Gyrinx

A Gryinx resembles a large cat, with very thick and fluffy ginger or orange fur and bright blue eyes. They can grow to as much as a meter in length. Grynix are not intelligent as such, but they have an astounding ability to empathize with other creatures, forming a mental bond with their owner which is comparable to true friendship. This mental empathy is of great benefit to the creature's owner, whose own speed of thought and action are actually improved while the Grynix is in close proximity. What benefit the Gyrinx obtains from the relationship is unclear, but there is plainly some deep-seated need being fulfilled, because an owner-less Gyrinx will actively seek out and adopt another creature. Oddly enough, Gyrinx show a slow metabolic change so that they can come to resemble their owner physically, temperamentally and in habit.

If a Gyrinx's owner dies, it will defend the body, and eventually either run away or allow itself to be adopted by one of its former owner's friends or associates. It takes a period of several weeks to establish a complete relationship with the new owner, but might be less if the old and new owners were close friends or relations.

Obviously, these are creatures of great value, and unlikely to be owned by ordinary people. Gyrinx are highly prized as pets by psychic Inquisitors, Rogue Traders and high-ranking members of the Adeptus Terra. Evil aliens, such as Dark Eldar, may also own Grynix, which become as nasty and vicious as their owners.

Some Harlequin Shadowseers will take on a Grynix as a companion.