  The Phoenix is a bird of living flame, hatched in the heat of the Nether and seen now and again wheeling through our own skies. It never truly dies, for when its body fails it sinks into a molten nest, and before long a small chick climbs from the embers, the same old spirit wearing new feathers. For all the fire in its blood it cannot abide the cold, and a hard frost will sap its strength and in time undo it altogether, so never carry one into a frozen land without good reason.
<~><~>  Left in peace it keeps to itself and hunts only when hungry, but raise a hand against it and it will open its beak and breathe fire until its temper cools. The feathers it sheds when slain still hold a quiet warmth that the wise keep for their craft.
<~><~>  A tamed Phoenix makes a fine courier. Toss it whatever you wish to send and it will catch the gift in its beak, then hand it a sheet of paper marked with the name of a player or a creature and it will set off to find them. Should your chosen one be close at hand the bird climbs into the air and bears the parcel straight to their feet. Should they be distant, or in another world entirely, it will fly off until it fades from sight, then return bearing a note that reads Delivered, or one that reads Failed To Deliver if no such soul could be found.
<~><~>  To earn its trust, hold a cut of raw mutton and let the bird draw near, then toss the meat across to it. If it is pleased, hearts will rise about its head, though it may take several offerings before it names you friend. A young chick grows in its own good time, yet a little mutton fed by hand will hurry it toward adulthood.
<~><~>  Magicians have ridden the Phoenix as a steed since the oldest days of the craft, and a tamed one will gladly bear you still. Once tamed it follows close until you crouch with empty hands and bid it sit and wait. Climb upon its back and it will carry you aloft, rising when you leap and sinking when you call it down, and a crouch will set you gently on the ground once more. Offer it a chest and it will bear your goods. A Brass Whistle sounded in need will bring it to your side at once, even diving to catch you from a long fall, and should that whistle grow tarnished with age, let it rest in water a short while and it will come out clean and bright again.
