"Standing on the edge of a mountainous cliff, the herd paws anxiously at the dirt. With a great bugle, the lead stag leaps over the edge; beautiful golden wings catching the breeze, he is carried over the valley. Behind him, thirty Perytons follow, sending rocks tumbling toward us and darkening the sky."

Part ave, part ungulate, the Peryton is a flying mammal unlike any other. While flying squirrels and bats rely on stretchy, skin membranes, these animals depend on feathers. Lightweight, hollow bones permit long-distance gliding and general speed. Yet, this also has its disadvantages. Perytons are fragile animals prone to broken bones; they are also fairly weak, lacking muscle mass.

There are a wide array of Peryton species, each adapted to a unique grassland or forested region. Some possess vibrant, colorful coats which cause them to stand out to mates and predators. While these are stronger and aggressive kinds, more dimunitive species rely on dull hues and camoflage.