Stormsteed/ Stormmare

A horse-like species capable of generating electrical fields in much the same way as an electric eel. It is believed that the Stormsteed initially developed this ability for the purposes of self-defence from a historic predator; given that there are few living predators willing to so much as consider preying on a Stormsteed in the modern age, this evolution was presumably successful.

Nowadays, the electricity-generating ability of the Stormsteed are a natural breeding pressure on the species, despite it no longer being necessary for the survival of the species as a whole. The male Stormsteed will often perform impressive courting rituals in which they will generate and discharge significant charges of electricity from the long, antennae-like hackles on their necks, in order to impress a potential mate. The Stormsteed capable of generating the most impressive shocks (apparently judged by the damage caused as a result of their release) are more successful in attracting mates and are, thus, able to pass on their superior electricity-generating genes. This natural evolutionary pressure has been taken advantage of by the human ranchers that farm Stormsteed/ Stormmare as a means of energy production. To that end, large lightning rod pylons are erected in Stormsteed/ Stormmare enclosures to redirect the charges generated and released by the Stormsteed/ Stormmare to large energy batteries for use in powering homes and machinery.

Although not necessarily accurate, Stormsteed/ Stormmare have a reputation for wicked tempers and a generally unfriendly demeanour. This may be due to the fact that, unlike ordinary horses (with which the Stormsteed/ Stormmare share a common ancestor) Stormsteed/ Stormmare will not accept a rider and will generally react aggressively to any attempt to mount or bridle them in any way.

Fur colourations tend to range from a (rather appropriate) storm-cloud grey to navy blue and black.