The Patternpaw is a
feline Estalon belonging to the
Palyama family, and one of the few species to have been completely domesticated. Finding one in the wild is nearly impossible, as they have long since adapted to life alongside
Eldranes. Loved across
Astracel for their calm and affectionate nature, yet also for their sharp awareness of danger, Patternpaws have become one of the most popular companions in the world. Whether resting beside
Humans in
New-Teden or perched along the rooftops of the
Lynxas and
Luphirian city of
Paviana, their presence is nearly universal. Only four major cities are known where Patternpaws are absent: the
Ignaran settlements of
Schorcahava, where the heat causes them to faint; the
Cutric Kentuk’Nik of the
Shaoul Varon, who rarely allow foreign species within their walls; the city of
Odayn, home of the
Hydromancers, whose aquatic environment deters them; and
Mermer, home of the
Kamuzih, whose small stature nearly matches that of the Patternpaw, making the city ill-suited for them to live alongside one another.
Reaching a height of about
25 centimeters at the shoulder, the
Palyama Picta; or the
Painted Palyama; earns its name from the intricate markings on its fur. Every Patternpaw’s coat is unique, displaying different arrangements of dots and delicate white lines that connect them like constellations. Their eyes are equally striking, most often glowing in gradients of
blue to purple or
gold to green, though rarer hues also exist, such as the uncommon
white-red gradient, and a single recorded case of one with
golden-blue eyes. Although adored as pets, Patternpaws are also sought after in darker circles. Their meat is considered a delicacy on the black markets of
Astracel, fetching extraordinarily high prices. The only place where Patternpaw consumption is legal is in
Grûat, deep within the
Molonari Caves, where they are bred specifically for food.
