Phoenix
"A bright star in the night called to me, and I knew it would take me where I needed to go. It grew brighter and brighter until it seemed to be coming closer, getting bigger. As it streaked towards me, I could make out a bird. Golden flames sparked off its majestic wings as it flew down to greet me. Its orange and red feathers were a sight to behold and seemed no less vibrant in the darkness." -Journals of Sebastien Moonshadow.
Phoenixes are rare and magical creatures and are difficult to study. They are nearly unkillable and can flare up anywhere they wish bringing along with them their masters. Though "masters" may be the wrong word, most who have bonded with a phoenix have reported a partnership rather than the relationship being pet-owner. A phoenix chooses a master based on unknown principles, though courage and goodness seem to be a factor. No phoenix has ever served an evil master nor a cowardly one. What little is known about phoenixes is that they are simultaneously elementals and celestials, can teleport anywhere in the world, and every few months they burst into flames and reform as a charcoal colored egg which then hatches a few minutes later. Phoenixes lack reproductive organs but are generally referred to as whatever sex their master is. When a phoenix's master dies they typically mourn him for a time, hanging out around his grave and watching over his family. But sooner or later they generally leave, but occasionally they will be seen around their master's favorite spots, there are a few who make their home on the grounds of the Noble and Most Ancient Hosue of Moonshadow.
One might think that with such a creature on your side, you would be invincible, but that is not the case. It is believed by scholars of phoenix lore that only one in three phoenix recipients return from their great quest. Without exception the recipients of phoenixes are drawn toward danger, always fighting for the good of others. It is unknown how most of these heroes die, it is theorized that perhaps there is a limit to how much healing a person can take, or that phoenix bearers become overconfident and get themselves into impossible situations. It is a sad truth that most phoenix bearers do not make it to old age.
There have been throughout history a few knightly orders around the world centered around phoenixes. The Ember Knights in the Ancient Elven Kingdom and Knights of the Phoenix in the Brickertonian Empire were both inspired by phoenixes and at one point were led by phoenix bearers. The Brothers of Flame are of particular interest, based in Alberon during the 800's, The Brothers of the Flame reportedly had over 20 phoenix bearers in their ranks. But, whatever secrets they had for calling the birds were lost with them. The entire order went on a crusade through the nine hells and was not heard from again.
Phoenixes are rare and magical creatures and are difficult to study. They are nearly unkillable and can flare up anywhere they wish bringing along with them their masters. Though "masters" may be the wrong word, most who have bonded with a phoenix have reported a partnership rather than the relationship being pet-owner. A phoenix chooses a master based on unknown principles, though courage and goodness seem to be a factor. No phoenix has ever served an evil master nor a cowardly one. What little is known about phoenixes is that they are simultaneously elementals and celestials, can teleport anywhere in the world, and every few months they burst into flames and reform as a charcoal colored egg which then hatches a few minutes later. Phoenixes lack reproductive organs but are generally referred to as whatever sex their master is. When a phoenix's master dies they typically mourn him for a time, hanging out around his grave and watching over his family. But sooner or later they generally leave, but occasionally they will be seen around their master's favorite spots, there are a few who make their home on the grounds of the Noble and Most Ancient Hosue of Moonshadow.
Powers of A Phoenix
Phoenixes have several abilities that hint at their magical nature. The most well known are its cycle of rebirth and its ability to teleport itself and its master anywhere, even if teleportation there should be impossible due to spells or other precautions. Less known is that there are well documented reports of phoenixes flying while carrying over 500 pounds of weight. Phoenixes also have healing properties, a phoenix's song has been known to end charms, mind control, paralysis, and even madness; their tears can be used to heal any injury including the restoration of limbs. Unfortunately, phoenix tears lose their potency after only a few minutes, making them impossible to bottle. Phoenixes have also been known to shed their mortal forms in combat, becoming a bird of golden flames. They seem to be able to manipulate flames and start fires out of nothing. They also are capable of spiting small beads of fire that engulf a target in flames. They are also capable of augmenting their teleportation to cause explosions or a blinding light from either the departure or destination points. Then there is one final power, after the death of its master a phoenix just continues to live, they do not die of natural causes. Instead, a masterless phoenix has one final gift to give, when they witness the death of a person they believe to be good or innocent a phoenix can give their life force to bring the person back to life. This typically happens in children, as few adults are truly good or innocent, after resurrecting most develop fire-centric sorcery.One might think that with such a creature on your side, you would be invincible, but that is not the case. It is believed by scholars of phoenix lore that only one in three phoenix recipients return from their great quest. Without exception the recipients of phoenixes are drawn toward danger, always fighting for the good of others. It is unknown how most of these heroes die, it is theorized that perhaps there is a limit to how much healing a person can take, or that phoenix bearers become overconfident and get themselves into impossible situations. It is a sad truth that most phoenix bearers do not make it to old age.
Religion & Organizations
Phoenixes are not present in most religions, they are mentioned once in the Sumarrian holy texts but there is no known phoenix god or anything like it. Throughout history there have been many who revered the birds as holy but they do not play a dominant role in any modern religion. There have been so-called "Cults of The Phoenix" most of whom lasted less than a decade, no tangible connection to actual phoenixes has ever been found in these cults. A phoenix's classification as a celestial comes from type-sensing divination magic such as a paladin's divine sense.There have been throughout history a few knightly orders around the world centered around phoenixes. The Ember Knights in the Ancient Elven Kingdom and Knights of the Phoenix in the Brickertonian Empire were both inspired by phoenixes and at one point were led by phoenix bearers. The Brothers of Flame are of particular interest, based in Alberon during the 800's, The Brothers of the Flame reportedly had over 20 phoenix bearers in their ranks. But, whatever secrets they had for calling the birds were lost with them. The entire order went on a crusade through the nine hells and was not heard from again.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Phoenixes appear to be birds of prey, though they do not actually eat. Their coloration can be any combination of yellow, orange, and red. They have sharp black beaks and talons but don't hunt. Their necks are also longer than a normal bird, almost vulture-like, but covered in the same beautiful feathers as the rest of its body. They say that no two pheonixes have the same plumage.
Behaviour
The intelligence of the phoenix has been a subject for debate for thousands of years. They do not speak, but seem to hold some understanding. Yet they cannot understand complex ideas or plans.
"Only now do I truly understand, Phoenixes are not wise, they know no means to judge us, save witnessing the choice. I thought it was to my death I went, when the phoenix took me to fight Graxys the Terrible. I did not know that he would sustain me, and heal me, and stay by my side. They cannot conceive a war, all they know is the battle. The fight for what is good and righteous." -Journal of Jon Worthington, hero of Ancient Frostwood.
"They might perhaps leave a master who chooses evil over good; they will not leave a master forced to choose between one good and another. Phoenixes are not arrogant. They know the limits of their own wisdom. But as pure beings of light, they cannot understand a necessary evil, nor the notion that a battle may be unwinnable." -Journal of Sebastien Moonshadow.
It is believed though that a phoenix can imprint telepathic meaning behind its noises, especially to its master. As supported by this quote "It is said, among the few scholars of phoenix-lore, that not one in four returns from their ordeal. And even if you did survive - for the life you must lead - the choices you must make and the path you must walk - to always hear the phoenix's cries - who is to say it would not have driven you mad?" -Sebastien Moonshadow speaking to his son, Journals of Valyn Moonshadow.
"They might perhaps leave a master who chooses evil over good; they will not leave a master forced to choose between one good and another. Phoenixes are not arrogant. They know the limits of their own wisdom. But as pure beings of light, they cannot understand a necessary evil, nor the notion that a battle may be unwinnable." -Journal of Sebastien Moonshadow.
It is believed though that a phoenix can imprint telepathic meaning behind its noises, especially to its master. As supported by this quote "It is said, among the few scholars of phoenix-lore, that not one in four returns from their ordeal. And even if you did survive - for the life you must lead - the choices you must make and the path you must walk - to always hear the phoenix's cries - who is to say it would not have driven you mad?" -Sebastien Moonshadow speaking to his son, Journals of Valyn Moonshadow.
Conservation Status
It is illegal to capture a phoenix in both Zirdy and The Sumarrian Empire, though this legal protection isn't strictly necessary. There is no spell or countermeasure known that can stop a phoenix from teleporting. Therefore trapping them is impossible.
