Appearance

Driare are considered one of the most varied creatures to grace Antarsia. All of them come in various shapes and sizes. They are known to adapt to their surroundings and habitats, causing the distinct differences between these creatures. Driares staying with angels have been known to adapt to their respective houses similarly to the Kirkastas and Helvates with the demon houses. The wild herds have more similar traits to one another due to being together for generations.

Ryein: These driare are darker in colors compared to their Exiier counterparts. Pelts normally remain dark with accent colors that are either just as dark as themselves or as bright as the sun. They are considered the more diverse herd due to their tendencies to look almost like an Exiier or a nightmare. They tend to have an affinity for a specific element. They will decorate themselves with an item that has a pure form of the element whether it be a necklace with swirling air around it to piercings that constantly burn but do not hurt the driare.

The Champion has the most noticeable item attached to them to not mistake what element they are closely affiliated with. They are generally the largest of the herd, being built to take a hit. Their hooves also have some part of their element constantly floating around them or emerging from them.

Exiier: They have lighter colors throughout their bodies. They embody nature in the way their manes flow to how they walk. Even darker pelted Exiier often look gracefully beautiful. Most are known for having a set of horns to show themselves off with or another additional mutation. Beauty is considered of high importance in the herd. They take great care in how they are presented. Exiier have a love of nature and often will adorn themselves in feathers, jewelry, and other organic matter to separate themselves from one another. Gold is a common metal most use to to distinguish themselves though higher ranking Exiier will have more gold prominent.

The Champion is seen as the strongest and most beautiful of the herd. They have braids in their mane and tail to signify the battles they have won. Some do not wish to have their entire mane and tail, so they will place objects such as gems to also keep tally; using gold bands.

Abilities

Driare abilities range from each driare and often overlap despite different herds. All are able to use magic to some extent whether it be a complete master or learning basic commands for multiple types. Elements, flight, telekinesis, and more are often associated with driares. While one herd may be naturally gifted in a certain type, all driare have the same chance to inherit a magical trait.

Ryein: They have an affinity for using elemental magic. The generally are masters at one element, but can use the others. They can only master one element with other elements being weaker.

The Champion is built like a tank. They are able to take multiple hits and still be able to continue fighting. The Champion can have complete control of up to two types of magic. It is said that Nialle chooses the next champion by gifting the Champion the ability to create small illusions; similarly to kitsune. This is used best to create a duplicate of themselves in battle. The illusions have a strong toll on the Champion; thus the more illusions created, the weaker the Champion. Typically they can only create one other version of themselves, maybe two for a extremely strong Champion though it is easier to spot the fake.

Exiier: They are known for healing magic being their specialty; sometimes light magic. They are experts at healing, some even knowing how to heal nearly fatal wounds, though at a great cost to them physically and mentally.

The Champion glows with energy surrounding it. Malina as a gift to the Driare chooses the next champion by having the ability to camouflage with its surroundings and be able to communicate with the trees. The Champion also excels at light magic and healing magic. Due to the Champion’s advance healing, their bodies heal at an extremely fast rate, able to be brought back from near death unusually fast.

History

It is believed that the first driares came from the combined magic of Nialle and Malina. The elves had been using domestic horses in order to ride around and carry cargo to and fro. However, they started to notice that the horses could not make certain excursions or died too easily. Upset with how quickly these vital creatures were to their lives, they prayed to Malina and the Sacred Tree to bring them better animals. They made offerings to her and even sought out other gods to try and help them.

A few of the kitsunes overheard the elves praying to their gods about their concerns and were curious as to their request. They asked the elves about their request and found their need for better animals to help in their day to day lives. Thus, the kitsunes prayed to their gods as well to listen to the elves’ request.

Nialle, while initially opposed to the idea, reconsidered once her own creations desired the same. The godess sought out Malina to discuss what they should do. Malina, having a love of the creatures as it was wished to bring her elves their request but did not have the magic needed. Malina was elated Nialle was interested in this. Using her magic and the spirit of the forest, the Driares were born. Malina and Nialle shaped the animals to adapt to their location, creating versatile creatures. Some grew wings while others were more powerful to climb mountains. Each driare was unique. Nialle blessed with with the ability to use magic while Malina blessed them with speak.

Other gods looked to the creatures that Nialle and Malina had created. A few took them to adapt the creatures for their own species’ needs. Since then, the species has grown to become unique in both looks and abilities with no two ever appearing the same as another; even twins.