Tressym

Tressyms, or winged cats, have become notorious for their rapid spread throughout the realm. These elusive wildcats originated in the far northeast, their distinctive wings granting them easy traversal through mountainous terrain. Farmers began offering food and shelter in exchange for dealing with rodents and aerial pests alike, a gradual domestication that boomed when Valkian merchants learned of their existence. Soon enough, they could be found all across the midlands, and eventually across the sea, developing into various breeds over time.

Unfortunately, their overabundance has led to the decimation of wildlife in local ecosystems, where they have far less natural predation to keep them in check. Feral tressyms run loose on the outskirts of most major cities, staying clear of high traffic areas. Meanwhile, the wild tressyms still roam their natural habitat, with some still kept as working cats to this day.

Compared to their ancestors, wild tressyms have changed very little in terms of appearance. Around the size of a common house cat, their bodies are rather stout, with a dense coat of fur. Their faces seem small relative to this coat, with an expression that some describe as "grumpy". Large, modified strands of feather-like fur cover their wings, which are built for gliding and short bursts of flight. Tressyms are opportunistic carnivores, though their diets typically consist of small mammals and birds.

On the other hand, domestic tressyms — both feral and pet alike — are just as diverse as their wingless counterparts. Size, pattern, and even the shape of their wings can vary quite dramatically. Some have adapted over many years, while others were bred for a unique blend of feline and avian appearance. For example, the Ashlands are home to quite the distinct breed of tressym. Their skin has grown much thicker while their coats have thinned to the point of all but disappearing. Scutes coat the tips of their hairless wings and feet, granting protection from the rocky terrain.

The wild tressym is a solitary and crepuscular creature, rarely seeing any intraspecific interaction. They are quite easily spooked, taking off at any sign of a potential threat. Despite some believing them to have elevated nests, they instead take shelter in caves and burrows. These small dens are where a mother tressym will house her kittens. She will grow rather territorial of the surrounding area as she raises them. Once old enough to hunt on their own, usually around the age of five to six months, the litter will part ways to begin the search for their own den.

Through years of forced socialization, however, domestic tressyms have grown more used to being social. They are still known for their skittish nature, but the Valkian merchants were nothing if not persistent. Owning one of these "exotic" winged cats was almost a trophy for some, even more so if someone owned several. As their population spiked, it was not uncommon for them to flee their owners, and begin forming expansive stray colonies.