Snow leopard

Snow leopards were a species of leopard-like big cat that inhabited cold climate regions of Realms.

History
Around 1366 DR, when the hill giant chief Noote visited Castle Hartwick he presented the carcass of a snow leopard to King Camden as a gift to his daughter Brianna.

Habitats
In Faerûn, snow leopards could be found in the Ice Spires.

In the Hordelands snow leopards inhabited the Yehimal Mountains and its extension the A-Ling Shan, the Glacier of the Dragon within the Yehimals, the Leopard Shan, the higher reaches of the Katakoro Plateau, and the forest Shalhoond.

In Zakhara, snow leopards inhabited the World Pillar Mountains.

Relationships
Some arctic druids were known to have snow leopards as animal companions. They were also one of the many types of mountainous animals that some oreads kept as pets.

Usages
The pelt of a snow leopard could be make to make a blanket, cloak, or robe. These pelts typically sold for 8 gold pieces.

Trivia
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 Snow Leopard style of martial arts practiced in Ra-Khati by the monks of Lagiuri, who wore gold pendants depicting a snow leopard.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Storm Riders
 * Novels
 * The Ogre's Pact • Star of Cursrah