Bestiary 2023

Colourful & Mythical - Gveleshapni/Stars

Gveleshapni are enormous creatures wandering through the cosmos. They can turn fleshy bodies into astral forms and traverse the universe at light speed. Gveleshapni are prideful creatures and often have trivial strifes with each other. For self-defence, a Gveleshapi creates a shell outside the slithering body and turns into a star. Stars aren’t dormant, they continuously search for a favourable moment to reclaim freedom. Both free-roaming Gveleshapni and self-imprisoned stars can give birth to children, called Amaars.

Gveleshapni can be any colour in the visible and invisible spectrum. Each looks distinct, formed from incongruous animal parts.

Gveleshapni have beyond human-level intelligence and speak countless languages. Dunyars can link to stars, each granting different magic, while those with a particularly deep connection can even hear the creatures. Most Gveleshapni are tricksters, finding connected mages amusing and constantly trying to meddle in their lives.

by Nincho

Wings – Amaars

by Nincho

Enormous children of Gveleshapni. They have no free will, only following the stars’ bidding. Living beings exposed to Amaar breath become terrifying chirakis.

There are three distinct Amaar types:
s Core Amaars – The dormant cores of the planets.
s Land Amaars – Smaller variants, acting as the star’s messengers and punishers. The light cast by their wings can engulf entire towns.
s Cosmic Amaars – The largest Amaars, birthed by dying stars. Only they can become Gveleshapni.

Monstrous & Dangerous – Bahamuths

Sea wyverns terrorizing the sailors. Their narrow snouts are filled with straight, conical teeth, ideal for catching slippery prey. Bahamuths have long, muscular necks and slender, snake-like bodies, while a powerful tail and four flippers provide propulsion. Males attract potential mates with colourful crests, long head fins and impressive sails. Sensory pits around bahamuth’s mouth allow it to detect movements and vibrations in the water. The size ranges from small sharks to massive whales, some growing enormous enough to wreck ships. They give live birth and mothers care for their young for weeks or months.

Bahamuths are incredibly territorial and aggressive, untamable even for Menes'has .

Bahamuth by Nincho

Tamed & Bond - Phas'qhunjs

Phas’qhunjs are native to the Dividing Archipelago and Amaarion. Although they were known as phas in the Northern Dividing Archipelago, while qhunjs in the Southern Dividing Archipelago, most people refer to them as phas'qhunjs.

These bird-like wyverns can cover impressive distances while hunting or searching for mates. Contrary to the vibrant blues and yellows found on the males, the females' plumage is often dull to help them blend in with their habitat. Younger males have female-like plumage, sexual maturity and full adult plumage taking up to ten years. This protects younger males from predators and reduces hostility from adult males.

by Nincho

Wild phas’qhunj’s average lifespan is 40 years, while domesticated ones can live up to 60 years. Only Menes'has with their body-controlling magic can tame phas’qhunjs. They first calm the creature, making it less aggressive and more receptive to bonding. Months can be needed for a rider to get comfortable with the phas’qhunj, while it takes years for a true inseparable connection to form.