Chimaeraform (kaɪˈmɛrɪfɔːrm)

An umbrella terms for a class of manufactured magical creatures, chimaeraforms are an amalgamation of one of more 'true' species into a single body.

Folklore

A feature of folkloric and heraldic beasts, chimaera are a literary device that blend the qualities of two or more species into a fictional beast. Hybrid animals such as griffons and lamassu are common in fiction, and jackalopes and enfields are used in heraldry to symbolise the bearer pososess or values specific qualities.

Historical chimaera

Inspired by the heraldic beasts, the first recorded biological chimaera was created in 5.415, by Mavo Matshikiza, a court wizard employed by Prince Tristyn of Aberia. Matshikiza blended the body and soul of a lion with those of a hunting dog to create an awn - Prince Tristyn's personal sign. The awn eventually escaped captivity and began to predate on the citizens of Aberia. It was hunted and ultimately killed by Prince Tristyn himself. The creation of the awn started a fashion for custom chimaera that lasted until 5.426, when it was discovered that Queen Elara of Theormord was subjecting her soliders to forced chimaeraisation. Following the War of Beasts and Men, the process of chimaerisation was made a capital crime throughout Ewura.

Modern chimaera

The process by which chimaera are created is considered a data hazard, and teaching and reasearch into the method are banned. Nonetheless, the knowledge that such a thing is possible persists, and the Guild of Ratcatchers and Associated Trades are called to investigate reports of chimaera every few years.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Chimaera are a blend of two or more species and bear the appearance and/or physical characteristics of both. A skilled Omoledu (chimaera-creator) can pick and choose which traits to include, creating an animal that may appear to be a 'true' species but with hidden or internal traits of another (eg: a fox with a venomous bite).
As the chimaera becomes more complex - including more beasts or specialist traits, or a higher degree of sapience - it becomes more difficult to construct. Sapient chimaera are alleged to have been possible, but no reliable evidence for their existence has been discovered.

Genetics and Reproduction

Early chimaera were not created with a new species in mind and the intent to reproduce was never considered. However, exogenic traits have been found in 'true' populations in areas that chimaera have been reported and it must be assumed that some chimaera are able to produce viable offspring.

Scientific Name

amonding nyswodh omo