Pegakyrns and Cozikyrns
Pegakyrns are intelligent and emotional creatures, known for their wanderlust and desire for adventure. Wild herds can most often be found wondering among the treacherous, mist-covered mountain peaks of Etherheim, bordering on the edge of the sky ocean where the magic is almost too dense to breathe.
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Though they are often the first choice of mount for the equally adventurous sipper race, taming one can prove to be quite an ordeal. They often have high standards, and one must prove themselves worthy before being allowed on their back. Once forged, the bond between rider and mount is steadfast, so much so that the image of the two mid-flight has often been used to symbolize unshakable loyalty in art and literature over the ages.
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The pegakyrn is visually similar in many ways to the equines (horses, zebras, donkeys, etc) of our own world, but upon close inspection, are noticeably covered in feathers and proto-feathers instead of hair, although some may have feathers so thin that they look virtually identical. This plumage may come in a wider variety of color and pattern than those seen on horses, but some can still have the same natural look to them.
Some features unique to them are their capability of growing fangs, a singular horn on their brow, and feathered ears that are sometimes replaced by a third set of wings!
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What really sets them apart are the four large wings growing from where, on earth, we would normally see hooved limbs. Although pegakyrns are capable of shapeshifting their wings into horse-like legs, they always have some sort of wing-like or feathery extension sprouting from them, with the exact style differing between individuals.
Feather styles can be mixed and matched as well (like having Icarus style on the front legs, but cupid style on the back ones). |
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Legend says the pegakyrns saw that the harmless, defenseless cozikyrns were being hunted without any way of protecting themselves. They pitied them and wanted to help, but the cozikyrns were reluctant to accept. They knew that their humble lives would not satisfy the pegakyrn's thirst for adventure, and didn't want to be a burden. After some thought, the pegakyrns returned, pretending to be frustrated so that the cozikyrns, concerned about their new friends, would ask what was wrong. "Our children are not strong enough to bring with us on our travels anymore," they said, "so would you look after them while we are away?" The cozikyrns eagerly agreed, happy for the opportunity to help, oblivious to the magical strength all pegakyrns possess, even as children. The cozikyrns would provide shelter and companionship to their children, yes, but their children would also provide protection for their friends, who had otherwise been too kind to accept help.
At this young age, pegakyrns mimic the look of cozikyrns so closely that there's only one way to tell the difference! In fact, one of the cozikyrns on this page was actually a baby pegakyrn in disguise, can you tell which one it was?
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