Phoenix

Phoenixes are said to be one of the most sacred and praised magical creatures that live on Eldorahn. Though well known across the world they are unfortunately very rare and said to be nearly extinct like many other beautiful creatures. In many of the Twelve Kingdoms and the Outlands, it is considered illegal to hunt and kill a phoenix. Many claims say that phoenixes are creatures that are always in flames but that is just a folktale. In truth, a phoenix is said to fly at such a high speed that it actually catches fire during flight leaving a stream of flame in its path no matter where it flies. The flames of a phoenix are said to be so hot that it can match even dragonfire.

Basic Information

Anatomy

A phoenix is a powerful magical bird that is capable of igniting itself into flames hotter than the surface of the sun. They are known for their beautiful bright yellow and red feathers. A rare few breeds are said to even have bright blue feathers along their wings and tails. Most phoenixes are known to grow somewhere around fifteen feet but there have been discoveries of ancients who have reached sizes of thirty feet.

Genetics and Reproduction

Phoenixes mate for life, only taking a new mate after one member of the pair dies or disappears. They lay eggs by the season, building nests around February with incubation beginning sometime in March. Most hatch from clutches of three maybe five at most at a time. The courtship between phoenixes is highly elaborate, it involves a series of swoops and chases and cartwheels until they lock talons in freefall before separating just shy of hitting the ground.

Growth Rate & Stages

Phoenixes grow incredibly fast and fledge around four to five months if fed regularly by their parents. Juveniles begin to split off from their parents around eight to nine months to live independently. It will then continue to hunt and explore for five years until it is an adult and eligible to mate.

Ecology and Habitats

Phoenixes prefer warmer climates making their nests in the clifftop instead of trees like typical birds for fear of setting the nest on fire. They can live in dry climates like deserts but are most often found in forests and even more temperate ones like jungles or swamps. It is only in rare times that a phoenix has ever been found in frozen climates once every thousand years or more.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Phoenixes are carnivorous, they feed on a variety of things such as fish, mice, rabbits, and later on larger animals such as snakes, elk, and even humanoid species. All phoenixes prefer to eat their food cooked, they feed their young as well as themselves this way. Occasionally they will supplement their diet with certain seeds and corn.

Behaviour

Like many birds, a phoenix is migratory preferring warmer climates to colder ones. Depending on the location, if the territory has open water continuously it will stay there year-round if not more. If the water freezes during winter making it harder to obtain food it will migrate thousands of miles until it finds another suitable location.

Additional Information

Domestication

Very few powerful civilizations are actually capable of raising phoenixes in captivity at all. Unfortunately, it is the phoenixes that are raised in captivity that have survived the longest. They are seen as sacred and even divine creatures by many ancient civilizations leading to them being highly protected and hunting them is seen as a capital offense punishable by death in certain kingdoms and nations.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Phoenixes are powerful magical creatures, and that power is highly coveted by spellcasters and poachers alike. When eggs are stolen they are sold at an expensive price to rich merchants, pirates, and warlords alike to be hatched and kept as a sign of status in the Outlands. At the same time, phoenixes are harvested for their feathers to be used in potions, serums, and weapons for both warriors and spellcasters alike.

Lifespan

Immortal, reincarnates every thousand years.

Conservation Status

Critically endangered. Under great protection.

Average Height

7ft 5in- 12ft 4in

Average Length

15ft-30-ft

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Phoenixes are greatly known for their beautiful bright gold and red feathers across their bodies. A small number are said to have a series of blue feathers along their wings and tails. Typically a phoenix shares a strong resemblance to eagles in their shape and form with elongated tail feathers that make up half their length. Male phoenixes are known to have bright-colored feathers that shape into a crown plume with a wattle that runs down the back of their heads.