Legendary beasts - Revision history

Twiggy at 01:46, 11 February 2026

2026-02-11T01:46:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:46, 11 February 2026
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	Winged beasts are common in heraldry and myth. They appear often on [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] banners or as supporters to their shields.		Winged beasts are common in heraldry and myth. They appear often on [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] banners or as supporters to their shields.

	A horse with wings - usually called a ''pegasus'' - is an enduring image. Sometimes depicted as a hippalectryon (a creature with the forequarters of a horse and the hindquarters of a rooster) or a hippogryph (a creature like a gryphon but with the body and tail of a horse rather than a lion), it is a symbol of speed, grace and pride. Sometimes armoured knights are shown mounted on these creatures, often swooping down on their enemies with devastating effect. The winged horse, like the unicorn, is also referenced in early cavalry. Leather barding was often crafted to suggest wings, drawing attention to the incredible speeds a mounted rider could achieve..They are used in heraldry and art, often representing pride, loyalty, grace or ambition.		A horse with wings - usually called a ''pegasus'' - is an enduring image. Sometimes depicted as a hippalectryon (a creature with the forequarters of a horse and the hindquarters of a rooster) or a hippogryph (a creature like a gryphon but with the body and tail of a horse rather than a lion), it is a symbol of speed, grace and pride. Sometimes armoured knights are shown mounted on these creatures, often swooping down on their enemies with devastating effect. The winged horse, like the unicorn, is also referenced in early cavalry. Leather barding was often crafted to suggest wings, drawing attention to the incredible speeds a mounted rider could achieve. They are used in heraldry and art, often representing pride, loyalty, grace or ambition.

	A hound and wolf with wings, sometimes called cynogriffon, is a symbol of loyalty and ambition. A lion with wings, is a symbol of courage and pride.		A hound and wolf with wings, sometimes called cynogriffon, is a symbol of loyalty and ambition. A lion with wings, is a symbol of courage and pride.

Twiggy at 19:04, 15 January 2026

2026-01-15T19:04:42Z

Twiggy at 16:36, 27 September 2025

2025-09-27T16:36:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:36, 27 September 2025
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	'''Sphinxes and Manticores in play'''<br>		'''Sphinxes and Manticores in play'''<br>
	These creatures are real, but are not found in the Empire. They are native to dry, arid regions and while there are stories of a few being found in the deserts of [[Xira]], these are not confirmed. You are very unlikely indeed to have ever encountered a sphinx or a manticore whether in natural form or transformed into a human (assuming such a thing is even possible).		These creatures are real, but are not found in the Empire. They are native to dry, arid regions and while there are stories of a few being found in the deserts of Xira, these are not confirmed. You are very unlikely indeed to have ever encountered a sphinx or a manticore whether in natural form or transformed into a human (assuming such a thing is even possible).

	==Mandowla==		==Mandowla==

Twiggy at 12:41, 1 August 2025

2025-08-01T12:41:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:41, 1 August 2025
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	Unfortunately, dragons appear to be extinct in the mortal realm if they ever existed there. Occasionally great reptilian bones are uncovered, especially in the mountains or buried in swamps, but there is no evidence that these are from dragons rather than simply being the remains of a great [[Mundane beasts#Drakes\|drake]]. They are believed to exist in the [[Realms\|Realm]] of [[Summer]] where they are the most terrible and deadly of the legendary beasts that make that Realm their home. Most eternals are reticent to discuss the dragons beyond mentioning that they sleep most of the time and when they are awake they function as mobile catastrophes, spreading chaos and change across the realm until they slip back into slumber again. There has been mention of every-hungry ''Avanirc of the Deeps'', an island-sized creature that slumbers beneath the Eternal Sea; stone-skinned ''Vstaive'', the Mountain-who-Slumbers has some connection to the realm of [[Cathan Canae]] and may in fact be a mountain range; and ''Saxesangwin'', the avaricious emerald dragon who sometimes raids the citadels of the ''koboldi'' to steal their jewels. Even the smaller dragons are described as engines of absolute destruction. If one were to enter the mortal realm, it would likely prove a match for a small army.		Unfortunately, dragons appear to be extinct in the mortal realm if they ever existed there. Occasionally great reptilian bones are uncovered, especially in the mountains or buried in swamps, but there is no evidence that these are from dragons rather than simply being the remains of a great [[Mundane beasts#Drakes\|drake]]. They are believed to exist in the [[Realms\|Realm]] of [[Summer]] where they are the most terrible and deadly of the legendary beasts that make that Realm their home. Most eternals are reticent to discuss the dragons beyond mentioning that they sleep most of the time and when they are awake they function as mobile catastrophes, spreading chaos and change across the realm until they slip back into slumber again. There has been mention of every-hungry ''Avanirc of the Deeps'', an island-sized creature that slumbers beneath the Eternal Sea; stone-skinned ''Vstaive'', the Mountain-who-Slumbers has some connection to the realm of [[Cathan Canae]] and may in fact be a mountain range; and ''Saxesangwin'', the avaricious emerald dragon who sometimes raids the citadels of the ''koboldi'' to steal their jewels. Even the smaller dragons are described as engines of absolute destruction. If one were to enter the mortal realm, it would likely prove a match for a small army.

	Wyverns are real, and some scholars ~~theorize~~ that they are a particularly vicious breed of drake.		Wyverns are real, and some scholars theorise that they are a particularly vicious breed of drake.

	Wyrms are also fictional. While some [[eternal\|eternals]] of the realm of [[Night]] appear to take similar forms, they are intelligent shapeshifters rather than poisonous horrors.		Wyrms are also fictional. While some [[eternal\|eternals]] of the realm of [[Night]] appear to take similar forms, they are intelligent shapeshifters rather than poisonous horrors.

Twiggy at 13:07, 14 July 2025

2025-07-14T13:07:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:07, 14 July 2025
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	Outside of heraldry and stories, there are reports of chimera living in the mountains east of [[The Barrens]], but the majority are believed to live in the peaks around [[Varushka]]. They are said to be more common in [[Otkodov]] where they are said to prey on the barbarian orcs that inhabit that desolate land. There seems to be a lot of diversity in the forms taken by actual chimera, but they always have at least two heads. There are no verifiable reports of actual chimera possessing functioning wings, although there are persistent stories of some chimera in both [[Karsk]] and [[Skarsind]] being able to glide for short distances.		Outside of heraldry and stories, there are reports of chimera living in the mountains east of [[The Barrens]], but the majority are believed to live in the peaks around [[Varushka]]. They are said to be more common in [[Otkodov]] where they are said to prey on the barbarian orcs that inhabit that desolate land. There seems to be a lot of diversity in the forms taken by actual chimera, but they always have at least two heads. There are no verifiable reports of actual chimera possessing functioning wings, although there are persistent stories of some chimera in both [[Karsk]] and [[Skarsind]] being able to glide for short distances.

	The chimera is a legendary symbol of a ferocious, dangerous opponent that is supremely adaptable to battle, whether tearing into an opponent with its talons, poisoning them with its serpentine tail, ~~terrorizing~~ them with its roar or knocking them prone with an overwhelming charge. In some legends the chimera can even breathe fire or spit poison, adding a ranged component to its deadly arsenal. In the heraldry of [[Dawn]] it is used by houses that are especially proud of their battlefield prowess. As with the unicorn, the chimera is sometimes evoked by those casting spells designed to [[empower]] their allies with martial prowess, but their terrifying roar might be referenced in magic that [[Repel\|drives back]] and opponent, [[Paralysis\|paralyses]] them with terror, [[Weakness\|drives the strength from their body]], or [[Entangle\|roots them to the spot]].		The chimera is a legendary symbol of a ferocious, dangerous opponent that is supremely adaptable to battle, whether tearing into an opponent with its talons, poisoning them with its serpentine tail, terrorising them with its roar or knocking them prone with an overwhelming charge. In some legends the chimera can even breathe fire or spit poison, adding a ranged component to its deadly arsenal. In the heraldry of [[Dawn]] it is used by houses that are especially proud of their battlefield prowess. As with the unicorn, the chimera is sometimes evoked by those casting spells designed to [[empower]] their allies with martial prowess, but their terrifying roar might be referenced in magic that [[Repel\|drives back]] and opponent, [[Paralysis\|paralyses]] them with terror, [[Weakness\|drives the strength from their body]], or [[Entangle\|roots them to the spot]].

	'''Chimera in Play'''<br>		'''Chimera in Play'''<br>

Twiggy at 00:51, 11 July 2025

2025-07-11T00:51:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:51, 11 July 2025
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	'''Rakshasa in Play'''<br>		'''Rakshasa in Play'''<br>
	Rakshasa were largely unknown to the Empire prior to the gifting of a domesticated drake to Empress Lisabetta from the Principalities of Jarm in ~~380 YE~~. To date, this is the only known rakshasa to arrive in the Empire.		Rakshasa were largely unknown to the Empire prior to the gifting of a domesticated drake to Empress Lisabetta from the Principalities of Jarm in 380YE. To date, this is the only known rakshasa to arrive in the Empire.

	[[Category:Bestiary]]		[[Category:Bestiary]]

Rafferty: /* Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms */

2025-01-24T14:02:45Z

Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:02, 24 January 2025
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	{{Anchor\|Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play}}		{{Anchor\|Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play}}
	<br><br>'''Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play'''<br>		<br><br>'''Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play'''<br>
	Unfortunately, dragons appear to be extinct in the mortal realm if they ever existed there. Occasionally great reptilian bones are uncovered, especially in the mountains or buried in swamps, but there is no evidence that these are from dragons rather than simply being the remains of a great [[Mundane beasts#Drakes\|drake]]. They are believed to exist in the [[Realms\|Realm]] of [[Summer]] where they are the most terrible and deadly of the legendary beasts that make that Realm their home. Most eternals are reticent to discuss the dragons beyond mentioning that they sleep most of the time and when they are awake they function as mobile catastrophes, spreading chaos and change across the realm until they slip back into slumber again. There has been mention of every-hungry ''Avanirc of the Deeps'', an island-sized creature that slumbers beneath the Eternal Sea; stone-skinned ''Vstaive'', the Mountain-who-Slumbers has some connection to the realm of [[Cathan Canae]] and may in fact be a mountain range; and Saxesangwin, the avaricious emerald dragon who sometimes raids the citadels of the ''koboldi'' to steal their jewels. Even the smaller dragons are described as engines of absolute destruction. If one were to enter the mortal realm, it would likely prove a match for a small army.		Unfortunately, dragons appear to be extinct in the mortal realm if they ever existed there. Occasionally great reptilian bones are uncovered, especially in the mountains or buried in swamps, but there is no evidence that these are from dragons rather than simply being the remains of a great [[Mundane beasts#Drakes\|drake]]. They are believed to exist in the [[Realms\|Realm]] of [[Summer]] where they are the most terrible and deadly of the legendary beasts that make that Realm their home. Most eternals are reticent to discuss the dragons beyond mentioning that they sleep most of the time and when they are awake they function as mobile catastrophes, spreading chaos and change across the realm until they slip back into slumber again. There has been mention of every-hungry ''Avanirc of the Deeps'', an island-sized creature that slumbers beneath the Eternal Sea; stone-skinned ''Vstaive'', the Mountain-who-Slumbers has some connection to the realm of [[Cathan Canae]] and may in fact be a mountain range; and ''Saxesangwin'', the avaricious emerald dragon who sometimes raids the citadels of the ''koboldi'' to steal their jewels. Even the smaller dragons are described as engines of absolute destruction. If one were to enter the mortal realm, it would likely prove a match for a small army.

	Wyverns are real, and some scholars theorize that they are a particularly vicious breed of drake.		Wyverns are real, and some scholars theorize that they are a particularly vicious breed of drake.

Rafferty: /* Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms */

2023-04-04T16:01:28Z

Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:01, 4 April 2023
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	Dragons may be evoked in a variety of spells, from referencing their hidden hoards while casting the [[night pouch]] incantation, to calling on their devastating breath and strength when working a ritual of destruction. They are also a common decoration on shields, armour and weapons.		Dragons may be evoked in a variety of spells, from referencing their hidden hoards while casting the [[night pouch]] incantation, to calling on their devastating breath and strength when working a ritual of destruction. They are also a common decoration on shields, armour and weapons.
	{{Anchor\|Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play}}		{{Anchor\|Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play}}
	'''Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play'''<br>		<br><br>'''Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play'''<br>
	Unfortunately, dragons appear to be extinct in the mortal realm if they ever existed there. Occasionally great reptilian bones are uncovered, especially in the mountains or buried in swamps, but there is no evidence that these are from dragons rather than simply being the remains of a great [[Mundane beasts#Drakes\|drake]]. They are believed to exist in the [[Realms\|Realm]] of [[Summer]] where they are the most terrible and deadly of the legendary beasts that make that Realm their home. Most eternals are reticent to discuss the dragons beyond mentioning that they sleep most of the time and when they are awake they function as mobile catastrophes, spreading chaos and change across the realm until they slip back into slumber again. There has been mention of every-hungry ''Avanirc of the Deeps'', an island-sized creature that slumbers beneath the Eternal Sea; stone-skinned ''Vstaive'', the Mountain-who-Slumbers has some connection to the realm of [[Cathan Canae]] and may in fact be a mountain range; and Saxesangwin, the avaricious emerald dragon who sometimes raids the citadels of the ''koboldi'' to steal their jewels. Even the smaller dragons are described as engines of absolute destruction. If one were to enter the mortal realm, it would likely prove a match for a small army.		Unfortunately, dragons appear to be extinct in the mortal realm if they ever existed there. Occasionally great reptilian bones are uncovered, especially in the mountains or buried in swamps, but there is no evidence that these are from dragons rather than simply being the remains of a great [[Mundane beasts#Drakes\|drake]]. They are believed to exist in the [[Realms\|Realm]] of [[Summer]] where they are the most terrible and deadly of the legendary beasts that make that Realm their home. Most eternals are reticent to discuss the dragons beyond mentioning that they sleep most of the time and when they are awake they function as mobile catastrophes, spreading chaos and change across the realm until they slip back into slumber again. There has been mention of every-hungry ''Avanirc of the Deeps'', an island-sized creature that slumbers beneath the Eternal Sea; stone-skinned ''Vstaive'', the Mountain-who-Slumbers has some connection to the realm of [[Cathan Canae]] and may in fact be a mountain range; and Saxesangwin, the avaricious emerald dragon who sometimes raids the citadels of the ''koboldi'' to steal their jewels. Even the smaller dragons are described as engines of absolute destruction. If one were to enter the mortal realm, it would likely prove a match for a small army.

Rafferty: /* Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms */

2023-04-04T16:01:01Z

Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:01, 4 April 2023
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	Dragons may be evoked in a variety of spells, from referencing their hidden hoards while casting the [[night pouch]] incantation, to calling on their devastating breath and strength when working a ritual of destruction. They are also a common decoration on shields, armour and weapons.		Dragons may be evoked in a variety of spells, from referencing their hidden hoards while casting the [[night pouch]] incantation, to calling on their devastating breath and strength when working a ritual of destruction. They are also a common decoration on shields, armour and weapons.
			{{Anchor\|Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play}}
	'''Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play'''<br>		'''Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play'''<br>
	Unfortunately, dragons appear to be extinct in the mortal realm if they ever existed there. Occasionally great reptilian bones are uncovered, especially in the mountains or buried in swamps, but there is no evidence that these are from dragons rather than simply being the remains of a great [[Mundane beasts#Drakes\|drake]]. They are believed to exist in the [[Realms\|Realm]] of [[Summer]] where they are the most terrible and deadly of the legendary beasts that make that Realm their home. If one were to enter the mortal realm, it would likely prove a match for a small army.		Unfortunately, dragons appear to be extinct in the mortal realm if they ever existed there. Occasionally great reptilian bones are uncovered, especially in the mountains or buried in swamps, but there is no evidence that these are from dragons rather than simply being the remains of a great [[Mundane beasts#Drakes\|drake]]. They are believed to exist in the [[Realms\|Realm]] of [[Summer]] where they are the most terrible and deadly of the legendary beasts that make that Realm their home. Most eternals are reticent to discuss the dragons beyond mentioning that they sleep most of the time and when they are awake they function as mobile catastrophes, spreading chaos and change across the realm until they slip back into slumber again. There has been mention of every-hungry ''Avanirc of the Deeps'', an island-sized creature that slumbers beneath the Eternal Sea; stone-skinned ''Vstaive'', the Mountain-who-Slumbers has some connection to the realm of [[Cathan Canae]] and may in fact be a mountain range; and Saxesangwin, the avaricious emerald dragon who sometimes raids the citadels of the ''koboldi'' to steal their jewels. Even the smaller dragons are described as engines of absolute destruction. If one were to enter the mortal realm, it would likely prove a match for a small army.

	Wyverns are real, and some scholars theorize that they are a particularly vicious breed of drake.		Wyverns are real, and some scholars theorize that they are a particularly vicious breed of drake.

RichardRaynor: /* Phoenix */ formatting

2022-10-18T19:56:56Z

Phoenix: formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:56, 18 October 2022
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	Priests of the Way argue about the symbolism of the phoenix. To some it is a symbol of reincarnation; to others a blasphemous icon that suggests physical, instantaneous resurrection – continuity of the self without the auspices of the Labyrinth. In some parts of Axos, they adopt this symbology but identify the idea of continuous death and resurrection as being an ideal to strive towards rather than a dire trap for the consciousness.		Priests of the Way argue about the symbolism of the phoenix. To some it is a symbol of reincarnation; to others a blasphemous icon that suggests physical, instantaneous resurrection – continuity of the self without the auspices of the Labyrinth. In some parts of Axos, they adopt this symbology but identify the idea of continuous death and resurrection as being an ideal to strive towards rather than a dire trap for the consciousness.

	'''Phoenix in Play'''<br>		'''Phoenix in Play'''<br>
	There do not seem to be any real phoenix in the Empire. As with the firebird, there are stories of the creature existing in foreign lands, but these are not verified.		There do not seem to be any real phoenix in the Empire. As with the firebird, there are stories of the creature existing in foreign lands, but these are not verified.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:04, 15 January 2026
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	An adult gryphon is a match for an armoured knight. Their sharp talons tear through light armour to deliver crippling injuries. They favour hilly and mountainous areas that overlook fertile plains. A pride of gryphon will hunt across a large area, and they have been known to be a nuisance to animal herders in their territory. They mostly avoid humans but they are noted for their ferocity when threatened. They are particularly defensive of their young (which are born live, rather than in eggs) and there are stories of a pride tracking someone who has injured one of their cubs across hundreds of miles. They are capable of coordinated tactics, and work together to bring down larger prey; legends from [[Wintermark]] speak of the now-extinct gryphons of the mountains to the west of [[Skarsind]] hunting and bringing down adult mammoths.		An adult gryphon is a match for an armoured knight. Their sharp talons tear through light armour to deliver crippling injuries. They favour hilly and mountainous areas that overlook fertile plains. A pride of gryphon will hunt across a large area, and they have been known to be a nuisance to animal herders in their territory. They mostly avoid humans but they are noted for their ferocity when threatened. They are particularly defensive of their young (which are born live, rather than in eggs) and there are stories of a pride tracking someone who has injured one of their cubs across hundreds of miles. They are capable of coordinated tactics, and work together to bring down larger prey; legends from [[Wintermark]] speak of the now-extinct gryphons of the mountains to the west of [[Skarsind]] hunting and bringing down adult mammoths.

	These majestic beasts are very rare within the Empire; there are a few prides on the lower slopes of [[Urizen]] and the mountains of southern [[Kahraman]] but otherwise they have been hunted and driven out of areas claimed by Imperial citizens. Much larger specimens are believed to be found in the [[Realms\|~~Realm~~]] of [[Summer]], immense creatures that are powerful enough to be ridden by the [[eternal\|eternals]] of that realm; the gryphons of Summer are said to be intelligent, and capable of conversing. Their relationship, if any, to the beast found in the mortal realm is not known.		These majestic beasts are very rare within the Empire; there are a few prides on the lower slopes of [[Urizen]] and the mountains of southern [[Kahraman]] but otherwise they have been hunted and driven out of areas claimed by Imperial citizens. Much larger specimens are believed to be found in the [[Realms\|realm]] of [[Summer]], immense creatures that are powerful enough to be ridden by the [[eternal\|eternals]] of that realm; the gryphons of Summer are said to be intelligent, and capable of conversing. Their relationship, if any, to the beast found in the mortal realm is not known.

	The gryphon is used extensively in the [[Dawn culture and customs#Heraldry\|heraldry]] of [[Dawn]]. It is an enduring symbol of victory, prowess, pride and potency, and is strongly identified with the [[Runes#Runes of Summer\|runes]] of Summer. Some [[Suaq]] hunters paint gryphons on their leather to draw on their powerful senses and hunting abilities. The army of [[Dawn military concerns#The Gryphon's Pride\|Gryphon's Pride]] marches under a gryphon banner, for example.		The gryphon is used extensively in the [[Dawn culture and customs#Heraldry\|heraldry]] of [[Dawn]]. It is an enduring symbol of victory, prowess, pride and potency, and is strongly identified with the [[Runes#Runes of Summer\|runes]] of Summer. Some [[Suaq]] hunters paint gryphons on their leather to draw on their powerful senses and hunting abilities. The army of [[Dawn military concerns#The Gryphon's Pride\|Gryphon's Pride]] marches under a gryphon banner, for example.
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	The firebird, also known as the phoenix, is a massive bird of prey that burns with the light of the sun. Some version depict them as being close to great hawks, while others have more of the appearance of a bird-of-paradise. They are strongly associated with fire, and according to legends their feathers continue to burn even when removed from the beast, providing enough light to illuminate a room, lead a hero through a dark night, or keep predatory monsters at bay. Depending on the story the firebird may be able to burn enemies with its gaze or the slash of its talons.		The firebird, also known as the phoenix, is a massive bird of prey that burns with the light of the sun. Some version depict them as being close to great hawks, while others have more of the appearance of a bird-of-paradise. They are strongly associated with fire, and according to legends their feathers continue to burn even when removed from the beast, providing enough light to illuminate a room, lead a hero through a dark night, or keep predatory monsters at bay. Depending on the story the firebird may be able to burn enemies with its gaze or the slash of its talons.

	The phoenix is a variant of the firebird; the phoenix is said to be very long lived, and when it dies it is consumed in a conflagration of irresistible flame. This creature is sometimes seen as a symbol of [[The Way\|reincarnation]]; some priests of the Way consider this to be blasphemous and claim that the phoenix ''actually'' represents the idea of resurrection. The bird is reborn not as a new bird, but as a younger incarnation of the same creature. When these legendary beasts appear in stories they are usually presented as being very wise, and possessed of the power of speech; as such they are sometimes connected to the [[Realms\|~~Realm~~]] of [[Day]].		The phoenix is a variant of the firebird; the phoenix is said to be very long lived, and when it dies it is consumed in a conflagration of irresistible flame. This creature is sometimes seen as a symbol of [[The Way\|reincarnation]]; some priests of the Way consider this to be blasphemous and claim that the phoenix ''actually'' represents the idea of resurrection. The bird is reborn not as a new bird, but as a younger incarnation of the same creature. When these legendary beasts appear in stories they are usually presented as being very wise, and possessed of the power of speech; as such they are sometimes connected to the [[Realms\|realm]] of [[Day]].

	The typical role of a firebird is as the object of a difficult quest. It is also a powerful metaphor for ambition - while the hero aspires to capture a firebird, they must take care not to be consumed by its magical flames. The phoenix is often sought in a story in the role of a magical sage whose many lifetimes grant it particular knowledge. It is often used in the heraldry of [[Dawn]] to suggest ambition, or wisdom.		The typical role of a firebird is as the object of a difficult quest. It is also a powerful metaphor for ambition - while the hero aspires to capture a firebird, they must take care not to be consumed by its magical flames. The phoenix is often sought in a story in the role of a magical sage whose many lifetimes grant it particular knowledge. It is often used in the heraldry of [[Dawn]] to suggest ambition, or wisdom.
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	A hydra is any serpentine or draconic monster with multiple heads. In stories they are solitary beasts that dwell in swampy environments. They sometimes have serpentine bodies, sometimes their bodies are more lizard-like. While most hydras have multiple heads and snake-like bodies sprouting from their neck-area, some have a ring of serpent-like heads around a central saurian head. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphisbaena amphisbaena], which possesses a head at either end of a serpentine body, is also technically a form of hydra .		A hydra is any serpentine or draconic monster with multiple heads. In stories they are solitary beasts that dwell in swampy environments. They sometimes have serpentine bodies, sometimes their bodies are more lizard-like. While most hydras have multiple heads and snake-like bodies sprouting from their neck-area, some have a ring of serpent-like heads around a central saurian head. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphisbaena amphisbaena], which possesses a head at either end of a serpentine body, is also technically a form of hydra .

	In stories hydras possess incredible regenerative abilities and often have a deadly poisonous bite. This combination of life and death means they are often considered to be associated with the [[Realms\|~~Realm~~]] of [[Spring]]. In some stories, their breath itself is poisonous. They usually appear in stories as unspeakable threats that must be faced with fortitude and courage, and in many of the stories the hero eventually dies of wounds sustained during the battle. In at least one story, the hydra regrows each severed head moments after it is cut from the body, making the creature impossible to kill without attacking the well-defended and armoured body.		In stories hydras possess incredible regenerative abilities and often have a deadly poisonous bite. This combination of life and death means they are often considered to be associated with the [[Realms\|realm]] of [[Spring]]. In some stories, their breath itself is poisonous. They usually appear in stories as unspeakable threats that must be faced with fortitude and courage, and in many of the stories the hero eventually dies of wounds sustained during the battle. In at least one story, the hydra regrows each severed head moments after it is cut from the body, making the creature impossible to kill without attacking the well-defended and armoured body.

	In heraldry a hydra usually represents a house that considers itself tenacious and resilient. "''Individually you may be able to take us,''" they seem to say, "''but together we are too powerful to defeat''" The hydra is sometimes associated with the idea of [[Malign Spiritual Presences#Vengeance\|revenge]], and consequently houses that use it on their heraldry may have an undeservedly bad reputation.		In heraldry a hydra usually represents a house that considers itself tenacious and resilient. "''Individually you may be able to take us,''" they seem to say, "''but together we are too powerful to defeat''" The hydra is sometimes associated with the idea of [[Malign Spiritual Presences#Vengeance\|revenge]], and consequently houses that use it on their heraldry may have an undeservedly bad reputation.
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	'''Hydra in Play'''<br>		'''Hydra in Play'''<br>
	Massive multi-headed, regenerating creatures like the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lernaean_Hydra Lernaean Hydra] are believed to exist in the [[Realms\|~~Realm~~]] of [[Summer]]. This is not to say that the creature is fictional however; a three-headed saurian creature with a poisonous bite and remarkable regenerative powers is known to live in the swamps north of Feverwater to the north-east of [[Urizen]]. These creatures are incredibly rare however, and having encountered one or possessing a piece of one is a notable event. The eastern barbarians are believed to view the beasts with superstitious dread, and it is believed that some of their poisons are brewed with the venom of these horrors.		Massive multi-headed, regenerating creatures like the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lernaean_Hydra Lernaean Hydra] are believed to exist in the [[Realms\|realm]] of [[Summer]]. This is not to say that the creature is fictional however; a three-headed saurian creature with a poisonous bite and remarkable regenerative powers is known to live in the swamps north of Feverwater to the north-east of [[Urizen]]. These creatures are incredibly rare however, and having encountered one or possessing a piece of one is a notable event. The eastern barbarians are believed to view the beasts with superstitious dread, and it is believed that some of their poisons are brewed with the venom of these horrors.

	==Sphinxes and Manticores==		==Sphinxes and Manticores==
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	{{Anchor\|Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play}}		{{Anchor\|Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play}}
	<br><br>'''Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play'''<br>		<br><br>'''Dragons, Wyverns and Wyrms in Play'''<br>
	Unfortunately, dragons appear to be extinct in the mortal realm if they ever existed there. Occasionally great reptilian bones are uncovered, especially in the mountains or buried in swamps, but there is no evidence that these are from dragons rather than simply being the remains of a great [[Mundane beasts#Drakes\|drake]]. They are believed to exist in the [[Realms\|~~Realm~~]] of [[Summer]] where they are the most terrible and deadly of the legendary beasts that make that ~~Realm~~ their home. Most eternals are reticent to discuss the dragons beyond mentioning that they sleep most of the time and when they are awake they function as mobile catastrophes, spreading chaos and change across the realm until they slip back into slumber again. There has been mention of every-hungry ''Avanirc of the Deeps'', an island-sized creature that slumbers beneath the Eternal Sea; stone-skinned ''Vstaive'', the Mountain-who-Slumbers has some connection to the realm of [[Cathan Canae]] and may in fact be a mountain range; and ''Saxesangwin'', the avaricious emerald dragon who sometimes raids the citadels of the ''koboldi'' to steal their jewels. Even the smaller dragons are described as engines of absolute destruction. If one were to enter the mortal realm, it would likely prove a match for a small army.		Unfortunately, dragons appear to be extinct in the mortal realm if they ever existed there. Occasionally great reptilian bones are uncovered, especially in the mountains or buried in swamps, but there is no evidence that these are from dragons rather than simply being the remains of a great [[Mundane beasts#Drakes\|drake]]. They are believed to exist in the [[Realms\|realm]] of [[Summer]] where they are the most terrible and deadly of the legendary beasts that make that realm their home. Most eternals are reticent to discuss the dragons beyond mentioning that they sleep most of the time and when they are awake they function as mobile catastrophes, spreading chaos and change across the realm until they slip back into slumber again. There has been mention of every-hungry ''Avanirc of the Deeps'', an island-sized creature that slumbers beneath the Eternal Sea; stone-skinned ''Vstaive'', the Mountain-who-Slumbers has some connection to the realm of [[Cathan Canae]] and may in fact be a mountain range; and ''Saxesangwin'', the avaricious emerald dragon who sometimes raids the citadels of the ''koboldi'' to steal their jewels. Even the smaller dragons are described as engines of absolute destruction. If one were to enter the mortal realm, it would likely prove a match for a small army.

	Wyverns are real, and some scholars theorise that they are a particularly vicious breed of drake.		Wyverns are real, and some scholars theorise that they are a particularly vicious breed of drake.
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	==Rakshasa==		==Rakshasa==
	The rakshasa is a spectacularly rare mutation amongst the jungle drakes of Jarm, infused with the power of the Winter ~~Realm~~. Knowledge about these strange creatures is hard to come by as the Jarmish guard the secrets of hunting and raising rakshasa closely, but it is believed that they are created when a drake's egg is exposed to large amounts of natural Winter magic. While a wild rakshasa is a very dangerous creature that may manifest Winter-related abilities – or even, if some of the wilder tales are to be believed, actually become possessed by a Winter spirit – the Jarmish do rear some rakshasa from retrieved eggs to be docile and placid.		The rakshasa is a spectacularly rare mutation amongst the jungle drakes of Jarm, infused with the power of the Winter realm. Knowledge about these strange creatures is hard to come by as the Jarmish guard the secrets of hunting and raising rakshasa closely, but it is believed that they are created when a drake's egg is exposed to large amounts of natural Winter magic. While a wild rakshasa is a very dangerous creature that may manifest Winter-related abilities – or even, if some of the wilder tales are to be believed, actually become possessed by a Winter spirit – the Jarmish do rear some rakshasa from retrieved eggs to be docile and placid.

	Rakshasa are valued as crucibles of Winter magic. It naturally gathers and coagulates within them. A rakshasa exudes Winter-infused blood from ducts round the eyes which, if collected, can be distilled into both mana of the Winter ~~Realm~~ and into a potent drug. This drug has a powerful effect on the human mind – it is said to cool sorrow, quench grief and aid in soothing, deep sleep even in the face of horrific malisons. The traumatised, grieving and cursed are all said to seek solace from the tears of the rakshasa.		Rakshasa are valued as crucibles of Winter magic. It naturally gathers and coagulates within them. A rakshasa exudes Winter-infused blood from ducts round the eyes which, if collected, can be distilled into both mana of the Winter realm and into a potent drug. This drug has a powerful effect on the human mind – it is said to cool sorrow, quench grief and aid in soothing, deep sleep even in the face of horrific malisons. The traumatised, grieving and cursed are all said to seek solace from the tears of the rakshasa.

	Raising a tame rakshasa from a Winter-touched egg is said to take over a decade of careful attendance, magical processes and training. The art is unknown outside of Jarm, whose rulers have no interest in sharing such knowledge. It is rumoured that the Thrice-Cursed Court, Wise Rangara and Sorin all have an interest in these creatures.		Raising a tame rakshasa from a Winter-touched egg is said to take over a decade of careful attendance, magical processes and training. The art is unknown outside of Jarm, whose rulers have no interest in sharing such knowledge. It is rumoured that the Thrice-Cursed Court, Wise Rangara and Sorin all have an interest in these creatures.