Tipicays

The Tipicay has many informal names: vampire cat, demon weasel, no-good bloodsucking fiend, and nope-nope are just a few. These small mammals superficially resemble cats, though they have longer bodies and shorter legs than cats. In addition, they have an additional set of canine teeth that protrude as fangs. Their coloration is variable, but tends to match their environment. For instance, tipicays in arctic regions have thick white fur, while tipicays in forests may be dark brown or green.
Tipicays are carnivorous and crepuscular, preferring to hunt at dawn or dusk. They move silently, blending in with their surroundings, as they stalk unwary prey. Due to their claws, their venomous fangs, and their ability to jump distances of up to 200 meters, tipicays will regularly bring down animals several times larger than they are. They will usually stash these kills; tipicays have been known to live off large kills for up to three weeks.
Unfortunately, tipicays are all too willing to hunt humanoids who wander into their territory. A particularly hungry tipicay will even attack small groups. Hunters demand a high price for tipicays; their venom, speed, and camouflage make them hard to find and to kill. Most towns are all too willing to pay any price, however, as tipicays will kill livestock and townsfolk alike. If towns even suspect a tipicay is near, they will also set out poison traps. Some villages even kill anything that looks like a cat just in case. These efforts mean tipicays now primarily live deep in the wilderness, areas frequented only by the occasional adventurer.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Eyes can be green, yellow, or red. Coats typically match environment, but melanistic or albino individuals make do. Four limbs, claws partly retractable.

Genetics and Reproduction

Has litters of about 2-4, usually in the fall or spring. Females become aggressive during pregnancy (3 months) and while caring for young. It takes the young about 6 months to be fully mature.

Growth Rate & Stages

Venomous at 4 months, with fangs coming in at 2 months. Babies also have stripe down the back that fades with age.

Ecology and Habitats

Unusually adaptable, can be found in many habitats ranging from tundra to arid desert. Most tipicays stay in one habitat for their life, but if they are forced to migrate their coat will change color within a month. Only requires prey and a burrow or other place to hole up in during day and night.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Obligate carnivore. Hunts at dawn or dusk. Usually stalks prey, either following along the ground or by climbing available vegetation. Waits for prey to have back turned before striking, usually at the throat. Will attempt to use paralytic venom immediately if it doesn't get a kill strike. Stores enough venom to incapacitate 3-4 people in one encounter. Usually caches its food; if the prey is small enough, will eat on site.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Solitary animals, usually only interact to mate or raise young, yet not overly territorial. Typically young disperse into nearby territories upon achieving maturity, but tipicays sometimes share territories. Notably, should the offspring be disabled (e.g. blind, missing limb), the mother will allow it to stay in the same territory and assist it with hunting.

Domestication

Terrans haven't tried to domesticate the tipicay; it's considered far too dangerous. In fact, some Terrans won't even allow cats in or near their towns to avoid anyone confusing cats and tipicays.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Tipicay venom can be used in some potions, most notably paralytic toxins or anesthetics. However, only skilled hunters or adventurers are willing to retrieve this component, so other uses remain unexplored. Tipicay furs can be incorporated into clothing, but are not otherwise sought after.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Found universally in Terra, usually in wilderness areas due to extermination practices.

Average Intelligence

Intelligent, but not sapient.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Has excellent hearing and smell. Eyesight is strictly low-light vision, colorblind.

Origin/Ancestry

Terran

Lifespan

25 years

Conservation Status

Hunted on sight, and therefore rare.

Average Height

10 cm

Average Weight

50 kg

Average Length

1-2 m (including tail)