Spectral panthers were supernatural panthers touched by the energies of the Shadowfell who were fond of hunting humanoid prey.[1][2]
Description[]
Spectral panthers were massive cats, often between 10 and 12 feet (3.0 and 3.6 meters) in length. They moved back and forth between corporeal and incorporeal forms. In corporeal form, their eyes were pure black, reflecting no light whatsoever, and their fur shimmered with illusions that made them still appear insubstantial and translucent. This made them very good at hiding and moving stealthily, especially when concealed in shadow.[2] They possessed sharp claws, and some had a spike at the ends of their tails.[1]
Abilities[]
With some limitations, spectral panthers could fade in and out of being completely incorporeal. Some could freely make themselves insubstantial before also becoming completely invisible,[1] while others could only manage this feat a few times per day for relatively short stints. When in their corporeal form, spectral panthers could still interact with or attack incorporeal creatures, and likewise while incorporeal, they could strike at corporeal prey.[2] Owing to having been touched by the magic of the Shadowfell, they could move between the Material Plane and Shadowfell during dawn and dusk.[1]
The beasts radiated an aura of fear, and just being near one could leave an adventurer shaken.[2]
Behavior[]
Spectral panthers fed on both the flesh and the fear of their prey. As such, they preferred to hunt intelligent prey, especially humanoids, because their fear was more satisfying. Spectral panthers were themselves highly intelligent, and would toy with their quarry, stalking it for hours in order to savor its fear before finally pouncing.[2]
Combat[]
Spectral panthers preferred to ambush their prey. They would emerge suddenly from their invisible, spectral forms to strike quickly before retreating and vanishing once more, only to return for another surprise strike.[1]
History[]
Both shadar-kai and dark creeper hunting parties were known to use spectral panthers as trackers and killers.[1][3]
Spectral panthers were unheard of in Faerûn until sometime in the 14th century DR. They gained notoriety in the late 1360s and early 1370s DR when they were identified as being responsible for a number of savage killings across the continent, ranging from Hlondeth to Waterdeep. The only common thread between the victims was that they had been wizards who practiced shadow magic, but it remained unclear at the time whether the beasts had been drawn to the wizards’ magic, had been summoned by it, or if instead the creatures had been intentionally sent after these spellcasters.[2]
Appendix[]
See Also[]
- Fey panther, panthers touched by the Feywild in much the same way a spectral panther was touched by the Shadowfell.[1]
Appearances[]
- Novels
- Swordmage • The Darker Road
- Organized Play & Licensed Adventures
- Shades of Blue Fire • The Morninglord's Laughter
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Mike Mearls, Stephen Schubert, James Wyatt (June 2008). Monster Manual 4th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 213. ISBN 978-0-7869-4852-9.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 James Wyatt, Rob Heinsoo (February 2001). Monster Compendium: Monsters of Faerûn. Edited by Duane Maxwell. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 79. ISBN 0-7869-1832-2.
- ↑ Mike Mearls, Stephen Schubert, James Wyatt (June 2008). Monster Manual 4th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 230. ISBN 978-0-7869-4852-9.
Connections[]
Giant felines: Dire lion • Dire tiger • Giant lynx
Magical felines: Cath shee • Crag cat • Elven cat • Jaguar lord • Jana-nimr • Jana-qitat • Luck eater • Sabu lord • Swamplight lynx • Tressym • Water cat
Planar felines: Fey panther • Spectral panther
Humanoids: Rakshasa • Razorclaw shifter • Tabaxi • Wemic
Outsiders: Cat lord • Displacer beast • Foo lion • Hellcat • Leomarh • Leonal
Lycanthropes: Werecat • Werecougar • Werejaguar • Wereleopard • Werelion • Werepanther • Weretiger
Undead felines: Crypt cat