“Valynx, a curious and mythological looking creature with the traits of both humans, and felines. During my studies I have been able to come up with a decent amount of information for the public knowledge. Here, are my findings.”
[ Traits and Differences ]
Civilized Valynx Traits
Although varying in sizes, are categorized by two different types. Some prefer living among their brethren in clans; and some do not.
Valynx who choose to live in the company others tend to be well groomed and stand more erect. Their movements as bipeds are fluid and graceful. However, they are also able to run on all fours in dire situations.
Clans tend to live closer to human villages and towns, they’re seen equally with their neighbors and are often welcomed or employed in the daily human life.
Feral Valynx Traits
Now feral Valynx are a bit trickier to touch on. I’ve only seen a few, but it’s enough to know they’re out there. They stand slightly erect, almost hunched over, but not for long. They tend to do this if they’re on a look out, or attempting to reach for something. Most of the time you will see them on all fours, this makes them a bit more dangerous.
Their abilities on all fours surpass those of civilized Valynx by great lengths. Their agility and stealthiness are what make them the most deadly. They’re surefooted and light on their feet, so you’ll most likely never see them coming.
Feral Valynx have very distinctive traits from their civilized brethren. They appear scruffier, tattered and worn. Most have taken their bands off their cheek fluff and let their mane go ungroomed. Scars are clearly visible across their bodies, as they have not sought medical herbs to patch their wounds. Some will wear jewelry but it’s mainly bones of smaller creatures in their ears as piercings. Never piercings in their face. I’ll get a bit more in to this as I go on.
[ Habitat and Origin ]
History
Valynx were originally discovered in the depths of China’s Taihang Mountains. This led them to be easily able to get to Korea, and then to Japan on boats across the Yellow Sea.
They were originally seen as creatures of luck and power. However, this lasted a few thousand years, until the small village of Shuiso came across a sickly, nearly paralyzed, mother Valynx and her two young cubs. Not knowing what to do with the mother or her babies, the villagers created a small hut near the mother for her to seek shelter from the elements and wildlife.
The villagers would share what little they had with her, but were unable to obtain her full trust. She hid in that hut until she finally passed away from her illness, leaving her two offspring in the care of the villagers.
The cubs were still too young to live on their own, so the entire village put their time and effort in to raising these babies together. Little did they know, this would be the start of civilization in the Valynx species and a wondrous bond between human and Valynx.
Current Living
Valynx are seen across Asia now. They live normally in smaller towns and villages or just outside them. Ferals prefer living in the depths of the mountains and thrive on solitude from humans. Some have traveled great lengths to reach the deserts of Iran, but those numbers are slim.
These creatures are still seen as beings of luck and power, but now they also have a physical place in some societies. They are given the opportunities to work in small shops, mainly family owned, and paid the same as regular employees. However, even still, they live in their own villages mostly, away from humans.
Their houses are made of wood, brick, and most natural things. They’re functional and minimalistic to live in, but rather cozy. Furniture is a bit hard to come by so they tend to make their own.
[ Classification ]
Each of these creatures have their own talents, just as we do. They tend to be a bit more simple minded when it comes to these things, but it works. From what I’ve seen, this is the basics they have.
*Medics :: Just like our pharmacists, these Valynx specialize in medicine. Mostly herbal supplements and treatments, but it’s just the same. They have small shops dedicated to creating their medication and an office style area for a doctor.
*Teacher :: There’s normally only one or two in their village, but they work hard to teach the cubs the basics of life and working alongside humans.
*Leadership :: I have yet to discover their term for this, but they seem to run under two main leaders. Their genders here don’t matter in terms of leadership. You can have same sex leaders, or opposite. They don’t have to be mates either.
*Hunter :: Though they are welcome in human society, they still prefer to hunt and collect their own food. Hunters work alongside their butchers and market keepers. Their hunting techniques are close to ours. Stalking the pray and using a weapon to kill, mainly a knife or spear. They do not use firearms of any kind.
*Shop Keepers :: A Valynx shop is almost like a tourist attraction when visiting Asian countries. They’re small shops filled with jewelry makers, leather work, sculptors, and more. All of the shops, including markets, are ran by artistic individuals and their helpers. While most of the artistic shops are made for Valynx individuals, they do have souvenirs and items for humans passing through.
Now it’s possible that Feral Valynx have these same traits and interests, but it’s hard to really tell since they’re not fond of humans. I will list the few that make a bit of sense, as they live on their own instead of clans.
*Hunter :: Feral Valynx prefer more primitive hunting methods and follow those of larger cats. They are not equipped with or skilled with weaponry.
*Medic :: Due to living on their own, they need to be aware of the things they can and cannot ingest. As well as how to take care of themselves, and their cubs if they fall ill. Basic medical knowledge is a must.
[ Markings ]
Valynx have a variety of natural markings. They don’t necessarily stick to the typical feline patterns so it’s always something new! Their color patterns are pretty tame. They don’t have very bright colors normally, but are not limited to natural colors. Remember, they needed the ability to hide from prey.
They also have no limit on how many colors their coats can have, so markings can get pretty complicated.
Xiao-Le is an example of the tame colors you’re able to have. Paw pads, nose and ears are not always the same colors, but it’s more common.
Eye colors are a little more free. They have no real restrictions, but their pupils are that of a domestic cat. Eye whites are almost never visible.
[ Extra ]
Accessories
*Fur Ties :: When a Valynx is born in civilization, they are gifted two bands that ponytails their cheek fluff. Since their fur is not yet long enough for this when they’re born, they tend to receive this as a cub before starting Primary school. They keep this for the rest of their lives.
*Necklaces :: Chokers are never seen in their society as it bunches up their fur and creates matting. Loose necklaces are tolerated but not well liked. They tend to be worn only on special occasions. Most are made to represent the collection they keep; so a feather, skull, gem stones, etc.
*Earrings :: These are only worn by feral Valynx and are made from a variety of things in some cases. Most of the time it’s bones from previous kills.
Clothing
*Valynx will wear the occasional apron if they’re working, but that’s mainly it in terms of adults.
*Some younger Valynx may wear large, non-constricting, sweaters to keep warm as they are not yet used to the cold climates.
*Valynx do not wear shoes at all, nor pants.
*Some may be seen wearing satchels, or waist bands with leather bags attached to them. These are used when they collect their items or go shopping for minor objects.
Collections
Every Valynx, Civilized or Feral, has their own collection. Some may have the same as others, and swap their items if they want. Most of the collections are wilderness based, though some will have the occasional stuffed animal obsession, or blankets, etc. They tend to carry at least one of their items at all times, this one is normally their first one they ever got a hold of.