The majority of Esprits are Graces. Graces are generally flighty creatures. The average size is 5’3”, but there are small deviations of this. While not usually aggressive, they can become temperamental when breeding. Their gender roles in the mate-ship is determined by a small duel akin to wrestling before copulation occurs. Both Graces will produce milk for their young as the pregnancy pheromones of one can affect the ‘male’ in the mate-ship as well. There are no specific roles assigned between the two in caring for the young. A standard Grace can carry up to four fawnlings.
Unless presented in one of the following categories, Graces will be relatively more flat chested and have androgynous facial features/body types.
Dukes While Graces are normally an intersex sub-type of Esprit, a more masculine looking Grace would be referred to as a “Duke”. They tend to have a higher concentration of testosterone and are less fertile when it comes to child-bearing. Their antlers are thicker and longer, while their bodies are stockier with more prominent muscle. Their manes and neck ruff also grows shorter in comparison.
Duchesses The feminine counterpart to a Duke would be a Duchess. These Graces have more estrogen in their bodies and present heavily as feminine, having larger breasts and softer features. A Duchess is often more submissive in a mate-ship and prefers the role of nurturer over protector. A Duchess's fur grows thicker and longer than a Duke's.
In-Group Dynamics
Graces recorded in the Masterlist will often have a signifier in their trait summary if they are a Duke, Duchess, or Standard. While all Graces have the opportunity to present how they feel comfortable, the main reason for this classification is to fulfill roles in Esprit society and culture. Dukes and Duchesses are types of Graces who present certain ways and hold different roles in the court. In a society and cultural standpoint, Dukes would be more sought after for roles such as a soldier or hunter, while a Duchess may be better suited and sought to fulfill the rolls of a handmaiden or nursemaid.
Some archetypes in the Group Shop bear Grace type requirements. This is predominantly where these particular labels become important. If the archetypes or societal classes do not really appeal to you then the labels of Duke and Duchess do not really need to make you feel restricted. You are welcome to have a more feminine Duke or a more masculine Duchess.
If you DO want the official courtly status and indicator on your Masterlist entry for the archetypes and role in the court you will have to use Crowns to purchase shop tokens to have your Esprit labelled as such. Visit the Marketplace for more information.