Æthelweard

An Æthelweard often serves as a guardian to the harem's of Baaphora, but they can also take guardianship over areas including villages so long as they abide by its law of hospitality. This usually involves some form of sacrifice and festival or ritual performed. They are known to be able to influence nature in their territory and shapeshiftand can place powerful often ironic curses on those who violate their territory.

Basic Information

Anatomy

These large humanoid figures resemble a minotaur with the horns replaced with antlers either like a moose or elk. They have a large thick tail similair in style to a crocodile but covered with fur instead of scales, large wings simillair in style to luna moth's when they move they release spores onto the ground causing mushrooms to grow. The wings are usually muted, becoming more vibrant if provoked or it serves a purpose. Their eyes, like all of the Faends have the iris shaped into 8 pointed stars with rounded tips.

Genetics and Reproduction

An Æthelweard can mate with a concubus which will result in either another concubus or another Æthelweard. With other species it is more random, usually favoring the other species but with hints of the ancestry either fae or fiend rarely both.

Growth Rate & Stages

It would be incorrect to call a newly formed Æthelweard a child, for no Faend is ever a child their minds are fully formed their bodies just need to grow. They do this by attaching themselves to a place to guard, and as that place thrives so to do they. When they reach what could be considered adulthood they can leave the spot they guarded if they wish and find a new place to guard to continue to grow themselves, more in the sense of their power.

Ecology and Habitats

Most Æthelweard prefer natural areas, though some have been known to take guard over rural areas. Depending on how initial interactions go with those that live in the area it defines how the Æthelweard will interact with the locals. They would prefer it to be a peaceful interaction so they can fulfill their purpose, those that have such interaction and are later insulted or crossed often are the most furious because of the betrayal.
The places Æthelweard guards are also seen as safe havens for a Concubus if pursued by someone wishing to harm them. In nearly all cases a harem of Baaphora is set up within the territory of at least one Æthelweard. If a harem is set up and requires more than one Æthelweard this is one of the few times there will be more than one Æthelweard in a place. It is not that they dislike each other, they prefer to keep separate to guard more areas.

Dietary Needs and Habits

An Æthelweard can eat and will do so if it pleases, however, most of the actual needs are provided to the Æthelweard from the land it protects.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Among the Faends they are the caretakers and guardians who remain vigilant over their charge. It is very rare for them to leave their territory but if their charge includes a person who is in danger they will venture out to protect them and return them to the safety of their lair. Acts of vengeance or attacks against enemies are mostly left to the Itzal.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The mushrooms that grow from their wing spores are edible and very nutrient-rich. The sap from the forest-dwelling Æthelweard makes for a strong regenerative tincture.

Facial characteristics

Their heads often resemble a minotaur, elk, goat, or moose in design.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Generally prefer natural areas, deep forests, caves, rivers they do not have a particular preference past natural.

Average Intelligence

Æthelweard can speak, reason, read, and write. Capable of both profound wisdom and intelligence they however rarely choose to share words with others.

Average Height

Between 7 to 8 feet before antlers.

Average Physique

Leathery skin cover strong muscles making them able to match minotaurs at least. They do not suffer from exhaustion or fatigue within their territory.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

They are often influenced by the territory in which they guard, those in caves have lichen growing on them and more stone-colored skin. Another in the woods might have more bark-like skin and leaves.