Egg:
Egg Description:
This brown egg would look unremarkable, but when it catches the sun, a brilliant band of red appears.
Hatchling:
M:
F:
Hatchling Description:
As amagnae hatchlings go, helias amagnae are fairly easy to care for, being mildly friendly towards their magi if somewhat aloof. Their slightly gangly appearance belies the fact that they are fearsome hunters even at this young age, and any insects, small lizards, and small rodents that cross their path are quickly dispatched. Despite this hunting prowess though, they are not above begging for treats when they suspect their magi has some. Hatchling helias amagnae are fairly drab, their only striking feature being the distinct white stripes across their head before they grow in their adult plumage.
Adult:
M:
F:
Adult Description:
Helias amagnae adults would look rather drab if they didn't find an excuse to pose with their wings and tail open at the drop of a hat, displaying the brilliant eye markings hiding within. They greet each other by displaying their markings at each other as they come and go, which tends to be almost constant considering they congregate in flocks. Magi companions are also greeted this way, though they magnanimously don't expect their magi to greet them back the same way. They also sometimes simply sit still with their wings open, sunning themselves. Notably, they will also display the eyespots when feeling threatened, but in such cases, the markings seem to shine with a strange light, and magi who have accidentally startled a helias amagnae report suddenly being blinded, their vision filled only with sunspots until the amagnae has fled. Interestingly, this ability seems to be solar powered. If a helias amagnae has not sunbathed for too long - a few weeks seemingly being the limit - it cannot use this ability and must rely merely on its stabby beak, sharp horns, and whip-like tail for defense instead.
Creature Description:
Helias amagnae are one of the brighter varieties of amagnae, both literally and metaphorically. Not content to simply hunt for the unfortunate critters that cross their path, helias amagnae adults will often fashion rudimentary lures to attract prey. Despite being rather voracious, they are well-liked for amagnae, helped by the beautiful markings hiding in their wings and tails, and a preference for ignoring humans rather than attacking on sight. They also make for great pest control right before harvest. Helias amagnae like to sun themselves, spreading their wings out for maximum coverage, when they aren't catching their next meal. In the evening, after the sun has just set but the sky isn't fully dark, they briefly seem to glow with faint golden light, and their feathers tend to be mildly warm, like the memory of a gentle sunbeam. In circumstances when they can't sun themselves for many days, they stop glowing and their feathers grow cold, though the helias amagnae itself does not seem to suffer any ill effects.
I'm excited by all these colors!
