Phoenix

Phoenixes, Hyliocons, Firebirds, Chol, the immortal bird, and the symbol of The Magistrate Empire. While the bird has many names, it is a bird that has fascinated mankind since their flesh was forged by the gods. The Phoenix is a rare creature that in some sense never dies, near the end of its natural life cycle the bird will burst into flame, leaving naught but a youthful chick and a pile of ash. While it is unknow the exact cause of this process it allows the species to maintain in almost constant population

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

They are found largely in arid or semi-arid country, but always close to water. Largely nomadic, the species will move to where food and water is available.

Dietary Needs and Habits

A carnivorous bird with tends to focus on small prey animals. They have shown a prefferance for smoked, charred, or burnt meat to raw though and the creatures will live meat to bake on rocks in the sun before eating its kill.

Biological Cycle

The creature lives in a cycle in which it will be born, live, die, and then be reborn again. It is a creature that is in some ways biologically immortal

Additional Information

Domestication

One of the most unique changes in the biology of the Phoenix is the alteration of their lifespan. While most wild have a renewal cycle of two decades many Phoenix's will during this domestic period take on extended lifespans. It has been seen in families that have own such birds for generations that the creature will become linked to one member's, ussally the one it consider's its owner's, natural lifespan. This has made the bird a some what useful creature in determining the remaining years of life.
The Phoenix Emperor and royal family of The Magistrate is one of the most well known example where it is said that the emperor has never been declared dead unless the bird has burned.

Lifespan

20 years per cycle of its life

Conservation Status

While the creature truly dying is extremely rare, The Magistrate works to prevent the hunting of the species and has been known is post rough riders to patrol sanctuaries the birds live in.