General
The start of autumn is often associated with the flame eater ophiotaurus. The chilly days and cold fogs are considered to be signs of their approach. There are many stories passed down through generations about the ophiotaurus. They come in many versions, with different details in different cultures, but the main ideas remain the same. It is said that the flame eater ophiotaurus awakens after being dormant during the warm seasons, and in its hunger, it consumes everything warm that it finds in its path. If little warmth is found by the creature, a long and cold autumn is said to follow. Bonfire tributes are left for the ophiotaurus to consume. Those who are brave enough will watch from afar as the large beasts consume the fire. Only ashes are left behind, the promise of a warm autumn day hanging in the air.
Egg
A tail pokes through this egg's shell, whipping back and forth.
Hatchling
The flame eater ophiotaurus hatchlings can be found in numerous areas, from woodlands to desserts, but always in places where the temperature is high. Most of the time, the ophiotaurus hatchlings are left by themselves, the parents watching from afar. The adults will occasionally provide them with burning branches, keeping the hatchlings satiated for days. Unable to support themselves on their bovine bodies just yet, the hatchlings will crawl around in circles in an attempt to stand up straight. It takes many days for the hatchlings to gain control over their strange bodies. In many cases, the ophiotaurus hatchlings appear more serpent-like than anything else, hissing at everything and thrashing around like a fish out of water. If kept by magis in the company of other creatures, it is best to let the hatchlings learn to move around on their own.
Adult
With the strong body of cattle and the lower half of a snake, the ophiotaurus can appear rather frightening. Despite its great size, it is quite a docile creature. It feeds mainly on fire, but in cases when none is present, the ophiotaurus absorbs the heat from the air leaving the places it visits rather chilly. The flame eater ophiotaurus leaves ashes and dust in its track to find warmer areas. It is easy to train and will never harm creatures such as phoenixes or hellhounds. An ophiotaurus will gladly prefer the company of these fiery creatures. It will feed on the heat produced by them, rarely needing to search for other fires. The ophiotaurus interacts with others of its kind only during mating seasons. It will care for its offspring for the few months required, returning to its solitary life as soon as the hatchling can fend on its own.
Notes
Obtained from: Donation (Sep)
Breeding: Yes
Renaming cost: 2000 gold
Release date: September 1st 2021
Element: Neutral
Breeds with the following:
Flame Eater Ophiotaurus + Flame Eater Ophiotaurus = Flame Eater Ophiotaurus (Guaranteed) Cost: 3 shards
Fog Ophiotaurus + Flame Eater Ophiotaurus = Fog Ophiotaurus (Guaranteed) Cost: 3 shards
Fog Ophiotaurus + Flame Eater Ophiotaurus = Flame Eater Ophiotaurus (Guaranteed) Cost: 3 shards
September 2021 5-shard Donation Pet
Sprite art: Mysfytt | Description: Real