dire lion
Dire lions are huge, sadistic cousins to common lions, taking such glee in tormenting their prey that local peoples consider them the spawn of demons or evil gods.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dire lions resemble their smaller cousins, except that they often grow to be 15 feet long and can weigh up to 3500 pounds. They possess tawny fur with brown spots, and bony ridges on the brow and down the spine. Their upper fangs are proportionately longer than those of most felines, with the possible exception of the smilodon, and their eyes frequently shine red in low-light conditions. The males are larger than the females, and sport shaggy manes of dark fur.
Ecology and Habitats
Dire lions can be found in the plains and grasslands of Khaphtela, either alone, as a mated pair, or in a pride of up to 10 individuals. Lone dire lions tend to be bachelor males looking for a mate and establishing a territory. Because of their greater size and strength, dire lions tend to go after larger prey than their smaller cousins, hiding in tall grass in order to ambush a lone animal or one that has strayed from a herd. However, many dire lions have also demonstrated a taste for sapient meat; combined with their unnatural cunning and sadistic tendencies, many villages will make it their mission to hunt down and kill even a lone dire lion that has been spotted in the area.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Dire lions have a keen sense of smell, allowing them to track prey over dozens of miles.
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