Ice Cat

The ice cat is a clever, elusive predator of the frozen northern wastes, shaped like a cheetah but covered in long white fur. Tufts of fur sprout from its ears, cheeks and paw pads, heavier on males than females. A rare spotted variety, patterned like a snow leopard, is said to be smarter and craftier than the plain kind.

Only a roll of 1 surprises an ice cat, and its own victims suffer -3 on surprise rolls. It can spring 20 feet in a single horizontal leap. When both forepaws strike, it also rakes with its back claws for 1d6 each.

Ice cats live alone except in spring, when they mate; cubs come six weeks later, are raised in seclusion and grow up by the following autumn's end. The unseen folk of the north keep them as guards, messengers and companions. They rarely harm people and may serve a human friend faithfully for life, unless abused, in which case the cat leaves and never returns.

Ice cats hunt rabbits, rodents and small birds. Southern furriers pay well for an unblemished pelt, and nobles with exotic tastes pay far more for a living cat.