Wilder

A subspecies of the common Ferals found in the northern continent, Wilders have evolved separate of their more house cat like kin to the point the two are very distinct species at this point. Wilders are found more commonly throughout the Southern Continent and there is some debate on if wilders evolved from ferals or if ferals evolved from wilders, but what is known is the two species do share a common ancestor at some point in their history.

## Physical Appearance

Wilders are very similar to ferals although there are a few key differences physically that give them away for their more wild nature.

There is less diversity in wilder appearance as they evolved to thrive in niche environments and needing to adapt to avoid predators and dangerous wildlife. Due to this, the coloration of Wilders and the patterns they exhibit tend to be more uniform within the tribe they come from to better blend into their surroundings. The Wilders have more rounded ears with large tuffs of hair out the edges and most apparent is that Wilder pupils are not slitted, but are rounded, more akin to the pupils of big cats. The paws of wilders are somewhat larger and they have sharper claws and teeth as they are more adapt at hunting live small prey through the various biomes they inhabit.

It is noted though that the appearance of wilders differs from the various tribes across the Southern continent, with some sporting adaptions linked to where they live or in the case of the tribe that lives within the city of Chichihuac, having been modified by the light elves themselves to show off extremely exotic morphologies in coat pattern.

## Physiology

Like their feral cousins, wilders have very keen eyesight in the dark and a heightened sense of smell and hearing. They are unable to wield aura, however some species of wilder are more sensitive to creatures with aura, possessing a keen "sixth sense" for when auras bearing plants and animals are nearby. Some have taken this a step further to being able to sense demons nearby.

They are able to use tools as they have opposable thumbs and it is of note that their tails are somewhat stronger, especially in the jungle varieties, allowing them to use it to hold light objects.

## Psychology

Wilders are no smarter than the average feral in most cases. The difference is that wilders are far more cautious and not as curious as their northern cousins. Given the dangerous habitats they live in, they are always ready to bolt at a moments notice, making them a bit more skittish. This also makes them more prone to attack than ferals and there have been cases of them hunting down animals in organized groups or chasing off goblins. Wilders can learn skills and languages the same as a feral and tend to learn more from watching other races.

There is one exception to this rule, the wilders of the Shiny Moon Tribe, who have learned keenly from the tenochiraths whom they watch and live alongside closely. These wilder have developed a rather complex culture and have been shown to create tools that they have not seen before in order to solve problems. Slightly more intelligent than the typical feral or wilder, but it has elevated them to a rather high status among other wilders.

## Culture

Most wilders live in social groups known as tribes which sometimes divide into smaller villages within a territory they consider their own. The Cataclysm Tribe is the only tribe known to break the mold as they are a nomadic group that moves around across the landscape to avoid the danger therein.

Those wilders that are domesticated will show the same habits of a feral, being rather submissive most of the time, however they are known to have a far more apparent independent streak and will often still act out against the orders of their master if they get it in their head their master is wrong.

In the wild, wilders are loyal to their tribe and often are ruled by a group of elders or older wilders. However it is to be note that all the tribes of wilders all believe that the Shiny Moon Tribe are the "big leaders" and will show submission to a wilder of this tribe if they come into their territory. The Shiny Moon Tribe themselves have a rather complicated social structure, having what appears to be small "clans" within the tribe, all headed by the "Moon Taster" who is akin to a queen or king in wilder culture.

The wilders have a complicated lore and legend involving the Shiny Moon Tribe whom they believe actually came from the moon and brought with them the knowledge of making moon cheese and because they glow and are shiny themselves, other wilders believe that they were born rolled in shinnies that stuck to their fur making them so beautiful.

## Tribes of Wilder

#### The Jungle Tribe

Rossette patterns to their fur akin to leopards and jaguars, white tuffted tails

#### The Mountain Tribe

White fur with larger paws than other wilders for walking on snow. Longer tuffed ears and long legs. Some bare rosette patterns other have spotted coats others have no designs on the coat

#### Desert Tribe

Smallest wilders with large eyes and dense fur to protect from night chill and specialized hairs on feet to walk on hot sand; lightly spotted coats

#### The Grassland Tribe

Large manes are common and they form the largest communities; sub-species is much smaller with spots and the fastest wilders on the continent

#### Cataclysm Tribe

All black coloration and hairless with wide red eyes; very sensitive to auras and skittish around aura bearing races without proper training

#### Shiny Moon Tribe

The tribe of wilders that live in Chichihuac they have iridescent fur and glowing patterns in the dark making them "sparkle" that seems to impress other wilders and ferals immensely. They are the most advanced wilder tribe due to living close with the tenochirath.