Mummified Atlanteans
Tomb Raider
Mummified Atlanteans appear to be used as guardian beasts in the original Tomb Raider. A pair of them guard the Scion room of the Tomb Of Qualopec. One can be targeted and falls over if fired upon sufficiently. They are not seen again until the City Of Khamoon.
In appearance they can be said to resemble large cats, and make feline-like growling noises. However they also resemble the Atlantean Creatures significantly, sharing certain characteristics such as being able to use fireballs and the fact that they explode upon dying. Therefore they cannot be said to be mummified panthers as has been previously advanced, but creations from the time of the Atlantean Triumvirate.
Tomb Raider Anniversary
The mummified Atlanteans are seen in much more detail in the 're-imagining'. Because they are less bandaged than the originals, it is clear to see that they are the same species as the Atlantean Creatures that Lara Croft faces later. The one in Qualopec's tomb no longer remains motionless, but actively attacks Lara before dropping to the floor in death in a cutscene.
Both mummified Atlanteans and the Atlantean Creatures strongly resemble somewhat humanoid felines. Their front paws resemble hands rather than animal pads, and their pelvis and hip arrangements also resemble those of humans.
Although in both games they are shown to be largely quadrupedal, mummified Atlanteans are capable of standing on their hind legs. This is shown in detail in the Temple Of Khamoon in Anniversary, where several of the creatures stand with their front legs or arms crossed over their chests, with their chins resting also on their chests. Only when they attack do they revert to using four legs, probably for increased speed. They can also jump at Lara and slash at her with the claws on their front paws.
The level of difficulty and risk involved in combat with them is not so reduced as with other creatures, because of their use of fireballs and the fact that they often attack in pairs.
