Serpopard

Serpopards live throughout the northern forests and mountains in Hárronfall. Their species is most abundant in the tall cliffs of the zmei-territory, though some are spotted in the forests and hills of the dvergar’s and dökkálfar’s homeland or even in Svar-loka’s Gate. Their population is also fairly numerous in Bhur-loka’s Gate.

Serpopards are large felines with long necks and snake-like patterns over their fur. They are excellent climbers that live in trees or rocky cliff sides. They are solitary hunters that feed off large mammals. They often store the carcasses of their kill in tree branches to feed off later.

The serpopards of Svar-loka’s Gate at times have a symbiotic relationship with the jubokko trees. They hunt and kill prey that they share with the trees and exchange the trees, allowing the serpopards to live in their branches. They both protect each other, but if the serpopard stops bringing the jubokko food, the tree will turn on the serpopard and eat them instead.

Serpopards have minor manipulation over the element of fire. They can use it to heat their teeth and claws past boiling temperatures. They also possess venom powerful enough to kill grootslang with a bite. Some races worship serpopards as animal spirits. They carry totems of the serpopards to bless them with stealth, better climbing abilities, and a stronger connection with the fire element.

Lifespan

20-30 years

Average Height

90-120 centimeters

Average Length

1.8-2 meters

Geographic Distribution

• Bhur-loka‘s Gate
• Svar-loka‘s Gate
• Zmei-kin Territory

Serpopards From Middle Eastern Lore

Depictions of the serpopards have been found on pots, tablets, and carved into walls dating back to 3000 BCE. These depictions and carvings are from Mesopotamia and Egypt. The name ‘serpopard’ comes from the English words serpent and leopard, as these depictions are of lionesses with long necks. Egyptian depictions have these animals being conquered or attacking other animals. While in Mesopotamian depictions, these animals come in pairs with their neck intertwined.