In addition to the original fantasy creatures created for the book, several traditional mythical creatures make an appearance in Erde. These species are listed below with a description of any special characteristics they have in this fantasy world.
Phoenix
The legendary phoenix exists in Erde. In accordance with traditional myth, there is only one of these majestic birds alive at any one time. When young, the phoenix’s plumage, which can burst into flames at the bird’s will, is various shades of gleaming gold and red. However, like all objects in Erde, the phoenix fades into grayscale as it ages. At the end of its approx. 500-year lifespan, the bird self-combusts into ashes, from which a young phoenix rises. The current phoenix is a talking being about the size of a hawk, able to perch on a human’s shoulder.
Dragons
Dragons were the primary mode of transportation that carried many of the pioneers to the planet, and they continue to inhabit most regions of Erde as domesticated beasts of labor. Most dragons are tame and born in captivity; only a handful of wild dragons lurk in uninhabited mountains, keeping to themselves. Dragons come in a variety of sizes and fanciful color combinations, but all share the characteristics of having fire-breathing snouts, one or two pairs of bat-like wings, and a long, slender tail. Dragons are employed in a diverse range of jobs – including war, transportation, and farming – depending on their size and whether they walk on two legs or four. As all dragons are sentient beings with the ability to talk, they also serve as pets and companionship for humanoids.
Pegasi
Winged horses were the second most common mode of transportation that brought the original settlers to Erde. As Erde had no native animals, all horses on Erde were originally winged. The first giants to arrive on Erde brought a few wingless horses and unicorns with them in their dragon-leveraged ships. The giants bred these wingless beasts with the pegasi, giving rise to a variety of mixed breeds. Winged horses, some with horns, are still prevalent, though they are most popular in the north where their ability to fly helps them traverse the mountains. Pegasi come in a variety of colors, but the most common are black, white, light blue, and assorted shades of brown. Their wings and, if they have any, horns are the same shade as their hide. Depending on their size and training, pegasi can either be docile companions or fierce war beasts. A few pegasi roam wild as untamable monsters.
Unicorns
Unicorns, along with their two- and three-horned cousins dicorns and tricorns, were brought to Erde with the first giant settlers. Like the pegasi, the unicorns were interbred with other horses, making horns a common trait amongst all species. Unicorns come in the same assortment of colors that pegasi and horses do. Most unicorns have the same color horn that they do hide, but some purebred unicorns (unicorns that have not been mixed with pegasi or standard horses) can have a horn that is a different color. These special horns are almost always an unusual color not normally found in horses, such as yellow or purple. As purebred unicorns are extremely rare, a two-color unicorn is a highly-prized sight. While most unicorns are the size of a standard horse, best suited for riding and basic work, pigmy unicorns (always without wings) are bred in scattered regions. Occasionally, the larger breeds of pegasi will inherit horns.
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