Animals from Hawke's world.

[golden_hawke]

FireMountain



Name: D'arhun'dahk [Desert Cat]
Species: Closest known species is Feline

Description: The Desert Cat is a hairless beast with a layer of scales that serve as protection against the sun and the harshness of blowing sand and small, rocky corridors. They are obligate carnivores that are elite hunters. A single cat can take down prey four times its size.

The average size of a female cat is approximately 300 pounds, while the male can easily weight in at 450 pounds. The average length ranges from 9 to 12 feet before the whip like tail is measured. Both sexes are equipped with fangs, claws, and a keen sense of smell that helps counter poor eyesight. In the daylight, they're completely blind and avoid being out in light at all costs. They hunt best at night or in very dim light. During times of danger, they're able to dig through sand or rock with their sharp claws in a matter of minutes. In times of famine, they can fast for up to three months before they are too weak to hunt. They can easily consume thirty pounds of meat in a single sitting. Breeding usually yields a pair of kits per birth, but one female may only go into heat once every other year. A Desert Cat will reach maturity in five years, with a lifespan of about 100.

The cats are rarely seen outside during the day, and make their dens deep within the earth. They originated at ShadowMountain, but when it fell, a small colony of these cats were brought to FireMountain, given their preference for hot climates. The cats are normally solitary animals and rarely form close bonds with their guardians (Kirin.) They often give an aloof appearance in most cases, and take a liking to those with strong wills. Cats do not tolerate children well, and can often view them as prey- though the kits can be more personable and tolerant.




Earth Mountain



Name: Kirin name Unknown [Lockjaw]
Species: Closest known species is canine


Description: The lockjaw is a large, lizard like creature about the size of African lions. Instead of fur or skin, their bodies are scaled in fine scales like a shark skin; very smooth in one direction, but sandpaper rough when a hand is drawn in the opposite direction. They have a bony plate jutting out of the backs of their skulls to protect the napes of their necks. The most telling trait of the lockjaw is their ability to unhinge their jaws like snakes and then lock them tight on their prey.

The Lockjaw has a powerfully compact body made for jumping and leaping across long distances. Sharp claws are on all toes and a spike sits on the end of an extremely strong tail. There is a crest that juts from the back of the animal's skull that protects it's neck from other predators. When the Lockjaw 'yawns,' it is ready to attack. The jaw can unhinge itself like a snake, giving it the ability to take huge, dangerous bites out of its prey. A warning sign is a rapid chattering teeth sound that signals that the animal is agitated. A happy, content sound is a low growl that can vibrate the ground and be heard for at least a mile.
More information will be added as it's fleshed out.