Golden Stags

Appearance

The Golden Stags are breathtakingly majestic creatures, embodying both grace and power. Their presence commands awe, blending seamlessly with the radiant beauty of the Goldenleaf Forest. These creature are considered to be the guardians of this particular forest. Golden Stags are rare and elusive, dwelling deep within the heart of the Goldenleaf Forest, far from human settlements and well-trodden paths.

1. Coat

   Their fur shimmers like liquid gold, catching the light in a way that makes them seem almost ethereal. In shadow, their coats take on a deeper, burnished tone, blending with the forest’s bronze hues during autumn.

2. Antlers

   Their antlers are perhaps their most striking feature—large and branching, with a metallic sheen resembling polished gold. These antlers are faintly luminescent, glowing softly at night or during the Gilded Veil phenomenon, casting a golden halo around them.

3. Eyes

   Their eyes are large and have a deep amber or molten gold, exuding intelligence and a calm yet untamed spirit.

4. Aura

   The stags are surrounded by a faint golden glow, often mistaken for sunlight filtering through the leaves. This subtle radiance intensifies at mystical events like the Gilded Veil during the equinox, enhancing their mystical appearance.

Behavior & Habits

Diet

Herbivorous, they primarily graze on mosses, soft grasses, and the golden leaves of the Aurum Oaks, which are believed to imbue them with their luminous characteristics.

Movement

Their movements are fluid and almost otherworldly, as if they glide rather than walk. They are swift and silent, vanishing into the dense foliage before most can catch more than a glimpse.

Temperament

They are gentle but highly cautious creatures. It is said that only those pure of heart or bearing no ill intent can approach them, as they seem to sense the intentions of others.

Mythology & Symbolism

Golden Stags hold a revered place in Keraian culture and mythology, often seen as sacred emissaries of the sun god, Novirath, and protectors of the Goldenleaf Forest.

Golden Stags seems to be deeply connected to the Aurum Oaks, with their diet depending on the golden leaves and mosses that grow on these trees. During the equinox’s Gilded Veil, it is said that the Golden Stags gather under the largest and oldest Aurum Oaks, performing an enigmatic dance around the tree that sustains the forest’s magical equilibrium.

1. Symbol of Blessing

   To see a Golden Stag is considered a profound blessing, and by a many a sign of Novirath's favor. Hunters and travelers often interpret such encounters as omens of good fortune or divine guidance.

2. Guardians of Balance

   According to legend, the Golden Stags serve as protectors of the delicate harmony within the forest, ensuring that no creature or force upsets its balance. They are believed to punish those who exploit or harm the forest excessively, appearing in the moments before calamity strikes.

Golden Stag Newborn

Lifespan

80–120 years, with some individuals rumored to live up to 200 years

Average Height

Adult: 6–7 feet Young: 2–3 feet

Average Weight

Adult: 225–360 kilograms Young: 22–45 kilograms

Average Length

Adult: 8–10 feet from nose to tail. Young: 3–5 feet from nose to tail.

Magical Properties

Golden Stags are surrounded by an air of mystery, and many legends speak of their magical attributes.

Healing Presence

Simply being near a Golden Stag is said to promote healing, both physical and emotional, as if their presence emanates restorative energy. Their presence alone is a beacon of positive energy that repels the undeath.

Antler Shards

While hunting Golden Stags is forbidden and considered sacrilegious, their antlers naturally shed over time. These rare antler shards are said to possess incredible magical properties, including the ability to create daylight.

Golden Tracks

The tracks of a Golden Stag glow faintly for a few minutes after they are made. Those lucky enough to follow them are often led to hidden glades, springs, or treasures within the forest.