Felidae

Members of the feline family are very adaptable to a wide variety of climates, and one species have been domesticated as well. (Rumors of groups with large hunting felines are merely that right now). Because of this, the family shows a great variety of environments and habitats. Currently, 5 known species are extant in Valorn and the nearby vicinity. Only one has been domesticated – the common house cat. An example of the domestic cat may be seen in a few places in Valorn including in Caernivale.

This family is comprised of animals of diverse sizes and behavior. All are strict carnivores, mostly living off of vertebrate prey. Most are good climbers with retractable claws. They have five toes on their front feet and four on their back. The fur varies greatly depending on their natural climate. All known species of felidae has a tear streak – a black stripe extending from the eye to the muzzle.

Their tongues are rasplike to aid in removing meat from the bone. Closer examination will reveal what seem to be miniscule hooks in the tongue itself. They have large eyes and excellent night vision. Light reflects strongly from them giving them a distinctive shine. Their ears are also very sharp, and they are able to make out sounds and frequencies that humans can not. While good, their sense of smell is not as sharp as their other senses.

Cougar

For now this is the most vicious of the feline species known to inhabit Valorn. It has been found to the northwest of Fartown - in the crag heights. It tends to stalk and ambush its prey and avoids long chases. It prefers to leap upon prey from above or from the concealment of dense underbrush. They are territorial animals and to this date no reports have been made of sighting multiple cougars at once. The tail is up to a third of its body’s length.

Plains Cat

Inhabiting areas of short to moderate grass, this breed is the first one most members of Adventurous meet up with. The short, often spotted, coat blends well with the grasses and brush of the area. Smallest of the known non-domesticated breeds, the plains cat is only a bit larger then the typical house cat.

When not attacking unwary travelers, the Plains Cat consumes the smaller mammals of the plains area. Some pelts have been found in the gremlin lairs, indicating that humans are not the only sentient species to hunt them.

Sabertooth Catbeast

The first and most notable thing that distinguishes this animal from other members of felidae are the large maxillary canines which can be seen even when the mouth is closed. Although the exact purpose of these teeth is still being argued, it is obvious that the creature is well adapted to using them.

Large and seemingly content to inhabit an area to the west of Fartown, this creature is rarely seen outside its forested environs. Its body is thick, and its pelt more sparse then that of the cougar or snow leopard. As of this writing, rumors of it hunting it small packs have not been substantiated.

Snow Leopard

Living in the cold and often at high altitudes, this moderately sized feline has a mostly monochrome, thickly furred pelt. There are hints of yellow in the under fur. The rosettes are usually grey or black. A close look at the snow leopard reveals several adaptations to the cold. Their fur is thick and heavy, even at the base of their paws, and their ears are small and round. Their nasal cavities are large which aids them in breathing in a cold, thin atmosphere. The tail is thickly furred and broad.

The Snow Leopard has been observed making strong leaps over great distances. Its prey includes unwary members of Adventurous as well as larger mammals that inhabit the area. Due to the thick nature of the fur, the pelt makes an excellent cloak and ward against the cold.

Korba the Faithful, about the Cougar: “sleek impressive and very well adapted to ambushing unwary travelers”

Vardian, about the creatures in general: “They’re cruel”