Lupavis

Lupavis are massive creatures with hawk-like bodies and heads like canines. They are native to the woods, plains, and mountains of Pharaki , and are used as the symbol for its empire and royal family.

Description

A Lupavis' plumage is typically shades of red. Their canine heads range from wolf-like to dog-like depending on their lineage. Lupavis are considered dangerous if spooked in the wild. In the wild, lupavis live in small packs led by an elder of the species.

Pharaki mounts

In Pharaki, Lupavis are used as mounts, mostly for military purposes, but most well-off families own at least one privately as well. They are respected and revered as the patron animal of the polis.

The Golden Lupavis

The reason the Pharakians love these animals so much leads back to the legend of the founding of the city. When a pregnant woman from Phalestias had to flee her polis because of unrightuous persecution, she eventually stumbled upon the shores of the river Velemus. There she gave birth to twins named Pharakus and Phobus. She died shortly after and the twins were adopted by a golden female Lupavis referred to as Lupa in legend. Eventually the two grew up, and Phobus betrayed Pharakus, which resulted in a fight that only Pharakus walked away from. He later founded the city of Pharaki and became an ancestor for the royal family.

A Lupavis mount and its rider