[WB-FAUNA] The Shorgi

Shorgies are... Interesting.

These little playful creatures mostly live at the bottom of the ocean, close to reefs and other safe places they can find a territory to settle in. They occasionally go to shore too, for a few hours but as long as the water inside their shells doesn't dry, otherwise they will run back into the ocean.

All Shorgies are born with a pearl, which they guard with their own life. A Shorgi will viciously pursue anyone who takes it, and will likely either get it back or die trying.
It is said that being allowed to hold a Shorgi's pearl is a sign of great trust, and often likely that they choose you as their owner.

Anything that enters a Shorgi's turf will be barked at until spooked or deemed to be not a threat. Most tatsukoi don't need to worry as the little creatures don't really present any kind of danger, but it is frequently advised that one should not try to stick a finger or safeguard their tail from going inside their shell.

Aquafarmers often tame and use Shorgis to help them keep off intruders from their crops or keep their animals safe. The constant barking is enough of an alert, but a pack of trained Shorgies can easily overwhelm an invader into submission and weigh them down to the bottom of the sea.

Shorgies usually filter feed, but can also be fed seaweed treats, and other micro-creatures live or in flake form.

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Characteristics

1. Body:
-  Shorgi bodies are soft, slippery, and most of the time moisturised. They can flatten themselves easily inside their shell, and can wiggle when poked while on land.
- They will allow their owners to squish their bodies gently, as their organs, generally speaking, are quite malleable and accommodate to unquished areas. However, you should never squeeze a Shorgi aggressively, or they will close their shell on you with equal force.
- To walk on land or scuttle under sea, they can pop small round compartments underneath their shells that deploy their "Limb muscles".
- Shorgies' teeth are made of keratin, and aren't used for biting, but more to hold their pearl.
- A shorgie's body can have any type of canine-like shape. That of course alters their whole size too.

2. Shell:
- Shorgi shells are quite sturdy. They take extreme forces to break, and don't open easily either. They can have different colors depending on the region a Shorgi was born in, specialists suggest it might have something to do with the water PH and the climate.
- There are four colorful gemstones on top of their shells that closely resemble a mammal's paw pad. They are very smooth and even sturdier than the shells. It is said that Shorgies use these to recognize one another and to attract mates. The healthier a Shorgi is, the shinier their gemstones will be too.
- They will store anything they deem valuable inside their shells and carry the little spoils around proudly before hiding them in their nest. Shorgi owners have reported a great deal of socks serving as temporary hoard before being retrieved.

3. Pearl:
-  The greatest treasure of a Shorgi, they are born with their pearl and treasure it from then on. No one knows exactly what the function of a Shorgi's pearl is, but they can often be seen playing with it or carrying it around.

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TRIVIA

- Shorgi pearls are seen as relatively valuable on the markets, owning jewelry made of one has multiple meanings, but it is usually done so by owners who have lost their pets.
- Shorgi hunting has been outlawed in all six layers of the Cascade. At one point, overhunting of Shorgis started to become a problem, and many ecosystems suffered because of it.
- These little creatures are incredibly important within their main habitats, as they often alert other creatures of predators, as well as aiding in keeping reefs and breeding grounds safe.
- Many aquafarmers rely on Shorgies to keep their work safe, and they were the first ones to protest Shorgi hunting to the many councils of the layers.
- It is legal to own a Shorgi even if you don't live near the shores or own a farm. You must, however, have a permit under the Marine Life Ownership and Game Association.
- It is legal to collect a Shorgi's pearl after it has passed from natural causes; however, true Shorgi pearls need to be registered both under the M.L.O.G.A and the Artisans Guild.
- Knock-offs have been synthetically created. They are cheaper, affordable, and no Shorgis need to be harmed on their production.

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Obs.: I consent to the concept to be included/used on the site as part of the official lore! ♡