Also known under the terrifying moniker of 'Blood Eating Dog', the Totokai Kuri is a native to the deserts of central Marcwith in the Creeping Desert. Notable for their horizontal pupils and bat-like faces, these mammals are historically feared by the common populace. Only in the last century have these rare animals found their home in the domestic market.
Totokai Kuri share a similar background to other canine species and share many homologous features, though general consensus states they have deviated greatly from other members of their family. Unlike many Canidae, the Totokai's diet is nearly 89% carrion. Their survival depends purely on the availability of carcasses which contributed to their rare sightings and poor reputations to any who saw them outside the desert landscape. Hungry Totokai are opportunistic hunters although not always intelligent ones; they have been known to eat poisonous animals, insects, and even man-made objects. When a wile Totokai Kuri wanders outside the desert they are considered pests and often shot on sight. Recently, some bio-dynamic farmers have started integrating Totkai Kuri into their practice as a form of plant-eating pest control.
Totokai Kuri were first domesticated by desert-dwelling bavas some 30,000 years ago. The two species would have found themselves in constant contact; bavas hunting for prey and Totokai Kuri scavenging. Both suffering from iron deficiencies, their taste for animal blood would have also been a common factor. Throughout historybava have been known to have Totokai as companions, using their visual ferocity to wrangle, threaten, and subdue prey. Amongst one another, Totokai Kuri maintain complicated social structures. Pairs of couples mate for life, usually having only two or three descendants in their lifetime. Unlike many Canids, Totokai Kuri have been known to continue care for deceased infants. A breeding pair is also known to stay within a small pack throughout most of the year, separating only for breeding season. A pack is generally made up of the alpha breeding couple and the female's relatives, both older and younger. Totos are a matriarchal species; no more than three males have ever been found in the same social grouping.
Modern Totokai Kuri (sometimes called Totos) are far removed from wild Totokai Kuri due to selective breeding. They are known for being inquisitive, intelligent hunters, and people-pleasing. Their bat-like faces and large, wide, fleshy ears kept them from becoming a popular breed to circulate. Similar to a black short hair cat, these animals have close associations to pop culture media as occult symbols and are less likely to be adopted from shelters. However, domestic Totos are allegedly excellent pets. Their long relationship with Bavas have made them affectionate and dependent on bipedal companionship. Having been bred to assist in hunting prey, they are very vocal and make excellent guard dogs. Totos are recommended to experienced pet owners without young children due to their iron deficiency and their strong desire to isolate young or weak animals.
Legends say that Totokai used to be the messengers of death, dragging those condemned to the afterlife. This is likely due to the Totokai's famous habit of drinking blood from a fresh kill and the association with blood and life-force. Totokai Kuri also feature prominently in legend. For southern uembians, Totokai was the servant and ambassador on Io to Maithe Ah. In Deerless mythology, the totokai kuri were devilish ghouls conjured by one's enemies to drag your mind into madness.
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