The Emerald Stag

Emerald stags are rare and powerful beings that share the same genes with the deer family. In contrast to their rather small and dainty looking conspecifics, emerald stags are quite large and masters of disguise. They have powerful hooves and a keen mind to venture the area and rarely leave their home. Since their meat is considered to be a delicacy, they have been a victim of excessive hunting, but they have found areas all over Aradeia that granted them protection; either by making friends humanoids living in that specific area or by defeating anyone who tried to enslave them. They are quite intelligent and proud of themselves, making them the national symbol of Elvenkind. Lumaia counts two emerald stags to her palace pets and eternal companions; one of which was the trusted pet of beloved King Aetrocus Maígillith. He bred these creatures and gave one to Erínia, his daughter, before he fell ill.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

These gentle giants love forests and fields, as well as riverbeds and hillsides. They enjoy the company of trees and the Arboran folk and prefer their freedom on the countryside. Yet, many Elves hold them as pets, or rather, companions which forces the animals to settle down close to the Elven kingdom's mountain range. They can adapt to the cold habitat of Sithaline as well, showing their naturally white dense fur with emerald spots, since they don't have to hide there.

Behaviour

Emerald Stags are known for their wise and noble demeanor. They can be trained to communicate directly and love to take on tasks given to them by their humanoid companions. As proud and skeptical as they might be, emerald stags are very loyal and have a calming effect on their surroundings. Only those with darkness in their hearts are willing to harm them.

by AI (artbreeder)

Conservation Status

Emerald stags have grown quite scarce over the last few millennia, mostly due to the recurring battles between dwarves and elves. Dwarves had hunted them down to take their meat as emergency nutrition, killing more than 10,000 stags in just one season. The Elves of Sithaline and Camorand are desperately trying to help these wonderful creatures and breed them, with quite satisfying results.