 m) long and 2 ft (0.60 m) tall by the time they reach adolescence. An adult Coatl's size can range from 4-5.5 ft (1.22-1.67 m) standing on all fours, and 8-12 ft (2.44-3.66 m) standing on their hind legs.
Mutations and Extras
Coatls share a common "snaggle tooth" trait, though there are also a few uncommon traits that have been documented. Some individuals are found to possess unusual traits such as:
- "Raptor thumbs": Unusually large thumb claws.
- "Lionfish head": Long crest feathers, males tend to also get longer cheek feathers if they posses this mutation.
- "Bobtail": A short stub/tuft tail usually completely covered in feathers.
- "Boarface" Usually a pair of larger snaggle teeth, almost resembling tusks.
- "Polydactyl" 2 thumbs on each paw!
- "Jackson's Chameleon horn mutation": Tri-horned, 2 on the head and one jutting out of their nose.
- "Double set horns" 4 horns rather than the usual set of 2.
- "Folded Ears"
- "Round Ears"
- "Four ears" A double pair of ears, one being much smaller than the other.
- "Albinism"
- "Melanism"
- "Polycephaly" 2 headed Coatl! Unfortunately, it is rare for possessors of this mutation tend not to live very long; usually only making it to adolescence before succumbing to the gene's lethality. Only a small handful have been documented living a full life, but not without some complications.