Silgoltian Ghostback

HIKEZDINOK

Silgoltian Ghostbacks are a unique and elusive species of Winged Wyrms that inhabit the windswept steppes of Silgolt, a region known for its harsh and unforgiving landscape. These creatures are adapted to the sparse vegetation and rugged terrain of their habitat, blending in with the pale blue hues of the open skies and rocky outcrops.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Silgoltian Ghostback is a quadrupedal wyrm with a streamlined body adapted for flight. Their skeletal structure is lightweight yet sturdy, with hollow bones similar to birds. They have two powerful wings with a membranous structure supported by elongated finger-like bones. The musculature of the wings and chest is highly developed to support their impressive flight capabilities. Their limbs are muscular and end in sharp talons designed for capturing and holding prey.

Genetics and Reproduction

These wyrms reproduce through oviparous means, laying eggs that hatch after a gestation period of approximately 90 days. The eggs are laid in well-hidden nests within rocky crevices to protect them from the harsh environment and potential predators. Once hatched, the young are cared for by the female until they are capable of fending for themselves, usually around one year of age.

Growth Rate & Stages

The growth rate of a Silgoltian Ghostback is relatively slow. Hatchlings grow rapidly in the first year, reaching nearly half their adult size. The juvenile stage lasts until they are around five years old, during which they develop their flight capabilities and hunting skills. Full maturity is reached at approximately ten years, at which point they are fully capable of breeding and establishing their own territories.

Ecology and Habitats

The optimal habitat for the Silgoltian Ghostback is the windswept steppes and rugged mountainous regions of Silgolt. These areas provide ample hunting grounds and secluded spots for nesting. The Ghostbacks are apex predators in their environment, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling the populations of smaller animals.

Dietary Needs and Habits

As carnivorous hunters, Silgoltian Ghostbacks primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and occasionally other reptiles. They hunt primarily at night, using their keen senses to locate and capture prey. They prefer fresh kills but will scavenge if necessary. Their ice breath is a unique adaptation that allows them to immobilize prey or create temporary barriers for hunting.

Biological Cycle

The biological cycles of these wyrms are closely tied to the seasons. They are most active during the cooler months, utilizing the lower temperatures to their advantage in hunting. During the warmer seasons, their activity decreases slightly, with more time spent resting and conserving energy. Seasonal changes also trigger their breeding behaviors, with courtship displays and mating occurring primarily in the spring.

Behaviour

Silgoltian Ghostbacks are solitary and territorial. They are highly intelligent, with behaviors that demonstrate problem-solving and strategic planning. Their interactions with other species are typically predatory, but they exhibit a degree of curiosity towards humans, often observing from a distance. Their solitary nature means they have limited social interactions outside of breeding, but they communicate through a series of vocalizations and physical displays during the mating season.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Despite their solitary nature, Silgoltian Ghostbacks have a defined social structure during the breeding season. Males and females come together in temporary mating territories, where they engage in elaborate courtship displays. Outside of breeding periods, these wyrms are highly territorial, with individuals maintaining large ranges that they patrol regularly. Encounters between Ghostbacks outside the breeding season are rare and often result in aggressive displays to establish dominance and territory.

Domestication

The domestication of Silgoltian Ghostbacks by the Sahrotsos of Silgolt is a rare and challenging endeavor. Only a select few Sahrotsos families have succeeded in breeding Ghostbacks in captivity, a testament to their skill and dedication. The process of domestication begins with capturing young hatchlings, as adults are too formidable and territorial to be tamed.
The primary morphological changes observed in domesticated Ghostbacks include slightly reduced size and altered wing structure, enhancing their maneuverability and making them more manageable for riders. Over generations, these wyrms have developed a thicker, less iridescent scale coating, which provides added protection in more controlled environments but sacrifices some of their natural camouflage abilities.
Psychologically, domesticated Ghostbacks exhibit less aggressive and more docile behaviors towards their handlers. They are trained from a young age to respond to commands and develop a bond with their Sahrotsos riders. This bond is crucial for effective communication and control during flight. Domesticated Ghostbacks are also more social, tolerating the presence of other Ghostbacks and Sahrotsos, a significant shift from their solitary nature in the wild. This domestication process has enabled the Sahrotsos to utilize these majestic creatures as mounts, enhancing their mobility and status within Nixxia.

Facial characteristics

The head of the Silgoltian Ghostback is streamlined, with a long snout and sharp, predatory eyes that glow faintly in low light. They possess a set of long, pointed teeth adapted for tearing flesh. The nostrils are located high on the snout, aiding in scent detection while flying. Their keen eyesight is among their most critical hunting tools, enabling them to spot prey from great heights.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Silgoltian Ghostbacks are native to the Silgolt region, an area characterized by its harsh, windy steppes and rocky outcrops. This environment has shaped the evolution of these creatures, demanding adaptations for survival in a landscape with limited resources. Ghostbacks are primarily found in the northern parts of Silgolt, where the terrain is most rugged and vegetation sparse. They have also been spotted in adjacent areas with similar climatic conditions, indicating a degree of migratory behavior linked to food availability and breeding seasons.

Average Intelligence

Silgoltian Ghostbacks exhibit a level of intelligence comparable to that of young, human children. They demonstrate problem-solving skills, such as using the terrain to their advantage when hunting and evading threats. These wyrms are capable of learning and memorizing the locations of prey-rich areas and water sources. Although solitary by nature, they exhibit complex communication behaviors during the breeding season, using a combination of vocalizations and body language to convey information.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Silgoltian Ghostbacks have acute sensory capabilities. Their eyesight is exceptionally sharp, allowing them to see clearly over vast distances, crucial for spotting prey. They also possess keen hearing, capable of detecting even the faintest sounds made by potential prey or threats. Additionally, they have a specialized organ in their snouts that can detect changes in temperature, aiding in navigation and hunting.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

The Silgoltian Ghostback has a few known symbiotic relationships, notably with smaller avian species that clean parasites from their scales. However, they are also host to a variety of parasitic organisms, including mites and specialized ticks that have adapted to their unique physiology.

Scientific Name

Nehylkaadov Revakdova Hikezdinok

Lifespan

80 years

Average Height

2.5m

Average Weight

500 - 700kg

Average Length

12m

Average Physique

The Silgoltian Ghostback has a lean yet muscular build, optimized for agility and endurance. Their limbs are long and sturdy, ending in sharp talons designed for grasping and immobilizing prey. The musculature supports powerful wing strokes, allowing sustained flight and rapid aerial maneuvers.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The pale blue hue of their scales provides excellent camouflage against the sky and rocky steppes. This coloration is complemented by an iridescent sheen, which adds to their spectral appearance, especially under moonlight. The series of spiked ridges along their back are darker, almost navy blue, providing additional camouflage when viewed from above.

Geographic Distribution

• Silgolt

Discovered by

Kaemisyol