October Monthly DPs: Ceras & Polyceras
Posted: September 15th, 2015, 12:14:46 am
I wonder what we'll get! Halloween is this month... I'd like something that fits that or the season. Something unique or obscure--nothing cliché, I hope. 
#617: Ceras (3-shard)
This egg has four horns poking out of its shell.
(no dimorphism)
Ceras lambs are solid black for the first few months of their lives, which affords them the perfect camouflage in the night. When not sleeping, they stick close to their mothers; although their aggression is already apparent at this young age, they're still small enough to fall easy prey to eagles and other large predators. They are also quite nimble even among the craggiest regions of the Alasre range and some of their favorite games involve races up steep cliffs.
(no dimorphism)
Stubborn to the core, ceras sheep are unlikely to do what they're asked; rather, they seem to enjoy doing the opposite. Ceras are rare companions even among magi. It takes daily attention to earn one's trust, something most magi can't devote themselves to, and their appearance unnerves many. In ancient times, though, ceras sheep were quite common, especially among self-proclaimed fortunetellers who claimed to be able to read the fluctuating red patterns in their wool - much like the even older practices of reading oracle bones, cards, or crystal balls. Over time this fell out of favor, and the sheep became scarce as owners released them, having no more reason to keep such an aggressive creature around. Among more superstitious communites the sighting of a ceras sheep is held to mean impending tragedy; is it only mere coincidence that they appear most often before a tragedy, or something more?
General:
Wild and nocturnal, ceras are fiercely independent, only occasionally forming flocks. These sheep native to the Alasre mountains outsize most common sheep and have thicker, wirier wool; even if they allowed themselves to be sheared, it would be too rough to use. They may grow up to four horns, an unusual trait among sheep. Also unlike other sheep, both ewes and rams are highly aggressive and more than willing to charge a threat. They have relatively little magical ability but are capable of using a few weak offensive spells, usually of wind or fire elemental origin. Bones of ceras sheep are an important ingredient in some rare potions as well; it is said that the skull and horns ground into a fine powder greatly increase one's physical strength. Dark magi find ceras particularly delightful and are more likely to devote all the time necessary to earn one's trust.
#618: Polyceras (5-shard)
Six horns poke through the shell of this egg.
(no dimorphism)
Polyceras lambs are naive, willingly wandering away from their mothers to investigate most anything. This typically is not a concern for the flock, as these lambs are quite speedy and can outrun many predators. Nevertheless, if something frightens them they will flee back to the protection of the flock, which will form a defensive circle around them. These lambs especially enjoy games of hide-and-seek - annoying to many parents and magi companions alike.
(no dimorphism)
Despite an unnerving appearance, polyceras have remained popular companions through the ages due to their pleasant disposition. They are eager to please their owners and can even be taught simple commands. The red patterns on their wool fluctuate and in many cases indicate the sheep's mood - more red in the wool means an unhappy sheep. In ancient times this was exploited by fortunetellers looking to make some quick gold by tricking others into thinking the patterns told fortunes, much like crystal ball readings. Among the superstitious it is believed that the sight of one of these creatures signals good fortune. They are most commonly seen in winter, when they travel down from their summer homes high in the Alasres.
General:
Polyceras sheep find great comfort and safety in their flocks, which are usually led by the largest ram. These creatures hail from the Silva forest, where the soft grasses and leaf litter silence their footsteps. Larger than most sheep and more difficult to care for, polyceras are nonetheless popular companions. They always possess six horns, a trait unusual among sheep. Both ewes and rams are relatively docile and both share parental responsibilities. Polyceras rarely attack anything, preferring to flee as soon as they can unless cornered. They have little magical ability, but occasionally have been known to cast weak defensive spells of water or earth elemental origin. Bones, typically horns, are thought to be powerful additives in defensive potions. Earth magi are most likely to befriend a polyceras.
Sprite art: Tekla | Description: Tekla
#617: Ceras (3-shard)
This egg has four horns poking out of its shell.
(no dimorphism)Ceras lambs are solid black for the first few months of their lives, which affords them the perfect camouflage in the night. When not sleeping, they stick close to their mothers; although their aggression is already apparent at this young age, they're still small enough to fall easy prey to eagles and other large predators. They are also quite nimble even among the craggiest regions of the Alasre range and some of their favorite games involve races up steep cliffs.
(no dimorphism)Stubborn to the core, ceras sheep are unlikely to do what they're asked; rather, they seem to enjoy doing the opposite. Ceras are rare companions even among magi. It takes daily attention to earn one's trust, something most magi can't devote themselves to, and their appearance unnerves many. In ancient times, though, ceras sheep were quite common, especially among self-proclaimed fortunetellers who claimed to be able to read the fluctuating red patterns in their wool - much like the even older practices of reading oracle bones, cards, or crystal balls. Over time this fell out of favor, and the sheep became scarce as owners released them, having no more reason to keep such an aggressive creature around. Among more superstitious communites the sighting of a ceras sheep is held to mean impending tragedy; is it only mere coincidence that they appear most often before a tragedy, or something more?
General:
Wild and nocturnal, ceras are fiercely independent, only occasionally forming flocks. These sheep native to the Alasre mountains outsize most common sheep and have thicker, wirier wool; even if they allowed themselves to be sheared, it would be too rough to use. They may grow up to four horns, an unusual trait among sheep. Also unlike other sheep, both ewes and rams are highly aggressive and more than willing to charge a threat. They have relatively little magical ability but are capable of using a few weak offensive spells, usually of wind or fire elemental origin. Bones of ceras sheep are an important ingredient in some rare potions as well; it is said that the skull and horns ground into a fine powder greatly increase one's physical strength. Dark magi find ceras particularly delightful and are more likely to devote all the time necessary to earn one's trust.
#618: Polyceras (5-shard)
Six horns poke through the shell of this egg.
(no dimorphism)Polyceras lambs are naive, willingly wandering away from their mothers to investigate most anything. This typically is not a concern for the flock, as these lambs are quite speedy and can outrun many predators. Nevertheless, if something frightens them they will flee back to the protection of the flock, which will form a defensive circle around them. These lambs especially enjoy games of hide-and-seek - annoying to many parents and magi companions alike.
(no dimorphism)Despite an unnerving appearance, polyceras have remained popular companions through the ages due to their pleasant disposition. They are eager to please their owners and can even be taught simple commands. The red patterns on their wool fluctuate and in many cases indicate the sheep's mood - more red in the wool means an unhappy sheep. In ancient times this was exploited by fortunetellers looking to make some quick gold by tricking others into thinking the patterns told fortunes, much like crystal ball readings. Among the superstitious it is believed that the sight of one of these creatures signals good fortune. They are most commonly seen in winter, when they travel down from their summer homes high in the Alasres.
General:
Polyceras sheep find great comfort and safety in their flocks, which are usually led by the largest ram. These creatures hail from the Silva forest, where the soft grasses and leaf litter silence their footsteps. Larger than most sheep and more difficult to care for, polyceras are nonetheless popular companions. They always possess six horns, a trait unusual among sheep. Both ewes and rams are relatively docile and both share parental responsibilities. Polyceras rarely attack anything, preferring to flee as soon as they can unless cornered. They have little magical ability, but occasionally have been known to cast weak defensive spells of water or earth elemental origin. Bones, typically horns, are thought to be powerful additives in defensive potions. Earth magi are most likely to befriend a polyceras.
Sprite art: Tekla | Description: Tekla
