
NOTE: Shroomaw Wolves are a CLOSED species. Please do NOT make a Shroomaw character without permission! If you're a friend of mine, you can ask to make one, and I miiiight say yes. But if we're not close, please don't! Anyway, scroll down for cool info about them Shroomaw Wolves are a rare species of canine-like creatures with six legs, extra eyes and mouths, and mushrooms and teeth all over their bodies. They also have long wing-like appendages extending from their shoulders that have tendrils of lichen hanging off of them. The stems of these "wings" are very fragile and break off quite easily (this doesn't hurt the Shroomaw, and they often don't even notice when it happens), but they grow back incredibly fast. (So if you're drawing one, it's up to you whether or not you draw the wings! They're optional!) Shroomaws aren't born, they're made. All Shroomaws start out as regular wolves, but if they come into contact with a rare mushroom (or the spores or fungal sap* of another Shroomaw), they will be transformed into one. Shroomaws can have varying numbers of mouths, eyes, and mushrooms and teeth around their bodies, and their back legs tend to be much shorter than their front and middle legs, giving them a unique silhouette. They can't use their "wings" to fly (the purpose of the wings is unknown, though it is suspected that they may use them to look bigger in the face of a threat)-- However, they have the ability to float using clouds of spores released through their mushrooms. Only wolves can be infected, so there are NO Shroomaw cats, foxes, etc. Shroomaws tend to come in dark or dull colors, most commonly shades of green. They can also be purple or pink, but this is less common. Other colors are also possible, but they are hardly ever seen. Shroomaw wolves are intelligent creatures, with minds similar to those of crows or dolphins. They are often curious, but wary of strangers. This is mainly because they are highly misunderstood and feared. Evil or cruel Shroomaws are very rare, but since they have a frightening appearance, other creatures are often scared of them, which often leads them to attack innocent Shroomaws. When attacked, Shroomaws become defensive, which doesn't help people's perception of them. These creatures often have strange personality quirks that are different with each individual. This may include odd habits, strange obsessions, or weird hobbies. Common examples include hoarding objects, digging random holes in the ground, and eating random things they find (luckily, they're immune to poison and can eat pretty much anything). Shroomaws often eat mushrooms, as consuming them gives them strength. However, they never eat the mushrooms off their body, since they're part of their body and removing them would be painful. They often make their dens near large mushroom colonies, and can even sense vibrations through the colony's mycelium system. Unlike regular wolves, they are solitary and do NOT live in packs, but if they befriend another Shroomaw, the pair might live together. Shroomaws are incapable of reproducing and don't mate or have romantic relationships, but often have a best friend that they share a den with. These are called Denmates.** Denmates are sort of like a platonic partner. (Not all of them have a denmate, though-- Some of them live all alone, and are perfectly happy with that.) Oh yeah, and the name "shroomaw" comes from the words shroom (short for mushroom) and maw (meaning mouth). Aaaaanyway, I thiiink that's all I have to say about Shroomaws! Wow, that was a lot of info.... Anyway, I hope you like these goofy lil guys :D I might make a Shroomaw MYO sometime.....
*Fungal sap is a substance that secretes from a Shroomaw's eyes and mouths, making them look like they're drooling and their eyes are melting. **If you're a close friend of mine and would like to make a Shroomaw character to be Spore's denmate, please ask!