✦ Body (& Ridges)
Axomaurs have a chunky build with legs that are always shorter than their body length (not including their tail). Running down the length of their body are "nub ridges." These nubs vary in number, size, and shape, but all Axomaurs have them. They can have one row that runs down the middle of their back or have more than one, slightly off to the sides; these nub ridges are usually symmetrical in placement, though off-kilter placements have been seen. For the aquatic subspecies, their skin is either smooth, matte, or slimy in texture; the terrestrial subspecies develop skin that is slightly rough and scaly, more reptilian than amphibious. Neither is efficiently built for bipedal movement, though these pups can sit back on their haunches to pick things up with their hands, which have opposable thumbs.

✦ Ears
Ears come in many different shapes, styles, and varieties. The aquatic Axomaurs ears are more like "feelers," lacking in open ear canals, as to prevent water from entering. They can have up to three pairs of feelers, positioned symmetrically on their head and down their jawline. Terrestrial Axomaurs are the ones with actual ears, though they usually won't have more than one pair. They can, however, still have small feelers to accompany their ears.

✦ Eyes
Their eyes are usually solid in appearance with subtle swirls of color beneath the surface, giving them a murky look. They are similar to the eyes of Siircios, in that they are bulbous and have two sets of eyelids, plus a nictitating membrane.

✦ Gills
Axomaurs are born underwater and spend their early childhood below the surface. They have no lungs and may have limbs that are only partially developed. However, as they grow, their limbs begin to strengthen and they also develop lungs, thus allowing them to move onto land. Upon reaching maturity, most pups keep their gills and prefer to live half their lives on land and half in the water. However, certain individuals will grow out of their gills, becoming the terrestrial subspecies that can now only breathe air.

✦ Tail
Tails come in a variety of shapes and sizes, though are often aquatic or reptilian in nature.

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- Axomaurs have chunky builds and relatively short legs.
- They have at least one row of nub ridges running down their body.
- Their hands are typically clawed with opposable thumbs.
- Their eyes can have a colorful sclera and/or iris but lack pupils.


The following subspecies guidelines are in addition to the general guidelines above, and do not completely override them unless explicitly stated. Those marked with an asterisk (*) require an additional subspecies item to create on top of an MYO Playable Species Ticket.

✦ Aquatic
- The most common subspecies of Axomaurs.
- Their skin is either smooth, matte, or slimy in texture.
- The must have at least one pair of gills, commonly found on their neck.
- Their ears look like feelers and lack open ear canals; they can have up to three pairs.

✦ Terrestrial
- Their skin is slightly rough and scaly.
- They can have ears with open canals to accompany small feelers.
- Some grow out of their gills.

✦ Axolodon*
- Axolodons have between four to eight eyes.
- They can have between three pairs to six pairs of legs.
- They must have at least one horn on the bridge or tip of their nose.
- Axolodons may have one pair of vestigial wings that do not exceed 50% of their total length.

✦ Monster*
- Monster Axomaurs are a temporary mutation, resulting in their normal subspecies being overwritten for a certain amount of time.
- They are bipedal with large clawed front paws.
- Both their front and back legs are always covered with a row of armor-like plates.
- Their backs are somewhat arched.
- Their tongues are too large for their mouths and will always stick out somewhat.
- A minimum of two tusks are always protruding from their top or bottom jaws.
- If they have nub ridges or visible gills, both will protrude, becoming tougher and sharper.
- They usually have a slit-shaped pupil.
- Monsters may have one extra set of limbs — including wings — which cannot exceed 100% of their total length.

✦ Aquatic
Much more common than their terrestrial counterparts, these Axomaurs are adept at swimming and prefer to live near bodies of water. This is because their skin needs to be kept moist, otherwise it may crack and become very painful.

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✦ Terrestrial
All Terrestrial Axomaurs were aquatic at one point, but have evolved to live more comfortably on land at the expense of their gills (though some may still have vestigial ones visible). They can only breathe air but are able to hold their breath for long periods of time.

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✦ Axolodon
Axolodons were thought to have gone extinct many ages ago, long before Axomaurs resembled what the species does today. These proto-Axomaurs were especially suited to live in deep-sea caves or deep underground taverns, with slender bodies and many pairs of legs to help them climb and grip onto stalagmites or seaweed. Despite having many pairs of eyes, their eyesight is very poor, and they rely almost entirely on the nub-like sensors atop their heads to “see” where they are.

Despite being thought to have been lost to time, Axolodons seem to have made a reappearance recently, raising the question… were they ever even gone?

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✦Monster
This is a temporary condition that overrides an Axomaur's normal subspecies. This means that an Axomaur can be both Terrestrial and a Monster by transforming between the two. A result of this transformation is that the Axomaur's size and strength increase by quite a bit! In this state, Axomaurs will chase anything that moves — often resulting in them getting lost chasing birds or bugs — and are prone to losing control.

View on Size Chart

View on Size Chart

Baby Axomaurs have a similar development cycle to amphibians such as frogs. They usually hatch with at least one pair of feelers, their nub ridge(s), and partially-developed forelegs. They all have gills though sometimes, they're hard to see because of their small size. Their round bodies end in a flippered tail, which allows the pups to swiftly move through the water; the flipper may disappear as they transition onto life on land.

Design Guidelines
- Overall, they have a tadpole-like appearance.
- They may hatch with feelers and nub ridges, or develop them over time.
- Pups always start off with partially-developed forelegs.
- They all have gills, though on some they're more visible than on others.
- Their tails end in flippers that may disappear as they grow.

Origin Tale

Sympatric

It is thought that Axomaurs are a species from the same ancient family as Symphonies. Though they do not have the same musical affinities as their counterparts, their offspring — sometimes referred to as Axopups or just pups — are similar in appearance and well-adjusted to life in the marshes of Igroven. Meero cares for all their children, no matter what path their evolution takes.

Axopups may be somewhat clumsy on land due to their lack of developed hind legs. However, all young pups have gills (that the Terrestrial subspecies loses upon adulthood), which help them adapt to the waters of any realm. Though not all offspring are born in Igroven, Meero welcomes each one as their own, should the child choose to visit.

How does your Axomaur learn crucial skills as they grow to adulthood? Do they prefer water (Aquatic subspecies) or take to land (Terrestrial subspecies)? If not from Igroven, do they choose to return home and visit Meero? Please portray your Axomaur using their baby design or an adolescent design that’s not quite their adult form yet.

Can my Terrestrial Axomaur have gills?
They may! However, their gills are vestigial — not able to function — so are purely cosmetic and do not allow for underwater breathing, since they’ve grown out of them.

Can my Aquatic Axomaur have open ear canals?
No! This is the main distinguishing feature between Aquatics and Terrestrials. If your Axomaur has open ear canals, it will be listed as a Terrestrial subspecies.