My favorite part of writing fantasy is imagining the creatures. I make up all sorts, in a range of ages from hatchlings to elder masters. I do love dragons, but am partial to those unique species from my imagination. Many times I begin with a basic anatomy plan from mythic fiction, since readers like some recognizable structures. Here are some useful sites that are wonderful storehouses of those tried and true types from folk legends around the world.
I’ll share one of my favorite dragon-like creations, the cimafa. It’s a horrid monster, about to undo my heroine, Lyra, in my Enchanted Bookstore Legends.
My cimafa heralds its arrival with a blood-curdling screech, laced with power which reverberates in your ears and causes tremors along your nerves. Otherwise, it is difficult to locate until it is upon you, its vast magical power undectectible, known as a stealth aura. It glides in shadows.
Once it is near, it presents as a horrible creature, small in stature for a dragon, like a firedrake, but covered in black shimmering scales. Two pairs of horns extend back from its elongated head. Flames ring its nostrils. The voice box pumps as the chilling sound echoes from the gaping mouth, across rows of pointed teeth. The pupils, dark as pitch, are its most dangerous weapon, capable of pulling your entire aura, even that which contains your soul, from your body, mind, and heart.
Unlike other firedrakes, between its translucent wings it may permit a rider, only if that person agrees to a type of “deal with the devil.” In order to ride, one must sacrifice a portion of his/her soul to the beast.
What fabulous, fun or scary creatures have you created? Please share.
Art credit: QueenOfDorks