Post by M. R. Blackthorn on Feb 18, 2015 3:21:39 GMT
General
Great lions on average are twice the size of real world lions(African), which are called Lesser Lions in Terra Ferus, and males and female are roughly the same size, assuming they are of the same sub species. Here's a rough comparison between real world lions and leopards and Terra Ferus' Great Lions and leopards/Spotted Cats.
![](http://img02.deviantart.net/965d/i/2015/085/0/0/size_comparison__real_world_vs_terra_ferus_by_roselynn1214-d8n6afk.png)
(Sizes may be a little off for the two leopards compared to the lions. Leopards of Terra Ferus are slightly bigger than a Jaguar, and may actually be larger jaguars, but since Terra Ferus' human population never came from a real world culture that would know what a jaguar is, they called them leopards.)
Exact size of Great Lions is dependent on the sub species. The one in the picture is a standard size individual, but they can get two times bigger than him. Which is huge
Here's a more accurate comparison chart, at least for lionesses.
Link
Great Lions are highly intelligent, human level intelligence actually. They were originally highly moral creatures as well, but as time went on, and the influence of cultures from other species mixed with their own, their personalities became as varied as that of humans. Their social structure also varies, but most have clan-like structure. Most prides are led by a male who's title is mostly just dependent on tradition and his own personal opinion of himself, but most call themselves "Lord" or "Guardian" over "King". Under the lead male is usually a title called "General" who is a lion(usually male, but not always) that the lead male chooses as his right hand. Under the General is his/her Commanders, and under them are the warriors and/or guards of the pride. There is usually a court of nobles who support the lead male.
For most, the rest of the pride is made up of lions of mixed genders(males are not aggressive towards each other, unless their character makes them so) who are divided up into four general ranks, hunters, warriors/guards, healers, and commoners(unranked). Hunters usually are the ones who provide for the pride/clan, and set off in parties, but hunt solo. Most Great Lions are skilled enough and strong enough to take down the vast majority of their prey on their own. Their prey are usually deer-like animals and wild hogs/pigs, though it is dependent on the sub species and location of the pride.
Other Info
-Great lions have 18 toes, no matter sub species. 5 on the front paws, including a more thumb like toe used for grappling larger prey/opponents, and 4 on the back paws. Here is a "study" on Great Lion paws.
-Great Lion prides are normally quite massive compared to lesser lions, as they don't have the natural competition/aggression between males that lesser lions have. Where 20-30 members would be huge for lesser lions, that same number would be very small for a great lion pride.
-Males can have all sorts of manes, varying from sub species to sub species usually, but one that is common among all is the "double mane". Here's two examples of "double manes": 1 and 2. A normal mane would be more like this.
-Great lions and Terra Ferus' leopards have a bitter rivalry, often resulting in bloody battles between the two. A insult used among most great lions is "leopard heart", which at it's least means coward, but it has far worse meanings too. One does not use it lightly.
-Life expectancy is completely unknown. Most Great Lions die of unnatural causes or illness. There are little to no reported cases of these lions dying of old age. There are however cases of some living to 40+ years and still having the energy and strength of youth. Only "the wear and tear of war" can cause aging to Great Lions, as they seem to have a natural and almost eternal youth. (Read "The Five Brothers" for more info on the lore of them.)
Sub Species
There are two main sub species of Great Lions, and those are the typical Great Lions and their cousins the Snow Lions. These were the first two sub species, but have since evolved into many more. For the purpose of keeping it simple, we only use 6 sub species, the main, Snow Lions, and 4 others.
Snow Lions
![](http://orig05.deviantart.net/7c76/f/2015/270/b/e/snow_lions_by_roselynn1214-d9b6tel.png)
-The largest of the great lion sub species/races, Snow Lions live in the mountains and valleys on the west coast of the main continent of Terra Ferus. They have a stocky build compared to other cats.
-Lionesses have mane like fur at the sides of their faces, on their chin, ears, and as leg "feathers". They also have often have a tuft of fur on the top of their head.
-Males also have these too, but loose all except the leg feathers and fur on the ears and chin once their mane as grown in.
-Males have almost overgrown seeming manes, double the thickness of other great lions, and much longer. Their manes can often cover half their body.
-They only live in one kingdom, though it is far more like an empire.
-They have two territories, one in the south and one in the north.
-The north is under the control of the king, whereas the south is usually maintained by a brother or brother-in-law of the king.
-Snow Lions tend to be pompous and usually isolate themselves from other species, even other Great Lions.
-They believe they are the descendants of the "stars" that were sent to the mortal realm to protect it against the "demons" and their kin(these are "dark" pelts usually).
Color Traits
-White is the dominate gene of Snow Lions, though there are a few off white variations that occur.
-Eye color is most commonly Blue or Green, others can happen.
-Purple/Violet is the eye color that occurs in the royal line and is a clear indication of royal heritage. It's recessive form is Red. It's a highly desired trait.
-Markings are always white if any, other than the black ear backs.
-Albinos can occur in the sub species. Albino snow lions are pure white, with pink noses and skin, and have no ear back markings. They have a tendency for blindness, especially since they don't have the protective dark "eye liner" that Snow Lions have.
![](http://oi59.tinypic.com/v7xe21.jpg)
Forest Lions
(also 1. in the picture below)
-Forest lions have a semi large build, but are taller than other semi large sub species.
-Their build is usually muscular, but a little sleek. Their fur is usually a "fuzzy" or rough coat, but not wiry.
-They always have hair-like fur(thin, but in large[ish] amounts) on the side of their face, on their ears, and as "leg feathers."
-Males will loose the "fuzzy face" when their mane is fully grown in, and sometimes the "leg feathering" grows into more like mane fur(becomes thicker), but the ear "fuzz" always stays.
-Another distinctive physical feature in the markings above their eyes, which is called the "eye diamonds", "eye dots", or "eye brows." Males and females, not matter what, always have this. It's not exclusive to Forest Lions though.
-These lions are descendants of Snow Lions that separated long ago from the main kingdom, and eventually mixed with other Great Lions.
Color Traits
-The black ear tips are also usually small, and only a thin band at the very end of the ear.
-The Forest family is one of two that are closest to Snow lions.
-Typical colors include Creams, Peaches, Tans(light, never dark).
-Eye colors are Brown, Amber, Green
-Markings: lighter or white under markings, i.e. belly, neck/chest, paws/toes, muzzle, and darker inner ears that are the same color as the "eye dots."
For the next ones, I'm using this comparison sheet I made. The numbers correspond below-
2. Cloud
-The smallest of the sub species, Cloud lions are from highland regions, but not mountains, more like cliffs and plateaus.
- -They are different from Snow lions in that, even though they live in a temperate climate, they are not built for year round cold weather and higher elevations that Snow lions prefer.
-They are small, but agile, not stocky and large like Snow lions, so they are well adapted to their habitat.
-They do have a slightly "fluffy" coat, which grows longer in the winter and shed it in the summer. Unlike other lions, this does not come from Snow lion ancestors, rather Cloud lions evolved separately with it.
Color Traits
-Typical colors include: Pale Creams, "Grey"(a light grey-brown), Light Tans
-Markings are usually light under markings and light inner ears. It is rare, but sometimes they can have dark markings and a light main color.
-Eye colors are Amber, Yellow, Brown, and variations of the three(yellow-orange, golden, light brown, deep brown, red-brown, etc)
3. Coastal
-The Ocean and Tide families are the same sub species, generally known as the Coastal Families.
Physically, they are average sized, but have a longer tail in comparison to the rest of their body. Their fur is sleek, water resistant, much like, for example, an otter's. Their paws are slightly webbed too, and they truly built for the water.
-Their habitat is an estuary like place, with some marshland.
-Mostly, they eat fish, birds, turtles, seal-like animals(only if the lion lives on/near beaches instead of an estuary. Also, they aren't exactly seals), though really whatever they can find in their habitat that is smaller than them is prey to them.
-For those that live in marshlands and swamps, the occasional deer-like animal(as there are a several in Terra Ferus that prefer wetlands) is on the menu too, but normally to hunt these, they need to work in teams, which isn't hard for them. They tend to act like typical Great Lions and hunt solo, but share the kill.
Color Traits
-Typical colors include:Tans(darker is common, light is rare), Tawny, "Grey", "Red"(red-brown)
-Eye colors are usually Amber, Yellow, Brown, and variations of the three
-Light(ish), but basically never white, under markings. Inner ears are usually dark, and black ear tips are normally larger.
4. Mountain
-The other sub species most related to Snow lions, Mountain lions(not cougars/pumas of course XD) can really only be described as brutes without the brutish behavior.
-They are a peace loving group that avoid conflict at all costs. However, other than Snow lions, they are the second largest sub species of Great Lion.
-Physically, they are a slightly smaller and slightly less stocky version of the Snow lion, except Mountain lionesses do not have a short "mane" like Snow lionesses do. They also aren't white.
Color Traits
-Typical colors include: "Gray", Light Gray(which is an off white gray), tans, tawny, and creams.
-Eye colors are Yellow, Brown, Amber, and Blue.
-White under markings and inner ears, rarely any other color. Black ear tips/backs vary.
Great lions on average are twice the size of real world lions(African), which are called Lesser Lions in Terra Ferus, and males and female are roughly the same size, assuming they are of the same sub species. Here's a rough comparison between real world lions and leopards and Terra Ferus' Great Lions and leopards/Spotted Cats.
![](http://img02.deviantart.net/965d/i/2015/085/0/0/size_comparison__real_world_vs_terra_ferus_by_roselynn1214-d8n6afk.png)
(Sizes may be a little off for the two leopards compared to the lions. Leopards of Terra Ferus are slightly bigger than a Jaguar, and may actually be larger jaguars, but since Terra Ferus' human population never came from a real world culture that would know what a jaguar is, they called them leopards.)
Exact size of Great Lions is dependent on the sub species. The one in the picture is a standard size individual, but they can get two times bigger than him. Which is huge
![???](http://storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/huh.png)
Here's a more accurate comparison chart, at least for lionesses.
Link
Great Lions are highly intelligent, human level intelligence actually. They were originally highly moral creatures as well, but as time went on, and the influence of cultures from other species mixed with their own, their personalities became as varied as that of humans. Their social structure also varies, but most have clan-like structure. Most prides are led by a male who's title is mostly just dependent on tradition and his own personal opinion of himself, but most call themselves "Lord" or "Guardian" over "King". Under the lead male is usually a title called "General" who is a lion(usually male, but not always) that the lead male chooses as his right hand. Under the General is his/her Commanders, and under them are the warriors and/or guards of the pride. There is usually a court of nobles who support the lead male.
For most, the rest of the pride is made up of lions of mixed genders(males are not aggressive towards each other, unless their character makes them so) who are divided up into four general ranks, hunters, warriors/guards, healers, and commoners(unranked). Hunters usually are the ones who provide for the pride/clan, and set off in parties, but hunt solo. Most Great Lions are skilled enough and strong enough to take down the vast majority of their prey on their own. Their prey are usually deer-like animals and wild hogs/pigs, though it is dependent on the sub species and location of the pride.
Other Info
-Great lions have 18 toes, no matter sub species. 5 on the front paws, including a more thumb like toe used for grappling larger prey/opponents, and 4 on the back paws. Here is a "study" on Great Lion paws.
-Great Lion prides are normally quite massive compared to lesser lions, as they don't have the natural competition/aggression between males that lesser lions have. Where 20-30 members would be huge for lesser lions, that same number would be very small for a great lion pride.
-Males can have all sorts of manes, varying from sub species to sub species usually, but one that is common among all is the "double mane". Here's two examples of "double manes": 1 and 2. A normal mane would be more like this.
-Great lions and Terra Ferus' leopards have a bitter rivalry, often resulting in bloody battles between the two. A insult used among most great lions is "leopard heart", which at it's least means coward, but it has far worse meanings too. One does not use it lightly.
-Life expectancy is completely unknown. Most Great Lions die of unnatural causes or illness. There are little to no reported cases of these lions dying of old age. There are however cases of some living to 40+ years and still having the energy and strength of youth. Only "the wear and tear of war" can cause aging to Great Lions, as they seem to have a natural and almost eternal youth. (Read "The Five Brothers" for more info on the lore of them.)
Sub Species
There are two main sub species of Great Lions, and those are the typical Great Lions and their cousins the Snow Lions. These were the first two sub species, but have since evolved into many more. For the purpose of keeping it simple, we only use 6 sub species, the main, Snow Lions, and 4 others.
Snow Lions
![](http://orig05.deviantart.net/7c76/f/2015/270/b/e/snow_lions_by_roselynn1214-d9b6tel.png)
-The largest of the great lion sub species/races, Snow Lions live in the mountains and valleys on the west coast of the main continent of Terra Ferus. They have a stocky build compared to other cats.
-Lionesses have mane like fur at the sides of their faces, on their chin, ears, and as leg "feathers". They also have often have a tuft of fur on the top of their head.
-Males also have these too, but loose all except the leg feathers and fur on the ears and chin once their mane as grown in.
-Males have almost overgrown seeming manes, double the thickness of other great lions, and much longer. Their manes can often cover half their body.
-They only live in one kingdom, though it is far more like an empire.
-They have two territories, one in the south and one in the north.
-The north is under the control of the king, whereas the south is usually maintained by a brother or brother-in-law of the king.
-Snow Lions tend to be pompous and usually isolate themselves from other species, even other Great Lions.
-They believe they are the descendants of the "stars" that were sent to the mortal realm to protect it against the "demons" and their kin(these are "dark" pelts usually).
Color Traits
-White is the dominate gene of Snow Lions, though there are a few off white variations that occur.
-Eye color is most commonly Blue or Green, others can happen.
-Purple/Violet is the eye color that occurs in the royal line and is a clear indication of royal heritage. It's recessive form is Red. It's a highly desired trait.
-Markings are always white if any, other than the black ear backs.
-Albinos can occur in the sub species. Albino snow lions are pure white, with pink noses and skin, and have no ear back markings. They have a tendency for blindness, especially since they don't have the protective dark "eye liner" that Snow Lions have.
![](http://oi59.tinypic.com/v7xe21.jpg)
Forest Lions
(also 1. in the picture below)
-Forest lions have a semi large build, but are taller than other semi large sub species.
-Their build is usually muscular, but a little sleek. Their fur is usually a "fuzzy" or rough coat, but not wiry.
-They always have hair-like fur(thin, but in large[ish] amounts) on the side of their face, on their ears, and as "leg feathers."
-Males will loose the "fuzzy face" when their mane is fully grown in, and sometimes the "leg feathering" grows into more like mane fur(becomes thicker), but the ear "fuzz" always stays.
-Another distinctive physical feature in the markings above their eyes, which is called the "eye diamonds", "eye dots", or "eye brows." Males and females, not matter what, always have this. It's not exclusive to Forest Lions though.
-These lions are descendants of Snow Lions that separated long ago from the main kingdom, and eventually mixed with other Great Lions.
Color Traits
-The black ear tips are also usually small, and only a thin band at the very end of the ear.
-The Forest family is one of two that are closest to Snow lions.
-Typical colors include Creams, Peaches, Tans(light, never dark).
-Eye colors are Brown, Amber, Green
-Markings: lighter or white under markings, i.e. belly, neck/chest, paws/toes, muzzle, and darker inner ears that are the same color as the "eye dots."
![](http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2014/289/7/f/family_comparison_by_roselynn1214-d832c2v.png)
For the next ones, I'm using this comparison sheet I made. The numbers correspond below-
2. Cloud
-The smallest of the sub species, Cloud lions are from highland regions, but not mountains, more like cliffs and plateaus.
- -They are different from Snow lions in that, even though they live in a temperate climate, they are not built for year round cold weather and higher elevations that Snow lions prefer.
-They are small, but agile, not stocky and large like Snow lions, so they are well adapted to their habitat.
-They do have a slightly "fluffy" coat, which grows longer in the winter and shed it in the summer. Unlike other lions, this does not come from Snow lion ancestors, rather Cloud lions evolved separately with it.
Color Traits
-Typical colors include: Pale Creams, "Grey"(a light grey-brown), Light Tans
-Markings are usually light under markings and light inner ears. It is rare, but sometimes they can have dark markings and a light main color.
-Eye colors are Amber, Yellow, Brown, and variations of the three(yellow-orange, golden, light brown, deep brown, red-brown, etc)
3. Coastal
-The Ocean and Tide families are the same sub species, generally known as the Coastal Families.
Physically, they are average sized, but have a longer tail in comparison to the rest of their body. Their fur is sleek, water resistant, much like, for example, an otter's. Their paws are slightly webbed too, and they truly built for the water.
-Their habitat is an estuary like place, with some marshland.
-Mostly, they eat fish, birds, turtles, seal-like animals(only if the lion lives on/near beaches instead of an estuary. Also, they aren't exactly seals), though really whatever they can find in their habitat that is smaller than them is prey to them.
-For those that live in marshlands and swamps, the occasional deer-like animal(as there are a several in Terra Ferus that prefer wetlands) is on the menu too, but normally to hunt these, they need to work in teams, which isn't hard for them. They tend to act like typical Great Lions and hunt solo, but share the kill.
Color Traits
-Typical colors include:Tans(darker is common, light is rare), Tawny, "Grey", "Red"(red-brown)
-Eye colors are usually Amber, Yellow, Brown, and variations of the three
-Light(ish), but basically never white, under markings. Inner ears are usually dark, and black ear tips are normally larger.
4. Mountain
-The other sub species most related to Snow lions, Mountain lions(not cougars/pumas of course XD) can really only be described as brutes without the brutish behavior.
-They are a peace loving group that avoid conflict at all costs. However, other than Snow lions, they are the second largest sub species of Great Lion.
-Physically, they are a slightly smaller and slightly less stocky version of the Snow lion, except Mountain lionesses do not have a short "mane" like Snow lionesses do. They also aren't white.
Color Traits
-Typical colors include: "Gray", Light Gray(which is an off white gray), tans, tawny, and creams.
-Eye colors are Yellow, Brown, Amber, and Blue.
-White under markings and inner ears, rarely any other color. Black ear tips/backs vary.