Pardi
Pardi are the largest felines on the continent of Laxilþía as well as in Gætíus' World in general. They are the apex predators in the southern part of the continent, and both feared and respected by various cultures that share their territory, particularly the Pakrans, Rexans and Hótics, whose artworks, songs and poetry often depict or make references to the cats in some form.
Pardi have long been associated with kingship, warfare and the night sky, the latter both due to the characteristic black fur with white spots and the fact that the animals are most active after sunset. Chiefs, kings and -most recently- emperors incorporate the fur, claws and fangs of a pardus into their ceremonial clothing and various paraphernalia, while warriors belonging to the esteemed Pardus Legion often carry talismans on their person made of pardus bones.
The pakrans of Efþíxis and Krelúta perform ancient rites involving the consumption of pardus meat as part of their mystery religions. The Húlpakrans, pakran descendants in Dalra across the sea to the west, often claim that the ferocity of their warriors and pirates as well as the wisdom of their philosophers are both the due to pardus blood coursing through their veins.
Pardi have long been associated with kingship, warfare and the night sky, the latter both due to the characteristic black fur with white spots and the fact that the animals are most active after sunset. Chiefs, kings and -most recently- emperors incorporate the fur, claws and fangs of a pardus into their ceremonial clothing and various paraphernalia, while warriors belonging to the esteemed Pardus Legion often carry talismans on their person made of pardus bones.
The pakrans of Efþíxis and Krelúta perform ancient rites involving the consumption of pardus meat as part of their mystery religions. The Húlpakrans, pakran descendants in Dalra across the sea to the west, often claim that the ferocity of their warriors and pirates as well as the wisdom of their philosophers are both the due to pardus blood coursing through their veins.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Pardi are divided into several subspecies which vary in size and hunting strategies, with the largest ones found in northern Ódol and the Katark Mountains and the smallest ones in Grúmalx, southwestern province of the empire of Resak. Those inhabiting the jungles and swamplands are generally nocturnal, while hunting during the day is not uncommon in other regions.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Pardi are obligate carnivores and far from being picky eaters, hunting animals both on land and in water. Generally, turtles, boars, Sylvan Tapirs and smaller crocodiles are the main prey in the Ajómax Rainforest and Kalis Swamp, while deer are the most common prey in the subtropical woodlands of Ódol to the east and up in the Katark Mountains to the north.
Despite their reputation as fierce creatures, pardi are not that likely to attack humans unprovoked and are overall more interested in their livestock.
Despite their reputation as fierce creatures, pardi are not that likely to attack humans unprovoked and are overall more interested in their livestock.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Pardi are found throughout southern and southwestern woodlands and swamps of Laxilþía and, to lesser extent, the area around Móþon Lake to the west, the Katark Mountains in the central part of the continent and even among the cacti in Grúmalx.
Their range has become increasingly fragmented over the centuries, particularly since the rise of Resak due to hunting and habitat loss.
Their range has become increasingly fragmented over the centuries, particularly since the rise of Resak due to hunting and habitat loss.
Origin/Ancestry
Southern Laxilþía
Lifespan
~10 years
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Pardi have black fur with irregular white spots on their back, sides and head. Uncommon leucistic variants with golden fur as well as melanistic ones without spots also exist
Geographic Distribution
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