Drápann

Drápann are the favored mount of the Court of the Grand Hunt. Hailing originally from the Court's easternmost territory, deep in the forests, drápann are large yet surprisingly quick predatory beasts. 
Drápann breeding is a dangerous but profitable line of work, and the few families that have stuck to this trade are known throughout the Court. They supply war drápann to the lords of the Hunt directly, with cubs being chosen by warlords only a few weeks after their birth.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Muscular and almost big cat-like in shape, drápann can grow up to five feet tall at the shoulder. They stand somewhat low-slung, with four shortish but muscular limbs made for climbing trees, bounding through forest underbrush, and overpowering the herbivorous megafauna of their habitat. 
Drápann have long tails to aid in balance and turning when running at high speeds, thick and brutally sharp partially-retractible claws, and massive paws to house them. Their ears are large and slightly rounded at the tips, and they have medium-length snouts.

Genetics and Reproduction

Gestate for 48 weeks on average, or just about 11 months Litters have anywhere from 1-5 cubs

Growth Rate & Stages

First year of life: considered infants, the parents watch them closely
Second year of life: weaned entirely and taught to hunt by their parents, usually leave during the end of this year 
Third year of life: generally now solitary or in pairs, juveniles but becoming skilled hunters
Fourth year of life: sexually mature, gathering in pairs or small packs

Ecology and Habitats

Drápann are endemic to forested areas but will occasionally spread into the grasslands that surround their home forests. They prefer to sleep high in the boughs of trees, or in caves in the mountainous parts of their habitat. When in grasslands, they tend to hunt only in highgrass.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Drápann feed on the megafauna of the eastern forests and grasslands.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Generally, drápann live in small packs where they raise and teach their young. The young are sent off when they show they are capable of protecting and hunting for themselves, and eventually form their own family units just outside of their birth territory.

Domestication

Not entirely "domesticated", but breeders have attempted to breed particular colors or patterns into litters. They will also control for certain sizes and body types depending on a buyer's needs.
"Domesticated" drápann are built for war, acting primarily as mounts but also on occasion being used as beasts of burden when hekkar and anterine are unavailable.

Average Intelligence

Incredibly intelligent, drápann are known to make lifelong bonds with the fae that train and ride with them. Drápann can learn complex commands and are capable of rationalizing if an individual is a threat or not.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Exceptional hearing and smell, decent sight; very sensitive to the use of certain magics

Average Height

1.1 - 1.5 m at the shoulder

Average Weight

350 - 450 kg

Average Length

2.2 - 3 m, not including tail

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Their thick fur comes in many colorations, naturally defined by their territories of origin. Mountainous drápann have black, gray, white, or brownish fur, forest drápann have black, gray, brown, or reddish fur, and grassland drápann have white, yellowish, reddish, or brown fur. Markings like spots, stripes, socks, and lighter or darker marks are very common.

Related Organizations

• Court of the Grand Hunt