Taiga Kyorei

Created by HikariDana

The fluffier and stockier cousins of the Kyorei Family Tree. Taiga Kyorei populate in the Northern Regions of the Frigid Pillars.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Warrior Taiga Kyorei wield 6 limbs in total, their wings included. They can grow up to 10-11ft tall from head to toe with a 28-35ft in wingspan.
Taiga Kyorei have also developed larger spikes for better clubbing action, if not slashing. They sometimes use this to their advantage by covering these tail spikes in ice, further making their natural weapon more lethal.
Taiga Kyorei also have slightly shorter ears than their brethren! They simply appear longer due to the long strands of fur growing off the tips.

Biological Traits

Each Kyorei develops a black tinted coloration at the end of their ears. Said coloration slowly descends down the ear as they age before coming to a slow halt at Adulthood it is at this point, any Kyorei past 90 years gains a new grey tint beginning just at the tip of their ears.

Taiga Kyorei wield the elements of Sub-Zero Fire and Shock. Some have even come to have the ability to control Force as opposed to their usual flames. Within their bodies is an extra sac that connected to the windpipe that is filled with a flammable gas. The SubZero flames do not just burn, in fact they freeze as well (a similar sensation to holding ice with salt. These flames will also linger on the ground much like regular fire would. With a quick enough release force combined with the static between a Kyorei's fangs, the gas is quick to ignite. The flames are always blue. As far as ice, in replacement of a Flame Sac, the Korugas may grow a Cryoginal Sac instead.
Within their nervous system lie electrical sacs that release over thousands of volts of electricity when squeezed. And that's just individually. This is why a Koruga 'sparks' when upset or tense. Their muscles are only just barely squeezing the electrical sacs, but they're just sensitive enough to be set off.

Genetics and Reproduction

Kyorei typically will reproduce like most other terrestrial creatures.
After mating, a Female will likely hold either one or two pups for as long as a year. This period of gestation leaves her most vulnerable as it leaves her much more sluggish and heavier than usual. It also leaves her feeling much more irritable often, making it hard for team compatibility should she try to work with one despite her condition.

Growth Rate & Stages

Kyorei grow fairly quickly the time they are a Pup until Adulthood. Their eyes open the moment they are born and they are able to stand within 3 to 5 days. Within 6 to 8 days they are capable of early galloping and trotting.

Ecology and Habitats

These Kyorei prefer either empty caverns to stay warm in or thick tree gatherings to stay in. More than likely, they are found in caverns. The snow is their camouflage and they will use it to their fullest advantage.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Taiga Kyorei as a whole species are omnivorous and will feed on both meat and fruit alike. Their front fangs make it easy to tear flesh when needed, as their molars for grinding various foods.
Taiga Kyorei actually make use of crystal veins that generate within their mountains. These crystals are the source of their colder elements to which they either crush into powder or chew the chunk mined itself. These crystals, when ingested, causes oxygen to freeze and condense into a very cold liquid which can be expelled for elemental use.
Having pack like mentality, Korugas will hunt in a group of 2 for medium-sized prey, or 3-4 if it is something much bigger than themselves. Anything smaller does not call for a higher count than 2. After a catch or gathering has been made, they are brought back to the village to designated den areas for consumption. Said den areas are carefully watched over to make sure nothing takes more than what they need.

Biological Cycle

Taiga Kyorei fur will shorten and lengthen depending on the time of the season. Should it become Summer/Spring, their fur is of a medium length, perhaps shorter depending on the individual. Come Autumn/Winter, their fur lengthens to prepare for the oncoming snow and ice. Between the seasonal changes of Summer to Winter, their fur sheds, however, most of it does not just fall to the ground.
The Mypsi, their symbiotic partners, have crafted devices for grooming their much larger companions and have taken to using their Winter pelts for their own nests. Few Kyorei themselves even use their sheddings for their own beds.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Taiga Kyorei are very social with one another and most of their cousins. Even other species they may not know. This does not mean they are gullible, however. A new face always means potential danger.

Facial characteristics

Between Males and Females, Males may grow more of a beard-like feature as they age. Whether it is the same color as their pelt or their mane differs between genetics.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

The Mypsi have grown fond of the Koruga kind and have therefore formed a bond with the fellow tree dwelling kind. Because the Mypsi are far more capable of wielding a tool than the Korugas, they have been able to fulfill needs such as extreme grooming, crafting, cleaning, trade routes, scouting, etc. And in exchange, they receive food, shelter, and protection.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Forest Kyorei

Genetic Descendants

• The Luminous

Lifespan

100-175yrs

Average Height

10-11ft

Average Weight

850-1200lbs

Average Length

11-12ft w/o tail, 18-22 w/ tail

Average Physique

Taiga Kyorei are built much stockier and more muscular than the rest of their cousins, and therefore are extremely warm combined with their much fluffier fur. They are not the most flexible of the cousins, but will not hesitate to throw their weight around.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Taiga Kyorei keep more of a pastel palette as opposed to their cousins. White is an extremely common fur color for them, however, Blues and Pinks are not terribly uncommon either. They also may pick up the more natural palettes of Browns and Greys. Very rarely Oranges. Their markings tend to be more gradient, though some have been seen with socks, speckled spots, or larger, sparse stripes on their bodies.

Geographic Distribution

• Caelanus Bluff
• Frigid Pillars
• Frostbitten Grotto