Jinean
Thumbed felines.
The dominant life forms of the planet Sahiba , Jineans closely resemble multiple different species of Feliformes, however, while they are closely related (they share a common ancestor, developing in tandem on both Earth and Sahiba), Jineans are more complex than normal Feliformes and are, of course, sapient. The main difference in physiology is the presence of hair on the body in all groups, whether it be in the form of a lion-like mane or the cheek ruffs of a tiger, and the presence of one thumb on each forepaw. While some would argue they are more human-like, the Jineans themselves do not classify themselves as being anything like humans, simply because they are so very different.
The very idea that we are anything like humans is [...] ludicrous to say the least. Our species have nothing in common, save for the ability to develop language and complex thought. Unlike humans, our historical goal has never been the slaughter of innocents.
Basic Information
Anatomy
While different races of Jineans have differences in their morphology, anatomy remains largely the same for most. Because they live on a planet almost entirely made of ice, they have long, thick, shaggy fur covering most or all of the body. Hair is also a feature of this species, present either in a lion-like mane, or in several other ways of presentation (some are closer to the ridge of hair along a male cheetah's neck, others are more like the cheek ruffs of a tiger). All members of the species possess this hair, regardless of sex or gender. However, different genders will arrange their hair in different ways.
All Jineans have four legs, and are capable of bipedal or quadrupedal motion. Most prefer quadrupedal, especially when running, as it allows for more speed. While they cannot run particularly fast for a long period of time, they are incredibly hardy and have a lot of stamina, which generally means they can outlast their prey. Jineans are usually built for long-distance hunts which take several hours or more, and their bodies reflect this.
The biggest difference between Jineans and normal Feliformes comes in a small feature on their front paws: each paw has a thumb, with a retractable "dewclaw." The rest of the toes on the paw also have retractable claws. This thumb allows for gripping, and while it was originally only useful in hunting, as the species gained sapience, it became slowly more important in other parts of life as well.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Like most Feliformes, Jineans have an advanced sense of sight, smell, and hearing. While they can technically see in full color, due to the nature of the planet, they detect duller, more pastel colors more easily than bright ones. Thanks to the thick cloud covering on Sahiba, and the general climate of the place, brightness is rare. They are much more adapted to being able to see in dusky, low-light situations. When traveling to other planets, it is not uncommon for them to need protective eyewear.
Their hearing is extra-sensitive, as many races hunt small mammals underneath the snow, ice, and frozen ground, so they need to be able to hear them even through the thick layer of frozen terrain. They can easily detect both high and low pitched noises of their prey, pinpoint the source, and pounce, much like foxes or lynx in the arctic.
Like all creatures in the Universe, they are also fully capable of using magic, but because their solar system is generally a low-magic one, they do not do so often. Most spells cast are simple life enhancement spells, such as spells to help clean up or cook. Rarely do they ever do complex magic.
The above header image is simply a placeholder and will be replaced when a better, more suitable image is drawn.
Comments