Karin
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Karins are cat like creatures bearing two horns, and two tails. The horns could either stick straight up, or lean backwards, never aiming forwards as they were not used for fighting, but instead to defend their neck. Crystalline salt deposits cover their bodies in small patches.
History
Originally found in the land of Athera, karin once feasted on the crystal flowers found in Atgaard. However unlike other creatures they were realized for their docile nature and brought along through all sorts of disasters. Some during the journeys escaping back into the wild and settling in forest regions. However over these transitions the creature slowly changed. These large beasts were the size of cougars and rather ferocious. Known for wildly attacking those who came nearby though once tamed they were found caring and in tune with their masters. Soon however, domestication took over, and it was found that the crystal flowers did not in fact have an effect on the beasts. Breeding had made them amenable, creating a loving and friendly creature that could even become the size of a house cat through particular breeding. Yet this caused them to be removed from fights with humans, only defending themselves and running at the sign of true trouble. They preferred to survive above fight. However these are quite hardy creatures, due to their nature they travel often, and thus shock of new environments rarely bothers them, allowing them to take over an area as their own. Their favorite prey being birds of all varieties.
Appearance
Karin have two crystal horns that grow from their heads, either at a backwards angle or straight. Along with being feline in appearance they have two long tails that protrude from their rump. The heaviest recorded karin has sat at 220 pounds (100 kilograms), the average karin standing at 3 feet high at the shoulder, 7.5 feet in length.
Domesticated karin can be as small as a domesticated house cat, the result of selective breeding. Yet karin this size will only exist in the wild if released by their owners. Their fur can naturally be varying shades of white, black, and light blue. Their crystals only come in shades of red, silver, and dark blue. However a karin may have patches of white, black or grey in a tortoise shell pattern on their back.
Behavior
Karin when found in the wild are aloof survivalists, concerned only with their own survival. When domesticated, behavior of a karin is that of a playful feline with feral tendencies. They are hyper and can be overly aggressive in play. Though they will not willingly enter a fight unless their mate or kittens are at risk. They choose however to flee if it is only them and there are plenty of escape routes.
Geography
Karin originate from forests, and when not a pet, will often reside in woodlands. However, as aloof survivalists, karin can safely reside in most environments where they can catch small game, and have been known to hide in caves from larger predators.
Reproduction & Aging
Karin are monogamous maters, and have litter sizes of five kittens every two years when fertile and breeding. Karin tend to avoid breeding and mating during times of hardship, such as natural disasters and famine.
When born, karin progress through a few stages of growth:
- First Born: Karin kitten will only have small nubs where its horns are, their tails are extremely stubby and their crystals have not yet formed.
- Six Months: The crystal nubs will become tiny spikes and their fur will have a few specs of crystals littering their coats. At this point their tails will grow out by one foot.
- One Year: The crystal spikes will have formed small antlers ranging from three to six inches. The tails will have fully grown out and their coats will have around six to twelve patches of crystals.
- Three Years: The karin will have their horns will still be growing, be of age to reproduce, and their crystals on their fur will be grown in.
- Over Fifty Years: A karin’s horns will have reached maximum size, and their fur will take a metallic like sheen. They are unable to reproduce further.
Tamability
Karin are tameable in much the same way a cat is. If it is young it is best to associate yourself with it with food, affection, and warmth. The larger it is the more rough it may play causing blood to be drawn at times. This however can be remedied by just negative and positive reinforcement.
Adult karin are able to be tamed. Being too large for a typical cage however, patience, and constant positive reinforcement are crucial to make it docile enough for it to enjoy your company. However it will never come to your aid in a fight.
