Karin Croy

The Phoenix is breathtaking to say the least. Its large size only enhances its beauty, as it soars and dives in the sky. Its feathers are composed entirely of fire; its tail feathers orange and deep yellow, and its body mostly dark orange, red and crimson. Other then the feathers of fire, the Phoenix has other defining features. The huge talons are razor sharp and could easily skewer several men. They are quite comparable to the front legs of the Griffon, only they are in the more traditional place of birds. The talons themselves are about a half-foot long, three curved claws in front, and one larger jagged claw in the back. Another defining feature of the Bird of Flames is its head. The long and slender beak looks very traditional to most large birds, but its eyes are a much different story. They are deep set and shine of an intelligence that is undeniable, which is truly remarkable. There is no doubt that the majestic beast has hidden origins, an even more mysterious present, and a shrouded future.

The Phoenix, despite its undeniable beauty, has a host of extraordinary abilities that make even the strongest of skeptics take note. The first and most obvious is its ability to control the amount of heat its own fiery body gives off. It can singe your sword to your face at great distances, or allow you to pet its great feathers without so much as heat blister! As a branch of this ability, the Phoenix can also propel huge streams of fire by bringing the large wings together.

Another maybe less known ability of the Bird of Flames is its shrilling call. The Phoenix can shriek to the point that anything around it is brought to tears and can't hear clearly of days, or even weeks.

Lastly, the most amazing ability, is more of a myth then fact. This is because no one has ever seen a Phoenix die. The tale goes that when this wondrous bird comes to death, it turns to ash. The ash then ignites in golden fire, and the Phoenix is revived in its own sacred fire. To this end, the Phoenix is an immortal, never really dying, just reviving from its own remains. While this belief is widely held, no really evidence has been brought forward to prove the claim of immortality.