Leichlehamm

The leichlehamm is a very large panther found in the elven forests, especially in the southern regions. Males can be found as large as 300lbs or even bigger. Most notable about these huge cats is that they also have wings. While they are very difficult to domesticate, those raised by people can be tamed, though they will always remain dangerous.

Like other panthers they have very dark fur, though their fur is considered black, is has a blue sheen to it, especially in moonlight. While their wings have feathers, the leading edge of their wings is still furred. While they are not more silent than feathered flyers, they do both fly and run very quietly.

Large leichlehamms can carry lighter riders. The elves have trained some of their smaller folks, frequently female elves, to ride these winged panthers. The weight limit seems to be about 100lbs. While these units make phenomenal scouts, they are not an exceptionally powerful attack units, because the riders have a difficult time using their bows while mounted. They can be devastating if they are able to fly into position, dismount, and then fight as a powerful melee unit backed by a ranged warrior.

In the wild, leichlehamms will hunt any medium sized prey animals. Their primary prey are large rodents, similar to capybaras, as well as other herbivores, including some who would normally have been safe from predators by living in the trees. Where they are used as steeds, their keepers must breed large numbers of these semi-aquatic rodents to feed their mounts. For some reason, the aerial cats do not seem to like pork.