Panther

Panthers are a subspecies of the Gaean superset.

Traits
Panthers tend to be melanistic, but can also possess jaguar or leopard fur patterns. Because of the nature of Gaeanhood, this has less to do with genetics and more to do with minor variations in personality. Individual Panthers can be shown to be leaner or somewhat taller and bulkier leaning more toward leopard or jaguar traits, but there is no difference in stats or abilities. Those who are larger include some of the more tempermental Panther NPCs. Only the smaller, leaner build is playable due to being much more common in the world.

Panther NPCs include a small number of notable shop owners. Panthers are known for setting and achieving goals, and tend to become especially stressed when their agency is impinged.

Society
Panthers tend to live in forested areas in homes made of living trees or natural materials. Like all Gaeans, they are welcoming to those who would join their number and those who need help. Unlike other Gaeans, they lack centralized settlements and tend to have scattered smaller settlements each with their own local leadership reporting to a regional chief. The extent of autonomy in each settlement varies depending on the strength of the leadership available, with some being treated as sufficiently well-managed to require little attention, while some "leaders" are little more than messengers with no real decision-making skills or authority.

Abilities
Panthers' most notable abilities are Pounce and Cat's Eye, which is able to instantly force a New Moon in the Moon Phase by alternating two elements, giving the appearance of a round eye with a slit pupil in Jerako: The World That Is.

Development
Panthers were created alongside Tigers and Cheetahs early in development. Granting them an ability to counter a Wolf was seen as a necessary balance. With a lack of a better race to grant it to at the time, it became part of the Panthers' lore that the ability aids them in night hunting due to many of them having black fur rather than a leopard or jaguar pattern.

Trivia

 * The initial reason Cat's Eye was given to Panthers rather than Tigers or Cheetahs was because both were intended to be forest-dwellers and potential competitors over resources. No such rivalry exists in the current product.
 * Outside of the context of Jerako 's battle mechanics, Cat's Eye's only connection to its name is an illusory ethereal magnification of the upper part of the user's face when used. Cat's Eye is at its core an illusion that blots out the Moon in the local area.