Phase Panther

Displacer beasts are large cat-like creatures resembling a panther or puma. They have six legs and a pair of long tentacles sprouting from their shoulders. Their blue-black fur is barely reflective and absorbs much of the light that shines on it. While the Phase Panthers usually reach an average length of about 9 feet and weight as much as 500 pounds, a rare mutation may cause them to reach up to twice the average size. The larger guild has cultivated and selectively bred these Shadowriders individuals to work as mounts.

Known also as "Shadowcats", "Abyssal Panthers," and "Blink cats," they have a keen ability to slip from reality and appear elsewhere. Only their riders genuinely know what they see when the cats disappear, but they will not speak of it.

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Basic Information

Anatomy

Skeleton & Musculature

The Skeletal structure consists of a square head, long neck, broad shoulders, thick legs, muscular tail, and a large elongated spine. The spine accounts for two short protrusions over the first set of shoulder blades that create a posting for the lash-like tentacles from the muscles there.
In the Six-legged creature, all legs are attached through separate shoulder sockets instead of an elongated joint system. Each leg can then move independently from one another. Specialized muscles allow for a more excellent swing to the limbs, increasing acceleration; this acceleration also works in conjunction with the pectoralis muscles, which balance breathing at high speeds for maximum oxygen.

Claws

Their paws are an amazingly complex structure; Each has five digits, each with its claw. Each claw is built from a potent form of keratine and averages around 4 inches in length. Once the claws have grown dull, the dulled caps will shed, replaced by a new and sharper claw.
Pads on the bottom of the paw act as shock absorbers and provide traction in many environments. The bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments all work together to allow the Panther to move gracefully and with stealth. The Panther has 34 digits, six on each front limb and five on each hind limb. The extra toe on each front limb is considered a dewclaw and does not touch the ground. This elongated claw, however, can be used to anchor prey when eating. Each back limb contains a carpal pad that does not bear weight but is used to provide traction when the Panther jumps down on slippery surfaces, downhill, or down trees and walls. Unlike standard cats, these panthers would be considered Polydactyl, increasing their agility and balance.

Tentacles

The tentacles are attached to the main skeletal system through a muscular system. These muscles consist of a three-dimensional array of muscle fibers, relying on a skeletal support system called a muscular hydrostat. Support and movement in the tentacles depend on the fact that muscle tissue resists volume change and consists of dense tissues. These tentacles are completely prehensile and form the function of additional limbs when climbing, grappling, and navigating space. These tentacles over range in length depending on the length of the Panther themselves, ranging from 4-6 feet in length.
At the end of their tentacles are flat, barb-like pads. Like their claws, the Phase Panther can retract spike-like protrusions to enhance their grip on prey. These claw-like spikes are grown from keratin and replace themselves when they grow dull.

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Genetics and Reproduction

In the mating process, the two partners will move to a private area within their territories once the female has entered Estrus. Though males have been known to fight for females, their mate's decision always lies with the female, who chooses based on traits they wish to pass on to their offspring. The mating process can take several days with the two panthers in seclusion. Due to the aggressive nature of the panthers at this time, Riders are encouraged to take this time to themselves in quiet solitude, the males protectively watching over the female to ensure no other males take the opportunity.
Similar to panthers, Phase Panthers give birth to live young. Litters are closely protected during the early growth stages and lactation. At this time, it is often only their Rider who may enter the area. Litters usually contain 2-4 kittens; exact twins are rare. Although litters are small, most females enter Estrus around the same time; many females will then create spawning broods just before weening to ensure the kittens' socialization. This is usually done in the Raja's den, the current leading female in the area.

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Growth Rate & Stages

Phase Panthers pass through four distinct life stages, from the lowly kitten to the Legendary Nightstalker, which are rumored to live for a thousand years (this has not been confirmed)

Stage	Size	Age Range
Kitten	Small	5 weeks
Young	Medium	2 years or less
Adult	Large	2-100 years
Nightstalker	Large	100 years or more

Domesticated Phase Panthers live for the lifetime of the rider they impressed upon. Upon the death of their rider, Phase Panthers will fall into a deep depression and waste away, disappearing into the Abyss. In extremely rare cases, a Phase Panther may impress upon a new Rider, but this is the exception to the rule.

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Dietary Needs and Habits

Phase Panthers are obligate carnivores and prefer raw meat.

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Behaviour

Keen predators tend to be unforgiving and reclusive to those not their designated rider or within their guild. Though not exactly pack animals, they will form broods with panthers who's territory butts up to their own or to other panthers who are a part of their genetic line.

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Additional Information

Domestication

The domesticated Phase chooses their rider upon leaving their dens after weening and imprinting upon them, forming a psychic link. They tend to impress on those with the same personality traits and drives.

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Average Intelligence

They have the intelligence equivalent to a younger child, though some have been recorded to be more intelligent. The Phase Panther's abilities vary greatly depending on who they have bonded with. If their rider's skills intellectually are rather strong, they may have an increase in their cognitive abilities. Their intelligence, however, is separate from their ability to understand their rider, though the general populace may have a harder time communicating with them.
Although they are incapable of speech, they can speak telepathically with their rider and, in some cases, mimic and make calls of the sounds of others.

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Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Phase Panthers are uniquely attuned to nocturnal hunting. They possess a keen ability to see in no-light conditions. In the event of magical darkness, they, too have been known to sense and see without much difficulty. Some believe this harkens to their lineage within the Abyss, though this remains unconfirmed.

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Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Phase Panthers are born with a name, which they share with their Ride upon imprinting. No one knows how it is they know their name, or how they get it. Rumours exist that is an ancestral memory, or a name passed through to the egg when it is laid. These however are all speculation. Names are often defining of traits of the panther or other qualities they would value.

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Scientific Name

Felis dirlagraun, Felis omlarcat

Origin/Ancestry

Speculated Abyssal Creature

Related Organizations

• Shadow Riders Guild