Storm Cats

Native to the higher altitudes of Darshalwyn's Backbone, these large felines average 15 ft in length (excluding their tails) and weigh 1000 lbs. Storm Cats possess a keen intellect and can communicate via telepathy, often in multiple languages. Storm Cats live in groups named Tempests usually consisting of twelve to twenty cats. The females of a Tempest often take several mates over the course of the long lifespans, often measured in centuries. Storm Cats' appearance changes based on their mood, normally the cats' fur appears a light grey color and when they are very content their fur appears pure white. However, as Storm Cats grow agitated or angry their fur grows darker, like a storm cloud, and begins to crackle with electricity. These electrical manifestations do not harm the cat or those in contact with it but often leap out to harm those who get too close to the agitated cat. Storm Cats' elemental aspect grants them the ability to fly, though they do so by seemingly walking or running through the air. As part of a long-standing pact, a few large Tempests have sworn to serve the nation of Arnaia and specifically the Sky Lancers. Each year a few young cats enter into a life-long bond with a pair of Sky Lancers to form a triumvirate that fights and lives as a cohesive unit.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Large elemental felines. Females average 12' and 800 lbs. while males average 15' and 1000 (excluding their tails). Slender but well-muscled, Strom Cats have short wide muzzles, powerful jaws, and massive clawed paws. Females have notably higher endurance than males.

Genetics and Reproduction

Female Storm Cats general bear litters of two to four kits after a pregnancy lasting 7 months.

Growth Rate & Stages

Storm Cat kits average 5-7 lb. and grow rapidly, reaching about 500 lbs within their first year, and full size in two years.

Ecology and Habitats

Storm Cats live in the upper altitudes near the tree lines of Darshalwyn's Backbone where they seek out the shelter of caves or large stands of trees. Despite their size, the Storm Cats' flight ability allows them to reach locations other species cannot.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Strom Cats hunt Elk, Moose, and several species of birds. They also have a fondness for fish and have been known to selectively use their electrical discharge ability to catch large amounts of fish.

Biological Cycle

Storm Cats change little with the passing of seasons but they love thunderstorms and frequently play among storm clouds, where their elemental aspects serve to intensify the storms.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Strom cat live in groups called Tempests consisting 12 to 20 cats. The female select mates when they are ready to bear a litter and change partners often during their lifetimes. Tempests exchange members with neighboring groups.

Domestication

Strom Cat can and do form bonds with other species, notably the Sky Lancers of Arainia, but they are not anyone's pets.

Average Intelligence

Most Storm Cats equal Average Human intelligence.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Storm Cats possess excellent eyesight, night vision, and a keen sense of smell. Their psionic capabilities allow them to sense certain traits about people, they can sense if a person has what the cats call the Mother's Instinct (though they claim no Storm Cats cannot understand the full meaning of this concept) they can sense any mundane disease even in the early stages, and can often sense hostile intent and fear.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Among their own people Sky Cats telepathic abilities allows them to use a series of images, scents, and other sensory data as their "name". Among other species they often adopt whatever names their companions give them.

Lifespan

600-700 years

Average Weight

Females 800 lbs. Males 1000.

Average Length

Females 12' Males 15'

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Storm Cats generally display off while of very light grey coats, but their mood alters their coloration. When content they grow close to pure white like puffy cumulus clouds, when angry or agitated their coats grow darker like storm clouds. As their coat grow darker they begin to give of electrical discharges making the appear like furry localized storms.