Phoenixes|Birds of Fire
Phoenixes of Terra Fera, like my little buddy Kenan here, are not like the typical depictions from myth and folklore of Earth(and even on TF). They are not flaming, often pheasant or other game bird like looking birds, that when killed/die, burn up and from their own ashes, rise again. No, they are intelligent, raptors, close cousins of hawks, eagles, and falcons(depending on species).
There are three different types, or rather species of phoenix. The Greater Phoenix Eagle, is the largest, and as the name suggest, is in fact an eagle. The Lesser Phoenix Hawk is smaller than the eagle, and roughly the size of a Red-Tail Hawk. The smallest, but fastest, is the Lesser Phoenix Falcon, which has all the typical traits of a falcon. However, despite being three separate species, they all behave and have very similar traits. |
All phoenixes have decorative crests on the males, falcons having rather short ones however, in order to keep a streamlined build. All phoenixes live for several centuries, being supernatural beings. They all are highly intelligent, supernaturally so. They are highly powerful creatures too, and so, in order to contain this power, seek masters. Because of this, long ago, phoenixes created a symbiotic relationship with various teli(humanoid races) and kei(beast races), and entire families of "Phoenix Clans" developed around the birds. The bond between a phoenix and its master can be incredibly strong. These phoenixes have been used greatly as hunting birds throughout their history.
Phoenixes can be rather curious, expressive creatures, though do have varying personalities as individuals. Despite an inabilities to speak human tongues(or anything beyond normal hawk/eagle/falcon sounds), they can seem to communicate well with their masters. Phoenixes particularly do well when their master is a Fire Guardian, and the two can wordlessly communicate it seems.
Phoenixes all mate for life, and only raise one clutch in their life, near the end of their life. Since phoenixes seek masters, any male offspring will return to their father's master, while females will return to their mother's. Because of this, however, phoenixes are rather rare and hard to find.
Chicks hatch and are raised similarly to their non-supernatural/magical cousins, and typically anywhere from 3 to 4 eggs are laid. Usually, one egg happens to be a dud. The eggs are laid at different times, a few days apart. The oldest chick will likely be the strongest, and it and the next(likely hatched within a day or two of the oldest) will likely bully the younger ones, or even push them out of the nest completely. The parents will do nothing to stop this, as it is nature's way of ensuring the strongest two chicks survive. Chicks will be completely dependent on their parents for food for a year(less than that for falcons, and a little more for eagles). Phoenixes have one of the slowest developments of any raptor, as they fledglings at 1 year, and juveniles from 2 until 30 years. Ten years old is the age at which they will return to the masters of their parents.
The rising from ash myth is from the fact that phoenix pairs only have chicks near the end of their life.
Phoenixes come in many colors and patterns, namely reds, browns, and golden colors, with blacks and lighter colors being rare.
Phoenixes are fire elementals, and have power/control of flames, hence the "bird of fire/flame" myth. When angered, a phoenix's eyes might flash as if the iris was colored with flames, a sign of their power.
Phoenixes can be rather curious, expressive creatures, though do have varying personalities as individuals. Despite an inabilities to speak human tongues(or anything beyond normal hawk/eagle/falcon sounds), they can seem to communicate well with their masters. Phoenixes particularly do well when their master is a Fire Guardian, and the two can wordlessly communicate it seems.
Phoenixes all mate for life, and only raise one clutch in their life, near the end of their life. Since phoenixes seek masters, any male offspring will return to their father's master, while females will return to their mother's. Because of this, however, phoenixes are rather rare and hard to find.
Chicks hatch and are raised similarly to their non-supernatural/magical cousins, and typically anywhere from 3 to 4 eggs are laid. Usually, one egg happens to be a dud. The eggs are laid at different times, a few days apart. The oldest chick will likely be the strongest, and it and the next(likely hatched within a day or two of the oldest) will likely bully the younger ones, or even push them out of the nest completely. The parents will do nothing to stop this, as it is nature's way of ensuring the strongest two chicks survive. Chicks will be completely dependent on their parents for food for a year(less than that for falcons, and a little more for eagles). Phoenixes have one of the slowest developments of any raptor, as they fledglings at 1 year, and juveniles from 2 until 30 years. Ten years old is the age at which they will return to the masters of their parents.
The rising from ash myth is from the fact that phoenix pairs only have chicks near the end of their life.
Phoenixes come in many colors and patterns, namely reds, browns, and golden colors, with blacks and lighter colors being rare.
Phoenixes are fire elementals, and have power/control of flames, hence the "bird of fire/flame" myth. When angered, a phoenix's eyes might flash as if the iris was colored with flames, a sign of their power.