~ Physical Morphology~ In the novels, physical construct (muscle mass and bone density) is broadly left to the devices of one’s own imagination and preference. Given the herder/warrior lifestyle, there were many requirements the Named had to meet in order to survive. While speed and agility are essential to the shepherd, strength and vigor are necessities of the combatant. When these qualities intertwine, the end result is a sleek, powerful creature, efficient in both the sprint and battle. Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus Cougar Felis concolor Book descriptions located on the inside jackets frequently referred to the Named as ‘Cougar like’ and ‘relatives of the ancient saber tooth’. However, as the species progressed in both writing and imagination, they began to adopt Cheetah characteristics as well. Clare wished to provide readers who sought further insight regarding the Named’s morphology with answers, and so set about the task of sketching and sculpting. Using skull imagery from D. crassus as a foundation for her exploits, she broadened the braincase to house the Named’s enlightened intellect, and modified the jaw structure to enable its functionality. This picture offers testiment to the many talents of Clare Bell. To the left is her reconstruction of Dinaelurus crassus. To the right is the Author's own representation of the Named, D. illumina sapiens. For bodily reconstruction, Clare Bell used the skeletal frames of both the Cougar Felis concolor, and prehistoric Cheetah, Acinonyx pardinensis. The following paragraphs regarding the Named and their description have been derived from her artwork, sculptures, and sketch-notes. The illustration to the right is the Authors personal rendition of the Named, and is © Clare Bell. The skeletal arrangement has been highlighted in blue, to enhance interpretation. To view the original sketch, accompanied with the Author’s side-notes, click the image. The forelegs were modeled after those of the Cougar, slightly elongated to suit the animal’s rapid stride. In this manner, they still retain the power and versatility necessary for combat. The vertebrae was derived from the same feline, adopting robust dimensions about the neck so as to provide support for the heavier braincase, sustaining a graceful arch throughout the thoracic and lumbar column. The hindquarters were based on A. pardinensis, a feline much taller than its present-day cousin. The nasal, lung, and chest cavities are wider and deeper than those observed in modern felines, much like A. Jubatus, to promote the mandatory ventilation essential to produce and maintain great speed. In conclusion, Clare Bell forged together anatomical attributes containing the key qualities of the Named, creating a catlike predator with the strength and leaping supremacy of the Mountain Lion, and the deft swiftness of the ever-nimble Cheetah. While those of the Clan cannot attain the velocity of A. jubatus, they are faster than F. concolor. The claws on all four appendages are fully retractable, enhancing the Named’s climbing and fighting skill. There are a few peculiar features unrelated to either species worth mentioning. The ears and eyes are larger than those of either extant feline. Their muzzles are wider, and their elongated tails boast a tuft at the tip, similar to Panthera leo. Some within the Clan bear thin ruffs, comparable to the manes of young Cheetahs, or adolescent African Lions.