Peacocks, a levied luxury
The buying and selling of peacocks for owners viewing delight is a complicated issue. While it is expressly forbidden to eat or even kill a peacock, many still offer it as a delicacy in Caradas's great halls. The birds are held with honor in all of Belor Daeg, especially in the sunny forests and palm-laden shores of coastal towns.
The peacock's usefulness is not limited to its unique flavor. Laws exist to protect their agency in the wild world, but more are in captivity than in the wild. The beautiful colors are decided as breeding status, and the colors have been known to mix. The wonderful blues and greens and purples can mix with some of the more exotic yellows, reds, and cyans to create rainbow peacocks. These are sold in black markets to the rich and crimelords; many come from across Uto Daeg to purchase one.
Their lush colors and glorious cooing are not their only commodity. Only the most extravagant flaunt a hat with a peacock feather plume. Women wear dresses or skirts of their feathers. These are worth a hundred times their weight in gold to cheap sellers. Royalty in Caradas depict peacocks in their insignia or crests. One emperor even took the head of a peacock, stuffed it, and wore it on his helmet to display his power.
Caradians understand the power and reverence of this creature. When captured or slain, the party mourns for it. Caradians view the creature as holy and keep its mythology a close secret. Supposedly, they believe the bird to be a cousin to the phoenix, and given to them by Pelor, their chief deity. In the myth, Pelor bestowed a peacock familiar to Umbero, the first wizard-king of a united Caradas. He had armor made for it, and fought the neighboring Sarapride and Phashimun to extend the countries borders. His success was attributed to his peacock, which is said to have given its life to him in a battle so he rose again to finally push the Phashi off the shores.
In Caradas, the high courts hand out high fines to those who are not licensed owners. Those with multiple strikes are sentenced to work camps in the eastern mines. The process to become an owner is no easy feat. After months of constant studying, an oath is sworn and weekly checkups are performed. County wizards cast zone of truth and an official asks questions. At any misspeak, the license is revoked and the peacock taken away. Even still, illicit deals run rampant in the circles of corrupt officials.
Basic Information
Anatomy
There are two types of peacocks, Red and Green. Red peacocks have reds, yellows, and cyan color schemes. Greens have green, blue, and purple. They can be combined to produce beautiful colors.
Genetics and Reproduction
At most three chicks hatch, and the gestation period lasts around 7 months. The process of sex for the creatures is tedious, the female ovulation being a small window without any signs.
Growth Rate & Stages
Peacocks become full grown in two years, being able to reproduce after that time. They grow from chick to adolescent to fowl.
Ecology and Habitats
Peacocks enjoy warm, sandy beaches and rich humid forests.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Their main food sources are plants or insects. A few larger peacocks are known to eat small rodents.
Origin/Ancestry
Belor Daeg
Conservation Status
Capturing wild peacocks is strictly prohibited. Poachers threaten their wild existence, but naturalists believe huge, fenced-off enclosures provide a gateway to restoration.
Geographic Distribution
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