Before anyone comes for me- Yes, this is based off Thylacaleo Carnifex, also known as the marsupial lion. I am aware it's not an actual member of felidae. That being said, I don't really care :3 I also don't care for the arguement that we have too many primal variations- No we don't, there is regular Primal, Felis, Ferus and Smilus, I think we can get another as a lil treat.

Now, onto my actual suggestion- now, Primal Smilus, the only male inheritable Primal mutation that is most likely based off Thylacosmilus (See where I'm going with this). Essentially, what I am suggesting is for Primal Carnifex to either be a female only inheritable primal, or for it to only be able to be bred from a Smilus and a Felis mother.

My reasoning for the Smilus being a factor is purely because of the fact both Primal names come from two species that have a very similar name, I am aware of how faulty that may seem.

But what would make Primal Carnifex stand out would be for the following reasons
- A very large claw to aide in climbing
- A lithe build similar to Felis, but stockier
- The iconic Thylacaleo pseduo-canines as well as the iconic primal fangs.


I will come up with a sketch that showcases the enlarged primal canines as well as Carnifex's unique incisors.

And some factoids- it is theorised that because the incisors were used in killing, T.Carnifex was able to bring down a large animal in about a minute- while a modern african lion takes about 15 or so minutes to bring down large prey. However, because they were so effecient in taking down larger prey, they were really bad at going after smaller prey.

This being said (and comes back to why I want Smilus to be a factor) Carnifex would have a larger bonus on taking down large explore encounters such as rhinos, elephants, wildebeests Ect. They would always have a boost against those types of enemies. For hunting females, they would have an easier time bringing back carcasses that would usually take 2-3 lionesses to bring back.

But some cons for this- if kinged, they would have a debuff against everything that is smaller than a lion, Carnifex lionesses that are sent out by themselves will struggle to return with any one lioness prey due to it being smaller and finally- Ideally, Carnifex would be a Breed Only Primal, with very specific needs.

Because of the potential boons Primal Carnifex could bring to a pride, I would very much like to have the breeding be down low, with there being a 2% chance that a cub born from these two would be a carnifex. Obviously, if Carnifex isn't just a female only primal, you could only get a Carnifex from two Carnifex parents, but even then you might just get a regular old primal.

TDLR:
Thylacaleo Carnifex is cool and I think it would be neat for Lioden to include like, Australia's only apex predator. And I think having a primal that has a buff against like, stupidly large enemies would be cool, as well as visually having a huge claw. I will be including sketches. Even if you don't support, thats A okay, maybe I have sparked an interest in Australian animals and maybe even African Megafauna!