Kith

Ancient cat ancestors of the Kithkin

Powerful hunters created by the Sha'rek'ta during the Age of Ancients and went extinct during the Dark Ages. Like many of the sapient species created by the Sha'rek'ta, the magi saved them before they left the world by creating the kithkin.

The Kith were a cross between a big cat and upright humanoid figures. Like a centaur, the kith had the body of a great cat, but in place of their head was the upper torso of a humanoid. Possessed of exception senses (sight, hearing, and smell), muscular bodies, retractable claws, tails, and hands - the kith were created to be hunters. They can reach speeds in excess of 60 km/hour and jump nearly 8 meters (2.5 meters vertical) in a short hunting run. Their claws are hard enough to scratch rock.

Most of the upper humanoid bodies more closely resembled an human as the magi created. Their upper body was lithe with cat-like ears on the top of their head, instead of the side as most humanoids. The upper body is devoid of fur, but the skin often slight colored in the same manner. Like elves, the humanoid body typically only has hair on the face and head, mostly straight and color-matched to the fur on their bodies.

Eye color is almost universally yellow or golden hued, occasionally a blue or green halo around the iris is visible.

An adult kith will typically weigh around 450 kg (~1000 pounds). Physically they are 4 meters (13 feet) long and 152 cm (5 feet) tall.

The kith are all carnivores; although they will eat grass and seeds to aid their digestion. They will never eat carrion.

Kith are born weighing nearly 2 kg after a pregnancy period of 5 months. Like all mammals they are feed from their mother's breasts - typically for a year following their birth. A kith is fully capable of hunting and feeding itself by its second year

Although many kith were solitary hunters, packs of related female kith (prides) would often roam across their territory. These prides would drive off or kill any unrelated females in territory they claimed. Males are far more forgiving of trespassers, frequently allowing weaker males and females to stay with them. Male territorial disputes where often settle more with posturing and threats that outright aggression.