Vyranith

The Vyranith are a strange beast that was derived from other apex predators like wolves and panthers. They are uncommonly found within Fairlane Forest, a forest on the northern edges of Qil'Sora.    

Description

Appearance

The Vyranith looks very similar to a panther, but rather than having short sleek fur, it has thick fur that keeps it warm in the higher altitude climates of the mountains. The Vyranith has a strange combination of both a feline and a canine face, with long and thick fangs ready to tear away at the flesh of individuals. The creature also has thick hind legs in comparison to its forelegs, which allows it to quickly pounce on other creatures, whilst, its still able to prowl in the depths of the forests.While most Vyranith have black fur, they often can have patches or be covered in brown fur, or even at rarest, white fur.  

Abilities

There are several abilities that are prominent features of the Vyranith, these include:

• Darkvision – The Vyranith is able to ascertain shapes of creatures within 60 feet of them at any time, including the night.
• Keen Senses – The nose of a Vyranith is enhanced by their long time within a wood, as such they are keen at sniffing out any such predators.
• Venomous Spit – The Vyranith is able to spit a small globule of venom towards an enemy it notices within its territory.
• Leaping Pounce - When the Vyranith is given the opportunity to charge forwards, it can pounce and leap on top of another creature.

History

The first recording of Vyraniths appearing was in 359 AR by a ranger known as Eran Trothfield, who travelled through the Fairlane Forest in the aim of mapping out its geography. It was written by Trothfield that the Vyranith were able to hunt them and their companion during the middle of the night, whilst they were able to defeat three of a pack, they were pushed away from their campsite by the remaining two beasts.   Many adventurers have told tales of the creatures appearing under a variety of different circumstances within the forest, mainly as predators attempting to revel in the pickings of other creatures who invade their territory. However, there are some occassions when white furred Vyranith are described as appearing to guide lost adventurers further into the forest towards their goal.   These tales of the white furred creatures are few and far between but make for local folklore of the Vyrana, celestial creatures who take the form of a Vyranith to help guide wanderers and protect the forest. Though they do have a dark and cunning side, where if they were to catch someone destroying the Fairlane Forest, they would strike with a ferocity unseen by any beast on the mortal plane.   As of 743 AR, it has become commonplace that rangers under the oath and protection of the Order of Shadows within the Fairlane Forest, domesticate and train a Vyranith as their companion, seeking to strike the killing blow to their enemies and utilise their keen senses to seek out and hunt down anyone who gets too close to their base of operations.