The Altaica haven't been heard from nor seen for many a season, therefore, they have been considered a Lost Tribe of Crinos. The Altaica continue to foster that belief by not showing themselves to anyone that they deem not worthy.
The Altaican life is run by two things: their Honor and the Hunt. Honor being considered the life-blood of the tribe. To show and receive honor from other Altaican is a celebrated thing. If one Altaican intentionally dishonors another, both must dual either to the death or merely until only one is left standing.
There is a very strict hierarchy in the tribe consisting of Orders in which members of the tribe must join and advance. The Orders also determine the leaders of the tribe itself. The Orders are named the Stripe, the Claw, and the Fang. The Order of the Stripe being the lowest. Each order has its own leadership. As an Altaican advances, he/she my then join the Claw and then the Fang as he/she progresses. The Leader of the Fang is usually the Hon'Rei (Leader of Honor) of the tribe.
Dimoh: This form is usually that of a large and muscular human. As a mature Altaican can reach an average weight of 500 pounds, the human form is large indeed. All body hair is usually the same color as the fur of their respective Khiulnter form. On any exposed portion of the body can be seen faint, almost unnoticeable stripes on the skin in the same pattern as that on the Khiulnter form. They usually are only seen when a light shines directly on them. The irises of the eyes are usually amber or yellow in color (pupil is round). Unless the person is the Hon'Rei, in which case, their iris is a shade of blue.
Khiulnter: This is the most used form in the tribe. It is that of a large tiger. Again, as a mature Altaican can reach an average weight of 500 pounds and length of 8 feet, they can be very large indeed. The color scheme is very similar to those tigers found on shadow Earth, being orange background with dark brown or black stripes highlighted with white with yellow or amber irises. Some are born with a white background and black stripes with irises the shade of blue. These white tigers usually grow up to be the Hon'Rei. When an Altaican becomes the Hon'Rei, the black stripes fade until the Hon'Rei is completely white in color.
Dimo-Khu: The Altaican usually use this form more than most tribes. It is usually a beautiful combination of the Dimoh and Khiulnter forms. The head and neck are that of the Khiulnter form while the body is the Dimoh form, though still covered with fur. The hands are actually long paws capable of articulation with claws. All in all, this form looks as if it exudes power. The reason this form is used more extensively is that when an Altaican is in a Hunt, this form is the best for the actual kill. It is said that when an Altaican smells blood, he automatically assumes this form. That has some truth to it. If a non-Altaican has the occasion of seeing the Dimo-Khu form, that person will probably not live long to tell the tale.
The Altaican wish to maintain a mysterious image around them. They love to learn. They maintain records of all they do so as to make it possible for following generations to learn from the past. Due to this curiosity, the Altaican seem to be very knowledgeable in the ways of Shadow. They know that there are many more 'shadows' out there, though only a few may leave to walk the shadowpaths that have been found.
The tribe keeps themselves well hidden deep in the jungle of Crinos. Anyone entering within their territory, without identifying themselves in some way, are usually killed. The bodies of these unfortunate being are never found. They will accept messages if they are left at the edge of their territory. Visitors are only welcomed if they are escorted or accompanied by an Altaican.
Note: The Current Hon'Rei of the tribe is Jahnoth.