The Bleeding Empress

The Bleeding Empress
(AKA: Blood Empress, Crimson Empress, Russet Moth)

Categorisation
Animals > Small > Insects > Moth

Overview
The Bleeding Empress is a moth, a gentle creature, and truly a sight to behold. With a wingspan of nearly three times its body length and a surface area of 400 squared nailsbreadths, it is one of Caelereth's many fantastical treasures. It is believed to be the largest moth in possibly all of Caelereth because of its wings. The name comes from the colour of their wings and body, which present a blood red colouration. They are identified by this factor as well as their immense size, they are quite hard to miss. Found on the continent of R'unor, they live in the Forest of Souls and feed on the mosses which grow on the roots and rocks of the forest floor.

Appearance
Being a creature of an unusual size, the Bleeding Empress is one of R'unor's gentle giants and rare sights, but they can be observed if one is quiet and careful. When it comes to their bodies, they are short and stubby compared to their massive wingspan, only eight to ten nailsbreadths long and two nailsbreadths wide. A coarse fur-like coat covers them in six alternating red and white rings that are about three quarters to one nailsbreadth in width, with the end tip being a solid white and about one and a half nailsbreadth. Their heads are about two nailsbreadths and blood red in colour. The coarse coat also covers this part of their body, making them quite fascinating to touch. Two white feather-like antennae stick out from just above their beady black eyes near the top of their head. These antennae are one and a half nailsbreadth in length and are used to help steady them in flight as well as serving as their sense of smell. Barely visible mouths are used to gingerly pluck moss from the tree roots and rocks which are found in their habitat. Six legs jut out from their bodies and are solid red in colour. The coat which covers their body is also found on their legs, but not quite as thick.

Able to reach nearly 30 nailsbreadths from tip to tip at the widest point and have a massive surface area of just under four hundred squared nailsbreadths, the Bleeding Empress is boasted to be the largest moth in all of Caelereth. While this has not been proven, they are believed to be the largest by far on R'unor. Four triangular wings attach to their upper body, close to their heads allowing for a balance of weight from their body to their wings during flight. On the top of their wings, there are four white heart-shaped spots that are surrounded by a thin black ring. The edges of the wings follow a similar pattern, ringed in white with a black outline to accentuate the overall colour of the wings.

Special Abilities
The male Russet Moth, when it takes flight, is able to leave a trail of powder which flies out from behind them. It isn't much, but it is noticeable when one is paying attention. This is believed to mark its territory as well as to attract females if their are in the area. The more powder that is released, the "stronger" that particular male is and the level of attractiveness. The powder also has a light scent to it, almost flower-like if a whiff is able to be caught which also leads to believe its use towards female attraction.

Territory
The Bleeding Empress can only be found within the Forest of Souls on R'unor, at least as far as it has researched, they have not been found anywhere else at this time.

Habitat/Behavior

Diet
During their larvae stage, they will feast on any type of leaves or berries, as they are both scattered and bountiful in the south. One larvae can consume the equivalent of three trees or large bushes in the course of a day's passing. They will spend the good part of six months eating as much as they possibly can of the vegetation, growing to massive proportions which the amount consumed suggests. Despite their size, they are a far cry from being carnivores and will avoid all other animals and humans.

Mating

Myth/Lore/Origin

The Bleeding Empress is named for R'unorian Empress Vanawe Turtleblessed,often simply called the Bloodied Empress. During her 15 year reign, Vanawe executed a campaign of brutal tyranny within the empire. In particular, her persecution of the orcs was legendary. Vanawe had a fondness for butterflies and moths, so much so that she had a cape cut to look like a pair of wings. When the Emperor Mogh, the Half-Orcen, rose up against Vanawe with army some five thousand strong at his back there was nothing that could be done to stop him. They stormed the Imperial Palace and dragged the Bloodied Empress onto the steps of her palace. Mogh apparently had a sense of morbid humour, for he flayed the skin from her back so that the shape of butterfly wings was plain to see and had her body paraded through the streets of the capital, trailing drops of blood in its wake.

Researchers

Usages
Dye
Silk
Decoration