Zhar-ptitsa
The zhar-ptitsa is the elder Elemental said to be the locus of all energy and substance in the Elemental Plane of Fire.
In times of stasis, the zhar-ptitsa is half-woman and half-bird, with the wisdom and bearing of a sphinx. When her plane comes into conflict with the other elements or is threatened by disruption from immortal powers, she transforms fully into a massive phoenix-like bird, immune to reason and intent on destruction.
Variations & Mutation
Though many myths conflate the two, the zhar-ptitsa is not related to the Haderaa, who is celestial in nature. An ancient Dovrian name for the zhar-ptitsa in her rampaging form is the Anassa Haderaa, or the "fierce phoenix."
The destruction wrought by the zhar-ptitsa is sometimes considered a sign of change or rebirth. In some traditions within the Western Woods, the Prozhg'atua is described as "the beating of the firebird's wings."
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