species [Lore] Areion - Bat Ponies

[Dio]

Areion - Denizens of the Dark, Guardians of the Night

Areion are a pony race shrouded in mystery, best known for their intimidating appearance and their affinity for darkness and the night. Their bodies are equine in appearance and size, being quadrupedal and bearing wings. Like pegasi, they have a predisposition toward slimmer, more lithe forms, though variations of this exist throughout the species. Their coats and manes run the full spectrum of colors that other pony species do, though most Areion possess more subdued coats and manes.

Areion have several key differences that separate them from their pegasus cousins, the most striking trait being their wings. Areion lack pegasi feathers, instead possessing bat-like wings with bony “fingers” and leathery webbing. Closer inspection also reveals subtle differences in the shape of their ears and eyes. Their ears have small tufts on them, much like a bat, and their pupils form slits, much like a dragon.

Though they cannot control weather like pegasi, Areion are excellent fliers and are capable of feats of speed, agility, and stealth with practice. They retain the ability to cloudwalk as most Equestrian fliers do. Areion night vision is exceptional and they are also in possession of excellent hearing. Their daylight vision, however, is less acute. Most Areion are vegetarian, preferring fruit, though a few have taken to consuming insects to supplement their diets.

Much like their colloquial name (“bat pony”) and physical features suggest, Areion are at home in the dark. They are mostly nocturnal and as such were among the few ponies that Princess Luna connected with prior to her fall to Nightmare. Most Areion revere her as their patroness with some even serving as her personal guard. As a result, Areion are most often associated with the moon, the night, and the Princess of them both.

In the legends, Areion are renowned explorers, cartographers, and astronomers. It is claimed that the first comprehensive maps of Greater Equestria were penned by Areion-led expeditions and most modern star charts have their origins in Areion stellar cartography. Historical documents to prove these claims are lacking, but it is clear that modern Areion still possess a keen sense of direction, a knack for navigating at night or in bad weather, and an eye for the stars. Their association with the night sky is preserved in astronomical catalogues as the constellation “Areion,” a representative of their kind written in the stars. The most defining feature of the constellation is the belt of stars representing the saddle strap of an Areion explorer.

With Luna’s fall to Nightmare and subsequent banishment, the Areion went into self-imposed exile, mourning the loss of their patroness. Forming up into bands called “colonies,” different Areion families decided to go their separate ways, though arrangements were still made to meet every year on the Winter Solstice to pay their respects to the moon. These gatherings, later named The Conclave, serve as a forum for Areion colonies to share their experiences, receive news of events that have happened throughout the land, and make provisions for future endeavors if needed. The true location of the Conclave is known only to Areion but it is speculated to be somewhere within the Forest of Leota.

While relatively uncommon in central Equestria, more Areion have been making themselves known since the return of the Princess of the Night. The highest concentration of them appears to be in Canterlot. Several families of Areion have moved into the older portions of town, where they are most often seen out and about at night. A few even serve as part of Princess Luna’s personal guard. Other small colonies and individuals can be found throughout Equestria and Aquellia.

Pronounced: Ah-rye-un.