Wild Cats of Tikaj

The continent of Tikaj is home to a number of species of wild cat, some of which are magical. Often these creatures are simply referred to as "cats" rather than "wild cats", since domesticated cats--while they do exist in Tikaj--are very rare, and wild cats are much better known. Tikaj wild cats vary considerably in size, rarity, habitat, geographic spread, and threat level to humans.   The great spotted cat is the largest in Tikaj, similar to a puma. Golden-red in colour with dark brown spots, it is found in most mountain regions on the mainland, more densely so in the warmer regions.   The Blueland cat is found only on the island of Blueland. Its mottled brown coat turns white in the winter for camouflage. Although it is more likely to eat birds and burrowing mammals such as moles, it can take down a fully-grown deer. It typically lives in the outskirts of the Blueland forests, venturing into grassland to hunt.   The snakeneck cat is a highly feared species indigenous to a small region in the northeast of mainland Tikaj. Its history of (rarely) preying on human infants has earned it a prominent place in local folklore. It gets its name from its ability to unhinge its jaw to swallow its prey whole.   The fishstalker cat is a small black wild cat that lives in the wetlands and mangrove forests of Tsubow and eastern Keizorna. It lives off fish and aquatic mammals indigenous to the region, and can hold its breathunder water for up to three minutes.   The smallest wild cat in Tikaj is the vole-catcher. While its name comes from its preference for voles as prey, the vole-catcher will eat any small mammal. Only slightly larger than the domestic cat, the vole-catcher is an adaptable animal which can thrive in almost any habitat, and is common throughout the whole continent. Its coat varies depending on the individual cat's environment.   One of the magical cats of Tikaj, the ghost cat can be found in any woodland area on the continent. Nocturnal, it has white fur and red eyes, and the ability to disappear and reappear at will. While some still believe ghost cats to be wraiths, they are flesh and blood creatures. The mew of the ghost cat is haunting but beautiful, and has the power to mesmerise humans, although the ghost cat will rarely attack one.   The night terror cat is a magical jungle cat found in the warmer climates of southern Tikaj, most commonly in central Emgero. Almost as feared as the snakeneck, it can follow a group of highly skilled human hunters for days without being detected. If it lingers close enough to a sleeping human, that person will be gripped with vivid night terrors, prolonged exposure of which can drive them insane. The night terror cat stalks its victim(s) until they are on the edge of despair and/or sanity, at which point they will strike.