Finally translate information about my woy fan-species. Enjoy the read!
This species is open, so you can make your oc-Asper, as long as you credit me. @cinder-gulo or my Telegram The species was created in 2022.
MEET THE ASPERS
Aspers are intelligent predatory mammals that look like a mix of an otter and a domestic cat, the main feature of which is its thick, spiky and waterproof coat. They roam from one planet to another in a group.
These overgrown otters are nimble, persistent and fearless guys. They have a long, flexible and streamlined body, and they are not only excellent swimmers, but can also crawl through narrow passages. Asper's coat is unique and has a two-layer structure: the guard hairs, which are stiff and durable, protect the undercoat, which is thick, soft, and dense, preventing water from reaching the skin. The face and belly are covered with regular, smooth fur, while the neck, back, and tail gradually transition into coarse needles. Usually the needles are tightly pressed and smooth, but in case of danger and aggression, Asper picks them up. The needles are sharp and can cause inflammation when injected. The fur of the cubs is soft and shaggy, coarsening and taking shape with age. So there is no such sexual dimorphism, except that females can be larger, and so the physique, length of the coat and the shape of the mane are diverse. And their color genetics work just like real domestic cats. Asper's height is 95-120 cm, tail length is 64-85 cm.
Nomadism is one of the main ways of life for Aspers, where the whole world is their home, and they also often gather in trading caravans. They adapt well to different conditions, but they are dependent on water and do not tolerate arid climates well. They have longevity and slow aging, but they are rarely found because of their risk-taking and high mortality rates.
Their culture and lifestyle are similar to East Asia, mostly Mongolia. They value cohesion, have a strict social hierarchy (by age and/or status), as well as strict discipline and upbringing, where the interests of the group are placed above personal ones. And their cuisine is similar to Asian cuisine, where most of it is aquatic products such as fish, crustaceans and the rest. The style of clothing is also similar to Asian.
The reputation of the Asper across the Galaxy is not the best, to put it mildly. Even though the Asper actively trade with other aliens in the bazaars due to their wanderings, this does not overshadow their tendency to deceive and engage in petty theft, and sometimes even more serious acts such as banditry, raids on other planets, and robberies. The Asper have earned a reputation as cunning and greedy creatures who do not adhere to societal norms. Most aliens view them with contempt and distrust.
However, the Asper's most challenging relationship across the Galaxies is with the Star Nomads. Both sides have been hostile towards each other due to their competition and similar lifestyles. This interspecies war has been ongoing since the beginning, almost as if it were a natural phenomenon. I will also have headcanon that the Star Nomads are almost extinct, and the same can be said about the Asper. Due to their long-standing enmity and competition, they have killed each other, leading to a significant decline in the population of both species.
And some more facts about aspers:
The vibrissae of Aspers are also prickly.
They have large lungs and also have webbed fingers, so they can stay underwater for a long time and swim deftly.
Aspers have such a flexible body and spine that they can twist themselves in different ways. Like ferrets, for example.
They have thick skins. That's why aspers can be so calm with each other, without worrying about the fact that they can damage each other when their fur stands on end.
It is not uncommon for Aspers to have polyamorous relationships. This is a fairly common practice among them, but monogamous ones also occur.
They can purr. Purr loudly. Like cougars, for example. Asper cubs can also chirp. The sounds they make are similar to something between cats and otters.
The main inspiration for creating the appearance of Aspers were Mustelidae, for the most part the Lutrinae subfamily, such as Eurasian, Asian and Giant otters, as well as the Felinae subfamily, such as domestic cats, cougars, caracals, etc. Crested porcupines also played a role, the structure of their fur also became the main inspiration for the prickly hair of Aspers.
Their tongue is rough, covered with a multitude of tiny backward-curved hooks made of keratin.
"Asper" means "rude, prickly, impudent" in Latin.
