Mako

The Mako is a six legged cat-like creature whose natural habitat is within the Khydean plateau and the Htàzei Basin. They have been domesticated both for their long silky fur, which sheds regularly, and their ability to eat vermin and pests in agricultural fields. They are a major part of the cultural traditions of the Meó and surrounding peoples.

Name

The word Mako (/mako/ [ˈmā.kʊ̄]) is from the Meó language the etymology is uncertain but is likely onomatopoeic, imitaing the sound the animal makes.

Physical Characteristics

Makos are large animals, it not being rare to find Makos up to 60 cm in height. The majority however, are roughly the size of a Maine Coon, approximately 35-45 cm in height, 50-80 cm in length, weighing 4-12 kilograms. Selective breeding, however, has introduced an ever greater range of size and weight diversity to the population.

Textiles

Údense ['ú.dʲēn.sʲē] is the name of the fur of the Mako. As a natural fibre, it has properties that enable the Mako to stay cool in hot weather and hot in cold weather, much like wool. The Mako regularly sheds its fur, and this can easily be collected with the use of a specialised brush on the animal. Údense is one of the staple fibres of the Meó realm, and was highly sought after in the Incense trade route within Unuvun in early years.