Kaimen

NIR & HUMAN NAME: Kaimen
The Kaimen is a large omnivore that can be found in the forests of Eastern Aevinon, Inkora, and Telvaer. It usually dwells in trees, where it waits for prey to pass underneath, but it is also a fast runner.
The kaimen is very aggressive to any human or nir that comes across its path, and has been known to hunt both humans and nir. When fighting aggressors, the kaimen will use its giant clawed hands and powerful arms to batter its opponent, before asphyxiating them to death with teeth to the neck.
LEGENDARY KAIMEN:
There are five legendary kaimen in Kotuk.
Locations: https://sta.sh/01brxckp7v6v
Cerberus: WIP
'Cerberus', or 'Kiraba' in Akkdash, is the name given to a male tricephalic kaimen that lives by the lake north of Esakkiv.
The akknir revere the creature, and have a tradition of bringing their dead to a sacred place that they call Kolo'Kiraba, or 'The Temple of Cerberus'. The akknir view it as a great honor to be devoured by Cerberus in death. As such, one can only hope to lure out Cerberus with bait at night in any weather.
Nightstalker Kaimen: https://sta.sh/0i7rlw02m5j
The Nightstalker Kaimen is a female melanistic kaimen found in the far east area of Eastern Aevinon. It can only be found at night in any weather.
Snow Kaimen: https://sta.sh/01prgc1fl1fy
The Snow Kaimen is a male albino kaimen found either on the snow plains or in the forest on the border of Western Aevinon and Eastern Aevinon. It can only be found on snowy nights.
Moonkissed Kaimen: https://sta.sh/01tx6rz2ks4l
The Moonkissed kaimen is a female piebald kaimen found in the central forested region of Eastern Aevinon. It can only be found on clear, moonlit nights.
Sun Kaimen: https://sta.sh/01p0t79y9cbi
The Sun kaimen is a male hyper-erythristic kaimen found in the eastern mountains of Inkora. It can only be found on sunny, cloudless days.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Males are covered in a heavier coat than females, with a silver/grey colouring to their back. This gives them the name 'greyback'. Otherwise, there is little size difference between males and females.
FULL DESIGN

Genetics and Reproduction

Female kaimen reach sexual maturity at age five, with males reaching sexual maturity about a year later. Females are monoestrous, coming into heat at the end of winter.
Gestation lasts from 195 - 265 days (usually before the next winter). A female usually gives birth to one or two live pups. Because of a pup's growing period, a female Kaimen usually mates only once every three years.

Growth Rate & Stages

Kaimen pups are born blind and are about the same size as bear cubs. Their eyes open about two weeks after birth, and they do not leave their nest until Spring, or earlier in their southern habitats.
Kaimen pups reach about half their adult size in their first year, and can hunt on their own by their third year. This is when the mother will usually force her offspring to become independent.
Due to the kaimen choosing to nest in high trees in their northern habitats, pup mortality rate is low, but rises in the southern habitats.

Ecology and Habitats

Most Kaimen can be found in the tall forests of Eastern Aevinon and Inkora, but some physically smaller populations can be found in the forests of southern Telvaer and the swamps of Evans Tolv.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The kaimen is omnivorous but tends to eat meat.
It will hide in the trees and wait for prey to pass underneath, where it drops, stunning its prey with its weight, before asphyxiating it to death with its large teeth.
The kaimen also eats berries, insects, honey and other insect excretions, and swamp populations have been known to catch fish.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Solitary, only comes together to breed

Geographic Origin and Distribution

In forests from Eastern Aevinon to southern Tellan Ae'or. Introduced to Evans Tolv island.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Excellent sense of smell, powerful hearing. Has eyes adapted for darkness; is blinded by bright light.

Lifespan

Upwards of 50 years

Average Height

150 - 180cm tall at the shoulder

Average Weight

Upwards of 400 kilograms