Coeurl
Michael MacWolff
Cryptologic Name: Daimicro polychroma
Planar Origin: Crystallis
Habitat: Savannah
Diet: Carnivorous
Appearance & Morphology
The coeurl is a large feline creature resembling a spotted panther in both color and pattern, with long, colorful whisker appendages extending from its cheeks. The coeurl’s whiskers widen at their tips and consist of an ombre of colors down their length. The colors range from sunset oranges and purples to seafoam greens and blues, with each individual’s whisker coloration being distinct.
Behavior & Magical Abilities
Coeurls are adept casters of elemental spells, using the powerful magical properties of their whiskers to channel elemental energy to their benefit. While these creatures to have sharp claws and powerful jaws, they prefer to use magic when hunting and defending themselves against enemies.
Coeurls are semi-social animals, going through a variety of social structures at different stages of their life. Coeurl cubs are raised by their parents and learn to hunt and use magic as they grow. When they reach adolescence (2-3 years), they leave their family group and live a solitary life for the next 2-4 years as they continue to mature. Once they reach adulthood (5-7 years), they will search for a mate to form their own family group. As all coeurls spend a significant span of time living on their own, these creatures are primarily solitary hunters, even after they mate. Most often, one parent will hunt while the other cares for the cubs. This is not a gendered role however, so the parents will take turns hunting until the cubs are old enough to join in and learn the skill for themselves.
Field Notes
While the appendages on a coeurl’s face are widely referred to as whiskers, it may be more appropriate to think of them as tentacles. They are not hairs, as with the whiskers of most mammals, but fully muscled appendages that can be consciously manipulated by the creature. These whiskers are also highly sought-after for their magical properties and are used as magical catalysts including wand cores and channeling focuses, as well as used in certain types of potions.
OOC Corner
Coeurls are a creature from the video game series Final Fantasy. They are inspired by creatures of the same name in A. E. van Vogt’s science fiction short story “Black Destroyer.”