Chimera

## Ecology

### Lifespan

Unknown, probably an average age derived from the different species used in its creation

### Predators

 Witchers

A **chimera** is a hybrid creature that was created by the famous, or infamous, mage (depending on who you ask), Idarran of Ulivo. In their genes, there are traces of fiends, griffins, insectoids, and wyverns. Originally, according to records in the Rissberg castle, it was intended to be used as a weapon to defend the Northen Kingdoms from potential invasions. However, a problem with their genes made them more aggressive than anticipated, and they escaped, becoming a plague around The Continent.

## Physiology

Physically, a chimera is approximately the size of an adult griffin. It possesses a similar body structure, having inherited it, along with its legs and wings, from the griffin. From the wyvern, it has inherited most of its internal organs, as these adapt better to the mixture of other genes used, especially those from insectoids. Unlike the griffin, whose tail can only sweep to cause damage, the chimera has a tail similar to that of certain basilisk subspecies, capable of poisoning. This is a more certain inheritance from the aforementioned insectoid genes used in its creation. Its skin is usually orange; though, like with basilisks, there are various colors. Probably, in the chimera's case, this is due to its compatibility with different monster species, resulting in various chimera subspecies, each with its danger level and distinguishing characteristics.

Like other monsters such as the semalodir, it lacks eyes with pupils or irises. Its head, resembling that of a fiend (genes that were also used), includes horns, with the exception of the mouth, where the other notable inheritance from wyverns is present. Its skin, although resilient, is not as tough as an insectoid's exoskeleton, being only slightly tougher than usual compared to gene contributors to its creation, like wyverns and griffins.

## Abilities

* **Chimera Physiology**:
	+ **Genetic Superiority**: A chimera is able to breed with anything it has a gene of, though the offspring will always be a chimera leading to a population boom while not helping the population of its mate's species. Although, similar to dryads and fairies, offspring can sometimes inherit some characteristics of the parent that is not a chimera.
	+ **Pheromone Generation**: Chimeras can secrete powerful pheromones that entice anything it has a gene of to procreate with it.
		- **Pheromone Manipulation**: chimeras possess the power to manipulate their pheromones.
		- **Seductive Pheromones**: chimera's can generate powerful, aphrodisiac, seductive bodily emissions which induce titillating pleasure and carnal desire while subtly lifting inhibitions in any species they share genes with.

## Behavior

Chimeras exhibit a complex and unpredictable behavior, influenced by the amalgamation of genes from various monster species.

* **Aggressiveness**: Chimeras are inherently aggressive, often engaging in territorial disputes with other creatures or monsters. Their tendency to be confrontational makes them challenging to approach or coexist with.
* **Hunting Patterns**: Chimeras, with their lethal combination of traits, are formidable hunters. They exhibit cunning and strategic approaches, utilizing their wings for aerial advantage and their poisonous tail for incapacitating prey.
* **Territorial Instincts**: Chimeras tend to establish territories where they roam freely and have easy access to food. Encroaching upon their territory is met with fierce resistance, as they fiercely defend their chosen domains.
* **Social Structure**: Chimeras tend to be solitary creatures, but there have been instances of temporary alliances, especially during mating seasons or territorial disputes. These alliances are often short-lived, as the inherent aggressiveness of chimeras can lead to conflicts even among themselves.
* **Nomadic Nature:** While territorial, chimeras also display a nomadic tendency, possibly driven by their restless and aggressive behavior. This nomadism contributes to their spread across different regions of The Continent, as they constantly seek to expand their territories or engage in confrontations that drive them to explore and move.

## Strengths

* **Versatile Genetic Inheritance:** The nature of their genetic makeup allows for a wide range of physical characteristics and abilities, resulting in various chimera subspecies. This versatility makes them adaptable to different ecosystems and challenges, enhancing their overall survivability.
* **Formidable Combat Skills**: Chimeras inherit a lethal combination of combat skills from their diverse genetic makeup. With the agility of griffins, their venomous tail, akin to certain basilisk subspecies, and the predatory instincts of wyverns, chimeras are formidable adversaries in physical confrontations.
* **Aerial Advantage:** Wings inherited from griffins provide chimeras with the ability to take to the skies, granting them a significant advantage in aerial combat and reconnaissance. This makes them versatile and challenging to evade or counter.
* **Venomous Tail:** The chimera's tail, infused with venom from its insectoid genes, serves both as a potent weapon and a means to incapacitate prey. The venom is a powerful tool in subduing opponents and contributes to the chimera's efficiency in hunting.
* **Intelligence and Strategy**: Chimeras exhibit a level of intelligence that complements their aggressive nature. They employ cunning strategies in hunting, territorial disputes, and interactions with other creatures, showcasing a high degree of adaptability and problem-solving skills.

## Vulnerabilities

Nonetheless, despite being highly dangerous monsters, chimeras possess several weaknesses stemming from the genetic composition that brought them into existence. Similar to griffins, they prove vulnerable to the Aard Sign, capable of unbalancing them when executed with sufficient power, especially if they are approaching their target after a high-flying maneuver. As with all hybrids, they exhibit susceptibility to hybrid oil, albeit to a lesser extent than some others in this classification. This, coupled with their pheromones, likely compensates for the absence of the third eye that fiends use to hypnotize their prey.

Similar to various insectoid species, chimeras are also susceptible to the Igni Sign, albeit to a lesser degree than the former. Hence, when confronting a chimera, a potent use of the Igni Sign is recommended. Remarkably, even after enduring severe burns, a chimera will persist, becoming more aggressive than before. Effectively countering a chimera involves the strategic use of traps to hinder its flight or terrestrial movement, combined with the prior consumption of potions such as Derw, Maribor Forest, or Petri's Filter. Like many other monsters, despite their engineered origin, chimeras remain vulnerable to silver.

## Harvestable Parts

* **Chimera Poison Gland:** Extracted from the chimera's poisonous tail, this gland contains potent toxins. When carefully processed, it can be used to create deadly poisons for coating weapons or crafting alchemical substances.
* **Chimera Claw:** The claws of a chimera are razor-sharp and ideal for crafting daggers and other close-combat weapons.
* **Chimera Pheromone Sac:** The sac containing the chimera's pheromones can be harvested for its potential use in creating potions that manipulate emotions and behaviors.
* **Chimera Wing Feathers:** The feathers from the chimera's wings can be used in crafting arrows or employed as exquisite materials for decorative items.

## Subspecies

* Royal Chimera ( Chimera + Royal wyvern ): The Royal Chimera is the outcome of the union between a chimera and a Royal wyvern. It distinguishes itself from the common chimera through its larger size, wings devoid of feathers, which resemble those of a wyvern, and a skin color that tends more towards light brown, departing from the typical orange hue.

## Image Credits

* Chimera by Karol Bem for *Gwent: The Witcher Card Game*

## Notes

* This expansion of the monster known as Chimera is primarily based on CD Projekt Red's canon but with some adjustments. Since it would make much more sense that it was created by Idarran than by Cosimo.