Celinox

(SEL-ih-nox)

One of the most beautiful creatures of the Arctic Frost, an adult celinox is quite the sight for anyone to see. Although they are quite a bit smaller than their tigrean and archan cousins, standing at 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) and weighing on average 22-24 pounds (10-10.9 kg), their large, furry feet often give the illusion of them being quite a bit bigger! Experts at walking on snow, climbing trees, and racing up sheer cliffs, there are very few places a celinox cannot reach.

Celinoxes are drawn to the various caverns and caves around the mountains. They will search for a cave that suits their liking, based off of size, shape, and the colors of crystal formations within. Once a celinox has claimed a cave, they will defend it against other celinoxes, often violently if needed. Celinoxes are solitary creatures that only come together for mating in mid-winter; in early spring, females will give birth from anywhere to 1-4 kits. Females tend to have larger, clearer, and more brilliantly colored crystals than males, and they are particularly choosy about their mates. The brighter the crystals, the better chance a male has of being accepted by a female.

Celinox kits are born without any crystal formations. Although the way these form is still a mystery to many biologists, there seems to be a connection between the caves a celinox is born in and the color of their crystals. Kits are often observed rubbing against the walls of their caves in a common scent-marking practice, but it is believed this also stimulates the growth of their crystals. There are even rumors that the caves themselves were blessed by the Galactic Nomads of Atebus, and this magic has therefore spread to the celinoxes themselves -- but this is purely speculation.

Wild celinoxes are a poor choice for a pet, as their territorial instincts will transfer to anything they view as a threat, including the Subetans that may be trying to take care of them. Careful breeding of some abandoned individuals as youngsters, however, has lead to quite the population in captivity. Although they are not fully domesticated, celinoxes from these particular breeding pools can be very loyal and loving pets. It is recommended that they be kept solitary, however, and certainly not with anything small enough for them to chase, catch, and possibly consume!