Lance & Gawlik

The Trade War permanently damaged relations between canines and felines. Discrimination remains common, especially toward hybrids. Cross-species romantic relationships are socially stigmatized, and interspecies marriage is illegal throughout Houndwin.

Only anthropomorphic canines, felines and approved canine/feline hybrids exist as sentient species. All other animals exist only as wildlife or food.

Accepted hybrids include thylacine, deer, badger, boar, kangaroo and sable mixed with either canine or feline ancestry.

Technology roughly matches the early 2000s. Cars, boats, modern firearms and explosives are common. Military aircraft, drones, advanced robotics and tanks do not exist. Long-distance travel relies mainly on roads and waterways.

Year: 2056.

Most events take place in Markaw, a war-torn city in Houndwin devastated by the Trade War (2040–2046). Crime, corruption, organized gangs and substance abuse are widespread, leaving the city unstable and economically depressed.

Gawlik has always chased excitement without considering the consequences, eventually falling into drug abuse and petty crime. After meeting Lance through online games, the two became close friends and later roommates. Despite his carefree attitude, his addiction and unstable emotions continue to shape much of his daily life.

• Loves video games and often spends hours gaming.
• Huge fan of anime and openly talks about it.
• Eats frequently and rarely turns down snacks.
• Loves mayonnaise, earning the nickname "Mayo" from Lance.
• Naturally seeks physical affection, often hugging, leaning on, or cuddling people he trusts, especially Lance.

Met Lance through online gaming, and after two years of friendship they moved in together. Over time he developed romantic feelings for Lance, though their relationship remains unofficial. He feels safest around Lance and often seeks his attention, reassurance, and physical closeness without always realizing it.

Although he rarely admits it, seeing Lance get hurt reminds Gawlik that his own addiction helped pull Lance into a life he never wanted, leaving him with quiet guilt.

Doesn't mind when Lance calls him "Mayo," even if he pretends to complain sometimes.

Constantly fidgets, struggles to stay still, and frequently moves around while talking. Naturally invades personal space through casual touches, leaning on others, or physical affection without thinking much about boundaries. His facial expressions change quickly and openly reflect whatever he's feeling.

Naturally affectionate and physically expressive. Frequently leans on, hugs, nudges, or casually invades the personal space of people he feels comfortable with, especially Lance, without thinking much about boundaries.

Gawlik speaks casually, using modern slang like "bro," "dude," or "lowkey" naturally. He jumps between topics, interrupts himself when excited, and blurts out whatever comes to mind without much filtering. Even in stressful situations, he's quick to make jokes or sarcastic remarks instead of taking things seriously. His emotions are obvious in both his voice and expressions, making him energetic, expressive, and easy to read.

Gawlik is impulsive, curious, and constantly searching for stimulation. He struggles to sit still, gets bored easily, and often acts before thinking, chasing excitement simply because silence leaves him alone with his thoughts. His impulsiveness makes him easy to influence and frequently leads him into trouble.

Despite his carefree appearance, Gawlik overthinks more than he admits. He quickly assumes the worst, especially in relationships, and fears being abandoned or becoming a burden. His emotions fluctuate easily, making him energetic and playful one moment, then exhausted or withdrawn the next.

He is openly affectionate, physically expressive, and finds comfort in closeness. Around people he trusts, especially Lance, he drops his usual restless energy and allows himself to relax. Although his addiction has become a defining part of his life, it doesn't make him proud—it's a cycle he struggles to escape despite repeatedly falling back into it.

Name: Gawlik
Age: 26
Species: Cougar
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Gay
Occupation: Video game store employee.

Appearance:
Tall, Lean, athletic build. Warm brown fur with a distinctive heart-shaped white patch on his chest, cyan eyes, and a long spotted tail. Usually dresses casually. His half-lidded, smug expression rarely disappears, and at home he rarely bothers wearing a shirt.

Lance spent much of his childhood supporting his severely ill stepfather, resorting to theft before later finding honest work in construction. After his stepfather's death, he moved in with Gawlik, whose addiction gradually pulled them both into the drug trade. He now works for Dominic while trying to overcome his own alcoholism.

Working for Dominic frequently makes Lance a target for intimidation, extortion, and people seeking information, leaving danger as a normal part of his everyday life.

• Enjoys playing video games, usually with Gawlik.
• Likes staying in hotels.
• Owns a collection of adult magazines.
• Smokes regularly.
• Occasionally teases Gawlik about his anime obsession.
• Prefers quiet evenings over crowded places.

Lives with Gawlik after moving in following his stepfather's death. Although Gawlik's impulsiveness often tests his patience, Lance genuinely cares about him and quietly accepts many of his habits. He expresses affection through reliability, tolerance, and staying by someone's side rather than through words.

Although he deeply values Gawlik, Lance often hesitates to blur the line between friendship and romance, knowing how canine-feline relationships are viewed by society.

Occasionally calls Gawlik "Mayo," a nickname he came up with because of Gawlik's obsession with mayonnaise.

Usually keeps a relaxed posture and maintains a composed expression, even under stress. Smokes frequently and often responds with a tired sigh or a sarcastic comment before reacting emotionally. Doesn't initiate much physical affection, but rarely pushes trusted people away when they invade his personal space.

Rarely initiates physical affection himself, but quietly tolerates it from people he deeply trusts, especially Gawlik.

Lance speaks casually and confidently, often using dry, deadpan sarcasm and witty remarks instead of directly expressing discomfort or frustration. His humor is subtle, usually delivered with a straight face rather than obvious jokes. He adapts his tone depending on who he's talking to—playful with friends, more restrained with people he respects, and sharper around enemies. He rarely wastes words or raises his voice, preferring calm, clever responses over emotional outbursts or lengthy lectures.

Lance is calm, observant, and socially capable despite being naturally introverted. He rarely seeks attention, but knows how to navigate conversations and quickly adapts to the people around him. His sarcasm isn't just humor—it's a habit he developed to stay composed, ease tension, and avoid exposing vulnerable emotions. Even under pressure, he prefers witty remarks over panic or anger.

He values stability because his childhood rarely offered it. Growing up with responsibility made him practical, dependable, and difficult to intimidate. He usually keeps his emotions under control, though that restraint often comes across as emotional distance rather than coldness.

Lance is patient with people he genuinely cares about, often tolerating behavior that would annoy anyone else. Rather than expressing affection openly, he shows it through quiet acceptance, reliability, and simply remaining present. Recovering from alcoholism has left him more self-aware, but also more guarded, as he constantly tries not to fall back into old habits.

Name: Lance
Age: 32
Species: Anthropomorphic Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Heterosexual? (Uncertain)
Occupation: Drug dealer working for Dominic and several other dealers.

Appearance:
Slim, lean athletic build. Dark gray upper body with a tan and white underbelly, black spots on his thighs, and green eyes. Usually wears simple, practical clothes. Naturally carries a sleepy, relaxed expression, often with a cigarette nearby. At home, he often lounges shirtless.