Pegasi
Pegasi are winged equines once found throughout the western Sjorgús Mountains and southwestern Núrak, but have been reduced to fragmented populations since Dragons appeared in the region, and are now primarily found in Núrak.
Both Paheiríen- and Núrakic Elves and, to lesser extent, Zirdinóans and Þígeans have various stories and customs related to pegasi, and seeing them fly by is seen as an auspicious or ominous event depending on the context, especially now that they've become so rare. Certain Snake Monasteries are associated with them, particularly the now-abandoned Hara-æ-Eikelir in the southern Sjorgús Mountains, where ritual dances were performed during the equines' seasonal migrations.
Both Paheiríen- and Núrakic Elves and, to lesser extent, Zirdinóans and Þígeans have various stories and customs related to pegasi, and seeing them fly by is seen as an auspicious or ominous event depending on the context, especially now that they've become so rare. Certain Snake Monasteries are associated with them, particularly the now-abandoned Hara-æ-Eikelir in the southern Sjorgús Mountains, where ritual dances were performed during the equines' seasonal migrations.
Basic Information
Anatomy
While most depictions of pegasi -particularly outside their native habitat- show pegasi with feathered wings like those of a bird, they are actually covered in specialized hairs with similar aerodynamic shape and properties. These wings allow the equines to travel vast distances over rough terrain, escape from bears and graze on alpine pastures too high for other animals reach.
The coat and wings are invariably grey, and the coat is generally thicker than on most equines to protect the pegasi from the cool mountain air both on ground and especially in flight. Despite this, pegasi in the Sjorgús Mountains were know to migrate to the southern parts of the region during the winter, both because of the freezing temperatures and to avoid snow-blindness, but since the dragons, this behaviour has all but disappeared and the animals now usually move to the valleys instead.
Pegasi in Núrak are generally more sedentary due to more favourable climate there.
The coat and wings are invariably grey, and the coat is generally thicker than on most equines to protect the pegasi from the cool mountain air both on ground and especially in flight. Despite this, pegasi in the Sjorgús Mountains were know to migrate to the southern parts of the region during the winter, both because of the freezing temperatures and to avoid snow-blindness, but since the dragons, this behaviour has all but disappeared and the animals now usually move to the valleys instead.
Pegasi in Núrak are generally more sedentary due to more favourable climate there.
Growth Rate & Stages
Pegasi herds are notably smaller than those of most other wild horses, and generally stick around the same pasture or valley until the foals begin grazing and wings have become strong enough to support their weight, before which the mothers try to keep the foals away from cliffs to avoid any accidents. They reach maturity at the age of two.
Dietary Needs and Habits
They are able to survive on tougher and less nutritious vegetation than most horses.
Additional Information
Domestication
Pegasi were domesticated by the núrakic elves relatively late in Adynía's history, much like Sylvan Unicorns, as both species are generally wilder than more mundane horses. While certain messengers and scouts sometimes ride on pegasi, the equines are mostly used to produce winged unicorns for the royal family and a select few who have proven their loyalty.
In battle, these prestigious steeds allow the rider to observe the battlefield and shoot magic at their opponents below while outside the range of most archers, and if they are forced to land, the winged unicorn is able to use wind magic stored in its horn to sweep approaching enemies off their feet. Pegasi and winged unicorns are usually equipped with special barding that protects their underside and legs while in flight.
Outside of combat, pegasi are sometimes used in deer- or boar hunting, where the hunters throw javelins at the their prey from above, or to hold races, or land on otherwise ill-accessible places that provide stunning views of the land.
In battle, these prestigious steeds allow the rider to observe the battlefield and shoot magic at their opponents below while outside the range of most archers, and if they are forced to land, the winged unicorn is able to use wind magic stored in its horn to sweep approaching enemies off their feet. Pegasi and winged unicorns are usually equipped with special barding that protects their underside and legs while in flight.
Outside of combat, pegasi are sometimes used in deer- or boar hunting, where the hunters throw javelins at the their prey from above, or to hold races, or land on otherwise ill-accessible places that provide stunning views of the land.
Origin/Ancestry
Western- and south-central Adynía
Geographic Distribution
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