Jirisan Tiger (jee-dee-sha-n ty-gr)

These animals appear to have descended from the Siberian tiger at some point in the past and were given a unique ability by the End. Not only are they larger, faster, stronger and more intelligent, but unlike normal tigers, the jirisan tiger's coat changes colors dramatically with the time of year. While still the classic orange coloration in the Autumn, this coat morphs into a clean white in the Winter, a brilliant pink in the Spring, and a deep green in the Summer. It is undeniable that these animals are the apex predator in the region they inhabit and the local culture has grown to fundamentally respect them for this. Scientifically minded people view them with an understanding that they are disturbingly dangerous and effective hunters in their ideal habitat. The more spiritually inclined though revere them as something higher than the basic animals around them, more than even the humans they look down upon from their mountain home. Shrines have been found within the mountains depicting the tigers as nature, forest and mountain gods.

Basic Information

Anatomy

A jirisan tiger is a quadrupedal feline with powerful forelimbs, a large skull and a tail that is about half the length of the body. The fur coloration varies with the season but always has a white underside and distinct, vertical black stripes. It has a mane-like growth of heavy fur around the neck and jowls. The skull is wide with two forward-facing eyes, a thick snout and large nasal openings. Its whisker pads are lightly colored with many long, fine whiskers. The pair of round ears that protrude from the top of its head can rotate 180 degrees and move independently. The animal's teeth are fairly stout with long, slightly curved fangs and an extremely textured tongue covered in fleshy, backward-pointing hooks. Its large paws are padded and have thick retractable claws.

Genetics and Reproduction

The jirisan tiger mates throughout the year, but most cubs are born in the spring and summer months. Females are only receptive for about a week at a time during which mating is frequent and noisy. Gestation periods are between 3 and 4 months, producing litters of 2 or 3 cubs. The father takes no part in the rearing of young and leaves the female shortly after mating. Newborn cubs are small, with closed eyes that do not open for 5 to 6 days after birth. The mother will retreat to a secluded place like a shallow cave, dense underbrush, or exceptionally tall grass to deliver these cubs, where she will stay with them until they can walk and see on their own.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Jirisan tigers are typically solitary animals, with males controlling wide exclusive territories. Family units are sighted consisting of a mother and her cubs, but as cubs grow, they leave to become independent or risk being chased off by their mother as they start competing for food. Males will tolerate females in their territory so long as food is abundant, but if another male is detected, they will be tracked and challenged. These confrontations are loud and aggressive but rarely come to blows as the larger of the two asserts itself as the dominant. If roars and mock charges aren't enough to determine territory disputes, fights between males are long vicious affairs as they attempt to pin one another for a killing blow. Luckily, these competitions don't often go that far as they tire themselves out with the weaker retreating.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

These creatures are almost exclusively found in the eastern region of the Tiger Peninsula. The mountains and forests here make up their primary habitat, but young individuals have been known to occasionally visit the farming villages to the west or roam to the North until reaching maturity.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

These animals have exceptional hearing and sight, able to function normally in low-light conditions. Their eyes can pick up the slightest movement under most circumstances but see the world in muted hues and are unable to distinguish the colors red and green. The sensitive ears can rotate 180 degrees and move independently, allowing the jirisan tiger to pinpoint the direction of sounds around it.

The peaks of evolution. Monsters from folklore. Creatures from fantasy. The jirisan tiger is a god of the mountain.

Scientific Name

Panthera tigris imugi

Lifespan

50 years

Average Height

1.2 m (4 ft) at the shoulder

Average Weight

275 kg (606 lbs)

Average Length

2.5 m (8 ft) head and body length