|5| BESTIARY

[GRIN]

note; any images I have provided are merely used as references, I do not claim to own or have made them!


hippocamp. Hippocamps are also called Sea-Horses. They are large, very powerful horse-like creatures that have the head and forelegs of a horse and the hindquarters of a fish. Their "fur" is actually a very thick layer of tiny, iridescent scales that doubles as a light armor, making their skin very tough to cut, yet smooth to the touch. Their hind-fins can be from any sea-creature and they come in a variety of colors and designs. Most of them are bred to be white, but there are those who can resemble exotic fish colors (such as a lionfish, parrotfish, dolphin, etc.) Hippocamp are the trusted and sturdy steeds of the Auqui people, often used to pull ferries from island to island for the natives. They, much like the Auqui, can shift into a fully horse form when on dry land, enabling them to walk. They can last about 2-3 days on land before illness and eventually death.

kelpies. Kelpies are a fresh water variation of the Hippocamp. However, Kelpie often have the hind-quarters of a snake instead of a fish. Kelpies come in different colors - some are black, green-gray; they are very rarely white. They are said to have a smooth, glassy appearance that mimics the colors of the dark water of the River Nix. They are the chosen mounts of the Nixian Syrens. When touched by any hand other than a Nix, their skin becomes adhesive and they will drag their victims to the River and drown them. Like the Hippocamp, Kelpies can transform into a full-horse form on land and survive out of water for up to 2-3 days.

equos. A horse like creature that has been bred for generations in Aeterna. It is a descendent from the standard equine, and thus mimics certain breeds in appearance. They are most often bred by the Z'dali, who pride themselves in bringing out the Elements in their Equos. In example, Earth Equos resemble Shire horses and heavier breeds, often with very hard or tough skin and rhinoceros or bull horns. Fire Equos have manes and tails of flame and can tolerate intense heat, usually resembling Arabians or other hot-bloods. Air Equos have wings and resemble a Pegasus and are very light-boned. Water Equos are often blue or translucent in color and their coat patterns mimic water movements - many have a single spiral horn that may purify water. Equos are very exclusive in that they are mainly owned and bought by the Z'dali people. Other races in Aeterna may purchase Equos, but they are very highly priced.

hippogryff. Hippogryffs are very rare winged creatures, who are half bird and half horse. They most commonly have the head and front legs of an eagle or hawk with the hind legs of a horse, seen here. They are extremely ferocious and violent creatures who need a strong hand to control them; however, once they are "tamed" and their trust is earned, they are the most loyal and noble of mounts. They are very keen and highly intelligent. Hippogryffs can found in the wilderness, but it is rare to sight them and illegal to capture them. The Royal Family are the only people allowed to breed them, as they are used as Messengers or as personal or battle mounts.

centaur. A rare creature that is a myth to even the natives of Aeterna. It is a creature that is half man, and half horse; that is, having the torso of a man and the legs and body of a horse. They are said to live scattered about on the Islands, though there is rumor of one Great Herd on the Skinwalker island named ______, living their lives out in peace after nearly being driven to extinction by the Wars. It is said that they are masters of weaponry and sword-making, and to have a Centaur blade, bow or armor is said to guarantee your victory in battle.

minotaur. Minotaurs are massive creatures who are a perfect mixture of man and bull, seen here, and here. They stand anywhere from 8 to 12 feet tall and weigh some thousands of pounds. Long ago it was said they had intellect and could speak like humans, but years of captivity and slavery has left them dumb and more like bigger, stronger cattle with oppose-able thumbs. They are used most often in the Colosseum to battle against the paladins for entertainment purposes.

dragon. Dragons are said to be extinct, that when the Gods hid the city most were killed. However, there are still sightings of them flying high over Bellusal City, mysterious shapes in the clouds that cast large shadows. Murals and scrolls tell of a time when Dragons were ridden into battle, namely by Kings and Royals. It is unknown by all except the Royal Family that there is still a small collection of dragons remaining, kept hidden and safe in the deep caverns of the Sacred City.