Ghastliepar

The Ghastliepar, also known as ghost leopards, are a race of sapient snow leopards who talk and possess magic. Legends speak that they steal the last breath of souls, taking with them the "sins" or decaying magic of the departed.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Unlike regular big cats, Ghastliepar have opposable thumbs.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

Ghost leopards are typically solitary creatures, living in the steep, rugged terrain and rocky outcroppings of the Wingspan Mountains. Each leopard has a territory that spans 48-80 square miles; however, all are ruled under the Kingdom of the Ghastliepar ruled by a hereditary king or queen.
Under the rulership of Queen Lumina Morning-Glow, the Ghastliepar made diplomatic overtures towards Urdun. Their oral pact folded the Ghastliepar into the Urdun Queendom as trueborn citizens. Per their agreement, the Ghastliepar may tax one livestock from each herd. These animals are specially marked for sacrifice with visible runic brands on its flank (designated by the Urdun publicans). In return, adult Ghastliepar may be drafted as members of the Urdun military complex.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Ghastliepar engage in ritual cannibalism. Consumption of leopard flesh after death is believed to transfer the physical and spiritual power of from the consumption of leopard flesh. This honors the beloved dead. A ghost leopard would never eat the flesh of one they considered unworthy of respect, as the sins of the dead transfer along with the spirit. The practice also serves a propagandistic value as well, striking fear and disgust into the hearts of their enemies.

Common Myths and Legends

It is thought that ghost leopards act as a twisted mental mirror, reflecting back onto oneself their darkest impulses and thoughts. This is a defense mechanism to protect the leopards from capture. Other myths tell that the ghost leopards steal the last breaths, taking on themselves the sins of the departed. To kill a ghost leopard is to take those sins back on your own conscience. They personify the cold silence of death, creeping quietly down from the mountains and across the frozen waters.

A typical Ghastliepar sacrifice. 

Scientific Name

Panthera uncia phasma

Geographic Distribution

• The Wingspan