Nightmare

A Nightmare is a coal black horse from the Realm of Fire. These semi-intelligent creatures roam the open plains of the realm in great herd. Even a few strands of their legendary fiery manes and tails have been sought after by magicians, alchemists, and collectors throughout the ages.

Considered one of the most loyal spirits from a realm known for its mercurial nature. A nightmare can make a stalwart companion or a fierce enemy. The Ifrit that guard and cherish the creatures rarely grant the use of a nightmare to those not of their kind. Each Ifrit herdmaster considers the nightmares a part of themselves and woe unto anyone that harms one.

Nightmares have many of the physical characteristics of a :horse. Their skin and hair are coal-black. Their manes and tail are tough and wiry with the color of burnished copper. Unless a nightmare is utterly passive their manes and tails blaze with red-orange fire. When running at a full gallop the hooves of a nightmare will glow white; scorching the ground where they step, and leaving a glowing trail behind them. The effect when a full herd is at a full gallop can be blinding.

Nightmares have no need to breath, but do exhale noxious fumes. The fumes are black with small embers floating along. It will leave a sooty residue behind that has a gritty oily texture. Most mortals will not be overcome by the fumes, unless they are very small, but will find them unpleasant.

Nightmares, like all spirits, will live forever unless their spirit itself is destroyed. This does not mean that a nightmare cannot be “killed,” only that once killed its spirit will rejoin the Realm of Fire and eventually take shape once again. Given the capricious and destructive nature of their realm spirits rarely take the same shape.

Nightmares roam in large herds. While individuals can and do wander off for reasons of their own, their nature is to run in groups of at least a score or more. The herd has a clear hierarchy of rank, led by a dominant individual. Although incapable of true speech they communicate with each other and other species by vocalization and body language.

Nightmare herds may accept other species among them, but not until they have befriended the dominant nightmare. Most herds have accepted the presence of one of more Ifrit, who share the plains with them.

Nightmares, as spirits, do not breed - nor do they exist as different species. They are spirits given form by the Realm of Fire.