Phoenixes

Phoenixes are stunning, fireproof eagles endemic to the southwest of Eren that have the marvelous capability to spontaneously ignite themselves. Fearsome birds of prey, phoenixes mate for life and the pair share a hunting territory several square kilometers in range.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Phoenix-Fire

Their grey-and-ochre plumage is fireproof, but when their outer integument becomes too weatherworn, they employ a basic mechanism to go from fireproof to combusting: secreted oil. The bird secretes a highly flammable natural body oil which coats the old feathers and seeps into the roots, giving it a ragged "old" appearance. At a certain point the coating is enough that a spark of internally-combusted methane will set the whole bird blazing, and the roots of the old feathers burn away. The old feathers fall out, and the brand new feathers (which were underneath the old ones) take their place. This gives the illusion of the bird becoming younger. Phoenixes also ignite themselves to impress mates and as a defense against their few natural predators. In mating season, male phoenixes sport brilliant scarlet and gold colors to impress females, with whom they mate for life.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Phoenixes are found primarily in the Spires and the western foothills of the Southern Range, though there is a subspecies indigenous to Hiaal in the Thalassaterrian archipelago.

Scientific Name

Harpia ignem

Origin/Ancestry

Harpia harpyja

Average Weight

6 kilograms

Average Length

1 meter

Average wingspan

2 meters