Vai-sehlat

Vai-sehlats is a particularly large subspecies of sehlat, with dense, tawny fur over their shoulders, longer, slender limbs and the profile of an animal adapted to long-distance running. Their heads are more elongated than the typical sehlat, with a dark, aquiline muzzle. All of them sported long, powerful saber-like fangs, much longer than the domestic subspecies. [1]

More feral and harsh in appearance than the domesticated sehlat, they were traditionally used as desert and war mounts by the ancient Vulcans. [2]

Even in modern times, especially in the areas around the Womb of Fire, they are still bred and ridden, though more for tradition than for any other reason.

Vai-sehlat are sentient and have limited telepathy, which allows Vulcans to ride and guide them. The animals choose their own names, usually referring to their abilities, physical characteristics or position in the pack. In other cases they choose more exotic names, for example, Alieth's uncles possessed one called Bob. [3]

  1. "If you come as tigers, we'll face you as Lions with blue mane", Lieutenant Alieth, USS Thor), 23980327
  2. "Vai-sehlat", Memory Beta
  3. "Allegro", Lieutenant Alieth, USS Thor), 23980403