The kingdom of Soldonia is filled with magical breeds of horses known as solborn. Stronger and capable of far more than common horses, tolf, solborn are the strength and pride and heart of Soldonia. It’s a rugged country inhabited by a rugged people who spend more time in the saddle than out. Their strength rests not in cities or fortresses but in the mysterious bond – the sol-breath – that exists between rider and steed.
(Note: the following illustrations were created by Meg Merry @captain_nutmeg exclusively for the world of The Fireborn Epic and may not be used without permission)
Fireborn: “Dragon Horses”
Swift, hot-blooded and fierce, these horses are capable of breathing forth streams of fire, and their manes and tails catch alight when they are agitated. Sparks drip from their manes and their hooves leave singed hoofprints, while their smoke turns from black when they are energized to a dull, cold white when they are exhausted. High energy, natural sprinters, prone to prancing and running with their heads held high.
Seablood: “Ocean waterhorses”
With a scream that terrify the strongest warriors and hooves that stir up thrashing waves, these steeds live in the sea. Colored a dark bluish-black at birth, they grow lighter and more dappled with age. Glistening scales cover their legs, speckle their throats, and sometimes form patches around their eyes, and they have hooves like abalone. They tend to be high strung, wildly curious, mischievous, and changeable as the sea itself.
Shadower: “Ninja Horses”
These steeds move noiselessly and can fade fully from sight into shadow, smoke, and fog, which is referred to as ghosting. They tend to be long and slender and have coasts of dull brindled and muted colors that serve as camouflage even when they cannot ghost fully. Steady, reliable, and loyal, their even temper allows them to pass unnoticed, and they are often used by scouts or assassins.
Stormer: “Pegasus with Lightning”
With thick feathered coats, wild flyaway manes, and large wings that range from dazzling white to midnight black, these steeds can fly and summon lightning from a storm-charged atmosphere. Stormers typically require a run to get up to speed before taking flight. Once aloft, they tend to travel in a cluster, which is referred to as a cloud. Spunky yet reliable, stormers possess a surprising reserve of energy that carries them far and allows them to soar to magnificent heights.
Earthhewn: “Four-legged Tank”
With an armored hide that deflects arrows like rain, these massive steeds are known for strength and endurance. Their coats are colored the deep reds, grays, browns, bays, and blacks of the soil. With a single stamp of their massive hooves, earthhewns can shake the earth and shatter stones. While they can be stubborn and headstrong, earthhewn are known for their grit and their heart and often carry on beyond all limits of exhaustion or injury, steadfast and determined and faithful to the end.
Riveren: “Fresh waterhorses”
Riveren are slender steeds, known for moving with fluid grace, and capable of sensing water tabled within the earth. They can stir up currents within flowing streams, which allows them to move with tremendous swiftness, leap over their foes, and sweep the feet out from under an enemy. Reserved in nature, they can be somewhat shy and difficult to bond with at first, but they are fiercely loyal and their speed makes them deadly in battle.
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