Ryetag
Ryetag are a sturdy, well built creature known for their endurance and speed. Discovered by a group of scientists in the lesser known regions of Ruby Valley, the ryetag were immediately deemed endangered due to their low numbers. Through an extensive breeding program headed by Red, wild ryetag will be sold to owners in an attempt to introduce the species to new locations and expand the population.
The name ryetag (pronounced as spelled) is the native Oessi word for the creature. It roughly translates to Wind Dog, as they are believed to be sacred to the gods of weather.
Diet
Ryetag are a carnivorous creature, they do have sharp teeth and claws for hunting. Their diets consist of hunted rabits and rodents, occaisonally a small deer if the pack works well together. The maintained ryetag of today do well on the high energy diet of the greyhound, but also thrive on your average dog food.
Habitat
As far as scientists can tell, ryetag are extremely adaptable and can be raised in all manner of habitat as long as food is present. The hidden fields they thrived on for hundreds of years are lush forest and meadow lands. They most often live in packs when not professionally kenneled seperate.
Activities
Ryetag have the angled shoulders and lean bodies of the born runner. The scientists discovered that the tribes of Ruby Valley have been secretly raising the ryetag for hundreds of years for races held every three years at the great festivals. Ryetag do not only excel at racing though. With the proper care and training they make beautiful show animals. Champion ryetag are held in high esteem among the tribes today.
Legend of the Wind Dog
As told by the Oessi, People of Toroem
Long ago Tuatan, the God of the Hot Season, had a daughter. Danessa was so beautiful that her mother Marussa, Goddess of the Cold Season, was very jealous. As the babe grew to a child so fair, Marussa's jealousy also grew. At last she could stand it no longer, and decided to banish the beauty from the heavens. While her father was off making a glorious summer day, Danessa peered out of the sky and looked at the land below. Marussa came behind her and with a mighty shove, pushed the girl from the sky. Cast upon earth, the child became human and would surely have died.
A great creature like none Danessa knew before came upon her sitting by a pool. The creature became her friend, and brought her to his pack. Danessa grew up wild and free, not knowing hr father forever watched her sadly, wishing she could return. With nearly all hope lost, Tuatan went to the Gods of the Elements, and asked for their help. Their powers limited them from anything but their own element and they knew not how to help. Their heavenly tears fell to earth, becoming crystal orbs enchanted with their powers.
Danessa rode across the plains on one of the creatures, whom she had named Ryelanes, Wind Chaser. She spotted something blue glowing amongst the grass, and to her surprise found an orb with swirls within. She held it up to Ryelanes, and when it touched his nose, a blue glow spread to envelope his entire body. The creature sprouted great powerful wings from his shoulders. Danessa climbed onto his back and he launched into the sky.
Danessa was returned to the heavens by Ryelanes himself, and he was greatly blessed. Once returned, Danessa brought the time of Planting & Growing to the lands, for she had become a Goddess. The people held the ryetag sacred, called them the Wind Dogs and thanked them for returning the time of good growing so they could survive.