"The first thing that you must understand is that they are not merely horses with wings. Appearance does not denote in fact whatever the common folk may think. Indeed, their entire internal structure is completely different from that of any horses that I’ve examined. Pegasi are omnivorous creatures, capable of eating both flesh and vegetable matter whereas horses are strictly grazers. Those corrupted by the Taint are frequently entirely carnivorous, their normally flat teeth often sharpening into vicious fangs. Their bone structure, unsurprisingly, is far more similar to that of birds than those of horses, which is part of what allows them flight. I must confess however, that I do not think their ability to fly is entirely explainable by natural law. I know of a Pegasus that carried a heavily armoured knight upon her back with no sign of strain even after twelve hours of sustained flight, a feat that seems impossible. An acquaintance of mine from the College of Light suggests that Pegasi may somehow be able to literally ‘ride’ on the Winds of Magic that blow from the north. While I don’t feel qualified to confirm or deny such speculation, I put it forward for your consideration."
- —Marianne Sosber, Anatomist.[1a]
A noble Pegasus
A Pegasus (pl. Pegasi) is a magical beast that looks like a magnificent white draft horse with elegant, feathered wings. A Pegasus' coat sparkles under the sun in a manner reminiscent of light playing over new-fallen snow.
Role[]
"Bretonnia is a realm of men, but 'twould be nothing without the steeds that carry them. and no Bretonnian steed is greater than the Pegasus, the mighty wing'ed beast that carries the questing Knights far afield, across impassable terrain with terrifying strength, in the name of the Lady."
- —Albert du Maurier, Chief Farrier to the Carcassonne stables[3]
Pegasi are wild beasts, capable of staving a soldier's head in with a well-placed blow from one of their hooves. While they seldom take to the ground, preferring the sky, when they do they are swift runners. Pegasi that haven't been battle-trained are far more likely to fly away then fight, except when their foals are in danger.[1b]
Though the Pegasus looks much like a winged horse, it is cunning and intelligent beyond the measure of any ordinary steed. They are social beasts that live in great herds, and are most commonly found in the Grey Mountains. They are also a prolific race, and there are herds scattered across the four corners of the Known World, where they prefer to nest in high plateaus and mountain ranges. There are some peculiar offshoots of their kind that are worth further note, such as the Dark Pegasi created by the Dark Elves of Naggaroth with Dark Magic and Radiant Pegasi.[2a]
Pegasi are primarily sought after as steeds for Bretonnian noblemen and wizards, for they are loyal beasts that seem to anticipate their master's every move. Wizards often seek to bind Pegasi to serve as either beasts of burden or scouts. When properly commanded, a Pegasus can cover vast distances at great speed, and whilst it lacks the voice to communicate that which it has seen, there are many simple cantrips that allow a wizard to share their servant's vision.[2a]
There are other enclaves of Pegasi scattered about the mortal world. Several of them, especially those in Naggaroth, are deeply tainted by the power of Chaos and Dark Magic, resulting in the beasts known as Dark Pegasi. The Dark Pegasi have leathery wings instead of the feathered ones normal Pegasi sprout and they often have misshapen horns that they wield with surprising accuracy. Dark Pegasi actively crave the flesh of Men and they are avid hunters.[1a]
Notable Pegasi[]
- Bonarius - Bonarius is the steed of Pierre de la Micca, first defender of the Holy Shroud of Bretonnia.
- Fulminer - Fulminer is the steed of Gilon d'Aquitaine.
- Glorfinial - Glorfinal is the Royal Pegasus of Grail Companion Agilgar of Parravon.
- Quicksilver - Quicksilver is the chosen mount of Supreme Patriarch Balthasar Gelt, housed at the Imperial Zoo when he is not in the service of his master.[4a]
- Sulephet - Sulephet is the beloved Dark Pegasus mount of the Dark Elven sorceress Morathi.
Miniatures[]
