Traits

BODY MODIFICATION: Arkaines have the option to crop their ears, a procedure that typically alters the natural ear shape.
For proper form and healing, it's generally recommended that this be done by a professional.

Ear Cropping in Arkaine Culture

• Warrior Mark: Usually seen in Sunkeep Warrior soldiers & priests.
  A traditional mark of a warrior or a rite of passage into adulthood, signifying resilience, readiness for battle, or a dedication to a martial path. The cropped ear is seen as less vulnerable in combat.
  
  
• Aesthetic Preference: Certain cultures, such as the desert-faring Pointe breed, practice ear cropping as a cultural aesthetic; seen as making an Arkaine look more refined, powerful, or distinctive within their society.
  Certain Arkaine clans or regions do have varying "ideal" ear shapes. 
  
  
• Symbol of Dedication/Allegiance: Cropped ears might signify allegiance to a specific house, a religious order, or a particular magical discipline. Extremely devout followers of Valontras have been known to crop their ears with a crescent-moon, half-circle shape. Extremely devout followers of Kamales have been known to crop their ears with a tight, tall shape, leaving a large round space at the bottom (usually where an earring or a gauge will be worn). 
  
  
• Practicality: For those who live or work in dense forests or engage in activities where long ears might get snagged or torn, ear cropping could be seen as practical.
  
  
• Historical Echo: It is thought that the practice of ear cropping goes back for as long, if not longer, than written Arkaine history. Many cultures practice it to this day, and the practice is not culture or breed-specific (but some shapes may be).