Seraphelines
Dec 23, 2017 14:26:54 GMT -5
Post by lish on Dec 23, 2017 14:26:54 GMT -5
Seraphelines
General Info
Singular: Serapheline
Plural: Seraphelines
Group: Parade of Seraphelines
An offshoot branch of evolution on the seraphelines of somewhere-else, these big cats are generally some mimicry or amalgamation of the terran felidae family. Their colors aren't always natural, but their markings don't tend to stray out of a feline configuration. Seraphelines have very long upper canines, which generally poke out of their mouth, and sometimes can resemble a smilodon's in length. They stand anywhere between three and five feet at the shoulder, and some can have a wingspan that seems impossibly long; a product of their large size. The wings that sprout from just behind their shoulders indicate rank within the species, with the more powerful types denoting a higher rank. All seraphelines have a jewel of varying cuts and sizes set in the center of their forehead, but the color and type don't seem to make much of a difference to them. They can be quite finicky about their jewel, however, accessorizing according to its color and even going so far as to have their fur dyed to match if they can find somebody who'll do it.
Seraphelines are not air-headed, exactly, but they also have different priorities than their bonds tend to. They appreciate flashy things like most birds, and don't seem to be able to resist things that are shiny or glittery; they can be embarrassingly side-tracked. Certainly, they're intelligent, capable of both civil conversations and all markers of something smart enough to give you a run for your money. They also would have to consider selling your house for a pile of gems. Just on principal. The larger and more powerful the serapheline, the more bargaining power seems to go along – they're not so advanced as to not hold fast to a 'I'm bigger than you' haggling style.
Mating Info:
Like their avian counterparts, seraphelines have an intense love of flashy things. When it comes time for cubs, a female will meticulously consider her suitors. She won't lead any sort of chase, but she might host a competition of another sort. Dancing. Building. Singing. Dancing and building while singing. The male who most impresses her with both his general self and his skills will typically win her affection. Some female seraphelines form long bonds with their mates, but some insist on a new competition every time, always searching for something flashier, better, faster. Within a parade, the older females will generally bear cubs in groups, giving their cubs a larger class of fellows to grow up with. Each female will bear between two and five cubs, with larger females bringing along more.
Bonding Info:
Weaned in their third or so month of life, a group of similarly-aged serapheline cubs who desire bonds with a person will be ushered into a grand event. The parents will organize the event – there doesn't seem to be a common theme in them, except extravagance. No expense or shiny thing can be spared in the sending-off party for their young. And much like their courtship rituals, if a person wants to earn the interest of the cubs, they had better come prepared in some way. Not only will the parents often outright reject somebody not appropriately flashy or bearing shiny things, the cubs are generally still very...well, young. Easily distracted. Unless the parents wait until closer to their first birthday, they can rarely even form full sentences when they decide on their bond. They're pretty dependent on their bonded, for a while, for food and companionship as well as the essential accessories and shiny things. You know. The important stuff.
Ranks:
Aetos (Eagle)
Kings and queens of the roost, aetos seraphelines are typically the bearers of some of the most impressive wings: an eagle's. Although generally larger-boned to compensate for the bulk of their wings, there are exceptions. Whether bulky or not, though, this rank has a natural air of command about it that's hard to ignore. In the air, an aetos is hard to beat for staying power, far outpaces an almpatros for dexterity, and can fly for a considerable length of time before it has to return to the ground.
3 PSP
Glafx (Owl)
Although varying greatly in size – some glafx are quite small, some massive – the most notable thing about these variable shinies is how very un-notable they are. In fact, if a glafx is flying, it's likely that you won't notice it until they've landed next to you. Or on top of you, if you're very unlucky. Their flight is nearly silent, whether over short distances or vast. Even their fur seems to muffle their movement in the air, tending towards either very plush or luxuriously silky.
3 PSP
Almpatros (Albatross)
The most cumbersome, but also the serapheline with the most aerial staying power, the almpatros is a sight to be seen in the air. Their wings stretch out massively, thinner than other seraphelines and longer even than the powerful aetos. Almpatros frequently have the same gravitas, or even occasionally an otherworldly kind of nature. They vary in build, but their coat tends to be thick, decent protection from the cold air high in the skies. Airborne, they aren't as nimble as some, and they can fly greater distances than almost any other.
2 PSP
Psittakos (Parrot)
Swift and precise in flight, psittakos seem to have an advantage over other seraphelines in flashiness and occasionally aerial prowess. They are both nimble and powerful fliers, impressively deft. Though they can be occasionally obnoxious, as loud as their typically-bright coloring, their nature doesn't detract from their abilities. Their wings are long and angular, ending in a sharp point that allows them dexterity that's unmatched among the rare and uncommon seraphelines.
2 PSP
Koraki (Raven)
Graceful in a way that few seraphelines can match, koraki have an almost bouncy flight pattern on their long, elegant wings. Typically bulky, one might not think they could be as swift on the wing as they are, but it would be a mistake to think that way. They can cover great distances patiently, in the air, seeming to know naturally how to handle their flight conservatively. Certainly, they might not be as powerful as the more aggressively powerful ranks, but don't underestimate a koraki!
1 PSP
Alektor (Chicken)
Ah, alektor. Seraphelines are meant for flight. It's their purpose, their birthright. Alektor? Well, they aren't so great with the whole idea. Their wings are short and blunt, with wide feathers not quite suited to carrying their considerable mass into the air. Whether because they tend towards a hefty build, simple laziness, or the very flight-inappropriateness of their wings, it's rare to see an alektor flying very far. They can get from ledge to ledge, though, and isn't that enough?
1 PSP
Chelidoni (Swallow)
Generally lean and thrifty in build, a chelidoni seems to be made for flight. Their wings are very, very long, and their flight pattern is very, very fast. Warring with psittakos for most maneuverable in flight, a chelidoni has a swift, precise way of moving that's hard to match. They don't tend to carry much excess muscle or fat, or even fur. Perhaps even more so than ierakas, the chelidoni is built for the hunt: it's not uncommon to see them pluck some poor bird right out of the air.
1 PSP
Kolimpri (Hummingbird)
With a smaller build than almost all seraphelines, the kolimpri might seem like it would have a hard time keeping up, but the assumption would be quite wrong. With dogged determination, the little serapheline with little wings and a typically delicate build will find a way to hold its own. They might not be terribly much better at long flight than the alektor, but they are fast! They're even faster than their long-winged counterparts, by a fair amount, in a short contest.
1 PSP
things: I used google translate for the greek in the rank names 8D RIP. so if you happen to know greek, if I'm using a euphemism somewhere here or something...y'know, feel free to say so.
I couldn't find the original seraphs descs, and don't care too much anyways about that, the basics are here. and a chicken rank. appreciate that with me.
and uh, tell me if I messed anything up egregiously...?
things: I used google translate for the greek in the rank names 8D RIP. so if you happen to know greek, if I'm using a euphemism somewhere here or something...y'know, feel free to say so.
I couldn't find the original seraphs descs, and don't care too much anyways about that, the basics are here. and a chicken rank. appreciate that with me.
and uh, tell me if I messed anything up egregiously...?