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Vera and Kagin Ref

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Description

This is quite a jump forward in time but I decided to make a ref for Kagin's handler before I got started with training, and it only made sense to include the tack in one combined reference. The tack itself is a bit detailed and complicated, and at some point I'll be posting a little guide to the pieces you can't really see and how it all works. I spent a lot of time designing it and basically made up a new riding style :'D Turns out giant dragon birbs are not at all like horses. 

For a quick synopsis: The bridle is bitless and there are two sets of reins; the standard left/right that can be used to lead the animal (that Vera is currently holding), and a second pair that control up/down. These attach beneath the head and between the eyes, and are locked into a set of metal hoops on the left side so that when used they either pull back from the forehead or down from directly under the beak. Typically one set of reins per hand. The buckle for the shoulder strap is on the far side of the animal, where there are no metal loops. The saddle is meant to be kneeled in so that the rider's weight isn't on the bird's neck and their legs aren't getting in the way of or brushing against the wings. There are hand grips in the front as well as a metal hook for both pairs of reins if needed. The saddle has a tether point in front and back of the seat that hook onto the rider's belt so that they don't risk falling, and there is a leather strap to assist in mounting and dismounting on both sides.    

Handler
Name: Vera
Species: Human
Age: Mid to late 20s
Height: Roughly 5' 3"
Appearance: Moderately athletic build with short, wavy black hair and light blue eyes. Will sometimes carry a knife holster on her belt. Bows are her weapon of choice, and she can usually be seen carrying one and wearing a quiver when she heads out from the stable. She is shown here in her basic clothes, but more layers can be added in colder weather. *Vera will often wear long leather gloves though they aren't shown here. 

Personality: Optimistic, energetic and daring. She greatly enjoys the thrill of hunting and flying, and especially delights in attempting aerial acrobatics with stryx (which she hadn't really had the chance to do before Kagin.) She is kind and even playful at times. While she is fairly fun-loving and brave Vera rarely toes the line into stupidity. She understands when true danger is present and loathes putting her stryx into harm's way. 

Background: Vera discovered a fascination with hunting from a fairly young age; a profession that was very much valued by her community. The gathering of food is an essential activity in any culture, so there was no hesitation to teach the young girl her chosen trade. She became decently skilled with a bow and arrow and eventually bought her own horse to hunt with. However, the greatest providers for the town were those with stryx. They could cover vast amounts of land much faster than any horse, and bring down larger prey. The powerful birds and their riders captivated all children, and Vera was no exception. As a teenager she took on a side job working at the local stryx stables where she was eventually taught the basics of riding the creatures, but was never allowed to take them out of the facilities. After years of work the owners finally agreed to let her keep a bird of her own in exchange for her labor. Vera headed to the Lackadaisy Loft, a rescue center for abandoned and lost stryx. A month-old Corva hatchling caught her eye, and she named him Kagin. 
 
AP Count:
Full body - 1
Colored - 2
Rider - 2
Personal Art - 1

Total - 6 

:icondracostryx:
Image size
1500x995px 400.05 KB
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Comments3
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10animallover10's avatar
Interesting rider and Stryx :) I like the tack design and explanation^^