Katára Origins 

 

These creatures were created in a lab experiment gone horribly wrong. They were made from the DNA of the Vanduo Tuk and were intended to be a larger version of the Tuk. The original purpose was to make them with the Tuk intelligence, but use them as guards. However, the experiment didn’t go as planned. 

 

 The scientists also added DNA of other animals to get those traits as well. They

added a little bit from the Shi for the raptor-like claws and appearance. They

wanted it to fly, so they added large wings from a creature called Orze from the

planet named Drakonian. The Orze were similar to giant eagles with 50 foot wing

span and sharper talons and beaks. 

 

The Tuk fangs, tail and general body shape remained in the Katára’s physique.

The webbing from the Tuk elongated into translucent flaps that, if stronger, could

be used for gliding. Unfortunately, the Katára are far too heavy for gliding or flight. 

 

Even if they were light enough to fly, the experimentation destroyed their wings so

they always grow in ripped up and useless. The Katára just use them now for

intimidation of other males in the species. 

 

The scientists got it right in that they made a larger, more aggressive version of the

Tuk, but they didn’t count on the added intelligence. The Katára are extremely

intelligent. To catch their prey, they lay on the ground curled up like a big ball of

friendly fluff. Once their prey gets close enough, they pounce. They are fast

enough to get other prey, but as a species they are very lazy and prefer their prey

to come to them. They will eat anything that doesn’t get away quick enough. This

trait caused the scientists to destroy the species. Unfortunately, they are intelligent and a few killed their creators and escaped. 

 

They were given two sets of ears, one large and one small. The ears can turn in all directions and they are super sensitive so their hearing is really good. 

 

All of the species have a mohawk that runs from the front of the forehead to the nape of the neck. This is a leftover feature from the Tuk, as is the tuft on the tail, though the tail of the Katára is thicker and shorter than the Tuk. 

 

They are bi-piedal, meaning they walk on two legs. They also run on two legs and can get up to speeds of 40MPH (about 65KMH). They can walk on all fours, but if they do, they tuck their claws under and walk on their knuckles to preserve their claws from breaking. 

 

The raptor-like claws on the feet and hands come from the Shi and are just as deadly. They use the foot claws like a human might use a steak knife; to cut up their food to make it easier to eat. The fangs make it harder for them to get large chunks of food to their mouths, so cutting it up makes that task easier. 

 

The mohawk and the neck floof are the only areas of their bodies that have long fur. The rest of their bodies are very short fur. They are warm blooded and live in a hotter climate, so the shorter fur helps regulate temperature. 

 

Katára don’t always mate for life. Most only mate during breeding season. Every so often, you’ll have a pair that stay together (a remaining trait from their Tuk cousins) and they will remain bonded.