Dreamer Peafowl

The dreamer peafowl were invented by a member of the Kociak family shortly after Lucky Kociak's disappearance. Typical Basillian peafowl were selectively bred with magically enhanced members of their species. Initial attempts at breeding were unsuccessful. The enhanced peafowl were left mostly sterilized due to their enchantments and any offspring they had was disfigured or mutated in some way. This didn't deter the family from continuing their efforts to breed a beautiful, designer bird. A startling amount of money and time was put into the project. Mages who were professionally trained the in the art of transmutation magic were hired to spend hours researching and perfecting formulas.
After several tiring years, the first successful dreamer peafowl was hatched. She was named Lucy and was regarded as the perfect specimen of designer animal breeds. Lucy was paraded around in public, catching the eye of many other nobles. Unfortunately for them, the Kociaks had no desire to share their creation. Instead, these peafowl became a status symbol for the family. Even after centuries, the remaining dreamer peafowl population resides on the Kociak estate.
The peafowl are domesticated entirely and the attempts at securing a wild population have failed because of it. They're friendly birds and approach visitors openly, usually hoping to find snacks or attention. Because of this, tourists and nobles alike have attempted to capture one for themselves. First time offenders are let off with a warning and are escorted off of the property, but repeat offenders will find themselves barred from returning at any point. They'll also be slapped with a hefty fine for trespassing and animal endangerment.
Their wing surface to body weight ratio isn't large enough to support flight. As such, they're ground dwellers. Without the conservation efforts of the Kociak family, the dreamer peafowl would've been a short-lived luxury.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Both male and female dreamer peafowl are vibrant and colorful. Males have violet or amethyst bodies with seafoam green tail feathers. Their feathers are iridescent, showing off shades of indigo and violet when hit by the light. The tails on the peacocks drags behind them like the train on a gown. Females have lilac bodies with indigo tail feathers. Their tails are much shorter.

Genetics and Reproduction

When left to their own devices, dreamer peafowl are quite picky when finding a mate. The peahens are attracted to the best and the brightest of the bunch, leaving the less spectacular specimen behind. While all of these peafowl are beautiful in appearance, a large plume and train of feathers signals a much healthier mate. To avoid the potential problem of inbreeding, intervention is needed to ensure that the species continues to thrive. Means of intervention include gathering the peafowl who have failed to reproduce due to pickiness or a lack of a mate and placing them in an enclosure for several weeks.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dreamer peafowl are omnivores, though they have a preference for a seed-based and vegetarian diet. One of their favorite foods is green peas and carrots. Much of the protein in their diet comes from a hearty breakfast of dried crickets or cooked frog legs. If visitors would like to pet or hold them, gourmet cheese or flower petals can be offered as a treat.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

These birds have heightened senses compared to the average peafowl, such as the development of darkvision. They're also magically inclined, though it's rare for them to exhibit any actual skill. At most, peafowl with awakened magic will display cantrips rather than actual spells. Examples of such are peafowl with shifting colors, like that of a chameleon, or tail feathers that glitter in the sun. Four decades ago, one of them could cast a "scorching ray" and without the necessary intelligence to wield such a spell, it caused quite a bit of chaos on the grounds. After it injured one of the gardeners, it was unfortunately put down.

Origin/Ancestry

Basillian Peafowl

Lifespan

18-25 years

Conservation Status

Dreamer peafowl are a protected, vulnerable species.

Average Weight

10-13 lbs (peacock)
8-12 lbs (peahen)

Average Length

6'5" (peacock)
4'0" (peahen)

Geographic Distribution

• The Isles of Basilla

by Ricardo Frantz