Morcannaid Glacier Lion
The Morcannaid Glacier Lion originates in the titular Morcannaid Massif and is one kf the regions many majestic cold-weather species. It has gained attention in the past years for migrating into other mountain ranges and lower territories across the neighbouring Alesian Empire and the territories to the west of Valorden. Its migration is looked upon with a bit of a superstitious eye. The Morcannaid Glacier Lion is the heraldic animal of the Kingdom of Valorden and its ruling dynasty. It has
been in use since the young country has regained its independence from the Alesian Empire.
While Valorden's population is a diverse mix of ethnicities nowadays, it was the ancient Rhodani tribes that had settled in the area first and had then been conquered. That the royal Thrennas family, which can trace their lineage back to these tribes, now displays the Morcannaid Lion - that has long been a symbol of perserverance - on their heraldry is no coincidence. This animal with its otherwordly shining white fur had always been regarded as a sign of a strong leader capable of withstanding impossible odds and dire circumstances. In Rhodani myths many encounter the beast but it is only ever the chieftain most fit to rule in a land as unforgiving as Valorden who will come out of encountering the lion alive. In some tribes, the sighting of a glacier lion was read as a sign that changes needed to be made to the way of life and a successful hunt of a lion might have been interpreted as gaining a divine right to rulership.
Basic Information
Anatomy
With its thick and dense fur, the Morcannaid Glacier Lion can look quite bulky and heavy. In truth, it is a very agile and fast cat of prey.
It sports shorter ears, a slightly shorter snout and otherwise shorter limbs than other feline species of its group. Like this, the Glacier Lion needs not expend too much of its energy to heat its extremities. It also has very large and furry toes as well as a long fluffy tail to keep warm in the cold climate. The tail is long enough to reach its snout to act as an additional layer of warmth, but is also essential for balance.
The animal's back legs are particularly strong and the lion can jump up to six times its length.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Unlike other species in cold climates these mountain lions do not hibernate.
They hunt for smaller mammals, that also live in their habitat, like mountain goats or sheep, but also smaller animals like marmots.
Average Height
standing at shoulders its height varies betweeen 60cm and 80cm
Average Weight
35kg to 75kg
Average Length
body: 110cm to 185cm
tail: 50cm to 90cm
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
To match its snowy environment their fur usually shines in a brilliant white tone. Though, those that have been spotted into their newly migrated areas seem to develop brown or grayish fur tones to match their new environment in spring.
Geographic Distribution
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