Storybook - Creatures of the Dawning Era
- An Introduction to the Vaphutanar -
In the era known as the Age of Dawn, Aion created countless creatures which roamed freely across Atreia. This was before the Balaur arrived and eventually wiped out over 90% of these organisms.
One particular creature, the mysterious Vaphutanar, is rumoured to have existed during this Age of Dawn, yet little documentation or proof can be found to support this story.
This report is an archaeological investigation of that forgotten creature, the Vaphutanar, as well as an historical examination aimed at proving its existence.
- Etymology of the name "Vaphutanar" -
The ancient Atreian language relies heavily on interpretation. Therefore, determining the translation of "Vaphutanar" required much deduction and assumption. However, I believe an interpretation has been established.
The root word "Vaphuta" is believed to mean "great." While "Nar" is a designation for "divine beings" or, more likely in this case, "wings."
Therefore, Vaphutanar translates to "Great Wings." Supporting evidence of this conclusion shall be discussed in the following section.
- Morphology of "Vaphutanar" -
A Poetan legend says the Vaphutanar had a sleek body that resembled the Gryphu and flamboyant feathers on its head like the Pluma.
Its wingspan is rumoured to be wide enough to block the sun and powerful enough to cause a storm with one single flap. With these considerations, interpretation of "Vaphutanar" as meaning "Great Wings" seems accurate.
Unfortunately, there is still much doubt in many academic circles, with most claiming the Vaphutanar to be nothing more than the grandiose imaginatings of the ancient people.
However, the magnificent appearance of Taloon, the king of Gryphu who inhabits the land near the Zumion Ruins, does suggest otherwise.
Primitive Human and Sapien histories show that many tribes celebrated rites of passage, usually involving the display of one's courage or strength.
A recently discovered Kishar Krall mural hints at a unique Balaur rite of passage which depicts warriors surrounding a giant bird-like monster with Krall behind them in support.
If the Vaphutanar was indeed a giant beast as the legend suggests, there would not have been a more tempting prey to the Drakan.
- In Conclusion -
I have scoured the whole of Elysea--from Poeta to Heiron--looking for hard evidence to its existence, but found very little.
Risking my own life to find proof, I travelled through the Abyss Gate and searched the barren Asmodian lands to no avail. The only remaining hope I have for finding real evidence is in the land of the Balaur.
The odds are likely that a complete account of the Vaphutanar lies not with the Elyos or even the Asmodians--but with the Balaur.
Research of the legendary Vaphutanar must continue there, in Balaurea. But how?
