The Lyrans are human-sized cats that bore a distinct similarity to Terran lynxes in both appearance and temperament. Bitter enemies of the Kzintis (tigermen eight feet tall), the Lyrans were staunch allies of the Klingons and enemies of the Hydrans as well. Like Kzintis, Lyrans were carnivores known to eat their captives on rare occasions. The Federation assigned each Lyran ship-type a "reporting name" to keep them separate. Lyrans were organized as a feudal society. Twenty-one counties each had a squadron of ships lead by a heavy cruiser; four dukes had dreadnoughts to lead the four fleets, while the king-emperor commanded from the capital.
Typical of all heavy dreadnoughts, the Lyran Forest Lion Heavy Dreadnought added weapons and power to existing ships to increase combat efficiency. Known names included Heartseeker (Far Stars County), King of Beasts (Enemy’s Blood County), Red Claw’s Lion’s Pride (Red Claw County), Stained Axe (Foremost County), and Thunderclaw (Red Claw County). The Aztek panels on the outer surfaces represent efforts to reduce the electronic signature of the refitted Forest Lion and match it to the original Forest Lion so the enemy could not tell the difference. This ship is also available as a
kit that needs some assembly.
The ship is available in a variety of materials. Ships are unpainted, use standard flight stands available from many sources, and, while designed for gaming, make fine display pieces.