CHOOSE

YOUR

WICKER

WICKERBEAST BIOLOGY

This site examines the biological characteristics that set wickerbeasts apart, including their growth, adaptations, and unusual features, as well as their anatomy and natural markings. Here, you can discover what constitutes a Wickerbeast, what characteristics they naturally possess, and the various ways that their biology can vary from beast to beast.

SKELETON

wickerbeast structure

The skeleton of a wickerbeast is incredibly dense in order to support their large mass. Overall, the skeleton can weigh 20% of a wicker's weight. This can ensure heavy impact damage to an enemy if a wicker charges.

To counter this, the skeletal system is comprised mainly of compact bone.

The jagged structure of their mouth allows for a high pressure force and extra grip. Once a wicker's jaw has a hold of something it will lock into place which is bad news for any prey a wicker may catch hold of.

As they go through old age, are susceptible to things such as arthritis and hip dysplasia more so the King sub-typing due to having such a massive body.

The facial bones provide sturdy attachment points for the muscles responsible for biting and gripping. The back of the skull is also reinforced where the neck muscles attach, allowing the Wickerbeast to stabilize its head

while biting, pulling, or wrestling with another creature.

Their skull shape varies somewhat between subtypes, but the jagged jaw structure remains recognizable throughout the species.

The mouth contains a combination of jagged teeth that allow them to maintain an secure grip. When a Wickerbeast bites down on something, the teeth and irregular structure of the jaw prevent the target from easily slipping free.

Muscles & blood

internals of a wickerbeast

Wickerbeasts have a four chambered heart like humans do.

The heart takes in deoxygenated blood from the body, sends it to the lungs to become oxygenated, the blood comes back to the heart, where it will then be pumped to the rest of the body.

Wicker blood will match the eye color. If the eye is a gradient, it is one or the other color.

Wickerbeasts are essentially walking tanks with the musculature to match the title. Their strong thighs act as a powerhouse of energy in their body. Combining this with their sturdy hind-legs and they have the capability of producing long running strides (up to 25-35 mph) for maximum impact along with great leaps.

The tail is one long, thick muscle in itself which is used as both a weapon and to keep their balance when charging. The tail enables very abrupt acute turns in combat and travel. Weapon wise, wickers will use their tail as whip or club to throw their whole body into motion. The end result of the opponent can be paralysis or even death depending on how hard the hit was.

Wickerbeast limbs are just as powerful. Their thighs enable them to master heavy weaponry such as axes. It also allows them to travel long distances and work much longer than the average human could.

Disease

A hereditary disease unique to wickerbeasts is known as Sphinx Syndrome. This disease is where a wickerbeast will be born hairless and deaf. Sphinx Syndrome wickers can be born with horns but the horns are typically small or will break easily.

The appearance of one with sphinx is that of pale, wrinkled skin. If a wicker manages to make it to adulthood with this disease it will require additional aid for their quality of life. Sphinx syndrome wickers will benefit to have hearing aides, heavy duty armor and weaponry, and communicate via sign language. These wickers are able to have young, but the chances of one being born with the disease increases by 25%.

Berserker's Disease is one while unique to wickerbeasts. The disease develops as a result of years of malnutrition from famine-like conditions. Due to a wicker beast's headstrong nature, Berserker's Disease can exacerbate this into constant aggression accompanied with: poor cognitive skills, mania, and loss of sleep.

Even with proper nutrition into later years, enough internal damage has caused permanent scarring to the brain and will continue to have the disease. Beserker's Disease turns hereditary when a pregnant female is involved. Due to lack of nutrition from the mother, there will arise a possibility of the egg being underdeveloped. As a result, the hatchling that is born may have their brain damaged. The hatchling will display physical traits of being underweight or smaller than the average size of their sub type.

EYES

wickerbeast peekers

The appearance of Wicker eyes varies between single colors and gradient hues. The species retain relatively good eyesight despite lacking an iris. The eye is mostly one big pupil to allow a greater amount of light to enter the eye. This allows the creatures to see in UV light and process the regular three channels of color. At night, eyes also exhibit retro reflection (reflected light in dim areas) or in some cases glow in the dark.

Many wicker parents seek moderately lit areas to give birth due to their sensitive eyes at birth. This action minimizes their risk of accidental blindness.

In priority of senses, the sense of smell and hearing still are actively the most relied on for them.

Eyes should have no shapes or pupils if they are following canon lore, but they can have very small lighter shaped highlights.

CANON VARIANTS

uncanon variants

CLAWS

HAND ANATOMY

Wicker claws are some essential tools for many things like work, foraging, brawling, and even artwork!

The claws on the hands are the actual fingers of wickerbeast and can bend naturally like them.

Nerves extend into the base of the claw, making the claws highly sensitive. While the outer keratin itself does not feel pain in the same way living tissue does, pressure and damage to the underlying claw structure can be extremely uncomfortable.

The keratin sheath protects the underlying tissue from everyday wear. Much like other keratinized structures, the outer portion can gradually become worn, chipped, or damaged without necessarily causing serious injury to the Wickerbeast.

Wicker claws grow until adulthood and then do not grow anymore unless broken.

Claw painting is a lovely practice done during court seasons for a mate. Claws might have little designs or patterns painted on them during that time.

FANGS & JAW

WICKERBEAST CHOMPERS

A wicker's jagged jaw is one of the signature traits of the species. This jaw allows for a vice grip over prey as it can lock on. If truly motivated in a life-or-death scenario or hunting scenario, a wicker will not let go til they succeed with the outcome.

Wicker teeth and jagged jaw points are incredibly sharp. The teeth of a wicker are serrated at the back edge like a shark's teeth would be.

Jaw Locking

The term "locking jaw" refers primarily to the way the teeth and jagged structures of the mouth interlock around a target rather than the jaws becoming physically incapable of opening. Pulling away from the Wicker can actually cause the teeth to catch more firmly. The Wicker can therefore maintain its grip while using the rest of its body for leverage.

The effect is especially pronounced in larger Wickerbeasts. A King or Drake, for example, can use its immense body mass behind a bite, making it extremely difficult for prey to simply pull away.

Swamps have a particularly rough bite - having a slightly variated jawbone with larger jags for better locking.

Saliva

One unusual property of Wicker saliva is its mild numbing effect. Contact with the saliva can produce a temporary loss of sensation or tingling in exposed tissue. The effect is most noticeable in prey that has been bitten. The initial bite may therefore be followed by a gradual reduction in the target's ability to feel the affected area.

This does not make the saliva an instant anesthetic, nor does it completely eliminate pain. Its primary purpose is believed to be an adaptation associated with feeding.

The numbing effect can also benefit the Wicker itself. A struggling prey animal may cause considerable resistance during a prolonged bite, and reducing the sensation around the wound can allow the Wicker to maintain its grip without being distracted by the movement.

Speech

Wickers are able to pick up languages quite fast, however, their current language is an english based variant called Vaeick. Vaeick can have different accents of your choosing.

Sounds

The most familiar sound of a wickerbeast is the rumbles of an american alligator, jaguar growls, or the raptor calls/clicks from the classic Jurassic Park trilogy.

Pelagic wickers can make similar sounds to orca whale clicking under water.

PAWS

FEET ANATOMY

Wickerbeast feet are built to support the species' body weight and movements. The foot has a broad, structure with three prominent forward-facing claws. These claws provide traction and stability while running, climbing, digging, and navigating uneven terrain.

The underside of the foot contains several flexible pads that distribute the Wickerbeast's weight and absorb impact during movement. These pads help cushion the body when landing from jumps or powerful kicks and provide additional grip against the ground.

Texture

Their pawpads can either be soft or rough. It is an easy tell to Doctors on how a wicker has lived their life. Wickerbeast pawpads are softer when living in luxury, and rougher when a wicker lives a normal average life out in Osova.

Reproduction & GENDER

A STUDY IN BIRTH & EXPRESSION

Wickerbeasts reproduce by laying eggs, with their reproductive habits varying depending on their environment and subtype. Any Wickerbeast subtype can reproduce with another subtype, but their offspring are not hybrids. Instead, the offspring develops as one of the parent's existing subtypes; for example, a King and Swamp pairing may produce either a King or a Swamp Wickerbeast.

Eggs

Wickerbeast eggs differ depending on where they are adapted to live. Land-dwelling Wickerbeasts produce eggs with a generally light-colored shell covered in darker speckles. These eggs are laid on land and remain within a clutch until they hatch.

Swamp and Pelagic Wickerbeasts produce a distinctly different type of egg. Their eggs are translucent with a soft, jelly-like consistency. Swamp Wickerbeasts lay their eggs in shallow, still bodies of water, while Pelagics deposit their eggs among coral clusters and underwater plant life.

Egg size can sometimes provide a clue as to which subtype an egg belongs to, but it is not a reliable method of identification. Size can vary considerably between individuals, meaning appearances alone cannot always determine an egg's subtype.

Gestation & Clutches

Mainland and Swamp Wickerbeasts have different gestation periods. Mainland Wickerbeasts have a gestation period of approximately 3–4 weeks, while Swamp Wickerbeasts typically have a gestation period of around 2 weeks.

A healthy Mainland Wickerbeast generally produces a clutch of 5–6 eggs, while Swamp Wickerbeasts typically produce 2–5 eggs. Once laid, Wickerbeast eggs take approximately 14–40 days to hatch, with the exact time varying between individuals and subtypes.

Gender Expression, Sexuality & Genitalia

Alongside that, Wickerbeasts can have any genitalia or gender representation you would like. These creatures are capable of same-sex relationships and interactions.

HORNS

head study

Wickerbeast horns are similar in structure to their claws. Each horn begins with a small bony core that connects directly to the skull, while the majority of the horn is composed of a hard keratin sheath. Although durable, the keratin portion can be damaged or broken.

When damaged, a Wickerbeast horn is capable of regenerating over a period of approximately 3–6 years, provided the base of the horn remains intact. If the horn is torn away from its base, it will not be able to regrow.

Colors and Shapes

Horns can occur in solid colors or gradients and may have a matte or slightly glossy appearance. They can also develop segmented or otherwise distinctive shapes. Most Wickerbeasts can have up to two sets of horns, with a maximum of four horns total - no more than two on each side of the head normally. This is not to say that they can't have more.

Horn sets will generally match in shape, with Dwellers being an exception due to their unique horn variations.

Body Spikes

Wickerbeasts do not naturally develop cheek spikes. However, some individuals may possess a nose horn, which is particularly common among Dwellers. A nose horn can be present alongside a normal horn set.

Horn Growth Journey

Wickerbeasts develop gradually, with their horns being one of the most noticeable features to change as they mature.

Newborn

Small horn nubs are embedded slightly into the head.

6 months

Tiny nubs begin to emerge from the head.

1 year

The horn nubs become more developed and prominent.

1 year, 6 months

The horns begin taking their intended shape, generally reaching around the base of the ears.

2 years

Horn growth continues, typically reaching approximately the middle of the ears.

2 years, 6 months

Most horns have begun to take their final form. Curled horns may begin extending toward the jaw at this stage.

3–4 years

Most Wickerbeasts have fully developed horns.

Longer or more elaborate horn structures can take considerably longer to mature. Antler-like horns and other complex shapes may require 3–6 years to reach their full development. Horn growth therefore varies considerably between individuals, even within the same subtype.

EARS

HOW THEY ARE VIEWED

Wicker ears are naturally long and the most expressive part about them!

The inside of a Wicker's ear should not be visible from the side or from above. The inner ear is only visible when looking at the Wicker from behind. From side and top views, the outer surface of the ears should completely obscure the inner portion.

This is mainly a structural design guideline rather than a restriction on how the ears can look. Wickers can still have ear notches, lengths, and details, as long as the inner ear follows the same visibility rule. Wicker ears will generally have the same shape, but can have tufts present at tips.

WINGS

FLIGHTLESS LIZARDS

Wickerbeasts do not naturally possess wings and cannot grow them as part of their standard anatomy. Their dense bodies and considerable weight make true flight impractical, and wings have never been a natural feature of the species. Aerions are the exception, possessing adaptations that allow them to glide for short periods, though they are still unable to achieve sustained powered flight.

Wing Accessories

Wickerbeasts can, however, wear wings as accessories. Decorative, robotic, or functional-looking wings are perfectly acceptable as long as they are clearly attached to the body using a visible harness, straps, or another external support. These wings are considered equipment rather than a biological feature.

height chart

While each subtype has its own typical proportions and size range, these measurements are only averages and should not be treated as strict limits. Individual Wickerbeasts can naturally fall outside of their subtype's average range due to genetics, development, or other natural variation.

Body types can range from powerful and heavily muscular to softer, rounder, or more petite builds. A Wickerbeast's body type does not necessarily determine its subtype, allowing for plenty of individual variation within the species. This means that two Wickerbeasts of the same subtype can look dramatically different in stature and build while both remaining biologically accurate.

Wickerbeasts can generally range from approximately 200 to 4,000 pounds. Height can vary just as significantly, and unusual proportions are perfectly possible. For example, while Rogues are naturally the smallest subtype, an unusually tall Rogue is still considered a Rogue.

Robotic Wickerbeasts & Advanced Droids

Robotic Wickerbeasts and advanced droids are not restricted by the biological size ranges of naturally born Wickerbeasts. Their height, weight, proportions, and overall body construction can be any size or build, depending entirely on their creator's intended design.

Markings

fur colors

Wickers naturally occur in many different coat colors. This variety is a remnant of the effects of the Aether Blossoms, which were carried down through generations.

Because of this, unusual or unexpected coat colors are perfectly natural for Wickers. You don't need to restrict yourself to realistic animal coloration as there's plenty of room for colorful and distinctive designs! Wickers can have pretty much any markings or patterns you want.

Body Scales

Pelagics and swamps can have very small circular body scales on their body areas, but no other subtype will have them.

Copyrighted media

If you're inspired by an existing character, that's totally fine, but try to make your Wicker distinctly your own rather than copying the original character's appearance. Changing things like the color palette, markings, clothing, hairstyle, accessories, proportions, or other defining traits can help make the design feel more original!

THE SUBTYPES OF THE SPECIES

The species is divided into officially recognized subtypes: King, Standard, Rogue, Swamp, Drake, Dweller, Pelagic, Hybrid, Robots, and Aerion. Each subtype has its own characteristics and environmental adaptations, ranging from massive land-dwelling Wickerbeasts to aquatic Pelagics and the gliding Aerion. Wickerbeasts of different subtypes can reproduce with one another while their offspring develops as one subtype or the other.

list of types

ROBOTS & ADVANCED DROIDS

Rogue Wickerbeasts are the smallest subtype, known for their tiny stature. Unlike other Wickerbeasts, Rogues naturally lack horns, making them especially recognizable among the seven subtypes... if you can see them.

Standard Wickerbeasts represent the most familiar form of the species and serve as a foundation for many of the traits shared throughout Wickerbeast biology. They possess the characteristic powerful limbs, dense skeleton, specialized jaws, claws, horns, and muscular tails associated with the species

Swamp Wickerbeasts (our gator-like subtype) are adapted to life among wetlands, marshes, and other shallow-water environments. Their reproductive biology differs from mainland Wickerbeasts, including large spiked tails, and scales.

The cave-dwelling Wickerbeast subtype. They are especially notable for their unique mismatching horn possibilities, strange claw tail mutation, and cropped ears.

Pelagic Wickerbeasts are fully associated with ocean aquatic environments and are adapted to life beneath the water's surface. They typically have coral and fish friends attached to them.

Aerion Wickerbeasts are the exception to the species' otherwise heavy, terrestrial body plan. While Wickerbeasts cannot naturally grow wings, Aerions possess the ability to glide for short periods, allowing them to navigate their environment in a way other subtypes cannot.

Drake Wickerbeasts possess their own distinct drake-like characteristics while retaining the powerful anatomy shared by the species as a whole. They are stocky, and are around the same size as King Wickerbeasts.

King Wickerbeasts are among the largest, fluffiest, and most heavily built members of the species. Their immense bodies require an especially dense skeletal structure and powerful musculature to support their weight.

Wickerbeast hybrids are individuals who combine traits from a Wickerbeast and another species. Unlike natural subtype variations, hybrids can display features that would not normally occur within Wickerbeast biology, creating a wide range of unique appearances and possibilities. These critters are made by specific artists within the species community.

Robots and advanced droids are artificial beings that exist alongside the natural life of Osova. Unlike Wickerbeasts, these creations are not bound by biological development and can be built with specialized functions, mechanical bodies, and advanced technology. Their designs can range from simple machines to highly sophisticated beings capable of independent thought.