*Note : This is part of a series of articles proposed by our contributor Linnet Cygon.* Skahns are one of the most common family of animals observed on [[Erathia]] and are probably the most domesticated Erathi animal. There are differing breeds of Skahns, with a vast array of phenotypes. Skahns have been found on all inhabited regions of Erathia and are most oft an integral part of the ecosystem. As a byproduct of its diversity of breeds and subspecies, the Skahn is seen performing many roles for humans, such as pulling loads, producing [[Brilliance]], companionship, assisting in the military or being used as mounts. They are very social creatures, mostly living in colonies, whether wild or domesticated, and sometimes observed as solitary individuals - those are the species that make up most of the Skahns companions. While many species of Skahns are domesticated, the vast majority of the population remains wild and keeps evolving beyond the control humans tend to have on their domesticated companions. # Appearance Skahns vary in size and appearances from finger-sized flying creatures, to the massive load-puller observed in most cities. They all possess a chitinous exoskeleton, varying in thickness and color, as well as at least a pair of wings per segment of its thorax, ranging from 1 to 3 depending on the species. *This section is still under writing by our contributor.* # Species ## Domesticated Skahns The vast majority of domesticated Skahns are bred for their production of [[Brilliance]] and its economic role, making [[Skahn breeders]] a very important group of farmers, and a powerful guild in most countries. As the production of Brilliance is a long process, the breeds selected for this activity are highly selected, oftentimes their heritage kept secret by the stockbreeders. The bigger specimen can reach 2 meters of height. They are often kept in sheltered areas to protect them from [[Momentstorm|momentstorms]] that are known to stop the production of Brilliance in the animals. Besides the Brilliance-producing Skahns, several breeds have been refined over the years to produce powerful warmounts or docile load-bearers. The difference in shapes, colors and behaviour of these creatures often tend to believe they do not belong to the same family. Skahns bred for wars themselves come in different shapes. Some have a thick exoskeleton and powerful legs capable of propelling them across flat lands, while the lighter ones are selected for their ability to fly with a rider, revealing several massive sets of wings. There are also records of Skahns bred by the [[White Empire of Oshar]] to move across vertical surfaces thanks to massive retractable claws capable of piercing through rocks. Perhaps the most gentle breed of Skahns are the load-bearers. Those massive hulks are easily 2 meters high, and can be as much as 4 meters long. Their powerful legs are capable of pulling or carrying more than a metric ton of cargo for several hours without stopping, making them one of the most reliable form of transportation across long distances known to [[Humankind]]. Most major cities on Erathia have streets capable of accommodating the movement of such behemoths, with cities such as [[Yrom Kell]] going as far adapting their richest homes to be able to offboard a Skahn immediately from its back. We would not finish this section without talking about the wild range of palm-sized Skahns often seen climbing or gliding around their human companion, sometimes labeled *Vanity Skahns*. These smaller individuals often bear incredibly colorful patterns, and have even been seen decorated by their owners with gems, or paints on parts of their shells. ## Wild Skahns Wild Skahns vary greatly in phenotypes compared to their domesticated cousins, but their behaviour remain fairly consistent across observations. Most wild Skahns live in hierarchical groups ranging from 50 to sometimes over a 1,000 individuals. They are very territorial creatures, and are an essential part of the Erathi ecosystem which they actively maintain and take care of. # Cultural impact of the Skahns In death, the exoskeletons of a Vanity Skahn can be preserved to be integrated in a game of [[Shells]]. The act of preservation itself can take many forms depending on the wealth of the person asking for it, and has led to the creation of extremely sought after pieces of art.