Itar

The itar, also known as the Ithranean civet, island civet, domestic civet, or simply ithercat, is a small mammal domesticated primarily in Ithrien around 10,000 years ago. The itar is descended from the wild Tharnan civet, which still roams the tropical rainforests of Ithrien and Tharna. The itar holds significant cultural and economic importance in Ithrien due to the secretion from its perineal gland, known as itherone, which is used as a base note and fixative in Ithrien's renowned perfumeries. Ithrien has strict regulations on the farming, trade, and use of itars to protect this unique industry.

Description

The itar is a small mammal with a body length of 30-76.5 cm (excluding the tail) and a tail length of 30-90.6 cm. Adult itars typically weigh between 2 to 5 kg (4.4 to 11 lbs), with males being slightly larger than females. The itar has a broad head with a pointed muzzle, short and rounded ears, and a distinctive brown-black spot behind each ear. The coat can vary from white, grey, to brown, often with large black spots and faded grey stripes, depending on the breed.

Itars have short, thickset limbs and partially retractable claws, adapted for their pentigrade walking style, meaning they walk on the soles of their feet. Their tails, which are longer than their bodies, are densely furred with irregular dark rings. The unique perineal glands, located just outside the itar's anus, have been selectively bred over generations to be more pronounced, aiding in the extraction of itherone.

History

The itar was domesticated from the Tharnan civet, which is still found in the rainforests of Ithrien and West Tharna. Over the centuries, selective breeding by itar farmers has resulted in a breed that produces its perineal glands externally, a mutation that has greatly facilitated the farming of itherone. Scholars debate the origins of this trait, but popular theories suggest it either evolved naturally through selective breeding or was a fortuitous mutation that breeders capitalized on.

For the past 500 years, the Ithranean government has imposed strict controls on itar farming and trade, even going so far as to eliminate foreign itar farms to monopolize the market. Today, itars are exclusively bred in Ithrien, and their secretion, itherone, is a key ingredient in the nation's famous perfumes. The Tharnan civet can also produce a similar substance, civetone, but itherone is preferred for its unique qualities.

Uses

Perfumery

Ithranean perfumeries closely guard the secrets of their processes and ingredients, but the general method for creating itar perfume involves drying and crystallizing itherone, which is then diluted in alcohol and spices to create a tincture. This tincture is aged, sometimes for years, depending on the breed of itar used. Different aromatic ingredients are added to the aged tincture to create the final perfume, tailored to trends, seasons, and social classes.

Food

Due to government-imposed quotas, excess itar kittens are often slaughtered for meat. Itar meat is considered a delicacy, particularly when prepared as a stew with local spices and coconut milk, known as itar baharat. This dish is typically reserved for special occasions by the middle class.

Pets

The itar is also a popular pet among the Ithranean middle class, second only to domestic cats. Itars with entirely white or black coats are especially prized, believed to bring good luck and ward off evil. This belief has spurred breeders to attempt developing a breed with a completely monotone coat.

Breeds

Itar breeds vary in coat color and the quality of itherone they produce, which affects their value both in perfumery and as pets. The development of specific breeds is ongoing, influenced by both practical needs for itherone production and cultural preferences for certain aesthetic traits.