Nanci

The Nanci are a small terrestrial animal, superficially similar to a canid not unlike a fox, which is native to Lor. Individuals range from 2.5 to 5.2 ft in length on average with less common breeds peaking at 6ft from snout to hindquarters. They are covered in furred coats with either uniform or patterned coloration which helps them blend into their environment as well as providing protection from predators and the environment. Contrary to the association with foxes, Nanci are famous for being rather dull animals which are prone to comedic blunders which some find rather endearing.

Nanci subspecies are native to all regions of Lor with a few subspecies being known to migrate between geographic regions.

While they have managed to attain some footholds in suburban regions following the Lorath population of the surface, their peculiar habits can lend to them being seen as a pest as they end up stuck in piping, gutters, and other inconvenient places.

Like many species of animal on Lor, Nanci are hexapedal with a symmetry in line with the spine. Their body is loosely hourglass shaped featuring four powerful primary limbs and a pair of secondary manipulation limbs which are typically found held against the underside of the chest of the animal. The primary limbs feature four digit toes each tipped with a semi-retractable, tough, blunt claw which are primarily used for burrowing in most major subspecies. The secondary limbs range from three to four digits, featuring sharper claws, arrayed with two to three fingers and a semi-oppose-able thumb like digit. These secondary limbs are most often used for injuring prey upon which the Nanci has pounced, or for carrying off food, or objects which have caught the animal's fancy.

The animal features a triangular head with a pointed muzzle that ends in a typically black nose featuring two nostrils. In a curious form of redundancy the Nanci features two binary pairs of forward eyes with one set on each side of the head, giving the animal four total. These eyes provide the Nanci with excellent vision being able to detect minute movements at distances nearing 500 meters, and due to the redundant development are capable of maintaining binocular depth perception even in the event that two of their eyes are damaged or lost.

Additionally on the head of the Nanci are a pair of large triangular ears, providing the Nanci with excellent hearing capabilities able to detect prey beneath snow or even up to a foot of soil. Depending on the region in which the Nanci inhabits the ears may additionally perform thermoregulation for the animal either dispersing heat or being heavily furred, reduced in size, and with counter-current circulation to maintain core body temperature with minimal heat loss.

As an extension of the spine, the Nanci typically has a long tail often with a decorative pattern on the fur which may range in use from simple balance adjustment while the animal runs or climbs, to being involved in predator intimidation and even courtship. This portion of the animal typically features longer more voluminous fur though this is typically absent in subspecies native to arid environments.

Being a rather well equipped animal physically, Nanci are found living in most environments being able to move easily over rough terrain, find or create shelter through burrowing habits, or even climb trees to escape predators or pursue prey. In spite of their physiological advantages, the species as a whole is noted for lacking in intelligence. Nanci are frequently observed to be fascinated by rustling grass, chase after shadows of leaves, and occasionally will attempt to dive into shadows or dips in the ground in an attempt to leap into their burrows instead often plowing their heads into the ground producing a characteristic thumping sound. Due to this behaviour, groups of Nanci if startled may make the same mistake leading to several of the animals dazing themselves in an attempt to flee.

As a semi-social animal the Nanci is capable of living independently or functioning as a community animal depending on the local population of individuals as well as the resources available.