Sebilian Jungle Stalker

I really don't advise hunting one of those for sport. Mostly because they don't play fair - they don't need to worry about "fair" in the jungle. If you're certain you wish to test your prowess? I'd advise brawling with a bear instead.

— Ernil Rootstalker, Ranger of Sebile

The jungles of the southern subcontinent are home to a great many predatory species, and each fills their own niche in how life in the jungle is a matter of surviving "just long enough". The niche of the jungle stalker appears to be in making everything else in the jungle nervous, as this carnivorous feline creature is more than happy to make a meal out of anything it can kill. This includes, naturally, anything the feline can catch and get in its powerful jaws. Adventurers and travelers are advised not to provoke jungle stalkers, as they are not inherently predisposed to see humanoids in armor as prey. However, it is entirely plausible for it to become a learned behavior, should a stalker learn how to take on people as prey.
Among the usual details of a large feline species are two things which render the jungle stalker to be a particular danger: its patience and ability to remain hidden until it can strike decisively, and the resistance to most toxins which can be applied to bait to try to thin out predatory species from trade routes. Because of these things, trading companies have determined the most efficient methods of dealing with the jungle stalkers is simply to employ a larger number of guards. Most felines will not willingly attack large groups, only pick off individuals who wander off or are otherwise simple to pick off. A second detail, derived from this, is to train guards to travel in groups of at least three at all times. The phrase "hold it until we stop for a break" is an important one for those assigned to trade routes through the Sebilian jungle - not listening to this is almost assuredly a poor (and potentially fatal) decision.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Jungle stalkers bear the familiar general structure of a feline animal, quadrupedal and with a tail the length of roughly half its body. A smooth furry hide coves its body, thicker than most other feline species and concealing definition of the musculature at a first glance. Most specimens of the jungle stalker tend to be lean, powerfully built, adapted to fighting off many of the other jungle-dwelling species. A (relatively) powerful set of jaws and forelimbs allow the jungle stalker to hold down and crush the life from prey. This method is as effective against targets with some form of natural armor (or in the case of humanoids, crafted armor), as the goal seems to be focused more on strangulation. In addition to the fearsome bite, the jungle stalker possesses claws which evolved to assist in the primary form of hunting - made to hold on and keep the prey from moving. A swipe with these claws can also deliver grievous harm, though such swipes seem to be more to knock down or hobble prey. The primary purpose of the claws seems to be for climbing, which also suggests these animals may attack from above as often as from ground-level.
The general consensus has been to establish the jungle stalker as an effective ambush predator, assisted by a curious quality to its pelt. When stationary, a jungle stalker's pelt starts to 'fade' into colors and patterns which mimic the area around it. In conjunction with the natural stealthiness of feline species, this renders the jungle stalker a frightening presence in the Sebilian jungles.
Another detail which has been noted by trading companies is the stalker's resilience when it comes to poisons usually employed to deter predators from trade routes. Studies made in the jungles have shown there is a significant reason for this - in many cases, the flora and fauna of the jungle have evolved to either be venomous, poisonous, or both. Because of this, many creatures within the jungle have some form of toxins in their systems or on their bodies, meaning it is important for predators to be able to deal with that. Most of the lesser predators in the jungle have specific toxins they possess immunity to, and this defines their niche and usual prey. Jungle stalkers, as the apex predator of the subcontinent, evolved to enjoy a broader set of resistances. This is to say, they are not strictly immune to poisoning, but it will take a prohibitively expensive quantity to make it work.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The jungle stalker has very keen senses with which to stalk its prey, and prevent other predators from successfully hunting them in turn. While it is believed the stalkers can see even in complete darkness, it should instead be made clear they can "merely" sense their prey in such conditions with scent tracking and hearing. As such, hiding from a jungle stalker on the prowl is exceptionally difficult, requiring multiple layers of prevention. It is advised the best method of avoiding detection from a prowling stalker is to simply be the less-attractive target, either by being further away or being more trouble than is worth for the hunter.