Bennu Phoenix
Racial Magic
Rithaldis' Rebirth
This is a rare and unique manifestation that is often confused with Diet. Like Diet, they are able to consume and absorb radiant energy and use it to heal themselves. This radiant energy can take the form of strong sunlight, solar plasma or even ionizing radiation. They cannot be harmed by radiant energy and this manifestation allows them to heal from any injury, even if they are on the brink of death, so long as the radiant energy is strong enough. It isn't uncommon to see these birds fly into minature suns of Shamsi Desert or the sunny waters of al-Nil River in order to refresh themselves.
Rithaldis' Step
Can enter and exit Rithaldis' Plane via portals and travel the plane freely, without injury or impediment. Can bring others with them while maintaining contact. Portals are instances of strong sunlight, solar plasma or ionizing radiation in their environment large enough to fit through. They are capable of travelling large distances using the plane, considered a herald and messenger of Rithaldis herself, appearing before worthy rulers to deliver her desires or instruction.
The Bennu is a sacred animal and favorite of Lithmor, often a symbol of Raet in Kemet alongside the Axex which possesses its features. Able to heal itself using radiant energy, this rare and long lived bird makes its home almost exclusively within Dawn Ahrayn and Kemet. Proud, arrogant and regal, these birds demand respect and luxury. They are also large, powerful and beautiful and they certainly know it. Bennu are used in art and regalia, symbolizing renewal, the sun, longevity, royalty, resurrection and paradise, and their remains are practically priceless for use in Material Magic or True Magic if not heretical. Most Bennu reside within Dawn Ahrayn, brightening the gardens of this radiant city and acting as both guardians and messengers for Rithaldis herself. The cultists watching over Dawn Ahrayn care for and pamper these birds, serving them seared fish dressed with rare and aromatic herbs, oils and spices.
He had the most wonderful voice.
Indeed, it seemed that he was the king of all the birds.
For all of them
Followed behind him in fear.
He strode in front, like an exultant bull,
Lifting his foot in swift step.
Anatomy
Lifespan
Size
Wingspan 8.9 ft (2.7 m)
Beak 7.9 in (20 cm)
Gape 9.4 in (24 cm)
Coloration
Diet
The chick is a picky eater, accepting only specific fish flavored by aromatic herbs and spices. It also needs to spend considerable amounts of time in the sun in order to mature. As an adult, they are cared for by guardians of Dawn Ahrayn and hunt fish found only within Rithaldis' Plane. A diurnal hunter, they stand motionless in shallow water and watch for fish to pass by. When spotted, they spear fish with their beak and swallow prey whole. Prefers large fish, eating 2-3 a day.
Life Cycle
The mating habits of bennu are not known but they will only breed every 500 years. Travelling through Rithaldis' Plane, it begins its journey in Arabiyyah, collecting a ball of myrrh and carrying this into Kemet. She turns this ball of myrrh into a nest in the temple to Raet and lays a single egg inside. Temple attendants perform a sacred ritual, converting the nest into a single, miniature sun. If performed correctly, the mother will depart and leave the care of her egg to the temple attendents. The egg incubates until the sun peters out, at which time the chick emerges. This takes about 125 years before joining its mother in Dawn Ahrayn
Entry for WorldEmber 2023
Answering: "Species Special Category"
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