Sentions

In Riiga, there are creatures which are not considered to be fauna due to possessing unique or supernatural ability, and are not considered to be monsters because they are not hostile toward humans. These creatures go by many names, from sent-ones or sentions in Benevis, hulask in Yvatshun, nirmauton in Vaman, or centrion in Remdor, just to name a few varieties of names.

Ones Sent from Above

A sention in Riiga is something that matches the following conditions:

• It is extraordinary in some way (rarity, ability, physiology, etc.)
• It can breed, unlike monsters.
• It is generally neutral toward humans, but can sometimes be tamed or even domesticated.
• It is mortal, and can die.
• It can be reproduced. If only one such entity existed, it would be considered something else.
• It will fight monsters if given the chance.
• Their appearance and disappearance is often tied to supernatural or divine events.

According to the Red Temple, sentions are divine fauna -- creatures imbued with godly ability. Indeed, many sentions are utilised in Benevan society and help humans, such as the liogon or the synavos. They seem to come from nowhere, and when they disappear they do so without a trace. Remains of long-gone sentions are exceedingly rare, such as skeletons or pelts. In most parts of Riiga, it is taboo or even illegal to hunt or harm sentions without sufficient justification. Most authorities that be deem them to be allies of humans, rather than mere animals to be hunted.

Types of Sentions

Liogon

See Liogons.

Liogons are large winged lion-like creatures associated with Nikina. They are approximately twice as large as a male adult lion -- almost two meters (6 feet) high at the shoulder -- about and share their appearance, with the addition of two large bronze-coloured feathered wings and a pair of antlers and hoofed forelegs. Given that they can fly and despite their size, they are much lighter than a lion, and can have a wingspan of up to seven meters (23 feet). They are known to nest in highlands, hunting other large animals. Liogons generally raise only one or two cubs at once.

Liogons appeared the same time Vesdorians first came to Benevis around 700BD. They raised them and rode them as scouts. Liogons appeared in the wild over the next few centuries. When the Vesdorians were defeated during the Burning Sea Wars, liogons vanished with the last of them. Then around 400AL, when the Vastins began to explore thoroughly, they found small families of liogons high in the Golen Peaks. Over the next century, liogons were captured, bred, and tamed, and now today they are used much in the way of horses -- to ride into battle, and to travel quickly.