Shiir

Hunters in the Forest Shadows

A bipedal race of agile felines from the dense southern forests, the isolated Shiir live in close-knit tribal communities high in their ancient trees. Though skilled and fearless hunters, they are distrusting of outsiders, and rarely stray from the safety of their homeland. Those Shiir who are curious enough to venture out into the world are often treated with suspicion by the other races, who see them as dangerous and unpredictable killers.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Shiir's physiology is well-adapted to a life in the high trees. Though generally feline in appearance, they have dexterous hands and feet with long, sharp claws that allow them to move swiftly through the branches, and a long tail that provides great balance. Most Shiir have mottled fur in a wide range of colors, though rarely they are born with a coat of solid white, gold, or even black. They have a thin but muscular build, with long limbs and a narrow frame, and average about five feet tall.

Biological Traits

+2 Dexterity
-1 Strength
-1 Constitution

Growth Rate & Stages

Shiir have unusually high metabolisms and mature very quickly, reaching adulthood around age 10. They subsequently remain at peak form until 40, rapidly declining in health until their death at 50 or 60 years of age.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The elusive Shiir rarely venture from the dense mountainous jungle of Al'Sanshara at the northern reaches of Iderica.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Al'Shiir, Elanic

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

The Shiir are generally distrustful of all the other civilized races, though they do have rare interactions with their Elani neighbors to the south. Their main rivals are the Lizardkin who inhabit Iderica's warm northern coasts; they do not seek out conflict with them, but rather compete for resources.

Lifespan

60 years

Average Height

4.5 - 5.5 feet

Average Weight

60 - 100 lbs