Bauris

Bauris are small, bipedal and flightless relatives of Geidan, and share a common ancestor with Dragons. Due to their inability to flight, they have never conducted Gap invasions, and their existence only came to light during a recent expedition into the Dragon Realm (late 3590s–3610s AA/SA).

Discovery

During the late 3590s, Gap stability at the Dragon Gate in Nas Isca improved. The Dragonmaster Naszha, then working on exploratory and rescue missions in the Nas Iscan mountains, suggested attempting to fly through the Gap to investigate the other side. This was initially rejected owing to the resources it would require, and the potential political issues that might arise without formal negotiation with the Dragons themselves.

Naszha, who had a strong relationship with the Dragonlord Azaraphys, opened formal negotiations to allow Human access to explore a small region of the Dragon Realm. This would require flying through the Gap, which took initial investigators several years to permit.

Bauris were among the first non-dragon species sighted by Naszha and her investigatory team. Although relatives of geidan rather than dragons, they showed no hostility or fear, and could be approached with caution. Later exploratory teams were able to develop bonds with the bauris, not entirely unlike that established with dogs and other animals in the Human realm. Bauris are therefore considered to be semi-domesticated.

Although not currently transported back into the Human Realm, Bauris are used during exploratory trips into the Dragon Realm, as hunting companion animals and invesitgative support. Once domesticated, they are friendly to Humans, although maintain their independence. A Bauri that has spent time with Humans will approach and reconnect with a familiar Human after a long separation.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Bauris have four limbs, although they are bipedal, with two short forelimbs used for goring prey or other geidan during fights. The back legs are stronger, and they have long, narrow feet. They have a long body with extended neck and tail, reaching to approximately 10ft in length, with a weight of 35-45lbs. They are agile and fast, making them an ideal hunting-companion species. They have a narrow, wedge-shaped head and deep-set, forward-facing eyes that grant them excellent depth perception.

Unlike the geidan from which they are descended, Bauri are flightless. Investigations of Bauri skeletons show no indication that they once had wings, which had led to speculation that the current understanding of geidan morphology must be adapted. Bauris may be descended from a species related to both Dragons and geidan but distinct from both, perhaps sharing a common ancestor.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Attempts to communicate with Bauris have demonstrated that they have no psionic capabilities, and a ps level of approximately 3-5 (by comparison, Humans have a ps level of 9-10, and Dragons 10-15). They can, however, work with Humans in a manner similar to dogs during hunts, including being psionically-guided.

Bauris have excellent vision, which is their primary hunting modality. Their sense of smell is moderate, however. Extra nerves in their legs and feet render them especially sensitive to ground vibrations, a skill essential in a Realm where they are frequently preyed upon by much bigger species.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Geidan