Pegasus
By Kay
Singular - Pegasus
Plural - Pegasi Group - Flight of Pegasi Communication - Imagery and Body Language Size Ranges – Any Equine Breed Colorations – Any natural house color and making; Note Rank markings Naming Convention -- None |
General Information
When Haven Weyr was first settled, the flying horse spoken of as 'pegasus' by the native villagers was considered mostly a myth. They were only rarely seen by anyone, and no one had managed to ever approach one for their keen hearing would allow them to take to the air. To even catch sight of these beautiful beasts at a distance was considered to be a blessing. But then came the Dragonriders with their dragons, which seemed to draw the pegasi in closer as they found signs that connecting with humanoids was possible. Then one brave pegasus, a Gust it is said, dared bond to a dragonrider, and the rest is history. These winged equines are built clearly for the air. Though they can take the shape of any equine breed, from the large Clydesdale and Vanner to the size of ponies and miniature horses, their wings are slightly over-sized for their forms, and there are few who can compete with them for sheer grace and aerial agility. Even the mighty dragons concede that while they can outpace a pegasus in the air, no one can turn on a coin like the winged steeds. They are also capable of running on the clouds should they wish it, and remaining airborne for days at a time without the need to stop for food and water. Some believe they draw strength and energy from the air and sun itself during these jaunts, but if this is the case the pegasi aren't telling. Pegasi come in any color and pattern natural to horses. Specific markings, however, will only show up on specific ranks and are use as identifiers. Their manes and tails continually stir and shift as if caught in a current of air, and a faint scent of fresh air lingers on their coats. They can carry a rider infinitely long in the air, but if they are on the ground they can only manage the lightest of riders for long durations. They cannot mindspeak, but are very intelligent and understand the words spoken to them, communicating back with empathic imagery and body language. Mating Information Pegasi mating chases take place entirely in the air. When a pegasus is ready to mate, they will take to the high atmosphere where the air gets thin and cold, and neigh to call potential suitors to them. Much akin to dragon chases, the caller of the chase will lead all suitors on an aerial race, darting and diving through the clouds and seeing how skillful their flight. The one that impresses the best with their speed, agility, and skill will be selected and led off into a deep cloud bank, out of the eyes of others. Bonding Information Pegasi foals are ready to Bond soon after birth, as they are only Bond after those first few impressionable hours. What attracts the wobbly-legged offspring varies between individuals, but food is a common factor in many bondings. Surprisingly, though they are born hungry, after their initial drink of milk from their mother they need no more milk during their lives, and will eat hay, grains, carrots, and the like right away. What may attract an adult Pegasus is dependent on the individual. Gale 5* Shy but spirited, the Gales are Queens of the pegasi. Bearing a single stocking on a front leg (white in the case of darker coat colors, or dark in the case of lighter coat colors) they are considered the most graceful of their kind. Easily able to remain flying for nearly a week, Gales can tend to come off as a bit skittish, startling easy and quick to take flight when danger threatens but their personality can shine under the protection of a patient Bonded. Female Gale bear up to four young at a time. Zephyr 4* Zephyr are lesser queens, a bit more stable than their seniors in temperament. They tend to be mellow and adaptable to most things, rather hard to startle and are tolerant of all but the roughest treatment. Some have even been used to help inexperienced riders learn the basics. Always bearing an irregular star on their forehead in the shape of a single swirl, the female of the rank typically bear no more than three young, but more often only two. Gust 3* The lordly Gust is a proud warrior at their core beneath any other personality. Born as if trained for battle, both males and females make excellent warhorses despite their occasional small size, compensating for their powerful flight ability that rivals Gales and even some dragons and rocs. A female Gust holds the record for the longest time spent in flight at a week and a half, though some say it was sheer pride that kept her in the air that long. With hindquarters spattered in an appaloosa blanket manner, their power is only outshone by the lesser lord Chinooks. Female Gusts will birth between two and three young at a time. Chinook 3* Chinooks are by far and away the strongest of the pegasi, with the horse-sized individuals capable of bearing an adult male rider for miles along the ground and for days in the air, should their bonded ask it of them and in spite of the Pegasus' reputation for only being able to carry the lightest riders; they are the exception to the rule. But they are also known for having a strong stubborn streak when it comes to riders regardless of how otherwise kind they might be, and will only allow their bonded to ride upon their backs or another that their bonded specifically indicates has permission to do so. Otherwise, they will kick and buck any 'intruder' off with all their might, even if they must do so from a great height in the air. They are the only pegasi that one might be able to identify from their eye color, as most (but not all) of them have blue eyes to complement their bald faces. Female Chinook will present three offspring at most when she gives birth. Breeze 1* Breezes are common Pegasi, and those that have bonded to them or watched them for any period of time knows that they seem to never fully grow up. Playful and energetic, it takes quite a bit to get them to settle down and they are easily distracted from any task. Making things a game to them can usually be the only way to keep them on point to complete a goal (IE 'I bet you can't carry all these bags home.' or 'Race you to the market.") Of course, one must be careful how games are phrased, or the Breeze will take off flying and spill your entire wagon upon the ground. As if their demeanor wasn't enough to identify them, then the irregular paint splotches that randomly cover their bodies is. Female Breeze usually birth one foal, though there have been records of a very, very rare twin birth. Wind 1* Wing Pegasi are by far and away one of the most affectionate and gentle creatures you will ever encounter. Soft-stepping and quiet of voice, these common females and males move with very little sound beyond a rustle of feathers, and if you are outside, expect your Wind to quickly be at your side nuzzling you for a pet, chewing on your clothing for attention, or generally wanting to be nearby. These displays of emotion aren't limited to a Wind's bonded, though; any they considers family will receive the same treatment, perhaps a godsend otherwise they might become smothering. Two lines, one that runs down their backs and another that crosses their shoulders, always identify them, and they birth typically one foal at a time. Twins are rare in the extreme. |