Leopard

Leopards were a species of large felines.

Description
Leopards had lithe, slender bodies with short legs. They had rosette-shaped spots, as did jaguars.

Combat
Leopards attacked prey by leaping on them from above. They had very sharp claws that caused significant damage.

Abilities
Their powerful hindquarters allowed a leopard to jump up to. They were adept climbers and swimmers.

Habitat
Leopards dwelt in tropical jungles as well as forests. They could also be found living in deserts, mountains and plains. Leopards spent a good portion of their day in the treetops. They slept there and when they caught prey, they preferred to drag the prey up into the treetops to be eaten. Leopards could be found living in the Forest of Amtar, the Kun-Yen Shan mountains, the Methwood, and the jungles of Chult.

In the Crowded Sea region, leopards could be found on the island of Djinni's Claws.

Biology
Leopards were solitary creatures. They were obligate carnivores and hunted large animals such as antelopes. Leopards hunted both during the day and at night, but if they lived in an area with many humanoids, they usually only hunted at night. After mating, a female leopard gave birth to a litter of up to three cubs, who remained by their mothers side for two years.

Snow Leopard
Snow leopards were the main predator in the wilds of the World Pillar Mountains of Zakhara and the Leopard Shan of the Hordelands.

Notable Leopards

 * Elynna, the president of the Society of Stalwart Adventurers in Cormyr had a pet leopard who was mostly harmless and could often be found in the jungle-like plant-filled room of the club in the mid-to-late 14 century DR.

Trivia
Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue sold leopard hides for 22 gp a piece.

Several features of the Realms bore the name of the great cat:
 * The Ghost Leopard province of the Yikarian Empire in Northeast Zakhara
 * The Leopard Shan or Mountain of the Leopard in the Hordelands
 * The Leopard Stupa monastery at the base of Leopard Shan
 * The Black Leopard Cult from T'u Lung
 * The Snow Leopard style of martial arts practiced in Ra-Khati

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * The Secret of Spiderhaunt
 * Novels
 * The Ring of Winter • Star of Cursrah • The Lost Library of Cormanthyr • The Abduction • The Jewel of Turmish • Viperhand
 * Dragonwall • Finder's Bane • Sentinelspire • The City of Ravens
 * Video Games
 * Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn • Neverwinter
 * Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn • Neverwinter