Felynin (Fee-LIE-nin)
A skittering sound catches your attention in the middle of the night. It's pitch-black and you're unable to see, but you can hear the rustling of the bushes just behind you. As you turn to investigate, the source of the sound moves, and now it's behind you again. You turn once more to figure out what's causing this noise, prepared for the worst; is it a wild animal? Or perhaps some form of undead like a spectral ghost haunting you! All of a sudden, you hear what sounds like a soft buzzing in your ear, followed by the rough texture of something wet grazing the side of your head. It feels... barbed? Then you're grabbed by what you can only describe as big mittens and pulled down, as whatever this is holds you down and begins to lick like crazy. You finally realize what it is: a Felynin.
This curious and zany race of humanoids are an evolutionary mystery. No one is quite sure where they came from exactly, as there are populations of them to be found across Draconia from the northern colds of Briggs down to the coastal cities of Coztera. Just as their habitats are diverse, so are the varieties that can be found within. Several different subspecies exist based off of local wildlife indigenous to the areas where the Felynin are found. Each subspecies has their own unique qualities to them, but they all share a common curiosity that causes them to poke one too many dragons and suffer the consequences.
Their fur pattern often makes it hard to spot them while they lie in wait of the murky and dark swamps. They are also excellent swimmers, capable of swimming through the dense algae and swamp brush. One would think they would be easy pickings for crocodiles and alligators, but they also have a surprising amount of bulk to them that allows them to fight off these would-be predators.
This subspecies is also very hyper-active and they tend to avoid grouping together when not inside cities. They do this as a precautionary measure, as when multiple members of this subspecies gather, it tends to create exponentially more mischief and trouble compared to groups of different subspecies.
Tiger Felynin usually form small packs of two to eight members and move through territory as a single unit. When they find a spot to bunker down and set up a temporary encampment, they share stories between one another of their own families. Sitting amongst one of these campfires and sharing stories with these graceful hunters is an experience that everyone should have.
By hunting from a higher altitude, they negate much of the need for stealth by operating in the blind spot of most prey. The distinguishing factors from Badlands Cougars compared to Standard Cougars is the color of their fur and eyes. A Badlands Cougar has volcanic and ashy fur blends into light shadows, and their eyes glow a burning, fiery orange, while a Standard Couger has a light brown or beige fur color, with yellow-brown eyes.
The Badlands Variant are the only of the subspecies to outright neglect social groups and are loners through and through. This is in part because their idea of mischief is essentially bullying those smaller than themselves, including other Badlands Cougars. The Standard Cougar maintains a climbing ability like its Badlands relative, but its claws are not as strong. Their habitats are so widely spread across the world due to their ability to hunt in any mountainous or urban area. The beachy steppes of Coztera hide them in thick foliage, while the mountains of Coppota and G. Central let them use their fur coat to blend into their surroundings. They have some talent at sneaking, which lets them combine the hunting methods of other subspecies and their close relative.
They have a much more positive disposition compared to the Badlands Cougars. They only form groups when attempting to find a mate, and after the deed is done the pair often split. The female takes care of the children until they are old enough to fend for themselves, while the male migrates areas.
Some are strong, some are stealthy, and some can swim. It all depends on the area they spend most of their time in. While it is possible, it is a rare feat for a Leopard to be talented at all three aspects. Their fur patterns are range in color from a pale-ish yellow to dark gold and are dotted with black markings known as rosettes.
These Felynin are generally aloof and lazy. They will come together to converse with other members of their species, but they do not usually form tribes. This is assumed to be in relation to their wide territory and the potential of stepping on the toes of Tiger, Lion or Black Panther Felynin.
The Variant of the Leopard is the Snow Leopard. They reside mainly in Briggs and Rhuami have adapted themselves to the snowy north. Their fur is a grayish-white with patches of black. 
This does not lend itself to stealth as much as the fur patterns of other subspecies, but the Snow Leopards do not need it. Their leg muscles have evolved to be capable of running through snow without slowing down. As a result, the wildlife within these regions are incapable of outrunning the Snow Leopards except in endurance runs when they run out of their stamina reserves.
Much like their cousins, the Snow Leopard Felynin are aloof and lazy, but actively form small tribes for short periods of time. While in these tribes they share stories and engage in ceremonious dance around their campfires to honor the spirits of their ancestors. Usually this is followed by a pranking run on a local town, ransacking the small shops for fish and other shiny trinkets that they can incorporate into their dances at a later time.
Anatomy
Felynin are shockingly similar to other humanoid races such as Human, Elf and Dwarf. The main difference being that they all have a fur coat that serves as both protection for the vulnerable flesh beneath the fur, and as insulation during the winter months when it becomes colder. The males usually have a mane around the sides of the face and neck that acts as a display of masculinity. Aside from this, they share the same physical characteristics that humanoids do: Two arms, two legs, one head and one mouth. They also have bodily systems comparable to other humanoids as well, such as circulatory, respiratory and reproductive.Sensory Capabilities
Due to their assumed cat lineage, the Felynin have a limited sight line in the dark. Their ocular abilities during the night allows them to see in pitch black up to a certain point from their body, roughly around 30 feet. This can extend further if there are sources of light to aid their vision range, as well. They also have frightening stealth capabilities. Each subspecies are skilled trackers and hiders, as they can use their fur to camouflage themselves in their native environment and even mask their scents. When compared to other naturally stealthy humanoids such as Elf ethnicities, a majority of Felynin subspecies prove victorious. Their hearing is another asset that they have to their advantage, as their ears are approximately 3 times stronger than humans. Attempting to hold a quiet conversation around a Felynin is a futile endeavor, and will usually have them invading your personal space inquiring about what you were talking about.You know, I think we can actually strike at dawn. The guard shift switches around that time, and that'll give us enough time to get in and out with the stall's safe. "Hey guys, whatcha talkin' about? You wouldn't happen to be wanting to rob my favorite fish stand, would you?" Who the hell are you?!
General Behaviors
Across the different subspecies of Felynin, they all share a few common traits. The first is that they have an unhealthy love for fish. Something about the scent and taste makes them go crazy for it. You will often find them snooping around places that sell fish such as markets, restaurants or docks. The second is that they have an uncanny ability to annoy and pester people. The phrase "curiosity killed the cat" is an understatement when applied to them. They will interrupt your conversation, turn it towards them and their family and refuse to allow you a single word in after1. Despite the fact that they are annoying, they can be well-versed speakers that legitimately have interesting conversations to hold with you, granted they don't start talking about how much they love fish. Lastly, they have a proclivity to breaking things. Just like common household cats, their curiosity knows few, if any, limits. They will find ways to scale shelves just to touch an item at the very top, only to knock it over and break it. Or worse, tip over your shelf in the process of climbing! This inquisitiveness also extends to things they don't understand like traps. Watching a Felynin know they shouldn't tinker with a bear trap, yet give into temptation and mess with it anyway is one of the most laughter-inducing sights you'll ever set your eyes upon.Subspecies and their Habitats
As previously mentioned, there are several subspecies of Felynin that exist within Draconia. They are generally related to other wildlife that is local to the area in which the subspecies is most commonly located. This does not take into account migrations of tribes, groups or individuals. You will find examples of subspecies being found outside of their general habitat. This is a general fact that sentient races are capable of making their own decisions.Black Panther Felynin
The Black Panther subspecies originates from the swampy regions of Zalesh. While a majority of them tend to avoid the civilized areas like Capsiza, the capital city does have a sizable population of the Felynin. This subspecies is one of the most stealthy and hard to track.Stalking Panther by StaticStar1 via HeroForge
Lion Felynin
The western neighbor to the Black Panther Felynin and similar in many regards. This subspecies originates from Uzambwe and Bhrasten, as they prefer the desert and savannah locales. These cats rival the Tiger subspecies for biggest and strongest of the subspecies. They bear a ferocious and frightening roar that can startle even some dragons into submission. The males of this subspecies also sport the largest and fluffiest manes, much like normal lions have between the species of large cats. Despite the males' stature compared to the females, it is actually the women that do the bulk of hunting and other tasks in a tribe. The women are just as strong, if not stronger than their male counterparts. The males tend to spend most of their time lazing about in their homes, waiting for food to be given to them by their hunting partners. Unlike the Black Panther Felynin, the Lion Felynin openly gravitate towards one another, often coming together to form complex tribal groups and relations. A common piece of knowledge when it comes to Lion Felynin is to be wary of offending the pack, as it is often bigger than what is in front of your eyes. A prominent member of Draconian society that is a Lion Felynin is The Don.Tiger Felynin
The "rival" of the Lion Felynin is another example of big physical stature. These members are on average around the same height and weight of the Lion Felynin, but they lack the terrifying roar their close relatives possess. What they have over the Lions, however, is their adaptation to the grasslands of Ruxan. Though their fur is nothing like the foliage that surrounds them, these catfolk somehow find ways to blend in perfectly to their locale and strike unseen and unheard. And when they land that strike, it's a powerful one that more often than not kills whatever they're attacking. In a battle between the Lion and Tiger, the winner is determined by how stealthy the Tiger is. If the Tiger can keep themselves hidden and strike from the shadows, they all but guarantee a victory. But if the Lion is able to detect the Tiger, the Tiger stands no chance in a heads-up battle.
A Visitor from Distant Lands by StaticStar1 via HeroForge
Cougar Felynin
The most widespread of the Felynin subspecies and the one of two to have a Variant. Alezar houses the Badlands Cougar and the Metallan regions of Coztera, G. Central, and Coppota are home to the Standard Cougar. The Badlands Cougar is a brutal killer, raised in the fiery mountains and badlands that encompass Alezar. If a Lion Felynin is a graceful, yet vicious fighter, a Badlands Couger Felynin is a merciless and extreme mutilator. These Felynin lack any proficiency at stealth, but they make up for this with an incredible climbing ability, as their claws are able to penetrate solid rock.Badlands Cougar Post Battle by StaticStar1 via Heroforge
The Badlands Variant are the only of the subspecies to outright neglect social groups and are loners through and through. This is in part because their idea of mischief is essentially bullying those smaller than themselves, including other Badlands Cougars. The Standard Cougar maintains a climbing ability like its Badlands relative, but its claws are not as strong. Their habitats are so widely spread across the world due to their ability to hunt in any mountainous or urban area. The beachy steppes of Coztera hide them in thick foliage, while the mountains of Coppota and G. Central let them use their fur coat to blend into their surroundings. They have some talent at sneaking, which lets them combine the hunting methods of other subspecies and their close relative.
They have a much more positive disposition compared to the Badlands Cougars. They only form groups when attempting to find a mate, and after the deed is done the pair often split. The female takes care of the children until they are old enough to fend for themselves, while the male migrates areas.
Leopard Felynin
The other subspecies of Felynin that has a Variant. The normal Leopard resides in the expanses of lands between the borders of Ruxan, Uzambwe and Zalesh. Because they have such a diverse range of habitats, they are a jack of all trades when it comes to Felynin.Notorious Leopard Thief by StaticStar1 via HeroForge
Snow Leopard Huntress by StaticStar1 via HeroForge
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
The traditional naming tradition for a Felynin is a phrase that is shortened down to a single name. This typically takes the form of something the Felynin is proficient at, or something the Felynin enjoys.
- Fighter of Crocodiles - Croc
- Light of the Moon - Luna
- Drinks the Rain - Rain
- Stealing their Fish - Rob
1They tend to ramble on due to their intense love for fellowship and camaraderie. When they incessantly talk your ear off, it is because they view you as someone they can care about or see as a tribe member.
Scientific Name
Homo felidae
Lifespan
60-100 years
Average Height
Typically anywhere from 5'-5'11"
Average Weight
Depends on subspecies, but generally between 100-200 lbs. on average
Related Organizations
The Felynin that had dragged me down brought me to their camp. I was welcomed in like a native of the tribe and introduced to all of them. Mack, Storm, Mewl, Ruff and Herb. Their leader, Soul, was the one who had accosted me in the forest. We sat down and shared tales of our adventures, previous loves and even family tales. I left an enriched dragonborn. How can people like that be considered lower class? I've never been subject to such conversation or culture intrigue with my own kind as I was with them.
Related Articles:
Images of Felynin:
Badlands Cougar Felynin
Black Panther Felynin
Leopard Felynin
Lioness Felynin
Snow Leopard Felynin
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