NOTE! This page is very lengthy!
Big Cat Species Info
This was a little origin/evolution tree/chain for the species.
Earth Origin
Like the population of mankind on Terra Fera, TF's tigers(called "Striped Cats" usually) and Lesser Lions are of Earth (real world) origin. Their evolution tree is exactly the same as their real world counterparts, other than the sub species are obviously different, as to adapt to TF's environments.
Terra Fera Origin
These cats are very ancient, and either developed here on their own, or from Earth origin ancestors of the modern lion(likely cave lions). Below, I will go into specifics about each species.
Earth Origin
Like the population of mankind on Terra Fera, TF's tigers(called "Striped Cats" usually) and Lesser Lions are of Earth (real world) origin. Their evolution tree is exactly the same as their real world counterparts, other than the sub species are obviously different, as to adapt to TF's environments.
Terra Fera Origin
These cats are very ancient, and either developed here on their own, or from Earth origin ancestors of the modern lion(likely cave lions). Below, I will go into specifics about each species.
Ketertaz
Basic Facts
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Before the modern times of Terra Fera, they were believed to be a myth, only spoken of in legends as the ancestor to both Spotted Cats, Fanged Cats, and Great Lions. In the modern times, a fossil specimen was eventually found, proving their existence. These were massive cats, from a time when mammals were just starting to begin their rule over TF. The legends claimed they were temple guardians, serving the ancient gods by protecting their sacred places. They were said to come in many colors and patterns, from spots to stripes to practically solid colored. It's believed males had manes like lions, but it's unknown for sure. Appearance may have varied between sub species. They were highly intelligent, and likely very social creatures like their evolutionary descendants.
They probably hunted large prey, like large deer relatives or even drakes. (Image to left will eventually be updated with a proper species ref image!) |
Ketzateri
Basic Facts
Height: 1-1.2 m (male) .9 to 1 m (female) Length: 1.5 - 2 m (male) 1.3 - 1.9 m (female) Tail Length: 1.3 m roughly. Weight: 120 - 250 kg (male) 120 - 160 kg (female) Canine Length: Roughly 12cm Life Expectancy: 20-30+ years. Average is roughly 30, but the oldest known Ketzateri was 38 when he died. Sizes can vary greatly between individuals, as well. These are average measurements. Males are usually referred to as "males" or "lions". Females are referred to as "lionesses". Young are called cubs, or affectionately "zatereit" (pretty much meaning "little thief") or "chezeit" (meaning "little one"). |
(Image above is currently temporary. I've been playing around with the species design since I made that one, and need to update it!)
Inspiration: Partially my cat, Gimli, for the fluffiness... The rest is pretty much the honey badger(attitude), the lion, and the snow leopard. Info: Pronounced: "ket-zah-terr-eye". Comes from "Ket", word for TF's big cats, and "Zateri" meaning "to take". A rather isolated species, Ketzateri, or "Fanged Cats" only live in the mountains and highland regions of the Far South. Not quite saber toothed, their canines stick out about an inch, and they are more just a little overgrown than anything else. Only slightly bigger than real world lions, they look a lot like an odd mix a lion with a leopard's tail, and having somewhat thylacine like stripes(but more spread out). They are very dark tans and grayish browns in color, with a few exceptions. Males have a mane of sorts, but it almost seamlessly blends into the main coat. They can also have spots, or a combination of spots and stripes of various types. Their spots are usually not rosettes like most spotted big cats(leopards/jaguars), but are rather more like cheetah spotting. That doesn't mean some rosettes aren't possible though. They live in small pride like groups, consisting of typically one male and his mates and cubs. A pride will fiercely defend their territory from all other predators or prides, including, the massive in comparison, Great Lions. They pretty much seem like they'd rather die than give up their territory. Only a female with cubs will flee rather than fight, taking her cubs with her, unless she has no other choice. Their fierceness and boldness is often enough to chase off rivals. Females have 1-3 cubs at one time, though most often just one or two cubs. A lower birth rate than most of TF's big cats is compensated by the fact that their cubs have a much higher survival rate. Fanged Cat cubs have about a 1 in every 5 chance of reaching adulthood, compared to Great Lion cubs having a 2 in 15(and even then, most don't live past a few years of adulthood), and Spotted Cats' a mere 1 in roughly 30. The larger the pride, and the more successful they are at catching prey regularly, the higher chances of the cubs surviving, and Fanged Cats make the most of their harsher environment. When hunting, typically the male and one of the females will remain at the pride's den and watch the cubs, while the rest of the females go out. Each female hunts individually, not as a collective whole. They hunt namely highland/mountain sheep/goat like animals, but will settle for smaller prey like rabbits. The females feed themselves, and also bring food back for the baby sitter and male, and the cubs if they are old enough. The females hunt every day, and take turns baby sitting the cubs. Fanged Cats get to about 20 years before old age starts affecting them. Despite the fact that their two cousins CAN live longer, most don't out live them. Fanged Cats usually die of old age, unless they die defending their territory, where as almost all Great Lions die in battle or from fight related injuries/infected wounds, and Spotted Cats often also are killed in battle or die of illness. The main threat Fanged Cats truly face is limited resources and each other. Males leave home at about 3 years of age, being chased off by their father. They then look for a territory of their own, or try to steal one from another male. The challenging male will fight the resident male of a pride, typically with the females watching, as it's really a matter of show of strength, and the females ultimately decide which male they prefer. If they choose the challenger, they will chase off the resident male. The new male won't kill any cubs, as there's no point. Females only breed in the Winter, so cubs are born in Spring, and they can do so each year. Also, the new male wouldn't want to upset the females, otherwise they'll chase him off too. In rare occasions, a coalition of males will occur, giving them much more strength, and a lot more likelihood of females choosing them over a lone male. If a resident male is chased off, often times his older sons will follow him too, creating a coalition between them, at least temporarily. |
Ketep|"Leopards"
Basic Facts
Height: 1.5-1.8 m (male) 1.3-1.5 m (female) Length: Tail Length: Weight: Canine Length: |
Called "leopards" by TF's human population, and called Ketep in the Ancient Tongue, while also more commonly called "Spotted Cats", they aren't true leopards, but very much look like them. A temperate climate cat, they look a little more like Snow Leopards, having a longer coat, which sheds in Summer. They come in mainly tans, creams, and lighter browns, but white or lighter colors are not unheard of. Spots tend to be very condensed(close together).
For the most part, all Spotted Cats live in one clan, ruled by their king, but having small family groups scattered throughout the Far South(and some more northern parts of the continent). Some are nomads, but pretty much all swear fealty to their monarch. Spotted Cats are the only one of TF's native big cats that live on the Western Continent as well as the main one. The Spotted Cats of the west do not associate themselves to the clan, living separate from their eastern cousins, and ruling themselves separately. Spotted Cats have a bitter and ancient rivalry with Great Lions. It's unsure what started it, but it went on for all time. Spotted Cats are one of the only species on Terra Fera that can use magics of various types. |
Great Lions
(Personally, one of my favorites, as their a good mix of fantasy and sci-fi.)
There are many, diverse, sub species, or races, of Great Lions, but here's some facts that are common to all!
According to the legends, they were created to be Nature/Utura's soldiers, her chosen army and favored creation. They make up one of two species(the other being TF's wolves) that can join the ancient and sacred order known simply as the Brotherhood, who serve Nature's will and wrath, keeping her balance in place. They were blessed with many gifts, one of which was their abilities to adapt, and even evolve on a cellular and genetic level, as individuals, populations, or as the whole species. Basically, an individual Great Lion can actually mutate its own DNA to evolve to new situations. Most often, these mutations come from dormant genes, or some can flip dominant and recessive(this usually only happens in the womb, long before birth). It's not really something they do at will, just something that naturally occurs as they go on with daily life, and the world around them changes. For example, with the changing of the seasons, in Fall, they become able to survive colder and colder temperatures, weather or not a winter coat starts growing in(some races don't have the abilities to grow one), in perpetration of Winter. Likewise happens in Spring for Summer and warmer temperatures.
Another gift given to them was the ability to take their opponent out with them if they fell in battle, as they were meant to be warriors and fighters. This comes in the form of toxins flowing through their veins, that not even they themselves are fully immune to. These toxins are also believed to be what allows them to somehow regenerate faster, however, it's a gift like a rose with thorns. These toxins will eventually kill a warrior who has lived a life of battles and hardships. Great Lions don't age past their adult stage, and don't die of old age. They die from what they call the "wear and tear of war". The more serious injuries they sustain, the more infections and illnesses they fight off, the lower their body's tolerance to the toxins becomes, and this is what kills them. How long a Great Lion lives is all a matter of lifestyle. Live a healthy life, avoid fights, and they can live well beyond, 50, 60, and in some of the stories, even 80 years of age. Live a life of danger and battles and most don't make it past 10 years. The simple fact is, most Great Lion die young, be it as a cub or as an adult. (Only 2 in every 15 cubs make it on average.)
Most Great Lions are pretty big. Even the smallest race, Cloud Lions, are slightly bigger than their real Earth cousins. The largest races stand over 6 feet tall at the shoulders! That's one big ball of potentially angry cat XD
All Great Lions have a more thumb like fifth toe. It's more flexible than most cats', and helps when grappling larger prey and pulling them down to the ground for the killing blow.
Great Lions are generally known for their rather incorruptible moral compass, at least as a whole. Individuals can very in personalities and motives as vastly as humans can, but in general, they are inclined to a neutral position in many matters, and good in others(usually in situations of moral matters). For example, Great Lions are rather accepting of all believes, but if children/young are involved, they'll take the side of what's better for the children/young. (In a specific example, let's say a religion practices animal sacrifice, a Great Lion couldn't care less really, but let's say this religion sacrifices a cub/young from a species generally considered "intelligent", or called Beast Races on TF, there's no ifs, ands, or buts about it, they will hunt the perpetrators down to the ends of the earth if necessary and kill them. Great Lion justice can be rather brutal.) It is an unspoken law that all Great Lions live by moral code.
It is generally understood that Great Lions are on equal footing with humans as far as intelligence and diversity in cultures.
There are many, diverse, sub species, or races, of Great Lions, but here's some facts that are common to all!
According to the legends, they were created to be Nature/Utura's soldiers, her chosen army and favored creation. They make up one of two species(the other being TF's wolves) that can join the ancient and sacred order known simply as the Brotherhood, who serve Nature's will and wrath, keeping her balance in place. They were blessed with many gifts, one of which was their abilities to adapt, and even evolve on a cellular and genetic level, as individuals, populations, or as the whole species. Basically, an individual Great Lion can actually mutate its own DNA to evolve to new situations. Most often, these mutations come from dormant genes, or some can flip dominant and recessive(this usually only happens in the womb, long before birth). It's not really something they do at will, just something that naturally occurs as they go on with daily life, and the world around them changes. For example, with the changing of the seasons, in Fall, they become able to survive colder and colder temperatures, weather or not a winter coat starts growing in(some races don't have the abilities to grow one), in perpetration of Winter. Likewise happens in Spring for Summer and warmer temperatures.
Another gift given to them was the ability to take their opponent out with them if they fell in battle, as they were meant to be warriors and fighters. This comes in the form of toxins flowing through their veins, that not even they themselves are fully immune to. These toxins are also believed to be what allows them to somehow regenerate faster, however, it's a gift like a rose with thorns. These toxins will eventually kill a warrior who has lived a life of battles and hardships. Great Lions don't age past their adult stage, and don't die of old age. They die from what they call the "wear and tear of war". The more serious injuries they sustain, the more infections and illnesses they fight off, the lower their body's tolerance to the toxins becomes, and this is what kills them. How long a Great Lion lives is all a matter of lifestyle. Live a healthy life, avoid fights, and they can live well beyond, 50, 60, and in some of the stories, even 80 years of age. Live a life of danger and battles and most don't make it past 10 years. The simple fact is, most Great Lion die young, be it as a cub or as an adult. (Only 2 in every 15 cubs make it on average.)
Most Great Lions are pretty big. Even the smallest race, Cloud Lions, are slightly bigger than their real Earth cousins. The largest races stand over 6 feet tall at the shoulders! That's one big ball of potentially angry cat XD
All Great Lions have a more thumb like fifth toe. It's more flexible than most cats', and helps when grappling larger prey and pulling them down to the ground for the killing blow.
Great Lions are generally known for their rather incorruptible moral compass, at least as a whole. Individuals can very in personalities and motives as vastly as humans can, but in general, they are inclined to a neutral position in many matters, and good in others(usually in situations of moral matters). For example, Great Lions are rather accepting of all believes, but if children/young are involved, they'll take the side of what's better for the children/young. (In a specific example, let's say a religion practices animal sacrifice, a Great Lion couldn't care less really, but let's say this religion sacrifices a cub/young from a species generally considered "intelligent", or called Beast Races on TF, there's no ifs, ands, or buts about it, they will hunt the perpetrators down to the ends of the earth if necessary and kill them. Great Lion justice can be rather brutal.) It is an unspoken law that all Great Lions live by moral code.
It is generally understood that Great Lions are on equal footing with humans as far as intelligence and diversity in cultures.
Great Lion Sub Species/Races
Capareon Origin
- "Standard" race/sub species: Generally considered the standard, possible original sub species of Great Lions. Are average in size, come in most ranges of colors, markings, and mane styles.
- Coastal: A coastal sub species adapted highly to hunting seals, fishing, and living/hunting in the coastal marshes and estuaries of the Capareon coastal region. Have a longer, thick tail, slightly webbed paws, and sleek, otter-like fur for swimming. Red fur colors are said to originate from Coastal lions.
- Cloud: The smallest of all the Great Lions, Cloud lions developed in the rocky highlands along the northern edge of Capareon and Niana. They have a thicker coat, tend to have fluff on their ears, and come typically in rather light colors, or even "gray" colors. Despite being the smallest, they can be some of the fiercest of all the races.
- Snow Lions: Considered the largest, despite two others being on par with these massive cats, Snow Lions are nearly twice the size of the "Standard" Capareon lion. Snow Lions are the origin of all white lions among Great Lions, and they themselves are always white or off white, and males have large, double manes. Lionesses of this race too have a slight mane, and both males and females have fur tufts on their chins, ears, and elbows.
- Southern Lions: The native race of the Far South, these lions actually evolved from Snow Lions, and are on par with them as far as size goes. This race, however, had to adapt to forests and plains for hunting, and so lost their white coloration, and developed into creams, tans, and grays.
- Tundra Lions: Like Southern Lions, these cats are a dead match to Snow Lions in size, and like Snow Lions, come in colors of white or off-white(more often off-white). These cats, however, lack a thick mane on males, but instead overall have heavy, thick coat, with three layers(opposed to the only double layer coat of Capareon and Mountain origin lions). They have massive paws, in order to spread their huge weight across snow and ice of their frozen tundra habitat.
- Kakarmn Lions: The only lions found outside of Lossuri, or at least Great Lions. Very typical Great Lions, they are roughly on par with the Capareon Origin "Standard" race. All lions on Kakarmn are split into two clans, one on the northern half of the large island, and the other on the southern half.
- Lezketio: lions of this clan live on the northern, somewhat warmer, half of the island, which is dominated by plains in the north, and marshlands towards the center of Kakarmn. Name literally means "lion of the plains".
- Mlyketio: lions of this clan live on the southern, colder half of Kakarmn, with marshes in their northern territory, slowly giving way to forest going south. These lions have somewhat thicker fur than their northern counterparts. Name means "lion of the storm".
- Forest Lions: a mix of Snow and Capareon "Standard" ancestors, these lions are very tall, standing shoulder to shoulder with their Snow Lion ancestors. They, like Snow Lions, have tufts of fur on the sides of their faces, ears, chins, and elbows, but it lacks the thickness of the mane-likeness of the Snow Lions' tufts, and is more like a fuzz on the chin and ears. Their fur overall has a more coarse look to it.
- Mountain Lions: another Snow/Capareon mix, these lions take more after their Snow Lion ancestors, than their Capareon ones, having originated in the Capareon northern mountains. Look like a somewhat smaller, slightly less fluffy Snow Lion.