Nunyan Lion

The Nunyan Lion is an extinct pantherine cat which roamed the savannahs of Nunya and the great plains of Nalké during the First Age. Though the species was hunted out of existence by packs of wild lawyers, it remains a symbol of power throughout the north of Eden. There are few things in this world that could truly unite the Free Cities, but the Nunyan Lion is one of them.

They were considered gods in this place, during those short-lived days before Nunyans were advised that, if they called their new lion-led homeland REDACTED, they would risk incurring the wrath of one Clive Staples Lewis (or the law firm representing his estate). Eventually, the Nunyan lion’s vulnerability to the language of Legalese proved to be their downfall. Whether strangled by lawyers screaming “CEASE!” and “DESIST!” or bored to death by Terms & Conditions, the species was no match for the aggressive attorneys who hungered for their demise.

Description

The Nunyan Lion had all the anatomical hallmarks of an African lion—the broad chest, the muscular body, and the short, rounded head—plus one additional feature: golden fur which rendered its flesh impervious to cutting or piercing attacks. Its claws were also significantly sharper than its more mundane cousins.

Like many lions, males of the species grew magnificent manes of brown and yellow.

Geographic Distribution

During their heyday, the species range extended from the banks of the Oadü in the west and south to The Wastes in the north and the riverlands of Laké in the east.

Social Structure

The species formed prides, just like other lions. Each pride was centered around a group of related females who served as the hunters, a few males who served as mates for the females, and the cubs that males stayed home to protect.

Domestication

…was a bad idea.

Legacy

Though the Nunyan lion is long gone, iconography of the species is still widespread. The Chelmsdale high school football team adopted the big cat as their mascot, the standing army of Kirbyville still wears lion-themed armor into battle, and the Murder Cat known as Kiniun the Yellow was welcomed as a national hero following his service to Dorothy Gale during The Second Age.

EXTINCT

Scientific Name

Panthera leo nunyalis

Lifespan

12–17 years

Conservation Status

Extinct

Average Weight

263 lbs (female) or 386 lbs (male)

Average Length

63–72" (female) or 72–82" (male), with a tail of 28–36"