Aerwhales (Air-whales)

Aerwhales are one of four main species of Elemental Whales that roam the world of Axordia. Present across every continent, these whales fly high above the earth, imbued with elemental magic.
Aerwhales resemble grey whales in shape, and have a pale blue/ grey colouring. It is thought that in some places, particularly where air elemental magic is stronger, that these whales can utilise a chameleon-like ability, allowing them to shift their colouration to match that of the sky.
Across Axordia, aerwhales are used for travel. Trained and raised to carry passengers across the continents, the whales are cared for by an elite team of the Whaleguard, who ensure their treatment is just. The whales are considered prized, and any attempt to harm or steal them is not taken lightly, with harsh punishments being created in order to prevent such happenings. Whales that are not inclined to carry passengers often instead act as guides for lesser-used arcane-powered airships, protecting them from storms.

Subspecies

Aetherwhales

One of the rarest whale species, Aetherwhales live only in the highest reaches of the sky. Thought to be celestial or astronomical beings, they are revered and regarded with wonder by those lucky enough to see them. Aetherwhales have a golden colouration, and emit a soft glow that creates the illusion of moving stars in the sky. It is rumoured that these whales have the power to cross planes during a full eclipse, as alongside their connection to the air element, they are also linked to fire, and the loss of the sun's energy allows them to take an ethereal form, crossing the boundary between worlds.

Stormwhales

Stormwhales are one of the most dangerous species of elemental whale. Stormwhales fly within storm clouds, and have the power to channel lightning and rain. It is yet uncertain whether these whales cause the storms, or whether the storms are merely their habitat, but neither have ever been seen without the other. These whales are dark grey in colouration, with dark blue patterns streaking across their backs, topped off with spindling jagged white lines that are said to light up before lightning strikes occur.

Fogwhales

Fogwhales mainly live near the shores of the sea bordering the northern coast of Ket'rani. Related to hydrowhales, they fly low over the surface of the ocean in large pods, creating large rolling clouds of mist. These whales have a pale grey colouration, with white specks all over their skin. These whales have also been seen inland, in cold, humid areas, often following sudden temperature drops.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Aerwhales are shaped similarly to grey whales, with long fins and tails that mimic the action of wings in the sky.

Growth Rate & Stages

Aerwhales reach maturity after 25 years of growth. At birth, their skin is a very pale blue, which then darkens slightly as it matures. Some aerwhales develop white patches, mimicking the appearance of clouds. If belonging to the subspecies of aetherwhales, the whale's skin instead lightens, taking on a golden hue, and developing white and gold spots across its body at around 4 years of growth. These whales also emit light in the darkness, a trait which begins to come into use after a few months of growth. If belonging to the subspecies of stormwhales, the whale's skin darkens significantly, and blue patches begin to develop after around 4 years of growth. Jagged white streaks appear across the whale's skin following it's first experience channelling lightning, and those streaks then glow brightly when near strong electrical energy or lightning. If belonging to the subspecies of Fogwhales, the skin loses its colour, fading to a pale grey. After around 4 years of growth, these whales develop white specks all over their skin, allowing for a more textured colouration and more efficient camouflage in the wild.

Dietary Needs and Habits

These whales mostly eat small flying creatures in large quantities. Fogwhales, similar to hydrowhales, often eat small aquatic creatures that live near the surface of the oceans.

Behaviour

Aerwhales are a fairly sociable species, travelling in pods of 10-12 throughout their entire lives. They tend to travel in the direction of the wind, however some subspecies have their own travel movements.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Like other elemental whales, aerwhales are adept with the skill of blindsight, allowing them to 'see' incoming obstacles while flying in the darkness or, for some subspecies, while flying in low visibility conditions such as within storm clouds or fog by emitting high-frequency sounds, inaudible to most other creatures, that allow them to locate objects and creatures within 120 feet.

Origin/Ancestry

Hydrowhales, Pyrwhales, Terrawhales

Lifespan

275 yrs

Conservation Status

Aerwhales are protected by the Whaleguard, made up of beastmasters, druids, and other warriors and defenders of the natural world who are part of an honoured guild formed to protect and train Elemental whales such as these.

Average Length

12-14m (Adult)