Occasionally, esolons realize nature got it right, and instead of mixing and merging DNA and magicks of other creatures, they embark on a program of eugenics and enhancement. So it was with the shay'talahs. These large cats were already the fastest creature on land, but could only run short distances. Now, shay'talahs can run for hours with a rider at speeds far eclipsing any when they were known as cheetahs.