Simourgos
As the legends of Paloumaia tell, 1,200 years ago there was a family and a group of followers that sought to flee from the horse lords of Derestan, to the east of Paloumaia. Wherever these refugees would go, the sound of thundering hooves would follow as brigands on horseback gave chase. As this family crossed the desert and made their way west, it is said that they began to see a protector from time to time. Darting between the shadows as sand turned to scrub, a great winged wolf could be seen keeping an eye on the fugitives. As the cavalry closed in around them, the creature would rush in to their defense, keeping the horses at bay as they continued to flee. The wolf followed the family through grasslands, forests, and highlands, keeping the pursuers away until the family reached a great wall of water: The Lazurion River. There, the family and their followers made their stand against the remnants of their pursuers, achieving victory under the gaze of their loving protector. The Great Wolf, known in the Azati tongue as Simurgh, is the most famous symbol of the Yaqut Dynasty, the royal family of the First Pahlumari Empire. While the Simurgh's most notable features are a pair of limbs similar in appearance to wings, it cannot fly with them. Instead, the wings are used to help keep balance as it runs at high speeds. Regardless, it's winged appearance has inspired awe in people throughout Paloumaia for thousands of years, being a feared hunter and a slayer of horses.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Simourgos is labeled as a True Chimera, featuring an unusual anatomy comprising of several parts characteristic of wildly different animals, despite the prevailing theory that this species developed naturally. The Simourgos is a quadrupedal canine, similar to a wolf, with a pair of pseudoptera emerging from their back between their front and hind legs. While these wings are not capable of flight, it is believed that they assist in keeping balance while running at high speeds. At the end of their spine is a moderately sized tail, also used to assist in balance.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Simourgos is primarily a carnivore, feeding mainly on meat that is either hunted from the large herbivores of Paloumaia or by scavenging for carrion. While capable of eating certain fruits and vegetation, it does not seek these out and will only typically eat them as a last resort.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Simurghs organize themselves into small packs of 6-8, believed to be made up of mating pairs and their children. Within these packs, the parents tend to share leadership responsibilities, though the mother tends to act a bit more dominant.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Simourgos is primarily found in central and eastern Paloumaia, primarily in the forests of this region. They're sometimes found in the dry scrublands and highlands of the east, but this is typically pretty rare.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Compared to other canines, the Simurgh's senses are about average, with decent sight and smell and a notable sense of hearing.
Scientific Name
Skylos Lykos Simourgos
Lifespan
7-13 years
Average Height
57-72 cm at shoulders
Average Weight
17-25 kg
Average Length
103-145 cm
Geographic Distribution
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