User:Teletric/Mount Skin Lore

This page is a work-in-progress. Please give me your suggestions or let me know what skins you'd like to see lore for on my talk page.

A series of notes written by the Asuran researcher Gloppi, who began researching domesticated means of transport among the people of Tyria in the year 1330 A.E.

Raptors

Dreadnought Raptor

The Charr Iron Legion weren't always known for their mechanical prowess. A little bit over 2 centuries ago, the Iron Legion was responsible for breeding massive, durable Siege Devourers to aid in their conquest of Ascalon. Now, the Iron Legion has taken up this task once more -- this time: Raptors.

The Dreadnought Raptors were specifically bred to charge into battle, pushing through anything that stands in their path. Their main distinguishing features are a noticeable increase in muscle mass and the "terrible claw" that can be seen on their feet. While they have much smaller scales and thus less natural protection than their Elonian counterparts, their increased muscle mass allows them to jump just as far and run just as fast as the common Elonian Raptor while wearing plated armor and carrying a passenger.

From birth, Dreadnought Raptors are raised for battle, much like the Charr themselves. As a result, they are considerably more aggressive than the Elonian Raptor. When agitated, Dreadnought Raptors are known to use their heavy tails or thick skull to destroy or launch whatever may be agitating them with great force. Other than that, however, they are very loyal and protective of their owners.

Dreadnought Raptors are also often adorned with plated armor for additional protection as well as for an even more intimidating appearance.

Springers

Sun Temple Gecko

While not technically a species of Springer, Sun Temple Geckos are used for the same purpose as Springers: to get to higher areas. They are naturally found on gargantuan trees in the Maguuma Jungle, such as those that comprise Teku Nuhoch. They are mainly used by the Zintl Hylek to transport offerings to temples that may be located in higher elevations, but some Zintl use these Geckos to allow those who have not mastered the jungle to reach high areas that would normally only be accessible through the use of bouncing mushrooms. Because of their limited purpose and the fact that many Hylek do not welcome or expect outsiders, very few Sun Temple Geckos are actually domesticated -- usually only two exist in a single village. Those that are domesticated are adorned with chiseled-stone armor containing runes that show reverence to Zintl.

After the Pact's campaign in the Heart of Maguuma, some Sun Temple Gecko eggs were looted from the hostile Zintl tribe and subsequently found their way into circulation and the claws of the Black Lion Trading Company.

Skimmers

Umbral Demon Skimmer

The Umbral Demon Skimmer is a Skimmer whose spirit has been tortured and twisted by forces in the Underworld. These former Skimmers are only sought by the most daring and hardcore adventurers. Because it is not too fond of being controlled, chains have to be woven through the demonic flesh of these beasts in such a way that pulling on them will force the beast to turn or move, and the saddle has to be welded onto the flesh of the beast as a traditional saddle was impossible to attach without serious injury. While this may sound painful, the Umbral Demon Skimmer is unable to feel pain and fueled solely by anger and rage. Every attempt at sedating the beast has failed.

Jackals

Mordrem Alpha Jackal

There is not much to say about the Mordrem Alpha Jackal as they do not exist. While they are based on actual specimens of Mordrem Wolves, they are ordinary Djinn-created Jackals who are under the affect of a long-lasting Mesmer illusion. This type of illusion is not anything new. For instance, we know from past records that nobles and aristocrats have had similar illusions applied onto them in order to look younger during social gatherings.

The application of this particular illusion has been a matter of controversy. Many Sylvari claim that it is a disgrace as it glorifies both the Mordrem and the suffering they caused on their kind. Other Sylvari claim that it is a symbol of their triumph over Mordremoth. We've reached out to Evon Gnashblade who has yet to comment on the situation.

Reforged Warhound Jackal

After Balthazar fell, scavengers were quick to take whatever they could find from the remains of the Forged. Their loot comprised mainly of Forged metal (which is practically immalleable by most smiths), but some documents like battle plans and schematics were also recovered. One particular schematic was for a never-deployed version of a Warhound, which is theorized to have been a mount designed for non-Forged Zaishen infantry so that they are able to keep up with their Forged comrades in battle. As Balthazar gained additional means of increasing the size of his Forged army (like through the use of souls from the Domain of the Lost), he likely abandoned the idea of having mortal infantrymen in battle, thus rendering the mount unnecessary. The Black Lion Trading Company's so-called "Reforged" Warhound Jackal appears to made using the aforementioned schematics, but with two key differences. The first key difference is in the construction of the armor. Understandably, the Black Lion Trading Company does not have access to Balthazar's Forging methods, so the armor is instead made of Darksteel alloy as opposed to actual Forged metal. This means the armor still has a degree of heat resistance, but will not hold for as long against prolonged exposure to flames compared to Forged metal. The second key difference is in what's "under the hood". The Black Lion Trading Company claims the internals of the Reforged Warhound are a trade secret, but it doesn't take a genius to notice that they behave very much like Jackals, even possessing the same shadow-stepping ability. Obviously, if it were powered by an actual soul there would be great controversy, so it makes sense why the BLTC went with Jackal runes which are likely housed inside the armor.

Griffons

Nightfang Griffon

The mysterious "Nightfang" was a species of Griffon native to Orr before it sank. The modern variant is cloned by being grown in an artificial embryo using various DNA samples collected by College of Synergetics krewes in Orr. These samples were unfortunately corrupted like most of Orr, so it is not possible to fully replicate the original griffon. Most of what is known about this species of Griffon are merely inferences based on their physiology.

The species gets its name from the fact that it takes an undead appearance at night, which many say was not a trait that the original Nightfang griffons possessed. Though the cause of this is widely speculated, many researchers speculate that Zhaitan's magic had a similar effect on the Nightfang griffon as certain Orrian artifacts.

Based on their large eyes and ears, it is speculated that the Nightfang griffons served as sentries that watched for potential threats.

Mount Sets

"Sand Souled" Mounts

The so-called "Sand-Souled" creatures do not differ much from the Jackal when it comes to their origin. They are sand constructs that are powered by Abaddon's residual magic. Despite using the same magic, however, they lack the ability to shadow-step as the Jackal does and instead can only do what the creatures they are modelled after can do. The primary advantage of these constructs appears to be that they do not need to be fed or washed.