Caves are the second winged species of kiarrcat, and the more rarely seen of the two. Many Caves keep to themselves, not out of xenophobia - they're just as friendly as any other species - but because they are so sensitive they have difficulty with the outside world. Caves are small and cobby in build, and their wings are leathery like a bat's. The resemblance continues with their ears, which are hairless on the inside, ridged, with an elongated tragus. These large ears display another bat trait - as well as having acute hearing, Cave kiarrcats are capable of sonar. The other senses are no slouch either - Caves have big eyes, and can see in extremely low light. They can even sense air currents and feel their way around. A Cave's whiskers are long, stiff, and surrounded by a moustache of sorts like a terrier. Like Mountains, Caves have grasping digits on all four feet, helping them climb and grip. All this sensory prowess comes at a price, and Caves who leave the underground find themselves assaulted by an overwhelming sensory experience - bright lights and terrible noises everywhere! If a Cave has to come above ground, they will prefer to do so at night.
This isolation means that, outside of major cave mouths and centres of population, most other kiarrcats have never seen a Cave. Some isolated communities even believe them to be a myth. Paradoxically, Caves probably have the widest distribution of any species, and can be found in cave systems all across the face of Ryll. Only in the poles do they never settle. Cave clans carve out elaborate underground communities, often lit by softly glowing crystals that allow them to grow plants. They will also cultivate fungi and have domesticated several species of small, cave dwelling creatures. Deep underground clans are usually small, whilst larger groups live closer to the surface, where they can supplement their diet with food from the outside.
- Average height at shoulder: 72cm
- Comfortable temperature range: -10 to 15C
Traits and Abilities
- Flight: Whilst not as powerful as Airs, and lacking their ability to fly for long distances, Caves are still one of only two winged species of kiarrcat.
- Senses: Caves have amazingly strong vision and hearing. The ribbed shape of their ears collects the tiniest of sounds, and their wide eyes let them see in low light. They're also sensitive to air currents around their bodies. This has a downside, because their sensitivity makes life above ground very difficult, and they requre extensive habituation as well as special magic or equpiment to live on the surface for more than a short length of time.
- Sonar: Even in total darkness, a Cave can still find their way around with sonar. Like a bat, they can emit ultrasonic squeaks and listen for the echoes to build up a picture of their surroundings. Caves have very detailed sonar, although obviously they can only distinguish 3D surfaces. Sonar does not allow a kiarrcat to, for example, read a written text, or distinguish colour.
- Reclusive: Although not really a trait as such, the Caves' reclusive nature has implications for above ground travel. Outside of cave mouths or large centres of population, most of the locals might not have seen a Cave, and in isolated areas, they might not even know or believe that they exist. A Cave travelling to such an area might have to put up with anything from stares to curious questions, or even accusitions of being a monster!