Phoenix

A species that has been mutated by the Fire Magic of the Northwestern Continent, what the Phoenix lacks in true fire resistance, it makes up for in its regenerative properties. Capable of growing back after being burned to ash, each time the bird is reborn anew it matures, progressing to become stronger and larger. Like a forest of spruce trees, so too does the Phoenix rely on the flames for its development.

Appearance

Adult birds are silky bursts of red, orange, and yellow feathers, accented with a regal crest. In flashes of light, their feathers are revealed to be glossy, simmering in the light. They have long tails that flow through the air as they fly, with broad wings, large talons, and a long, hooked bill. Most often noticed gleaming in the light while overlooking over their hunting grounds of lava river shores, and savanna grasslands from the tops of trees.

They sing, with mated pairs participating in duets, as well as quicker ‘chirps’ that have been described as bell like laughter.

Diet and Behaviour

Phoenixes are carnivores, generally eating small mammals from the grasslands. They are known for being Kleptoparasites, stealing the fish more fire-resistant birds catch from the lava rivers that they are unable to access.

The birds are socially monogamous, and generally stay with the same partner for the period of each breeding season, and raising their offspring together over the next six months. Courtship largely involves flight dances, and display of their shimmering feathers, which become more numerous with each of the bird’s transformations. Nests generally built near the banks of lava rivers, and the birds push large igneous rocks into these crevices to help contain the eggs. After all the eggs are laid, the pair work together to gather heated rocks, and on fire sticks, throwing these into the pile of eggs before incubation begins.

Metamorphosis

While grand and regal, the phoenix’s major flaw is its vulnerability to fire. Many of its prey, competitors and predators are capable of wielding Fire Magic to spit fireballs or start wildfires. However, being burned to a crisp is only a minor set back for the birds, as when they are laid to waste they slowly reform from their own ashes. In this transformation, the bird regrows with ever more of its adult feather. Indeed, while a bird that avoids the ordeal of burning would still grow naturally, it would be unable to every find a mate, permanently trapped in its juvenile colouring.