Leoncini
Leoncini
Leoncini are the "Little Lions of Venice". They are magical beings that appear in the form of house cats with wings. They are usually familiars of members of the Pythian Academy.
Legends
Traditional wisdom says the cats appeared in the Veneto region shortly after St. Mark's relics were taken to Venice. Giustiniano Participazio, Doge from 825 until his death in 829, wrote about the arrival of St. Mark's relics and mentioned a new type of cat that appeared in the marshes of the Veneto, preying on fish and birds, competing with fishermen and hunters.
The Venetians talk about the cats, who defend Venice from the Plague Rats, and are often familiars to members of the Pythian Academy, yet few have actually seen a cat with wings.