Prehistoric Transformers; Feral vs “Sparked”
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As apart of my Prehistoric Transforners au; where you can read more here!
Figured I should do my first lore/world building posts setting up the differences between the feral and the sparked. And the differences they share.
“Sparked” individuals
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Introduction - Sparked individuals is an odd phenomenon where prehistorics are born with an increased emotional compacity, problem solving, and intelligence. In simpler terms, sentience. The population of sparked individuals compared to the feral is incredibly low. Only about a 3% out of those around are sparked.
How to tell - One of the easiest ways to easily differentiate the sparked from the feral is by their behavior. Sparked often do things that the feral don’t. The second easiest way being to look at their eyes. Sparked eyes often sport brighter colors that can be purposefully gained by eating certain plants. They are also more expressive which helps with communication. Sparked individuals can be born with brown or duller colors. Much to their own disadvantage as carnivorous sparked might see their dull eyes and jump straight to trying to hunt when they wouldn’t have if they knew the other was sparked.
Grouping - The Sparked rarely stay with the feral group they were born with. And those that do either manage to take up a leader-like position or at the very bottom of the pecking order. The more likely scenario is the sparked individual finding a group of other sparked to rely on or living a solitary lifestyle instead. Groups of sparked can range from duos, all the way to packs that have sprawling territories with their own, self-made hierarchies of order with their own methods of keeping everyone fed.
Survival rates - All prehistoric species can produce sparked offspring, though the base odds are low. Due to sparked individuals often being abandoned at hatch or birth, their survival rates are low unless another sparked steps in. Species that naturally abandon their young, tend to have a higher sparked offspring survival rate because they’re born fully independent and don’t need to rely on their parents who might’ve otherwise shunned them.
Instincts - Despite being sentient, some of their base instincts remain. However the more violent urges to hunt if they’re a carnivore can easily and healthily be redirected if they’re brought up with other sparked. However if their instincts go unchecked, or even trained to attack and kill sparked and feral alike, leads to a being that is far more of a threat then any feral could ever be.
Feral Individuals
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Introduction - the feral are the majority of the land. Lacking the sentience that the sparked have. They’re the foundation of the environment and serve as both beings to be hunted by the sparked, or be those who hunt the sparked. They make up the 97%
How to Tell - Feral and sparked individuals tend to have big behavior differences. Feral individuals often stick to their usual natural behaviors, not deviating much. Their eyes are another way. Often being dark and blank compared to their sparked counterparts. A feral only trait is a ring of color on their otherwise brown/black eye. Not all have them, but it is a sure fire way for easy identification.
Sparked young - When a sparked is first born the mothers reaction completely depends on their species, temperament, and experience. Reactions usually can be classified under rejection, acception, and cannibalism. Rejection is the most common reaction. Ferals can sense something is different with sparked young and treat them as if they were sick. This involves moving them out of the nest or herd, nudging them away when they attempt to get close, and pushing them away from food sources to her normal, feral young can feed. Acception is the more uncommon. In these cases it’s often case by case. Cannibalism is most common in carnivorous species or first time parents. Eating the sparked individual to regain the nutrients that went into making them.
 Predation - Carnivorous ferals will treat Sparked as if they are feral. Taking the chance to hunt and stalk them.
Notes
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This will be added to overtime! If you have any questions feel free to throw it in the comments, my asks, or dms!
Related Lore
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None yet but I’m cooking
Master list