This dark egg seems to expel blue and red flames.
Despite the eggs appearance, these hatchlings actually hatch red in color. No one knows why this is, but some speculate that it's because red is the color of vengeance. They seem to like staring at other creatures, almost as if they are trying to decide what their intentions are. And while they are fine with being near other keep creatures, they have no interest in interacting with them. They also have a habit of following you around and gazing at you as well, although not with the intensity that they do other creatures of the keep. Hatchlings can do no harm as their powers of gazing into the soul of a creature have not yet developed enough. Dread Mare hatchlings seem to not sleep either, as they look to always be awake.
Adult Dread Mares are much darker in color then their hatchling counterparts. Some say this is due to age, others speculate that the darker their pelt color, the more souls they have eaten. Although myths and legends exist that these creatures will eat any soul they find, this is in fact, untrue. When these creatures find another being that they deem evil, Dread Mares will stare into their soul to judge the character. If they find that the character is that of malevolence, the Dread Mare will then move to devour the soul, leaving the body for the scavengers that travel with Dread Mares. Adults are rather gentle though, despite their appearance and will not move to attack or look into the soul of a creature unless they feel they need too.
General Description
Dread Mares are relatively gentle though, and are only a cause for concern if you have a corrupt heart. While gentle, they are restless creatures, often pawing the ground and pacing back and forth. Some say the souls of the restless reside within their glowing eyes. But whatever the reason, they almost never stand still. Adults never sleep either, and some guess that this is because they are always seen hunting down the souls of the wicked.Having them around the keep has generally left anyone who would thieve or do otherwise away. However keeping them out of the reach of everyone is rather difficult and the unsuspecting magi who would wonder up to one and touch it's dark red pelt is left with a horrible feeling of dread. Dread Mares have very few enemies, if any at all. The majority of animals and predators stay away from these creatures, most turning to run by sight alone. But those who are not veered away by the mere sight of these creatures typically turn tail when Dread Mares haunting whinny echos through the air. Any that are foolish to try and attack it, are in for surprise. The black hooves of these creatures are as hard as steel, making them a dangerous foe to try and attack. Getting touched by either flames that sprout from this creature results in visions of agony and torture. Although they do not attack unless provoked, Dread Mares have a bad reputation of it, leaving most magi never to bring them on journeys.
