ur’Epona
Also known as Epona’s Grandchildren, the ur’Epona are mystical equine creatures of great beauty and power, embodying a spark of the divine essence of their progenitor. These magnificent beings are famed for their ability to traverse the planes with ease.
Ur’Epona thrive in company. In Epona’s Stable in Tir na Og, they form great herds, roaming the expansive meadows. They are somewhat aloof from the two-legs, preferring the company of their own kind. However, they do make exceptions for cutters they consider friends or to those whom they owe a debt of honour. They are also typically fond of bariaur.
Horse-like in form, but possessing an ethereal quality that sets them apart from ordinary steeds, their most striking feature is their colour-changing hide. This isn’t just a matter of pigmentation; their colour reflects their mood and the magic that courses through them. Their coats can shimmer from pure, glistening white to deep, absorbing sable, and a kaleidoscope of every shade in between.Â
While the ur’Epona do not speak, they are far from mere animals. They possess an innate understanding of all languages spoken to them. Perhaps they understand the words, or maybe it’s their natural empathy that means they grasp the intentions and emotions behind the speech. Either way, they seem to undnerstand.
The most remarkable aspect of the ur’Epona however, is their inherent ability to move between planes. This ability is said to be a gift from Epona, a reflection of their lineage and connection to the Primal Horse. Ur’Epona can navigate planar pathways with an ease that belies the complexity of such travel, and they’re able to shift from one plane to another as if stepping through a veil.
Revered across the multiverse, ur’Epona are seen as symbols of freedom. They’re often sought after by planewalkers of course, for their ability to traverse the planes. However, capturing or coercing an ur’Epona is no easy task, nor is it advised. These creatures are fiercely independent and wilful, choosing their own paths and allies. Their presence in any plane is often seen as a sign of good fortune. In Tir na Og, they are particularly revered, as embodiments of the blessing of Epona.
nic’Epona
Every cycle or so, a particularly unusual ur’Epona foal is born. The individuals are always female, exceptionally intelligent, and dazzlingly coloured—but they do not change colour. This marks the creature as a nic’Epona (Epona’s daughter), and a future proxy of the power herself. The nic’Epona are deeply bonded to their herd of ur’Epona and exhibit a fierce protectiveness, especially towards foals. Woe betide the foolhardy berk who dares to threaten or steal one of their young; the entire herd would pursue the thief relentlessly across the planes.
When it comes to interactions with other beings, nic’Epona are more gregarious and curious than ur’Epona. They are able to speak, and enjoy engaging with adventurers and travellers, eager to exchange stories and learn of new places to explore. A nic’Epona’s company is not easily won however; one must have not only fine gifts and flattering words, but also a genuine and respectful demeanour.
Like the ur’Epona, nic’Epona are capable of extraordinary feats of planar travel, offering transportation to those who have earned their trust and affection. However, this is a privilege granted only once per individual, and requires absolute trust between horse and rider. Should a cutter betray this trust, the nic’Epona have no qualms about stranding them on a perilous or inhospitable plane, with Baator being a particularly favoured destination for ungrateful or deceitful riders.
A nic’Epona allowing a being to name her is a rare and profound honour, indicating a deep bond of affection. Once named, the nic’Epona will respond to this name as a summons, willing to cross the planes to aid her friend up to three times.
Canonical Sources:
- Planar Handbook [3e] p72,130-131 (ur’Epona)
- Planescape Campaign Setting: Monstrous Supplement [2e] p24-25 (nic’Epona)
- Well of Worlds [2e] p72-87 (adventure featuring nic’Epona called Keltea and Myerai)
- In the Cage [2e] p10,72,79 (statue of a nic-Epona in Sigil that functions as a portal)
Source: Alex Roberts A Tiefling’s Exultation and Jon Winter-Holt. Canonwatch: The statistics of the 2e nic’Epona and the 3e ur’Epona are very different, so I’ve split them into two distinct types, making the nic’Epona the chosen ones of the race.