Posted at 2013-06-04 04:20:10 — Link
I think it would be neat if species could breed more widely. This would allow a lot more versatility in genetics and breeding styles.
This would take two forms: similar species breeding and hybrid breeding.
Similar species breeding
Breeding two different creatures of a similar species. For example, reptile x reptile (cockatrice x dragon). Similar species already have similar genes such as "Bird of Prey" being common to both Rocs and Gryphons, so it's not too unlikely.
This will result in a baby of either the mother or father's race (randomly chosen) with genes based on the parents. It will also take both parents genes into consideration and use the version of the genes correct for that species. If a baby would inherit a gene that it's species does not carry, it reverts to "normal instead".
For example, a Roc and Gryphon breed and the baby inherits "Bird of Prey". If the baby is a Roc is has the Roc version, and if it's a gryphon it has the gryphon version. If that gryphon baby would have inherited "Electric Gland" the electric gland gene defaults to "normal" on the gryphon instead.
Breeding dissimilar creatures results in a hybrid
Hybrid breeding happens when two creatures that aren't the same species at all breed (ex: Roc and Puma, a bird and a mammal).
Unlike similar species breeding which always results in a baby, hybrid breeding fails 60% of the time. Yes, this takes up a breeding as the male had to do his part and the female did carry the baby to term, the baby just didn't make it because the genes came out wrong.
Unlike similar species breeding, hybrids carry a mix of genes from both parents regardless of which species donated what. Electric Gland Berserker? Yes, it can happen. Hybrids can be very powerful, which is why breeding them needs a fail chance.
There is also a 5% chance of a hybrid being born sterile due to the genes being too messy to allow it to be able to breed. This will raise all stats by 10%, but that hybrid will never have children. All other genetic variations still apply.
Breeding hybrid x hybrid only works if it's the same kind of hybrid (ex: Chimera x Chimera). Similar species breeding will not work with hybrids. Hybrid x Hybrid breeding will have a 75% chance of failure due to genetic instability. If the baby survives, the genes are selected from the parents as normal.
Example hybrid species
I can make more of these if you guys like. I enjoy writing and love mythology. :)
Unicorn x Roc: Pegasus
Pegasus prefer temperate plains with lots of room to stretch out. This is because physically they resemble powerful draft horses with massive wings. They are larger than their unicorn ancestors, but smaller than an adult Roc. Their diet is primarily plant based, though they have been known to scavenge meat and eat bones if the grass is poor quality.
Gender Ratio: 40% female, 60% male.
They form mix-gender herds led by a lead mare. This old, powerful female decides migration patterns and negotiates breeding within the clan. When a young male becomes a teenager, the lead mare typically chases him off to go find a new herd. This discourages inbreeding. Young males sometimes form temporary herds while they seek new herds to join. These temporary herds disband as the males reach adulthood and are accepted into their new homes.
Unlike the shy unicorn and elusive roc, the pesagus is curious about humans. They enjoy spending time near humans, frolicking with their (typically confused) horses. Some of them have even been known to offer themselves to be tamed by people the gods have deemed worthy, so many humans become very excited at the presence of Pegasus nearby and see it as a good omen.
Gryphon x Unicorn: Hippogriff
The hippogriff is a strange creature with the front half of a puma, the back half of a unicorn, and head with horse-like features, except for feathered ears and a beak instead of a muzzle. Large wings sprout from it's sides which are capable of gliding. Hippogriffs are much too heavy to be able to fly more than short distances, but they make up for their lack of flight with stronger bodies.
Hippogryff prefer rocky hillsides away from people. They are often cantankerous in temperament and have been known to kick and bite even close relatives. Some experts think this may be how they play, though most aren't willing to get close enough to find out. They enjoy a mostly meat-based diet and seem to especially enjoy eating mountain goats.
Gender ratio: 65% male, 35% female
The herd appears to be lead by a mated pair whose ranking is always contested by young up and coming pairs. They buck, kick, and head-butt to spar for rank, and aren't above challenging a pair who is injured or sick to get ahead. Higher ranking pairs are allowed to bear more young and always get to eat first: a prize worth fighting for indeed! Often they shriek as they attack to intimidate their enemy and warn other creatures to stay away.
Years of fighting has created a race that takes very well to military training, if someone is tough enough to tame one, and they make fine guard animals. They are not suitable for children, the elderly, and those who like quiet companions.
Puma x Cockatrice: Chimera
The chimera is a strangely graceful creature. It bears the light, flight-worthy bones of a cockatrice with the four-legged powerful musculature of a puma. The body looks like a slender but powerful lion at first glance, each paw tipped in wicked claws. It's tail is long, scaled, and ends in a venomous stinger, often mistaken for a "snake" to ancient peoples due to it's whip-like motions. At the shoulders it's chest branches into two necks: one feline, and one with a slender reptile face similar to an elongated cockatrice with flowing feathers that arch back like horns. The reptile face at a distance can be mistaken for a goat's head, which lead to the common art of the chimera.
Chimera prefer sheltered woodland areas where they can use leaves for camouflage. They are ambush predators who prefer to wait for prey, leaping out to grasp the prey with it's sharp claws, stinging it with it's tail. The tail venom causes the prey's muscles to lock up. In time this also stops the creature's heart from beating. Their diet is mostly meat with some berries and roots to help supplement.
Gender Split: 90% female, 10% male
Chimera are overwhelmingly solitary females. They stake out territories and do not allow any other female chimera inside. It's easy to find a chimera den: they tend to clear away all brush and dig burrows lined with stone. These stones are used to advertise themselves to any males who may roam the area with the most intelligent, creative chimera often boasting elaborate dens encrusted in gems. The better the den, the stronger and smarter the female and so the females do their best to make the best dens possible.
Male chimera do not have home territories. They instead choose to roam, looking for desirable females. After mating a male will stick around for a few days to assure the female will bear young, then he vanishes into the forest again to seek more breeding females.
Female chimera are very territorial, even to humans. However, once the chimera learns the human is not a threat nor is she attempting to steal her males, the female chimera is readily trainable. Many chimera enjoy partnering up with humans because they realize where humans go, shelter and food follow. They make fine artisans and explorers. It is advised not to train a female chimera if one is a single male as any female humans one brings home will be seen as threats by the female chimera and will most likely be attacked on sight.
Male chimeras are hard to train regardless of their human trainer's gender. Their short attention spans and wanderlust make them difficult to keep at home. However, clever merchants have learned to travel with male chimera in order to find areas rich in ore and stones. The male chimera finds females, the merchant finds profits. Everyone wins!
