Magpengs

Overview

Magpeng is hybrid animal cross between magpie and penguin, documented at Storvhit by Saskia Averina in field journal dated January 29, 393 AC. Creature inherited traits from both species with unique combination of physical characteristics and behavioral patterns.

Physical Characteristics

Body Structure

• Unable to fly despite avian heritage
• Waddles clumsily on legs similar to penguins
• Feathered fins longer than those of regular penguins
• Body adapted for both land and aquatic environments

Distinguishing Features

Fin structure represents primary distinction from arctic penguin cousins, enabling enhanced leaping capabilities.

Movement and Locomotion

Terrestrial Movement

• Waddles clumsily when walking on legs
• Masters art of sliding across snow and ice
• Aerodynamic sliding ability highly developed

Aquatic Movement

• Aerodynamic ability translates seamlessly to water
• Swims with mesmerizing virtuosity
• Far superior swimming capabilities compared to terrestrial movement

Leaping Ability

Enhanced fin structure enables leaping with far greater amplitude than arctic penguin cousins. This represents significant evolutionary advantage for navigating icy terrain and escaping aquatic predators.

Behavioral Characteristics

Inherited Magpie Traits

Adopted magpie’s behavioral patterns including:

• Thieving behavior
• Fascination with shiny objects
• Compulsive collection of valuables

Camp Interaction

Should never be left unattended near camps. If given opportunity, magpengs quickly ransack camps in search of valuables solely to add to growing pile of pilfered trinkets. Represents nuisance to arctic expeditions and research camps.

Collection Behavior

Creates hoards of stolen shiny objects, maintaining piles of pilfered trinkets similar to magpie nesting behavior.

Habitat and Ecology

Documented at Storvhit as part of Winter Folk endemic arctic wildlife. Thrives in harsh climate that poses challenge for beings accustomed to gentler biotopes.

Timeline

393 AC - Camp Theft and Hunt

A Magpeng stole items from expedition camp including Sigismar Synd’s ring from Hasret, prompting Fen to assign Sigismar to track the creature and locate its nest using summoned bloodhounds.

Classification

Represents hybrid species combining traits of:

• Magpie (Pica): Thieving behavior, fascination with shiny objects
• Penguin (Spheniscidae): Basic body structure, aquatic adaptation, flightlessness

Unclear whether natural hybrid evolution or result of other factors affecting Storvhit fauna.

Relationships

• Sigismar Synd: Ordis Exalt who tracked Magpeng that stole his ring (393 AC)
• Fen: Lyra Exalt who assigned Sigismar to locate Magpeng nest (393 AC)
• Hasret: Ring originally from her was among stolen items (393 AC)
• Saskia Averina: Documented Magpeng species in field journal (393 AC)