Greater Hawk Moth
Even in his earliest years, the Greater Hawk Moth enthralled the young mind of Lancelot Puff. Long after his mother had tucked him and his brother Daedelus to bed, reading them another of the old stories from her book of tales, he would sit by the window and watch the quiet dance of night insects unfold. But none of them called to him as the Greater Hawk Moth did. It wasn't the size, nor was it the dramatic shape and contours of the wings that captured his attention. It was the way that they reacted to sources of light. The way they would seek it out, regardless of the size or intensity, and jealously guard it against anything else, be it moth or bat or fly. This nature, this fervent goal, inspired him throughout his childhood and continues to inspire him today. This is why the Greater Hawk Moth has become the symbol of the Moth's Watch and the power that its ranks hold.
At a wingspan stretching up to a foot and a half, the Greater Hawk Moth appears as a giant compared to any of its Planetary relations, though is still dwarfed by the starstriking Lunar Rock Moth. Regardless of the size difference, the Greater Hawk Moth still shares the same penchant to seek out lights as other moths do and will guide other Greater Hawk Moths to a newly discovered torch or lantern. However, they do not share their treasure, quickly ganging up against any other creature that attempts to share their bounty in an attempt to scare them away. Though it is unknown as to why the Greater Hawk Moth does this, it is a habit observable almost every night under the towering shadow of Ley-Lhoris.
Lancelot Puff, founder and leader of the Defenders of the Rest and its advanced rank of soldiers, the Moth's Watch, uses the Greater Hawk Moth as a symbol of great power and courage. In his eyes, the creatures symbolise the desire to always seek light, no matter how bright or dim, and to fiercely defend it, with your life if it comes to it. These are the values he teaches the Moth's Watch, hoping that if a time of darkness ever comes, his soldiers will be able to stand against it and find the light. The Greater Hawk Moth can be seen on the Moth's Watch uniform in two places, first as a steel crest placed over the wearer's heart, and second as the cross-guard of their sword. Lance himself wields a custom-made spear that bears the Greater Hawk Moth just below the spear tip, with wings sharpened and enchanted, allowing him to use them in battle as well as cause them to glow brightly in the darkness.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Greater Hawk Moth looks incredibly similar to the Poplar Hawk Moth, though enlarged by several times. The Greater Hawk Moth also features a number of golden-yellow stripes across its wings, often seen glinting in the gentle light of a torch or fire.
Ecology and Habitats
The Greater Hawk Moth is only known to live on the surface of the Planet, with none having been reported so far on Layman's Belt. Regardless of this, the Greater Hawk Moth still exists as a symbol of power and of bravery for many who live on the Belt.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Most Greater Hawk Moths are found living near the great Elven Spires Ley-Lhoris, Ley-Lhyandir and Ley-Lefyr.
Lifespan
Between 1 and 2 weeks
Average Height
10 inches
Average Length
16 inch wingspan
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
The Greater Hawk Moth is typically a bark-brown colour with golden lines running along its wings.
Geographic Distribution
