The Haiaki

[Avaritia]

Quick Summary

Species Name : Haiaki
Territory : The Haiaki have spread all over the realm of Nillea, adapting in unique ways to any biome they inhabit. The only area they are naturally sparse in is in the Draco Valley, and they are kept out of the city.

The Haiaki are, evidently, a type of hellhound. How they came to exist in Nillea has been lost to the ages, but they have been roaming the lands since the beginning, it seems.

As aforementioned, the Haiaki adapt in unique ways to the land they dwell in. This effect can range from simpler changes, such as developing strange fur colour to efficiently camouflage, to more advanced changes, like growing webbed feet. However, regardless of whatever changes they take on, their most striking feature is surely their brilliant manes, which have been compared to the fires of Hell itself.

Long ago, the scars the Haiaki almost always bear on their shoulders puzzled the ancient peoples of Nillea, thought to be scars from battles. But the scars all, more or less, looked the same and were located in the same place. More recently, it was found the scars indicated where their wings would sprout from, if they were ever drawn forth. Generally the wings are kept in so that the Haiaki may be more streamline, allowing them to run up to 40 mph. When they do bring out their wings, they can fly a moderately high distance, but they aren't able to keep in constant flight; they can only glide.

With their speed, stamina, intelligence and ability to fly a certain ways, the Haiaki are truly a force to be reckoned with. They are very territorial, and generally will attack any one who ventures onto their land.

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Haiaki. Even the word itself brings about connotations of one of the most ruthless and powerful hunters in all of Nillea. These beasts are easily one of the most recognizable icons of power and darkness in the world, and due to this fact, little solid information has been provided until now. With our science department being funded by Iracundus of the Monarchy, recent advances in the study of this animal and its actual nature have finally come forth.

Perhaps one of the more complexing issues of the Haiaki is its name. Recent studies into ancient civilization do indeed prove that this word is descended from cultures long ago. Haiaki is a word that comes from the Children of Sojourn, a people that existed thousands of years ago on the Western Border of Nillea. Finally being able to translate some of their texts, we have learned that haiaki as a word almost definitely comes from them. When translated, it roughly equates to "the Infernal Canine." This nomenclature is extremely accurate to its legendary reputation.

Ancient texts recovered from various ruins in Nillea both fear and respect the vicious and cunning pack hunter. Its mane is especially focused upon in these writings, as an excerpt from the Rise of Gorfaria indicates:

"And the entire pack, in rage, completely and avariciously devoured my brothers. Warriors reduced to ribbons, the beasts were truly the the hellfires themselves."

The pigmentation of the mane is one of the most recognizable features of the Haiaki. In the night, its reflection calls to mind demons arriving to march sinful souls into hell. This unabashed fear lead to lack of solid information on the animal for a great many centuries. While the common pigmentation suggests that they are hellions, many recently discovered Haiaki eschew this theory, with manes of greater color variation than originally thought, especially in forested areas, where they may even be colored green of foliage. Fur color itself though, has already been known for its wild variations.

The great genetic variation of these animals has brought about a new naming system for them. While originally all known simply as "Haiaki", only the common one will be known as such. Breeds of this beast hailing from the tundra will be referred to as Fouhaiaki, or Infernal Hound of the Frost, Jouhaiaki or Infernal Hound of the Dune. These names come from the recent popularity in translating ancient Sojourn texts.

All species, however, share common traits. Their horns, called Haiakorfa, or the Infernal Blades. These horns continue growing into maturity, as noticed by Iracundus, a noted Haiaki enthusiast. In the wild, these horns are trimmed by playful duels between Haiaki, or actual fighting for supremacy. Aged Haiaki can have horns twisted far beyond any imagination, further adding to their already frightening silhouette. These beasts also have noticeable slits on their back, in which leathery wings hide. These are often used as a last resort escape maneuver, which is hardly ever used by this proud and energetic hunter.

All Haiaki, save for the Haiakinithil (Infernal Hound of the Sky King) are incredibly fast runners, reaching around forty miles per hour during their best hunts.

Haiaki are viciously territorial, but in addition, they will kill for recreation. It is advised not to ever encounter these beasts, and this book at this time can not provide any survival techniques. It takes incredible skill, and most of the time, a measure of luck to survive their onslaught.

-Iracundus

NEXT: HAIAKI AS PETS?