Rainforest kiarrcats seem to occupy an odd middle ground between the Forest and Water species. Though not as extreme as the Waters - Rainforests are obviously feline - they are built low to the ground, with slight webbing in the paws. This webbing is minimal, so whilst it doesn't provide the same propulsion as a Water's paws, it doesn't hider the kiarrcat's ability to manipulate objects. Though Rainforests mostly live on the forest floor, they are also decent climbers - not as good as their Forest cousins, but able to scale trees to pick fruit or look out over the canopy. They are one of Ryll's smaller species of kiarrcat, which is useful when trying to manoeuvre through the dense jungle growth. They have rather large ears to vent heat, but are capable of closing the ear canals to prevent water entering. A Rainforest's coat is water repellent, and sheds rain. Perhaps the most odd feature of a Rainforest is their teeth. Though they don't have true sabre teeth, the canines protrude a little way below the upper lips, giving a fierce appearance.
Where there is hot, dense jungle, Rainforests can be found, and they are widespread throughout Ryll's tropics. Deep jungle, river banks, tropical beaches and islands are all common habitat. Like Forests, Rainforests will sculpt their dwelling out of living trees with their abilities, although their homes are usually closer to ground level, and will encourage food and medicinal plants to grow close by. Many clans on the shorelines build anchored platforms similar to the Waters, and spend most of their time swimming. Many of these settlements are mixed communities with Waters. However, Rainforests are strictly short distance swimmers only, and are never found far from land. Like Forests, Rainforest kiarrcats are ill at ease in the open, and few venture away from their trees.
- Average height at shoulder: 70cm
- Comfortable temperature range: 20 to 30C
Traits and Abilities
- Swimming: Rainforests are a little like a cross between a Forest and a water kiarrcat. They can't swim as well as Waters, but their webbed feet and streamlined shape still give them an edge.
- Climbing: In this regard, Rainforests are more like Forest kiarrcats. However they don't climb quite as well as their temperate cousins, owing to their webbed feet.
- Weakness: Rainforests are small, and not particuarly strong.
- Heat Resistance: Rainforests do well in hot, humid conditions, but as with other heat adapted species, they don't like the cold.
- Agrophobia: Another aspect in which they resemble Forests - Rainforests don't like to be out in the open, away from their trees. As with Forests, this can be anything from mild unease to full panic.