Felixian

Felixian are bipedal feline creatures that are closely related to the rest of the feline family of mammals. Felixian walk on two legs and have two arms with two dextrous hands they can use to manipulate objects to the same effect as humans. Felixian share much in common with their feline family, but have sacrificed some of their agility and speed for higher brain function and complex verbal language.

Origins
Felixian have been found all across Tareal. Felixian are theorized to have originally been the apex of their feline relatives until they evolved beyond that with language and tools, slowly becoming more civilized. The diverse races of felixian seem to have grown beside their four legged counterparts, sharing many of the same traits as the apex felines of that region.

Physical Traits
These are the general traits of the felixian species, as there are many races of felixian that greatly vary in size, color, shape, and behavior.

Height and Weight
Felixian are of varying sizes, greatly dependent upon what race of felixian they are. The smallest, the Caracat, is only an average of 3'5" and 60 pounds. The largest, the Tiegra, averages 8'4" tall and 500 pounds. This large variance makes it difficult to summarize the entire species.

Physical Appearance
Felixian appear catlike, and share physical traits similar to some of the dominant feline species in the region. They all have fur and pointed ears that can move to focus in on sound. Felixian all have tails of varying length and appearance. Felixian have whiskers that help with the senses, and have forward facing eyes that can see well in the dark. Felixian walk on two legs, with two arms and paws that are more hand-like in composition and use. Their foot paws and legs are made for sprinting and jumping, making them some of the fastest bipeds in all of Tareal. All have retractable claws on both their "hands" and "feet", and can use these powerful claws to scale trees and surfaces.

Lifespan
Felixian have very short lifespans, reaching physical maturity within two to three years from birth and having an average lifespan of 30 years. Across all subraces, this is a consistent factor.

Diet
Felixian are carnivores, and hunt for their food. They prefer raw, fresh meat to cooked or preserved meat, and occasionally will shew on certain leaves and grass to aid their digestive system. Felixian have been known to eat fruits and vegetables on occasion, though they are not able to survive solely off of this diet, which lacks nutrition. Some food and drink is toxic to felixian, including some teas, coffee, and certain alcohols.

Felixian Races
The Felixian species is divided in to races, as each has distinct differences that separate them.

Leon
The Leon are one of the largest Felixian races. They resemble lions, with fluffy manes and short hair. They have strong and powerful muscles, and a strong bite. Leon stand on average 7'6" and can weigh between 400 and 500 pounds. While not the fastest, they can outmatch the average human in a sprint, and are strong enough to take on a half-ork or an ork in weaponless combat. In the Umbukran religion, Leon are considered demonic spirits who trick and plot against the good spirits of the world. They live in hotter climates where there are typically large plains and wide open grasslands.

Tiegra
Tiegra are the largest of the Felixian, averaging 8'4" and weighing on average between 480 and 560 pounds. Tiegra are well feared for their ferociousness in battle, and are one of the only creatures feared by orks. Tiegra live in various climates, from hot and wet rainforests to snowy mountains. They are recognizable by their size and distinct stripes. Tiegra in warmer climates tend to have orange and white fur with black stripes, while those in colder climates have white or grey fur and black stripes.

Panthra
Panthra are Felixian resembling Jaguar or Leopard cats. They may have spotted fur, black fur, or on rare occasions white fur. They are of medium size, averaging 6'4" tall and 170 pounds. Panthra are muscular and quick, able to sprint far faster than a human. Though sustained running makes them tired. Like other Felixian, they begin to pant after large exertions. They have a long and rounded tail that retains the coloration and fur of the rest of the body. Panthra live in a variety of climates, though tend to be found mostly in warmer regions. Those in the colder regions are spotted with thicker white fur.

Caracat
Caracat are Felixian smaller in size averaging a height of 3'5" and weighing about 60 pounds. They either have spotted fur or a solid tan colored fur, and tend to remain in warmer climates. Their tails are noticeably shorter, only 6 inches to a foot long. They are solitary, and live a majority of their lives alone or with a single other, male or female. They are found in warm or hot climates, most in the southern regions of Metridia or in parts of Eleria.

Lynxen
Lynxen stand out due to their ears, which have long tufts of fur. Many also sport a signature short mane on the sides of their heads, and they have a variation of fur patterns. They are also relatively short, between 3'8" and 4'6" tall and roughly 60 pounds. They are commonly found in temperate regions in the northern latitudes.

Pumati
Pumati are puma-like Felixian, large and powerful with short fur and tan coloration. They do not have spots or many markings aside from some accent markings on their face. They have quick tempers and thrive in mountainous regions or thick forests and jungles in warmer climates. They are an average of seven feet tall and 200 pounds. When not raising and protecting their young, they live solitary lives hunting, which leads many to become assassins or mercenaries.

Suifsi
Suifsi resemble cheetah, and are the fastest of the Felixian subraces. At a full sprint they can pass a galloping horse with ease, but tire quickly. They are patient and excellent hunters, preferring their own claws to weapons or traps. They have short, almost rounded ears and short black spotted fur with spotted tails. They prefer warm climates in wide open areas such as savanna grasslands. In some rare cases, suifsi have long stripes down their backs and a tuft of black fur near their neck. They are social and nomadic, enjoying long migrations.

Nauksho
Nauksho are a diverse subraces of Felixian, all having similar bone and body structures but wildly differing fur composition. They can be anywhere from four to five and a half feet tall and between 70 and 120 pounds. They have the easiest time integrating with civilized societies, and have come to represent the average Felixian. They are sociable or solitary, and live in almost any climate.

Marul
Marul are an extremely rare subraces of Felixian. They have short, stocky bodies and often walk on all fours, being mistaken for a regular cat. Their fur is thick and fluffy, and they typically have grey coloration with black or grey markings. They stand just over 3'7" on average, and weigh 60 pounds. They are known for their long whiskers, short and fluffy tails, and relatively flat top heads and short ears. One of their coats is long and give them a slightly fuzzy appearance. They tend to be solitary and live away from civilization, and are some of the strongest Felixian in terms of magic. There are small cults that worship a cat-god that shares a stark relation to the Marul subraces.

Bhastemet
Bhastemet are an odd subrace of Felixian. They are known for having thin coats of fur, or no fur at all. They are slender and tall, standing roughly 7 feet on average, and weighing an average of 90 pounds. Bhastemet live in open areas, preferring warm or hot climates such as deserts and grasslands. They are known for their vibrant and decorative clothing and fashion. Bhastemet adorn themselves with fine metals and gemstones, and have an affinity towards material gain. They are commonly referred to as the Humans of the Felixian species.