Sounds interesting. I've also seen a suggestion for Cheetah type markings. I like it a lot. (Besides, let's face it. Leopons are unrealistic too.)

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No support.

This hybrid doesn't exist in nature, wild or captive, due to biology. I'd like to see LD stay more realistic. I agree that leopons are a stretch, but they do on occasion happen.

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Like I said on the other one No support because they are not in the same genus thus cant breed.

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I hadn't even realized they were different genus until doing a little research just now. I'll have to switch to no support due to that. But it's still fun to think about. It would look so cool if it could happen!

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Yeah same here! I just looked it up too :p oh well haha

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I wouldn't support the implementation of a cheetah hybrid, but maybe they could be an encounter during april fool's?

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cool

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just because it isn't possible in real life should matter, there are demon lions, angel lions, green purple and every color lion, etc in this game lol
Support because hybrids are cool!

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Above is a rough drawing of the cheeton concept without any spots.

Cheetons Idea

I originally made my own thread for this topic, but it came to my attention that a thread for the idea already exists, so I'm here to add my comments where I am. Hopefully people scroll down to look 🙏

What is a "cheeton"?

A cheeton is what I've decided to call a cheetah x lion hybrid. They don't exist in real life due to how far apart the lineages of lions and cheetahs are (lions belong to Pantherinae alongside tigers and leopards, while cheetahs belong to Felinae alongside small cats like the black-footed cats and housecats). But since when has Lioden ever let realism get in the way of a cool idea?

Another user on my original thread (User #417178) suggested that a cheeton hybrid could have increased agility/speed stats as well! Though likely less in other stats as a compromise.

What does a cheeton look like?

There's an image at the top of the thread that showcases an attempt at a cheeton design without spots, but let's step back for a second and try to discern what would make a cheeton different from a normal lion or cheetah.

Cheetons could have blunter, rounder faces; round ears; and tear markings like cheetahs. They could also have lanky builds and long, subtly curling tails. What could separate them from just being cheetahs could be longer faces, shorter tails, bigger paws, and a bit more bulk. "But Myst, that goes against what you just said!" I say this in comparison to the average cheetah. As shown below, cheetahs and lions have very different facial structures, so cheetons would be some blend of the two!

Why cheetons?

We all know hybrids are very popular on the site, partially due to rarity, but also due to their unique appearances and genetics. Cheetahs are beloved big cats of the African savanna, and their paths cross with lions all the time. These meetings rarely, if ever, go well, but since when has reality stopped Lioden from having fun? My king (at time of writing) is a purple ennedi vossoko, which is hardly a "realistic" lion at all.

Cheetons could add a unique body type to the hybrid lineup: one of a sleek, built-for-speed predator with a more lanky build than other mutations on the site, perhaps akin to an adolescent lion's build. They could also add new spotted markings, a new unique base (I suggest the name "Sunspot") as hybrids typically have, and perhaps a unique eye color or skin color. They also contribute more to the fantasy of the game like primals do, rather than sticking to purely realistic builds.

Cheetahs are also largely underrepresented in media, even ones featuring African big cats. They're listed as a "vulnerable" species with a steadily decreasing population; less than 7,000 live in the wild. Lioden isn't exactly made to help conserve lions, but it does help spread positivity about them.

Why NOT cheetons?

As stated before, "cheetons" are not real and will never be real; lions and cheetahs are far too genetically dissimilar to procreate in any capacity. Their existence may remove some of Lioden's grounded feeling, and it opens the door to pestering for other non-Pantherinae hybrids that are also unrealistic. It also would put pressure on the artists to not only draw cheetons as usual with hybrids, but also to come up with their appearances in the first place.

We also already have cheetah markings in the game- five sets, in fact! Cheetah, Cheetah Heavy, Cheetah Soft, Cheetah Royal, and Cheetah Inverted. This is a LOT of markings that already contribute to the idea of lions looking like cheetahs, and it would make the task of adding unique cheetah markings for the hybrids difficult, as the devs typically add new markings unique to hybrids.

Closing Thoughts

Cheetons would be a fun addition to the game, in my humble opinion! They add a new mutation, new body variety, new base, and they add to the fantastical nature of Lioden. Cheetahs are under-represented in much of media, and it would be wonderful to see them not only relevant but given the spotlight as well.

Making a hybrid is a lot of work on the devs, and considering a new one just came out a few months ago and Ennedi Vossoko just released, it'd be a long while before they appeared. But I remain confident that cheetah lions would make for an excellent addition to the site, no matter how long it takes for them to release.

Please consider supporting the concept if you think it sounds interesting! Thank you for reading this far down the thread, and expect this post to be updated as the concept develops! :D

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(Shit I realized this thread is literally ten years old mb-)

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