The Loristal: Codex Enexia Entry - The Rakior

From the bestiary of famed explorer and naturalist, Cal Dunathin.

Rakior (Chimerocornus Robustus)

Physical Description: The Rakior is a formidable beast, easily distinguishable by its massive keratinous dorsal plates that cascade down its back, evoking the image of jagged mountain ranges. Their primary coloration is a mix of earthen tones, with patterns of blues that shimmer like gemstones in sunlight. Dominating the creature's visage is a prominent, curved horn with a peculiar purple hue at its base. The six eyes of a Rakior glow bright red when threatened or angered.

Size: Adult Rakiors typically measure between 15 to 20 feet in height at the shoulder and can be as long as 30 feet from snout to tail tip.

Habitat: Rakiors are said to inhabit expansive, untouched wildernesses, with a preference for rocky terrains that echo their dorsal plate structures. They are often depicted in valleys or near mountainous regions where flora is abundant. (Northern and Eastern El'noria, Gallied Valley)

Diet: This creature, according to lore, is herbivorous, with a diet consisting primarily of high-nutrient flora. Their ingestion of herbs with unique properties is believed to contribute to their unique coloration and the mystical powers attributed to their horns.

Behavior: Rakiors are solitary creatures, known for their territorial instincts. They communicate through deep, resonant bellows that can be heard for miles. When threatened, they display impressive agility for their size, charging at intruders with their horn positioned to strike.

Reproduction: Little is known about the reproductive habits of the Rakior, as they are rarely sighted in pairs. However, it is suggested that they come together only during certain alignments of celestial bodies, which is a rare occurrence in the mythological timelines where they exist.

Cultural Significance: In many cultures within the fantasy realms, Rakior are revered as guardians of the earth, symbols of unyielding strength and endurance. Their horns are often sought after in tales for their purported alchemical and magical properties, capable of curing ailments and neutralizing poisons.

Trivia:

• It's believed that the soil where a Rakior has rested becomes exceptionally fertile.

• Legends speak of a Rakior's lifespan as being tied to the land itself, living for centuries or until the region they protect ceases to exist.

• A Rakior's roar is said to cause ripples in the water and shake the leaves off trees, signifying its deep connection to the natural world.

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References:

• Mythos and Monsters: The Encyclopedia of Legendary Beasts, by A. Fantasist

• The Herbal Horn: Alchemical Properties of Mythical Creatures, by M. Alchemon

• Guardians of the Wilds: Ricorns and Other Protectors of Nature, by E. Earthschild