The Kentucky Mountain Skek is a creature of formidable size, strength, and ferocity. Descended from the cougar population after the war, Skeks are fierce creatures, usually adapting an "if it moves, kill it" policy while hunting. Adept predators, Skeks are often known to spend several days hunting their prey, which are usually other fierce animals such Yao Guai, Zillas, and the occasional Anterk. Rarely, they will hunt humans, but only if they are alone or in a pair.
Skek populations are incredibly dense in the Daniel Boone National Forest, or at least, what's left of it. First encountered by settlers, these fearsome creatures are a danger to any who encounter them. Being intelligent, Skeks will often learn things that other predators will not. For example, most Skeks know the sound of gunfire and are often attracted to it, knowing that the sound means food, one way or another. Skeks often rely on their physical appearance to hunt when stealth becomes unfavorable, or their prey feels unnaturally brave. Like their ancestor, Skeks are often ambush predators, making them even more deadly.
Appearance & Behavior
Skeks resemble their ancestors only in some forms of coloration, the usual pattern on a Skek being similar to that of the cougars of old. However Alpha Skeks are usually of a darker coloration, and as thus are instantly recognizable to the experienced hunter. Skeks are also roughly 1.5 times the size of a Kodiak Bear, with Alpha Skeks reaching sizes of 8 ft. tall at the shoulder, and 21 ft long including the tail, making them even more terrifying. Another noticeable difference is the addition of an exposed bone-spike at the end of their tail. Skeks are known to use this in fights for dominance, or the right to mate. Skeks are also known to form small packs, ranging in numbers from 3 to 8.
Skek cubs are the size of a small a fox, and usually leave to start their own packs at the age of 3, when they are about 1/3 of their adult size. Most skeks reach full size at the age of 9, so the average Skeks growth rate isn't that amazing. The average lifespan of a Skek is 22 years, although the maximum is roughly 40 years. Skeks also spend most of their time either hunting or fighting with other Skeks over territory, this being the main reason that most packs are never more than 8 members strong, not counting cubs. Skek cubs are unique in that they can usually begin hunting when they are about 3 months old, and can hunt without assistance at the age of 9 months. The reason most Skeks form their own packs are usually because of an independent factor that is a remnant of their cougar ancestors. Most Skeks, however, tend to form packs after one year of solitude, in which they perfect their solo hunting ability.
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