Leonin

'Whole pack of em - or pride, whatever they call themselves - came through town one day. Sold meat, looked like they'd killed it with their bare hands, and bought some clothes and trinkets. Like a massive, raucous family they were. Got through half a month's ale in one night, and sang in their weird language the whole time.' - Asher, innkeeper

Hunting across the plains and savannahs of Ratha are mighty beings, like lions on two legs - the leonin. They are peerless hunters, setting complex ambushes in their prides, small groups in which they spend most of their lives. It's rare to see a leonin outside of these prides, but those that do leave quickly find a home elsewhere in the world, their bonds to others not being limited by species and their impressive physical forms and hunting skills making them desirable allies. And someone who has a leonin as a friend will have one for life.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Leonin prefer warm, flat areas, most notably savannahs. Despite their thick fur, they often feel the cold in other parts of the world.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Leonin are largely carnivorous, and typically eat their meat raw. Some of them may garnish this meat with fruit or vegetable matter.

Biological Cycle

Leonin mature somewhat faster than humans, reaching adulthood in their mid teens. They give birth after 8 months of gestation, typically to litters of 3-6 cubs.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Leonin have very feline faces, not dissimilar to tabaxi - whether or not these species are related is unknown. Much like lions, males often have impressive manes, while females typically do not.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Leonin are given a single name, in their native language, shortly after birth. Many take the name of their pride as a surname, when away from the pride.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Leonin speak their own language, also known as Leonin, which is very hard for other races to learn due to their unique anatomy.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Leonin cultural heritage is built on bonds between individuals - the individual's pride. This pride is composed of both family members and unrelated leonin, but all are treated as family. Those outside of a pride will often consider their closest friends (such as an adventuring party) as a surrogate pride.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Leonin are trusted and respected by most other species, though their relative rareness may make them distrusted in some areas.

Lifespan

Similar to humans

Average Height

6-7 feet

Average Weight

Significantly heavier than humans

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Leonin typically have sandy-yellow or red fur, though other colours have been seen. Most have plain fur, though any of a number of patterns are not uncommon.