The jhereg is a small, flying, intelligent snake-like dragon that was
altered by the
Jenoine to have human
caliber intelligence. The Jenoine
were the race that modified the genetic stock of the Dragaera and played
with raw
chaos.
The jhereg come in two forms the 'small' and the 'giant'. The small
jhereg (of which Loiosh is one) have a poisonous
bite. The giant jhereg live near Deathgate Falls and Barrit's Tomb
and are non-poisonous. Both animals are carrion eaters.
Without going through noding all 17 animals of The Cycle, a brief
description shall follow. The descriptions themselves are paraphrased
from Dzurlord, a Crossroads Adventure Book by Brust.
Phoenix sinks into decay
The decadence of the Phoenix occurs when the Emperor fails to
relinquish the throne when the cycle is over. This is the 'death' part
of the Phoenix cycle. There are very few members of the phoenix
house - little can be said about them.
Haughty dragon yearns to slay.
A large reptile (not fire breathing). The dragon has tentacles to
pick up psychic impressions. Representing war, the members of the
House Dragon are military oriented with a blood lust.
Lyorn growls and lowers horn
The Lyorn is best thought of a cross between a great dane
and a unicorn. The members of House Lyorn are book keepers and historians
which represent Tradition.
Tiassa dreams and plots are born.
A large panther with bat-like wings representing inspiration. Oracles are frequently from House Tiassa.
Hawk looks down from lofty flight
The hawk is still a hawk. Members of House Hawk (called Hawk-lords)
are skilled (and powerful) sorcerers and psyonicts that are very curious.
Dzur stalks and blends with night.
A large black tiger representing heroism. The House Dzur is known for
its heros. It is possible for someone from any house to become a
member of House Dzur by fighting (and beating) 17 Dzur heros - this is
not an easy task. Dzurs will typically forgo intelligence and rational
thought when something heroic is to be done. This is best demonstrated when Vlad Taltos makes the joke "Tiassa think walking, Dragons think standing, Lyorns think sitting, Dzur think afterward."
Issola strikes from courtly bow
A stork-like bird with a sharp beak. Representing courtliness and
surprise, members of House Issola are often wandering minstrels or
receptionists - knowing exactly the right thing to say or song to sing.
Tsalmoth maintains though none knows how.
The Tsalmoth are described something between a bear and a large
tree-dwelling turtle. Its primary characteristics are unpredictability
and tenacity.
Vallista rends and then rebuilds
The vallista are an amphibious creature that live around ponds. The
members of House Vallista are best described as construction workers and
demolition experts.
Jhereg feeds on others' kills.
The animal jhereg is well described above. Representing corruption,
the House Jhereg are the mafia and organized crime of the world.
Quiet iorich won't forget
A large, slow moving river dwelling reptile - picture a reptilian
hippopotamus with the memory of an elephant that will eventually
track something that bit them down and kill it. These creatures
represent justice and retribution.
Sly chreotha weaves his net.
A large fox-like creature that uses saliva to build a strong web
that can ensnare a dzur - or a dragon. These creatures represent
traps. The members of House Chreotha frequent gambling halls and such.
Yendi coils and strikes, unseen
A sand-snake with a subtle bite and poison. Often the prey doesn't
realize for a few minutes that they have been bitten until they
collapse.
Q: How many Yendi does it take to sharpen a sword?
A: Three - One to sharpen the sword and one to confuse the issue.
The House Yendi is often involved in many schemes and represents
subtlety and misdirection.
Orca circles, hard and lean.
The orca is a killer whale (much as in our world). The House Orca
are naval experts and bankers.
Frightened teckla hides in grass
A small hopping mouse/rabbit like creature that
represents cowardice and fertility. The members House Teckla are cowards
and will run or spill their guts. Along with the Chreotha, members of
this house are the primary customers of gambling halls. Teckla are also
conscripted into battles between members of House Dragon.
Jhegaala shifts as moments pass.
Initially an egg, later a moth, and lastly a large toad (with a few
other stages between) these animals represent metamorphosis.
Athyra rules minds' interplay
An owl-like bird. These animals emit psychic signals to draw prey
to it, or cause fear in predators. The House Athyra represents magic.
Phoenix rise from ashes, gray.
The rebirth of the Phoenix which starts the cycle all over again.