Phyrr Cat
The Phyrr Cat (Tigris toxicus)[5] is the apex predator of the plains and forests of Phyrr.[1]
Contents
Biology
Classed as members of the felidae family by some Rogue Traders,[5] these big cats[2] grow rather large, some of the oldest reaching the size of a small pony. These felids are completely carnivorous, but also very reclusive. A Phyrr cat's prowess in stealth is so phenomenal that someone travelling through Phyrr's forests could pass within four metres of one and never know it was there. Moreover, like every other plant and animal on Phyrr, the Phyrr cat is toxic to human life.[1] They carry a host of gene-toxins in their blood, sweat and saliva. Even a single cut from one of their claws is enough to induce madness and death.[5]
There is also some evidence to suggest that Phyrr cats have some sort of ingrained psychic ability, allowing them to hunt without using their more mundane senses. Certainly, in several cases the cats have savagely attacked psykers who strayed too close to them.[1]
In the galaxy
Some ambitious Rogue Traders travel to Phyrr to capture the creatures to sell to noble game preserves.[1] Phyrr cats have also been smuggled into the possession of gangs on Imperial Hive Worlds.[5]
Necromunda
Phyrr cats have become sought after prized pets for the members of Necromunda's House Escher, who are enamoured with the cats' exotic looks and killer instincts. Smuggling these felines into Necromunda's hives is incredibly difficult though, so they are rarely seen even amongst the hierarchy of House Escher. However, when an opportunity to acquire a Phyrr cat, or even better, a mating pair, arises, Escher gang chiefs will go to any lengths to secure them.[2] The phelynx, or venom cat, is a gene-smithed creature further created by House Escher from a mixture of reptilian and Phyrr cat genes for use as hunting animals.[6]
Commorragh
Some Drukhari gladiators, having found ways to protect themselves from the creatures' toxins, wear the pelts of Phyrr cats during matches. These pelts are seen as a status symbol, in addition to protecting their wearers.[5]
Named Phyrr Cats
Images
Phyrr Cat[5]
See also
Sources
- 1: Dark Heresy: Creatures Anathema, pgs. 42-43
- 2: Necromunda: Gangs of the Underhive, pg. 110 — Exotic Beasts
- 3: Underhive Informant: Paws for Thought (posted 10/11/2020) (last accessed 10 November 2020)
- 4: Necromunda Facebook Page (posted 04/01/2024) (last accessed 01 January 2024)
- 5: Liber Xenologis, pg. 105
- 6: Necromunda: House of Blades, pg. 47
