Transformations
Under certain conditions, a fumi may undergo distinct bodily changes, called a transformation. These changes are permanent, which means a fumi can only ever undergo one transformation in it's lifetime.
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Faerumi
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Seraphumi
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Cannigoomi
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Faerumi
"When the rich culture of your species is ripped away, even the faintest echo of what once was is sacred. But how can you record such precious stories if you have no written language? How can you create a tome, when communication is as fleeting as a smile and a puff of vapor in the wind? Those with such a blessed skill would be the most respected of us all, and rightfully so, for it is they who hold the future of fumikind in their paws."
Although any breed of fumi has the potential to transform into a faerumi, the actual number of faerumis in existence is quite small. This is most likely due to how the transformation occurs, which is largely a mystery. Rumor has it that one must prove themselves to be exceptionally benevolent, wise, and/or selfless; enough to move the heart of whatever entity supposedly grants this transformation. No one knows for certain.
What IS known is the changes that occur during this transformation. A faerumi will mostly look like whatever breed they were transformed from, but with a few marked differences, the major one being the growth of petal-like or butterfly wing-like appendages on the body. These flat, fleshy growths are covered in short, velvety fur which is exceptionally useful in storing scents, and since fumis communicate with scents via their vapor, this means that the faerumi is essentially a living book. Along with the flesh flaps, a faerumi may also sprout antennae-like appendages (which detect the emotions of nearby creatures), thorn-like growths, and/or short-medium fuzzy fur (formerly gummi faerumis can even grow puffy fur tails!) However none of the aforementioned minor features always occur, they may or may not depending on the individual.
Faerumis also have hyper-concentrated aether, which along with assisting their ability to keep stories in their fur, has the added benefit of allowing the faerumi to become 'invisible/un-perceptible' to humans and other creatures if desired.
Although any breed of fumi has the potential to transform into a faerumi, the actual number of faerumis in existence is quite small. This is most likely due to how the transformation occurs, which is largely a mystery. Rumor has it that one must prove themselves to be exceptionally benevolent, wise, and/or selfless; enough to move the heart of whatever entity supposedly grants this transformation. No one knows for certain.
What IS known is the changes that occur during this transformation. A faerumi will mostly look like whatever breed they were transformed from, but with a few marked differences, the major one being the growth of petal-like or butterfly wing-like appendages on the body. These flat, fleshy growths are covered in short, velvety fur which is exceptionally useful in storing scents, and since fumis communicate with scents via their vapor, this means that the faerumi is essentially a living book. Along with the flesh flaps, a faerumi may also sprout antennae-like appendages (which detect the emotions of nearby creatures), thorn-like growths, and/or short-medium fuzzy fur (formerly gummi faerumis can even grow puffy fur tails!) However none of the aforementioned minor features always occur, they may or may not depending on the individual.
Faerumis also have hyper-concentrated aether, which along with assisting their ability to keep stories in their fur, has the added benefit of allowing the faerumi to become 'invisible/un-perceptible' to humans and other creatures if desired.
Seraphumi
"Tales say that the oldest Eremian fumis, nearing the end of their long lives, began to sprout crystals all over their bodies until they became completely engulfed. They lived even longer still as living statues, the crystals feeding them energy and keeping them alive, until their age finally reached them and they crumbled away into dust.
Although Earth fumis are unable to ascend to this higher level of being, some like to imagine that this virus brings them close. They are lost children, grasping at anything that resembles the roots they were pulled from."
The process of the Seraphumi transformation, which can occur in any painted, dwarf, gummi, or snowfumi, is caused by a virus not unlike the shope papilloma virus found in rabbits. The virus causes a benign cancer that effects the fumi's aether, causing it to crystallize in localized areas, particularly along the fumi's brow and front feet.
The later stages of the disease result in massive crystal crowns which overtake the fumi's eyes and horn(s), and crystal boots that extend the length of it's front limbs, forcing the fumi to adopt the transformation's signature posture. The crystals never stop growing and need to be carved, the fumi's original posture and eyesight can be salvaged if carving is properly maintained. The crystals are oftentimes carved in intricate shapes.
To onlookers, their graceful movements, obedient personalities, and gorgeous looks make them highly desirable—the most desired even—for high-end collectors of the species. For the fumis though, these traits are heavy burdens. Slow, deliberate movements due to impaired vision, being forced to depend on their caretakers due to the fragility of their frames, the crystals a weight that they will have to bare for the rest of their lives. Some Seraphumis are aware of the Eremian tales and take pride in their status, believing themselves to be closer to achieving what their ancestors did before.
The virus itself is difficult to contract, and can only be spread by fumis who are already infected. The few Seraphumi that exist are owned by the most elite fumi collectors, who only allow the virus to spread in their own fumi collections and the collections of good friends, which are often elite collectors themselves, making this one of the most rare transformations.
Although Earth fumis are unable to ascend to this higher level of being, some like to imagine that this virus brings them close. They are lost children, grasping at anything that resembles the roots they were pulled from."
The process of the Seraphumi transformation, which can occur in any painted, dwarf, gummi, or snowfumi, is caused by a virus not unlike the shope papilloma virus found in rabbits. The virus causes a benign cancer that effects the fumi's aether, causing it to crystallize in localized areas, particularly along the fumi's brow and front feet.
The later stages of the disease result in massive crystal crowns which overtake the fumi's eyes and horn(s), and crystal boots that extend the length of it's front limbs, forcing the fumi to adopt the transformation's signature posture. The crystals never stop growing and need to be carved, the fumi's original posture and eyesight can be salvaged if carving is properly maintained. The crystals are oftentimes carved in intricate shapes.
To onlookers, their graceful movements, obedient personalities, and gorgeous looks make them highly desirable—the most desired even—for high-end collectors of the species. For the fumis though, these traits are heavy burdens. Slow, deliberate movements due to impaired vision, being forced to depend on their caretakers due to the fragility of their frames, the crystals a weight that they will have to bare for the rest of their lives. Some Seraphumis are aware of the Eremian tales and take pride in their status, believing themselves to be closer to achieving what their ancestors did before.
The virus itself is difficult to contract, and can only be spread by fumis who are already infected. The few Seraphumi that exist are owned by the most elite fumi collectors, who only allow the virus to spread in their own fumi collections and the collections of good friends, which are often elite collectors themselves, making this one of the most rare transformations.
Cannigoomi
"To feast on one's kin is considered one of the greatest taboos in fumi culture, and results in the most hideous consequences.
These fumis are cursed to a life of constant hunger, emotional turmoil, and exile."
A gruesome mutation occurring when a painted, dwarf, or snowfumi cannibalizes on other fumis for extended periods of time. The transformation itself is caused by heightened aether concentrations, forcing the fumi's body to adapt rapidly.
The fumi's aether becomes thick and gooey, filling their sack to bursting and oozing from their mouth, rendering them unable to communicate with their kin. This goo is highly caustic, giving the cannigoomi a deadly bite. As it's eyes melt away, the fumi develops a rudimentary form of echolocation using high-pitched rattling noises, yet leaving them overly sensitive to certain noises. It's metabolism speeds up tremendously, using up it's fat stores and killing off it's tail, revealing a heavily muscled frame and protruding spine. This leaves the fumi with an insatiable, ravenous hunger. It can barely think of anything other than the hunt.
The birth of a Cannigoomi is so rare that many think of them as nothing more than a myth, a bed-time story to keep children from wondering into real danger. But beware, this boogeyman is very real and very hungry.
These fumis are cursed to a life of constant hunger, emotional turmoil, and exile."
A gruesome mutation occurring when a painted, dwarf, or snowfumi cannibalizes on other fumis for extended periods of time. The transformation itself is caused by heightened aether concentrations, forcing the fumi's body to adapt rapidly.
The fumi's aether becomes thick and gooey, filling their sack to bursting and oozing from their mouth, rendering them unable to communicate with their kin. This goo is highly caustic, giving the cannigoomi a deadly bite. As it's eyes melt away, the fumi develops a rudimentary form of echolocation using high-pitched rattling noises, yet leaving them overly sensitive to certain noises. It's metabolism speeds up tremendously, using up it's fat stores and killing off it's tail, revealing a heavily muscled frame and protruding spine. This leaves the fumi with an insatiable, ravenous hunger. It can barely think of anything other than the hunt.
The birth of a Cannigoomi is so rare that many think of them as nothing more than a myth, a bed-time story to keep children from wondering into real danger. But beware, this boogeyman is very real and very hungry.