The Mertessan Seraph
The Mertessan Seraph is a majestic creature that can be found within local wetlands and forests, hunting insects and rodents. It is best described as a chimeric mix of peafowl and wildcat, with iridescent plummage that shifts to adapt to its environment. The chimera is said to embody grace, elegance, and wisdom.
It is has come to represent the Mertessan Merchant Family Fiorano Del Vecchio of Belmarra. To the familia, the seraph represents prosperity, abundance, and financial success. It is seen as a symbol of the merchant family's economic prowess and their ability to navigate the complex web of trade and commerce. As both their symbol and guardian of the merchant family's interests it is believed that the seraph wards off ill fortune. Folklore and prophecies supposedly link the sighting of a Mertessian Seraph with upcoming prosperity and great wealth for the family and it is said that the Seraph's presence during significant business ventures ensures a favourable outcome, resulting in their bringing it with them to most places. The emblem is proudly displayed in the family's trade caravans, warehouses, and opulent residences, signifying their connection to the creature and the power it represents.
According to folklore, the ability to tame the Mertessan Seraph was gifted to the founding ancestor of the Fiorano Del Vecchio family by celestial beings as a token of divine favor and protection.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Mertessan Seraph is a feline chimera whose fur has adopted superficial characteristics of the peafowl. Its undercoat is most commonly black or dark brown with the tip having a structure that, when the follicle is flexed in specific ways, will produce different colouring effects in the scarlet to violet spectrum. Small fletches of feathers grow around the neck and tail of the chimera.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Mertessan Seraph is a solitary and pack predator, primarily carnivorous and insectivorous. Primarily the chimera eats insects while out hunting to build energy, bringing larger prey, such as fish, snakes, and rodents back to the family unit.
When stalking, the seraph alternates waves of colour across its body to simulate shadows and wind through foliage. This creates a camouflage that hides it from both predator and prey. Once it has found its prey, the chimera utilises its fletches of feathers to create hypnotic patterns that disorient and attract them towards the mertessan seraph. When the prey is close enough, it pounces, killing the victim quickly.
Additional Information
Social Structure
The chimera is a highly social creature, preferring to habitat in small family units of four to five adults. They are documented for caring for their sick and old, as well as adjusting their territory on what can be sustained.
Domestication
Attempts of domestication are not infrequent, due to the beauty and rarity of chimera, but these have rarely been successful, usually resulting in significant injury to the humanoid, committed by the family unit. The exception to this is the mertessan trade family, Fiorano Del Vecchio.
The seraph's presence is said to embody wisdom, strategic thinking, and sharp business acumen. It is believed to guide its master in making astute decisions, foreseeing market trends, and seizing profitable opportunities.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Mertessan Seraph is found, suitably, in the woods and wetlands of Mertessa, specifically in the Belmarra region. Small communities have been spotted in the surrounding regions, but the open plains and hills surrounding Belmarra have made it difficult for the chimera to move away.
Average Intelligence
The Mertessan Seraph is a highly intelligent animal, capable of complex training and is thought to have the intelligence of a small child.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The chimera has two large triangular ears at the top of its head that point forward giving it keen hearing front facing and assisting in locating prey. Its eyes are slightly larger than average for a feline their size and offer keen sight in the foliage of their hunting grounds.
Lifespan
10-20 years
Geographic Distribution
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