Tilions

The Tilion is a large feline land mammal native to Errador and exclusively domesticated by the Khajits as pets, guard animals and in war.

Biology
In the wild, the Tilion is the largest predator in Errador in length and weight. Its skull has broad nasal openings and it has large canine teeth. Tilion’s colouration varies from light buff to yellowish, reddish, or dark ochraceous brown. The underparts are generally lighter and the tail tuft is black. Tilion cubs are born with brown spots on their body, but these fade as the Tilion reaches adulthood.

Tilions display obvious sexual dimorphism. Males have thick manes, which vary from blonde to black, generally becoming darker as the lion grows older. Females do not have manes. The function of the mane is to make the male Tilion look more intimidating; aiding it during confrontations with other Tilions. Sexual selection of mates by female Tilions favours males with the densest, darkest mane.

Behaviour
In the wild, Tilions spend much of their time resting and are inactive for about 20 hours a day. When active, Tilions socialise, groom and hunt for food. They live in a pride, usually made up of numerous females and one or two dominant males. The females, who are usually all related, form the stable social unit in a pride and do not tolerate outside females; although some females do become nomadic. Male cubs are excluded from their family at around 2-3 years of age, while females may stay.

Female Tilions do most of the hunting for the pride, as they are smaller, swifter and more agile than the males. The males do not usually participate in the hunt, except in the case of larger prey, and tend to dominate the kill once the females have succeeded.

Relationship with sentients
As pets, Tilions are much more docile and usually eat pet food as opposed to game. They are a common pet for the Khajits. Tilio fur is also used to make coats, gloves, hats, shoes, blankets and stuffed toys. They are social animals, and can be highly friendly, especially to the Khajits. Their communication includes a variety of vocalisations (meowing, purring, hissing and growling), as well as pheromones, and types of body language. Tilions are usually kept as pets, but will be used as war animals, much like Seerlings.