Pyrwhales (Pire-whales)

Pyrwhales are one of four main species of Elemental Whales that roam the world of Axordia. Living in the smog and fiery depths of Axordia, these whales are imbued with elemental magic.
In shape pyrwhales resemble fin whales, with thin. steamlined bodies allowing them to cut cleanly through molten rock. Pyrwhales' skin colouration generally consists of a combination of reds, oranges, yellows, greys and blacks, all of which allow it perfect camouflage in their natural habitat: lava. These whales' heatproof skin make them invulnerable to fire, and they reside within lava pools underground, beneath the mountain ranges of Axordia, and in the depths of volcanos and volcanic areas. However, this makes them a target for poachers, who hunt them for their fireproof skin in order to sell to craftsmen in order to make armour. As such, volcanic areas are patrolled regularly by the Whaleguard.

Subspecies

Smogwhales

Smogwhales are an interesting subspecies as they are one of the few that actively seek out civilisation. Related to aerwhales, these whales float through smoke and warm air currents over cities, absorbing and feeding on any polluted air or smoke that may be hanging over it. They are often misinterpreted to be omens of destruction, as they frequently appear following conflict or natural disasters in order to rid the air of ash and smoke from fires. These whales are closely linked into the Season's Crest festival traditions, passing over each settlement in order to feed on the ash and smoke from the festival pyres. Smogwhales are a reddish-grey in colour, with their colour gaining vibrancy and strength as they absorb smoke and ash. These whales are an integral part in Axordia's ecosystem and climate control, and as such are closely monitored by the Whaleguard, with corps assigned to their study and protection year-round, ensuring both the whales' survival, and the purification of any polluted air.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Pyrwhales are similar in shape to a fin whale. With a thin, streamlined body, these whales can move through molten rock with ease. Pyrwhales have a colouration that constantly changes, a shifting swirl of yellow, orange, red, grey and black that give the whale a natural camouflage. Smogwhales are a larger varient, and have a dark grey colouration, with some developing deep red spots as they mature. All pyrwhales are immune to fire damage, and are able to withstand incredible heats.

Growth Rate & Stages

Pyrwhales mature after around 20 years of growth. At birth, the whale's skin colour is usually somewhere between yellow and orange. Over the first 10 years of growth, more colour begins to develop, adding red and grey and black until the whale develops a pattern that can shift and change constantly, mimicking the swirling of molten rock in order to create an exceptional natural camouflage. If belonging to the subspecies of smogwhale, the whaleling is born with grey skin adorned with red patches, which eventually fade over time to a deep maroon only visible from above. The main skin colour darkens over time, reaching its final shade after around 15 years of growth.

Dietary Needs and Habits

General pyrwhales do not need to consume animals or plants, but are instead sustained by the fire magic in the environments they live in thanks to the lava, and thus do not tend to stray far from volcanic areas. Smogwhales are slightly different, in that they are sustained by the ash and smoke they absorb and consume, hence why they travel so often. When not moving towards settlements to find smoke, they return towards volcanic areas, where it is in no shortage. As such, smogwhales are the only species of pyrwhales seen frequently outwith volcanic areas.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Due to the nature of their habitats pyrwhales have the skill of blindsight, allowing them to 'see' objects and environment changes within the molten rock and navigate by emitting high-frequency sounds, inaudible to most other creatures, that allow them to locate objects and creatures within 120 feet.

Origin/Ancestry

Aerwhales, Terrawhales, Hydrowhales

Lifespan

225 yrs

Conservation Status

Pyrwhales are protected by the Whaleguard, made up of beastmasters, druids, and other warriors and defenders of the natural world who are part of an honoured guild formed to protect and train Elemental whales such as these.

Average Length

10-12m (Adult)