Myrian Tiger
From Mizahar Lore
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==Appearance== | ==Appearance== | ||
| - | [[File:Tiger.jpg|right|frame|Myrian Tiger]]The Myrian tigers are, simply put, huge. Their colors vary from light to deep orange, and are always marked with unique black striping patterns. Colors lighter than medium orange are somewhat rare. They have enormous feet that are webbed between the toes to assist with swimming. A full-grown tiger tends to | + | [[File:Tiger.jpg|right|frame|Myrian Tiger]]The Myrian tigers are, simply put, huge. Their colors vary from light to deep orange, and are always marked with unique black striping patterns. Colors lighter than medium orange are somewhat rare. They have enormous feet that are webbed between the toes to assist with swimming. A full-grown tiger weight tends to hover a little over 2,000 pounds, and is about 18 feet long from their snout to the tip of their tail. They stand about six feet tall at their shoulders. |
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| + | Unlike normal tigers, the Myrian breed's females are larger than their male counterparts, but not by much. On average, females outweigh males by about 200 pounds though there have been occurrences of especially large females that have at least 500 pounds over the rest of their kind. These are very rare, however, and are usually paired with the fiercest and most able of warriors. Myri's own mount is a giant even among these massive beasts, a female gifted to her directly by Navre. Rumor has it that her mount come from the Ukalas itself. Despite the size difference between genders, Myrian riders do not discriminate when choosing the sex of their mounts. | ||
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| + | While there have been sightings of Kelvics with this animal form, these are relatively smaller by about 20-40% compared to those beasts given by Navre to the Myrians. | ||
==Abilities== | ==Abilities== | ||
Revision as of 04:43, 13 December 2010
| "Never, EVER piss off a tiger. It'll be the last thing you see - no ifs, mights, or maybes about it." - Tianna of the Bloody Arrow, Myrian soldier |
| Beast | |
 | |
| Frequency | Uncommon |
|---|---|
| Threat level | High |
| Major features | Massive teeth and claws |
| Abilities | Mounts used for fighting and for hunting |
| Most common in | Taloba |
The Myrian Tigers are the beautiful, blood-thirsty mounts prized by the savage Myrians of Falyndar. Independent, powerful, and deadly, they are without fear and will fight until the last drop of blood spills from their bodies.
Contents |
History
Long ago, before the Myrians were united as one people, one tribe dominated the others in battle. That tribe was led by Myri the Merciless... who rode on a massive tiger that was her constant companion. Slowly they became common amongst the members of her own tribe, and amongst her people. It was acknowledged that only the strongest could handle the massive beasts, that the tigers would only accept the greatest as being suitable to ride them. The tradition continues to this day, and the mounts are of just as much importance as they were before the Valterrian.
Myrians breed these creatures exclusively in their city. There are no Myrian tigers in the wild.
Appearance
Unlike normal tigers, the Myrian breed's females are larger than their male counterparts, but not by much. On average, females outweigh males by about 200 pounds though there have been occurrences of especially large females that have at least 500 pounds over the rest of their kind. These are very rare, however, and are usually paired with the fiercest and most able of warriors. Myri's own mount is a giant even among these massive beasts, a female gifted to her directly by Navre. Rumor has it that her mount come from the Ukalas itself. Despite the size difference between genders, Myrian riders do not discriminate when choosing the sex of their mounts.
While there have been sightings of Kelvics with this animal form, these are relatively smaller by about 20-40% compared to those beasts given by Navre to the Myrians.
Abilities
The tigers are built for battle - strong, powerful cats that can carry up to two people (although one is preferred). They are excellent at hunting and tracking, and capable of sprinting at great speeds over small distances. They can fight beneath or beside their partner, possessing massive claws and teeth. They are capable of climbing the larger trees in Falyndar, and they are excellent swimmers.
Riding
The Myrians use a special kind of tack for the tigers. Crafted of the best quality leather, the saddle is low and set on a harness that goes over the beast's chest and behind its forelegs, placed over a thin saddle cloth. There is a set of grips on either side of the front for hanging on, if necessary, and the stirrups are quite short and far back. For the extremely dexterous Myrians, this position offers no discomfort to them, and ensures the comfort of their tigers. They do not use reins.
Personalities
These massive predators embody the qualities most prized by Myri. They are independent, intelligent, aggressive, extremely loyal, and utterly fearless. They do not, and will not, tolerate any mishandling by anyone - they will fight back. But aside from that, these tigers are quite individual - just because one likes to dig, doesn't necessarily mean that another will.
Lifespan
The Tigers live to be up to about 30 years old. The age breakdown is as follows:
- 0-2 years - Cub: At this age, the tiger is simply a cub. They stay with their mother for about two years, and learn the basics - how to hunt, basic obedience commands, and how to fight and protect themselves. They are generally fully weaned at about two years old.
- 3-5 - Adolescent: When the Tigers are about three years old are so, they meet possible matches for warriors who have earned them. Training begins in earnest, and it is as much training for the rider as it is for the tiger. The particular riding style for the tigers is different from what one might expect from horses, with special tack. They learn combat on and off of the tiger, and fighting with them in harmony.
- 5-25 - Adult: They are active mounts and partners, and by now, the tigers have chosen their rider. It is not unusual for a rider to have three tigers at once - one in training, one active (but close to retirement), and one retired mount.
- 20-30 - Senior: The age of retirement varies between tigers, although the general ages are 20-25, depending on a number of factors, like their health, previous breeding, battles, availability. The retired mounts are still treated with utmost respect, and serve as guards and companions. When a Myrian Tiger dies, it receives a funeral pyre and all the ceremony that it entails.
Diet
The Myrian Tigers eat meat and fish in enormous quantities. They're not above eating people, either, and many seem to like the taste of the Charodae if they can catch them.
Mating
The Myrian tigers become sexually mature at about seven years of age. Pregnancy lasts nine months and the average litter size is 3-5 cubs, delivered every three years on average. Breeding between tigers is closely watched to ensure that the best (those tigers that have demonstrated desirable characteristics) genes are passed on.