Mountain Kiarrcats are well adapted to their namesake homes. They have a stocky build, thick fur (this is shed in the summer, in a quick "blow out"), and small ears to retain heat. The chest of a Mountain is very deep and broad, housing huge lungs to make the most of the thin alpine air. This adaptation can backfire on them if they venture into lower latitudes. Many a Mountain has found themselves turning giddy in the thicker lowland atmosphere, thanks to the more readily available oxygen, and their cold-adapted bodies are prone to heatstroke. Perhaps the oddest trait, though, are the paws. A Mountains doesn't have the same catlike hind feed as other kiarrcats. Instead they have the same long toes and opposable thumb as the front paws, essentially giving the kiarrcat four hands. Just as with the front paws, they can be used to grasp and manipulate objects, and give the kiarrcat excellent grip when traversing rocky, uneven terrain. Mountains are wonderful climbers, almost by instinct.
Most Mountain communities are found in the treeless alpine meadows, often in valleys and crevasses to keep out the wind. Some individuals, usually traders, will travel to the pine forests in winter, and a few clans who have adapted to the thicker air live around the tundra regions alongside the resident Polars. Within their preferred habitat, Mountains will often share the land with Air kiarrcats. They will usually sculpt their dens out of rock, usually forming miniature caves. Some groups live inside natural cave mouths, bringing them into contact with the resident Cave Kiarrcats, but they don't venture very deep. A Mountain's den is often full of animal hides and woven blankets to keep the cold at bay, and the walls decorated with elaborate stone carvings, generally thanks to the inhabitant's magical abilities with shaping rock. Mountain clans are small to medium in size, maxing out at about a hundred individuals in milder environments.
- Average height at shoulder: 90cm
- Comfortable temperature range: -20 to 15C
Traits and Abilities
- Sure-Footed: Mountains are very good at getting about their rocky home, and rarely fall when climbing.
- Strength: As bulky, muscular kiarrcats, Mountains are stronger on average.
- Cold Resistance: A thick coat and stocky build helps to keep heat in, but this leaves Mountains prone to heatstroke in warmer areas.
- Efficient Lungs: As air is thinner at high altitudes, Mountains have enlarged lungs and hearts to get as much oxygen as they can, but at lower latitudes they can develop oxygen intoxication.