Phoenix

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Though "phoenix" is the common human term for these magical firemagic-wielding birds of prey, they are a sufficiently intelligent and advanced species to have developed their own language and named themselves. The phoenixes refer to themselves as flame'shikrim -- literally, fire creatures.
The Flame'shikrim are recognized as one of the nine wielding races of Allentria, and have been given representation in the Council of Nine. Their current Council representative is G'shidrian de-Tagri'thai, Heart of the Flame'shikrim.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Flame'shikrim are firemagic wielders, and though their feathers do not actively burn with eternal flame, as many legends claim they do, they are able to ignite their entire bodies as a defense mechanism (which is undoubtedly what gave rise to the original myth).
Flame'shikrim are immune to most firemagic, and may comfortably rest in temperatures of up to 500 degrees Celcius. Beyond that they may experience discomfort, and their melting point, wherein they would begin to burn like a normal flesh-and-blood creature, is at approximately 1000 degrees Celcius. However, Flame'shikrim cannot die from flame; they will be reduced to ash and a life-egg, which lies latent in every Flame'shikrim body regardless of bioligical sex. This egg is quickened by the burning body around it, and once the heat has abated the Flame'shikrim is reborn from its life-egg.
Though Flame'shikrim may live naturally for about 500 years, this rebirth is a way for them to choose to live longer. Near the end of their life cycles, Flame'shikrim may elect to dive into volcanoes and burn themselves alive, turning to ash and revealing their life-egg. They willl then be reborn as a hatchling, though they will retain the sentience from their previous life. In theory, then, a Flame'shikrim may well choose life for eternity, and achieve a sort of pseudo-immortality.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Native to the Fironem, though they may travel out-of-state, and some have even made homes in Noryk.

Average Intelligence

Comparable to human intelligence

Scientific Name

Firavae shivnes

Lifespan

500 years

Average Height

1.2 - 3 meters

Average Weight

4.5 - 10 kg

Average Length

3 - 9 meters