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Briar Banshee
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Primary Marble/Savannah:
Platinum-Obsidian (Platinum = Rare)
Secondary Tear:
Sanguine
Tertiary Wraith/Porcupine:
Crimson-Maroon
Platinum-Obsidian (Platinum = Rare)
Secondary Tear:
Sanguine
Tertiary Wraith/Porcupine:
Crimson-Maroon
Lore & Description
The Briar Banshees are named after their large, petal-like wings resembling a folded scarlet rose; and the long quills (porcupine) protruding along their back, starting from their head and ending just short of the tip of their tail, which resemble thorns.
Upon closer inspection, the long “thorns” along their body are heavily barbed with reversed hooks, making it not only difficult and further damaging, but also exceedingly painful to remove. Additionally, the spines are thick and slippery smooth at the base, but sharp and hardy towards the tip, resulting in further hardship if having been pinned against something by one.
If left untouched, the red quills of the Briar Banshee will only continue to penetrate deeper over time until it finally lodges itself against bone or against something vital.
These creatures possess high pitch calls that can cause considerable damage to one’s hearing at close range--but that is not the reason behind their “banshee” name. The true origin alludes to an eerie whistling scream caused by the resonation of their thorny spines as they soar through the sky at blinding speeds. It is a haunting noise that is both difficult to pinpoint or block out.
They are often the primary antagonists behind fairy tales regarding travelers who should have better trusted their maps. These tales often follow the pattern of a wayward protagonist stumbling across what should normally have been an empty patch of grass.
Not heeding the discrepancy, the protagonist ventures further in, in search of a rare medicinal flower to cure the disease of a loved one. While on the one hand, the mythical panacea is indeed present within the story, on the other is that it is guarded by a nest of Briar Banshees--the latter of which, the protagonist only discovers after treading upon one of their thorned tails, creating a great stir.
Social
Briar Banshees sleep in open fields on fair weather days, tightly clustered together as a group. With their heads folded beneath their scarlet wings and a collective of thorned tails scattered and twisted in every direction, they come together to resemble large patches of budding red roses and twining vines. On particularly rainy days, they can be found coiled around the trees or in its branches instead.
The Garden frequently moves about within a set territory and doesn’t reside in a single field for very long, allowing the grassy field beneath them a chance to grow back to comfortably cushion them for the next time they inevitably cycle back around.
Their group dynamic is that of a harem-like structure, in which the “Thorns” (porcupine) serves under a Queen or King aka a "Monarch Rose" (wraith), the latter of which can be identified by their lack of red quills. Additionally, Monarchs possess larger "petalled" wings.
A group of Briar Banshees can be referred to as a “Garden,” “Bramble” or “Patch” as a collective noun. The size of each Garden is determined by the power and draw of their reigning King or Queen.
The Monarch Rose emits a distinctive sweet, pheromone scent that is said to be able to soothe even greatest of anxieties or the most broken of hearts. This scent is what keeps their “Thorns” in line with an almost addictive, hypnotic fervor.
Though it is possible for multiple Monarchs to exist in a Garden, it is an exceptionally rare event. A Garden is usually made up of only one King or one Queen at a time and multiple Thorns ranging from one gender type to several of each depending on their preferences. They take turns mating or lavishing their attention upon their harem of Thorns, treating them with utmost care.
As individuals, they may struggle to fit in with normal society. Thorns will find themselves latching onto others and may secretly (or openly) proclaim them their surrogate King or Queen, becoming both passionately dedicated and fiercely protective of them--often unnecessarily so.
They are useful in that they have a keen sense of smell. In terms of an everyday, mundane occupation, Banshees are good at gathering and sorting goods, and they hold bright futures as alchemists, perfumers or as a very much hated customs officer. Nothing really passes them by in this regard, but outside of this they are naturally attentive servants to those they attach themselves to and hold the capacity to fight reasonably well.
King or Queen Monarchs rarely find themselves a place within common Sornieth, as the need to dominate or find a territory of their own is a strong instinct to fight. If included within a clan, they may feel the need to gain control over its members and exert their physical abilities in an attempt to do so.
In the event a Monarch were to perish, two possibilities then exist:
The Garden frequently moves about within a set territory and doesn’t reside in a single field for very long, allowing the grassy field beneath them a chance to grow back to comfortably cushion them for the next time they inevitably cycle back around.
Their group dynamic is that of a harem-like structure, in which the “Thorns” (porcupine) serves under a Queen or King aka a "Monarch Rose" (wraith), the latter of which can be identified by their lack of red quills. Additionally, Monarchs possess larger "petalled" wings.
A group of Briar Banshees can be referred to as a “Garden,” “Bramble” or “Patch” as a collective noun. The size of each Garden is determined by the power and draw of their reigning King or Queen.
- Level 1-5 Monarch = Oversees up to 4 Thorns
- Level 6-10 Monarch = Oversees up to 12 Thorns
- Level 11-15 Monarch = Oversees up to 16 Thorns
- Level 16-20 Monarch = Oversees up to 20 Thorns
- Level 25 Monarch = Extraordinary specimen, no limit.
The Monarch Rose emits a distinctive sweet, pheromone scent that is said to be able to soothe even greatest of anxieties or the most broken of hearts. This scent is what keeps their “Thorns” in line with an almost addictive, hypnotic fervor.
Though it is possible for multiple Monarchs to exist in a Garden, it is an exceptionally rare event. A Garden is usually made up of only one King or one Queen at a time and multiple Thorns ranging from one gender type to several of each depending on their preferences. They take turns mating or lavishing their attention upon their harem of Thorns, treating them with utmost care.
As individuals, they may struggle to fit in with normal society. Thorns will find themselves latching onto others and may secretly (or openly) proclaim them their surrogate King or Queen, becoming both passionately dedicated and fiercely protective of them--often unnecessarily so.
They are useful in that they have a keen sense of smell. In terms of an everyday, mundane occupation, Banshees are good at gathering and sorting goods, and they hold bright futures as alchemists, perfumers or as a very much hated customs officer. Nothing really passes them by in this regard, but outside of this they are naturally attentive servants to those they attach themselves to and hold the capacity to fight reasonably well.
King or Queen Monarchs rarely find themselves a place within common Sornieth, as the need to dominate or find a territory of their own is a strong instinct to fight. If included within a clan, they may feel the need to gain control over its members and exert their physical abilities in an attempt to do so.
In the event a Monarch were to perish, two possibilities then exist:
- The Garden will break up in search of a new Monarch, and/or be assimilated into another nearby Garden.
- An individual of opposite gender within the existing Garden will shed its quills and undergo a biological change to becoming a Monarch themselves, producing the appropriate accompanying pheromones to maintain the current status quo.
Combat
Their preferred trademark attacks is composed of either launching spikes with incredible accuracy by sharply flicking their tails, or a sudden drop out of the sky from a great height.
The sudden drop involves a reverse downward slam using their spiked backs to impale their opponents. Once having done so, the quills break away from the body, leaving the individual pinned to the ground. Neither of the options are considered a befitting end, but the latter would certainly earn the approval and admiration of Ridgebacks all around.
There is no shortage of quills when it comes to the Thorned Briar Banshee, as the moment one is lost, it becomes immediately replaced in a matter of seconds. Their regenerative abilities are considered so incredible that there are tall tales of cleaving one’s head in two, only to result in a hydra-like effect resulting in more heads sprouting forth (according to rumors anyway, it’s likely untrue).
Monarchs usually rely on their Thorn Gardens to protect them, but they are not without means themselves. Their larger size allows them to trample opponents with strong, muscular legs; and they are armed with sharp, tainted talons that can corrode through even guardian scales with repeated strikes.
The pheromones of a King or Queen Briar Banshee can also render dragons bewitched by its dangerously sweet scent, dulling one’s senses or even taking over the mind’s of the weaker willed with its induced ecstasy and comforts. Creatures with low intelligence or little willpower are the most vulnerable to its effects.
The species sports a pretty nasty bite to them in the sense of strong bone-crushing jaws, but also in the sense that the bite of a Thorn leaves one even more susceptible to the pheromones of the Monarch.
The sudden drop involves a reverse downward slam using their spiked backs to impale their opponents. Once having done so, the quills break away from the body, leaving the individual pinned to the ground. Neither of the options are considered a befitting end, but the latter would certainly earn the approval and admiration of Ridgebacks all around.
There is no shortage of quills when it comes to the Thorned Briar Banshee, as the moment one is lost, it becomes immediately replaced in a matter of seconds. Their regenerative abilities are considered so incredible that there are tall tales of cleaving one’s head in two, only to result in a hydra-like effect resulting in more heads sprouting forth (according to rumors anyway, it’s likely untrue).
Monarchs usually rely on their Thorn Gardens to protect them, but they are not without means themselves. Their larger size allows them to trample opponents with strong, muscular legs; and they are armed with sharp, tainted talons that can corrode through even guardian scales with repeated strikes.
The pheromones of a King or Queen Briar Banshee can also render dragons bewitched by its dangerously sweet scent, dulling one’s senses or even taking over the mind’s of the weaker willed with its induced ecstasy and comforts. Creatures with low intelligence or little willpower are the most vulnerable to its effects.
The species sports a pretty nasty bite to them in the sense of strong bone-crushing jaws, but also in the sense that the bite of a Thorn leaves one even more susceptible to the pheromones of the Monarch.
Courting/Breeding
A harem-structure means for fierce competition when vying for the affections of their King or Queen, as they often only mate roughly once a month (or more accurately, every 20 days), and will entertain a close company with only that particular individual.
All Thorns will take to the sky during that time and fly on a bright, moonlit evening for their performance. Bright, glowing paint will be applied to their inner wings; each with a unique design of their own.
Their ducking and weaving through the starry night produces strong resonations that result in a soul-stirring, shrill melody. Beautiful to them, but disconcerting to the rest of the world. They will sing not just with their bodies, but their voices as well.
The Thorns can control the pitch that their quills emit by flying at certain speeds, as well as the manner in which they execute their turns. Timing is very important as well one’s ability to read the current of the wind and adjust accordingly.
They put a great amount of time into practicing their songs, honing it to perfection for that special time of month to finally arrive where they can put their efforts to the test. These individuals are exceedingly careful not to be seen copying one another or allow themselves to be copied either. This often means they will practice their “aerial song” and their “oral song” separately, combining them together only on the final day.
The Thorn deemed with the best song earns the right to nest with their Monarch, and they will be allowed to spend the remainder of the month beside them, regardless of their ability to reproduce with them. Special treatment is expected and given during this time period. Those who were not chosen will spend this time creating a new song for the next upcoming “concert” in order to distract themselves from the growing pains of jealousy.
Good Monarchs will still be careful to praise and pacify the rest of their Thorns, and grant them some due attention throughout the month as well to ensure they do not become resentful or neglected. A balance is always carefully maintained, lest their Garden be susceptible to being seduced away by others.
In Gardens consisting of more than one Monarch, the two may choose to nest solely among themselves and encourage their Thorns to do the same. This is considered a very unusual dynamic, and often much to the dismay of the Thorns who may be eyeing their King and/or Queen mournfully.
All Thorns will take to the sky during that time and fly on a bright, moonlit evening for their performance. Bright, glowing paint will be applied to their inner wings; each with a unique design of their own.
Their ducking and weaving through the starry night produces strong resonations that result in a soul-stirring, shrill melody. Beautiful to them, but disconcerting to the rest of the world. They will sing not just with their bodies, but their voices as well.
The Thorns can control the pitch that their quills emit by flying at certain speeds, as well as the manner in which they execute their turns. Timing is very important as well one’s ability to read the current of the wind and adjust accordingly.
They put a great amount of time into practicing their songs, honing it to perfection for that special time of month to finally arrive where they can put their efforts to the test. These individuals are exceedingly careful not to be seen copying one another or allow themselves to be copied either. This often means they will practice their “aerial song” and their “oral song” separately, combining them together only on the final day.
The Thorn deemed with the best song earns the right to nest with their Monarch, and they will be allowed to spend the remainder of the month beside them, regardless of their ability to reproduce with them. Special treatment is expected and given during this time period. Those who were not chosen will spend this time creating a new song for the next upcoming “concert” in order to distract themselves from the growing pains of jealousy.
Good Monarchs will still be careful to praise and pacify the rest of their Thorns, and grant them some due attention throughout the month as well to ensure they do not become resentful or neglected. A balance is always carefully maintained, lest their Garden be susceptible to being seduced away by others.
In Gardens consisting of more than one Monarch, the two may choose to nest solely among themselves and encourage their Thorns to do the same. This is considered a very unusual dynamic, and often much to the dismay of the Thorns who may be eyeing their King and/or Queen mournfully.
Nesting
Their eggs are more round than elliptical, with a firm scaly black base. They are bottom heavy and will naturally right themselves if tipped. The top possesses a red-colored tip protruding out. It breaks off slightly in four separate directions as if resembling a budding rose caressed by dark stems.
The bottom of the egg feels rough to the touch, where as the red “bud” portion is actually a thick, velvety membrane concealing the rest of the shell as if to cushion it in case it rolls over or bumps into another neighboring egg.
The reason for this unusual egg design is due to their constant migration between fields. These eggs often lack proper nests to rest upon and need to be a bit hardier and travel-friendly than most. They are usually set upon the softest patch of grass or dirt upon arrival, at least until a proper can be built within their next location.
Thorn hatchlings spend much of their their youth observing and learning the songs of the adults, as well as how to hunt and how to fight. They are unaffected by the Monarch parent's pheromone due to their close blood relation.
Eventually when they have matured, they will either go their separate ways by being lured away by a different passing Monarch, and thus joining their Garden; or they may continue to loiter comfortably around their own if there is no pressing reason nor desire to leave, spending their time honing their skills to a razor's edge instead.
In the rare event that a new Monarch Rose is born to a Garden, they will be raised with great care up until they have reached adolescence and begin to produce the trademark reigning pheromones.
After which, they will be strongly "encouraged" to leave if they have not already developed any desire for independence by then. Once having left, they will begin to establish a territory and Garden of their own. They rarely keep in contact with their former family, but also does not hold any animosity against them. Their sentiments and focus are usually consumed by their ambitions for the future.
The bottom of the egg feels rough to the touch, where as the red “bud” portion is actually a thick, velvety membrane concealing the rest of the shell as if to cushion it in case it rolls over or bumps into another neighboring egg.
The reason for this unusual egg design is due to their constant migration between fields. These eggs often lack proper nests to rest upon and need to be a bit hardier and travel-friendly than most. They are usually set upon the softest patch of grass or dirt upon arrival, at least until a proper can be built within their next location.
Thorn hatchlings spend much of their their youth observing and learning the songs of the adults, as well as how to hunt and how to fight. They are unaffected by the Monarch parent's pheromone due to their close blood relation.
Eventually when they have matured, they will either go their separate ways by being lured away by a different passing Monarch, and thus joining their Garden; or they may continue to loiter comfortably around their own if there is no pressing reason nor desire to leave, spending their time honing their skills to a razor's edge instead.
In the rare event that a new Monarch Rose is born to a Garden, they will be raised with great care up until they have reached adolescence and begin to produce the trademark reigning pheromones.
After which, they will be strongly "encouraged" to leave if they have not already developed any desire for independence by then. Once having left, they will begin to establish a territory and Garden of their own. They rarely keep in contact with their former family, but also does not hold any animosity against them. Their sentiments and focus are usually consumed by their ambitions for the future.
Trivia
The scales of a strong Monarch Rose are considered very valuable as a form of aromatherapy-based panacea. It can be crafted into a medicinal incense for “mind” and “soul” related illnesses.
Repeated exposure to this incense can cause adverse effects, as it possesses notoriously addictive qualities. It is, and should only ever be used once--and that is if it can even be found or afforded.
The mythical “panacea” flower often told in fairy tales regarding the Briar Banshee is likely referring to its Monarch Rose rather than a literal plant, and considering the properties of its scales, this is more than likely the truth behind the matter.
Those who are in the luxurious position of obtaining and overusing the Briar Incense may find themselves wandering open fields in a feverish state, searching for a Monarch in order to glean more of its effects. At this point, the addiction is strong and their decision making becomes addled, leaving them to wander out alone without a word. This can often only ever end in one way--poorly.
If that is not enough, use of this incense is bound to attract stray Thorns to your location if there happens to be any nearby; and they may be sorely disappointed to learn that there is no Monarch present--In fact, it is likely they may not believe it and will search the area themselves for better or for worse as they turn an area upside down in the process.
As for the thorny quills of the Thorned, they have a heavier tip and a strangely lighter base. This makes it not only easier for them to fire their quills as projectiles, but it also acts as part of the mechanism behind the eerie whistling sounds that their quills are able to generate while flying through the air at certain speeds.
Discarded quills are a valuable resource for Beastclans, which may include them into weapon creating of their own designs or as jewelry and decoration. Venturing into Banshee territory to gather these quills should only be attempted when the Garden has moved onto its next resting area.
Repeated exposure to this incense can cause adverse effects, as it possesses notoriously addictive qualities. It is, and should only ever be used once--and that is if it can even be found or afforded.
The mythical “panacea” flower often told in fairy tales regarding the Briar Banshee is likely referring to its Monarch Rose rather than a literal plant, and considering the properties of its scales, this is more than likely the truth behind the matter.
Those who are in the luxurious position of obtaining and overusing the Briar Incense may find themselves wandering open fields in a feverish state, searching for a Monarch in order to glean more of its effects. At this point, the addiction is strong and their decision making becomes addled, leaving them to wander out alone without a word. This can often only ever end in one way--poorly.
If that is not enough, use of this incense is bound to attract stray Thorns to your location if there happens to be any nearby; and they may be sorely disappointed to learn that there is no Monarch present--In fact, it is likely they may not believe it and will search the area themselves for better or for worse as they turn an area upside down in the process.
As for the thorny quills of the Thorned, they have a heavier tip and a strangely lighter base. This makes it not only easier for them to fire their quills as projectiles, but it also acts as part of the mechanism behind the eerie whistling sounds that their quills are able to generate while flying through the air at certain speeds.
Discarded quills are a valuable resource for Beastclans, which may include them into weapon creating of their own designs or as jewelry and decoration. Venturing into Banshee territory to gather these quills should only be attempted when the Garden has moved onto its next resting area.
Rare Variety
Banshees with a light, purple-tinted (platinum) body are considered incredibly rare, and regarded as beautiful specimens; a King or Queen even more so. These individuals are very sensitive to light and often doted upon by their kind.
Platinum Thorn Banshees tend to receive special treatment from both their King or Queen as well as their peers. A Platinum Monarch Rose will often command a much larger Garden than usual.
Either variety of Platinum Banshees rarely have to lift a talon for themselves, as they are fed, watered and generally quite pampered as individuals. It is not uncommon for Monarchs to attempt to steal or tempt one away from another Garden.
Platinum Thorn Banshees tend to receive special treatment from both their King or Queen as well as their peers. A Platinum Monarch Rose will often command a much larger Garden than usual.
Either variety of Platinum Banshees rarely have to lift a talon for themselves, as they are fed, watered and generally quite pampered as individuals. It is not uncommon for Monarchs to attempt to steal or tempt one away from another Garden.
Albino Banshee
Primary Marble/Savannah: Cream
Secondary Tear: Brick-Coral
Tertiary Wraith/Porcupine/Skeletal:
Crimson-Coral
Secondary Tear: Brick-Coral
Tertiary Wraith/Porcupine/Skeletal:
Crimson-Coral
Lore & Differences
An albino variant of the Briar Banshee, the Blush Banshee lacks a great deal of the common pigmentation, earning its name as the "Blush Rose" due to the coloration it possesses. They hold the same social dynamic regarding a Monarch Rose reigning over a large group.
But unlike the common Briar Banshee, they do not sleep in open fields during daytime, as the sunlight can easily irritate their sensitive scales and webbing. Instead, this variant prefers the comforts of shade and may more often be found active during in the night.
As a result of their genetic traits, they possess progressively poorer eyesight over time, and will compensate through their tougher hides, an increased sensitivity to both sound as well as changes in air pressure.
Because of their significant changes, these "Blush Banshees" do not migrate as the Briars do, and will often stay within a singular marked, ever-expanding territory. Once they have found a suitable domain, their numbers will only continue to grow and creep across borders of other clans, making them dangerous pests to contend with if not quickly controlled.
Their territory can be identified by the many, many quills left impaled deliberately within the earth. These quills create a different pitch than what is known from the common Briar, and are almost melodic and even considered pleasant to the rest of dragon kind. They are--however--very reactive to changes.
If one passes through a territory with quills scattered throughout, the simple act of walking by a quill will change the sound that the quill produces, and thus alert the Blush Banshees to the unwelcome intrusion.
Blush Roots
Along with the "Thorn" they also possess an armored variety known as "Roots" (Skeletal) if following the same naming theme. Their sole purpose is to protect the Monarch against harm.
Possessing much fewer quills, the ones that do exist along their back allows them to detect changes in air pressure along with the rest of their kind, effectively "anticipating" the moves of their opponent before they execute them.
They are very observant and patient individuals. A lot less aggressive in their approach than the Thorns, but more dangerous in that they are quicker to learn and adapt to unique opponents.
And because they can endure for prolonged periods and regenerate their wounds, trying to outpace a Root Banshee is considered a foolish move when one should be focused purely on survival and escape. Fast and furious battle strategies are considered especially faulty here.
Constant variation in one's attacks is completely necessary in order to best a Root defender of equal level to oneself; even then their abilities to predict and anticipate can be troubling if their back spines are not quickly taken care of... not including the slew of hostile Thorn Banshees already in one's wake.
Combat
Just as aggressive as their Briar cousins, they are not shy about attacking any uninvited trespassers, especially those that upset their Monarch Rose. While on the surface, it appears that they should be able to utilize the same battle tactics that the species is known for--the truth is actually a little wilder than fiction.
Poorer eyesight means poorer aim. They are less accurate with launching their tail quills at opponents, and may be less inclined to do a backwards spiked drop or tackle, which may leave them open and vulnerable.
Rather than rely solely on a sharp aim, the "Thorns" will scatter their quills around their opponent, uncaring of whether or not it hits the target directly. Instead, these highly reactive quills will be "detonated" by their shrieking calls, exploding deadly razor shards into every direction.
Able to "hit and run" by launching and shrieking immediately after, their primary ace is their combined ability to create a fatal area of effect--and between all of them, escape is nearly impossible. Fortunately, their own tough hides protects them from their rather dirty tactics.
Those lucky (if that is considered the case) to survive the assault will only be greeted with an immediate follow-up, repeating until the area becomes a sea of thorny shards that can embed in the bottom of one's feet as they try to run.
Like the bite of the Briar, it makes survivors afflicted by their attacks more susceptible to the dulling, almost hypnotic pheromones of their Monarch. Together, they all come together to make a deadly combination not worth prodding, especially because they do not prefer to take prisoners.
Poorer eyesight means poorer aim. They are less accurate with launching their tail quills at opponents, and may be less inclined to do a backwards spiked drop or tackle, which may leave them open and vulnerable.
Rather than rely solely on a sharp aim, the "Thorns" will scatter their quills around their opponent, uncaring of whether or not it hits the target directly. Instead, these highly reactive quills will be "detonated" by their shrieking calls, exploding deadly razor shards into every direction.
Able to "hit and run" by launching and shrieking immediately after, their primary ace is their combined ability to create a fatal area of effect--and between all of them, escape is nearly impossible. Fortunately, their own tough hides protects them from their rather dirty tactics.
Those lucky (if that is considered the case) to survive the assault will only be greeted with an immediate follow-up, repeating until the area becomes a sea of thorny shards that can embed in the bottom of one's feet as they try to run.
Like the bite of the Briar, it makes survivors afflicted by their attacks more susceptible to the dulling, almost hypnotic pheromones of their Monarch. Together, they all come together to make a deadly combination not worth prodding, especially because they do not prefer to take prisoners.
Trivia
The quills of the Blush Banshee are melodic rather than shrill and harsh. For uninitiated (and therefore unafraid) of their existence, these quills make for a wonderful commodity. They can be crafted into different lengths and arranged into lovely wind chimes that produce fantastically elaborate tunes.
Like the Briar Banshee, the scales of a strong Blush Monarch are said to have legendary qualities when crafted into an incense. The sayings tend to go along the lines of offering prophetic visions, grand inspirations, solutions to difficult problems, etc.
The discarded quills of the Blush Banshee tend to decay quickly unless chemically treated (which is often the case when made into goods), and require frequent replacing around their territory.
One can use the "age" of a quill territory marker to determine when it was last replaced, and glean a little knowledge about the wheres and whens, as well as how dangerous it is to be there at that exact moment.
Like the Briar Banshee, the scales of a strong Blush Monarch are said to have legendary qualities when crafted into an incense. The sayings tend to go along the lines of offering prophetic visions, grand inspirations, solutions to difficult problems, etc.
The discarded quills of the Blush Banshee tend to decay quickly unless chemically treated (which is often the case when made into goods), and require frequent replacing around their territory.
One can use the "age" of a quill territory marker to determine when it was last replaced, and glean a little knowledge about the wheres and whens, as well as how dangerous it is to be there at that exact moment.
