2

December 17- Rat

Cloudy Panther Rat

Fierce, solitary rodent predators, panther rats do not range as far north as most creatures in this tome. They are common in the snowy-peaked Haggral mountains, feeding on the hilltop goats and occasionally their satyr herdsmen.

This species of panther rat is the smallest of its genus, dwarfed by some of its bulkier jungle relatives. It is adapted for narrow cliffs and mountain tunnels, where it can wiggle through anywhere its pointy nose fits. Only rarely are they seen on level terrain, and when they are, it is usually inexperienced juveniles still unsure of their grip on the rocks above.

As rodents (but not actual rats), panther rats have no carnivorous canines. Instead, they kill prey with specialized, piercing incisors, pinning prey down with their strong front limbs to slice their neck with elongated front teeth. Like in their smaller cousins, these incisors grow constantly, and panther rats are always seeking out something to chew on to tame that growth. They both gnaw the bones of their prey into splinters and use their teeth to mark rocks and trees in their territory.

Like bishop owls, panther rats are frequently depicted within the ruins of the ancient civilizations of the north, and their bones have been discovered in burials complete with grave goods. Their importance to this culture is clear, but not their exact relationship with them. Some have suggested the nobility captured infant rats to raise them as loyal pets. If so, it would explain why so many of these nobles have been found to miss fingers.

Web Flotsam

2 Comments

  1. so they compete with snow leopards or something? would the lack of canine teeth result in them having problems while eating big portions of meat?

    • Big cats don’t exist in this world, with panther rats taking their place. As for eating meat, I think that their carnassal molars would be able to do the job decently enough.

Leave a Reply to Wade Spencer Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *