Grasslands are similar to Forest kiarrcats, and considered to be closely related. Grasslands are a little leaner than Forests though, and better at running than climbing, as there isn't much to climb in their native habitat. Their legs are a little longer, and their ears are slightly larger. The most striking feature of all is the mane. Grasslands are one of only two kiarrcat species to have a mane, and theirs is the fullest, consisting of a section that starts at the head and runs down the spine and over the shoulders, and another that starts over the rump and cumulates in a short, fluffy tail. Grasslands are fast runners, but they aren't particularly strong. As their native biome experiences large temperature swings over the course of the year, they are comfortable in a surprisingly wide range of temperatures.
About half of Grassland clans are stationary. These are commonly found closer to the forest borders, where the land is richer and game is plentiful year round. These clans tend to mingle with Forests - although neither is overly fond of the other's habitat, the two species themselves get on well. Stationary clans will often tend crops and livestock. In drier regions, clans tend to be nomadic, following the migration patterns of the herds they prey on. Some of these herds are semi-domesticated after generations of this pattern, tolerating the kiarrcats' presence but roaming wild.
Grasslands like to be outdoors, and don't build very many shelters or even dens. It's not uncommon to come across a clan sleeping in the open, in a great pile around the embers of a campfire. What dens they do create are used for storage, or shelter in extreme weather. These are sometimes sculpted out of the ground using magic, or build out of tough grasses, wood, and animal skins, and aren't usually very elaborate� though there's always the odd exception.
- Average height at shoulder: 87cm
- Comfortable temperature range: -10 to 30C
Traits and Abilities
- Speed: Long legs give grasslands a large stride. They run in bounding leaps, covering ground quickly in the open spaces of their home.
- Weakness: Being built for speed, grasslands aren't especially strong.