~ Lesser Mutations ~
Long Canines -- Occassionally, a Murrah's canines grow a little more prominent, and usually poke out over their lower lip. This serves to give the Murrah a little extra 'bite,' whether they like it or not. Murrah with 'fangs' are generally regarded as tougher or more dangerous by others, whether it is true or not.
Odd-Eyes -- This genetic mutation can only show and be passed on through males. Sometimes the color difference between the two eyes is subtle, and sometimes the shift is very dramatic. Bucks with odd-eyes are usually regarded with some amount of suspicion or curiosity.
Curled Horns -- Curled, nearly ramlike, horns are a sign of strength in the Murrah who is born with them. This mutation tends to go along with a generally strong and hardy body, and appears frequently in Highland bloodlines.
Twisted Horns -- Twisted horns are generally considered a sign of energy, vigor, or creativity for those born with them. The twisting swept-back horns are an uncommon sight, usually appearing in more scattered or remote clans and bloodlines. This mutation is rarely seen among Highland Murrah, and appears much more frequently in the clans that roam the plains and remote woodlands.
Aggressive Horns -- Any Murrah born with wicked-looking horns that curl forward, toward the face, is automatically seen as more dangerous or dominant, whether or not this really reflects their personality at all. This mutation is slightly more common among Highland Murrah than other groups.
Spike Horns -- The short bull-like horns that are especially common among Plains Murrah, are often associated with the same stigmas that those roaming clans attract. Feral, unpredictable, skilled, etc. Murrah with spiked horns are seen as valuable allies, if not exactly leader matierial.
Hornless -- There is no know mutation that is more despised than hornless. Hornless infants are often culled or castrated at birth, and adults are generally shunned and harassed, if not outright hunted by some elitist groups. Hornless Murrah are seen as incompetent and embarrassing, and are incapable of being acknowledged as clan leaders, since they don't have the all-important horns. Breeding with a hornless Murrah is considered an abomination, and so all roaming bucks with this trait are driven away from receptive females if possible, and hornless females are considered worthless as mothers. In general, hornless Murrah are considered the unlikable shmoes of the Murrah world.
©2007 - Shannon Legler
