Tiger forms are among the most famed Daqinren, serving as the spearhead of The Empire of Daqin's military might. As members of the armed forces, they are genetically enhanced for combat and are superior to baseline humans both physically and mentally by a significant margin. Primarily utilized as front-line storm troopers for The Empire, Tigers are designed for offensive capabilities and speed, though this comes at the cost of long-term endurance. While Tigers are generally slim and athletic, they are also popular among human civilian buyers due to their feline aesthetics. Many will use the Tiger form as a base for their own personalized feline sub-types, resulting in a diverse range of appearances that often deviate from the stereotype of being tall and athletic.
Tigers are stereotypically known for their straightforward and aggressive nature, despite their proud and dignified demeanor. They are often portrayed as brash, arrogant, and short-tempered in hostile propaganda, but it is also believe that their loyalty and friendship remain consistent qualities.
Appearance
Tiger Forms are typically tall and athletic, with heights ranging from 6'6" to 7'2". Their bodies are fit and visibly well-toned without excessive muscle mass, a feature not common among the general populace. While they predominantly have Far Eastern descent, it is not uncommon for their skin tone and features to vary due to genetic stock from other ethnicities. The Tiger Form's most distinctive traits are their fur-covered feline ears and long tails, with a standard fur pattern of orange with black stripes.
Enhancements
As the spear of the Empire, Tigers are modified for optimal performance on the battlefield, particularly in assault scenarios. Their enhancements include increased speed and strength, with the ability to lift and carry 100 kg (228 lbs) without strain and sprint at 64 kph (40 mph) over short distances. Their eyesight and sense of smell are also drastically improved, with 20/5 vision and increased flicker rate for detecting motion at long ranges. Their enhanced sense of smell aids in tracking enemies and analyzing situations, while their mental fortitude allows them to ignore unpleasant scents.
Less obvious but critical enhancements include changes to their nervous systems, such as a secondary brain located in the pelvis. This small organ serves as a repository of memories and knowledge, enabling individual survival if the head is destroyed. Their bone structure is reinforced with organic nano-fiber suspensions, making their bones incredibly resilient. Furthermore, improvements to their nervous and circulatory systems grant increased positive and negative g-force tolerance. Their nervous system also extends through their tails, allowing direct interface with technology.