Lore - Aurelian Rider

I wanted to share one of my favorite creatures in Eldenoria — the Aurelian Riders.

If you’ve noticed the golden birds in some of my art, these are them. They’re one of the oldest domesticated species in the world, originally bred for war centuries ago… and still used for almost everything today.

An Aurelian stands roughly the size of a compact horse, with raptor-like legs, golden plumage, and ebony-black tips on their tail feathers. They’re fierce, fast, intelligent, and surprisingly loyal — a perfect blend of beauty and danger.

(Yes, you may notice a little Chocobo inspiration. They’re my favorite fantasy creature, and I wanted something that gives a similar emotional “vibe” without ever feeling like a copy. These ended up fitting Eldenoria perfectly.)

Over the centuries, Aurelians spread across the kingdoms, taking on every role imaginable:

War mounts capable of sprinting, biting, and slashing in battle.

Beasts of burden pulling carriages and merchant wagons.

Swift personal mounts for couriers and travelers.

And, in the Emenguardian Empire, the heart of the Sunstone Festival’s famous races — a wild mix of chariot racing, dangerous obstacles, aerial leaps, and full-contact combat between riders.

They’re fast. They’re loud. And they’re beloved.

You’ll see Aurelians a lot throughout the series —Such as in the scene I posted earlier.