Things are not always as they seem….
The world in which we live is not the only one that exists; you just have to know where look.
What is a Realm Walker?
Realm Walkers are a breed of magical horses. They exist to keep the balance between the worlds (or Realms, hence their name).
There are three levels to the world.
The Upper Level: Altus
Altus is where the purest form of good magic exists. I suppose you could compare it to heaven. Only the spirits with the most pure of intentions are allowed to the highest level of Altus.
The Middle Level: Terrus
The middle level is the world as we know it. It is where humans reside.
The Lower Level: Abysus
Abysus is where the purest form of evil exists. You could compare it to hell. It is where demons reside.
Within each level are multiple levels. Altus and Terrus are where magic originates. They are where nightmares and dreams come from. There are keepers and beings that most humans can only imagine. Even within our level, there are things we do not see. Maybe this is because we do not know where to look.
Realm Walkers are the “peace keepers” of the world. They are the only living beings that are allowed access to every level. They are magical creatures whose powers are still somewhat unknown. There are some who say that there isn’t anything they can’t do.
Physical Appearance:
Realm Walkers are built like warmbloods; they are extremely athletic. They range in height from 15hh to 20hh, with the average being between 16hh and 17hh.
Colors:
They come in almost every color imaginable though they most commonly have a realistic horse color as a base coat, their markings can be any color. Their base coats can be any color as well, but un-natural colors are not as common.
Mane & Tail:
Their manes and tails are long and thick and can come in any color.
Wings:
There are two types of wings; feather and dragon. The climate they live in dictates what type of wings they have. The colder climates have feathered wings, the warmer ones have dragon wings. Not all Realm Walkers have wings. The horses that live in colder climates often have feathering on their legs as well.
The Feathers:
All Realm Walkers have 2 long feathers that grow on either side of their tail. These feathers can come in any color, but they are always the same color. They can move independently and can also be used as a light source. They glow. In rare instances some horses can also use them to ignite fires, but this is very rare.
Only stallions have 2 of the same type of feathers in their mane, just behind the ears.
The Vial:
Realm Walkers are not born with their vials. They acquire them when they turn 3 years old. Their vials do different things depending on what they have been made to do. Some allow them to control elements; some give them certain magical abilities. Each is different. The vials are made by some of the most powerful witches and wizards in the world. They hang them from trees and when Realm Walkers turn 3 they fine the closest vial tree to them and select a vial. The selection process is not really understood, but it seems that certain horses are drawn to certain vials. It is rare that a vial is given directly to a Realm Walker by the witch or wizard that created it.
Behavior & Intelligence:
Realm Walkers live in herds like normal horses but with one significant difference; there are no herd ranks other than lead mare and stallion. There is a lead mare and stallion for each herd and all of the other members are treated equally. Stallions other than the lead stallion are allowed in the herd. Their herds are usually small, 5-10 horses at the most.
They are extremely intelligent; equal to humans. They do not speak but can communicate telepathically if they choose to do so.
These horses do not behave like prey animals. They do not hunt, but they also do not flee when they are confronted. They will fight; violently if need be.
Relationship to Humans:
Many humans do not know of their existence. Those that do view them somewhat as gods and will sometimes leave them offerings and gifts at the vial trees. They can be tamed, but never in the sense that a normal horse can be. If you gain their respect they will view you as a partner, never a leader. They are ride able, but they must invite you to ride them.
*Lineart for this species was commissioned from the very talented Soph6297
not sure when, but it will be posted if I do