Heliaros

Heliaros is a Flying Wyvern that takes the role of Flagship Monster for Monster Hunter: Farblaze. It was worshiped by ancient societies as a wrathful god of the sun.

Physiology
Heliaros are Flying Wyverns that closely resemble Seregios in both body movement and color, but similarities end there. Featuring gleaming scales of a light golden color with tan accents and white quills on their necks, the Heliaros takes a similar appearance to a falcon or hawk in many ways, especially so in the shape of their heads; rather than giant fangs or tusks, the Heliaros sports a razor sharp, hook-like beak with smaller teeth within. A sail-like crest protrudes from their scalp that, like its wings, wing fins, and thagomizers, are nearly colorless, the membranes being made of reflective, glass-like tissues that work similarly to a prism, reflecting sunlight if the animal positions itself correctly. The feet of a Heliaros are also like that of a bird of prey, featuring three front claws and a single claw on the heel, perfect for grasping onto its quarry.

Behavior
Heliaros behavior is sporadic to say the least. Some individuals are extremely aggressive, while others are reclusive and even skittish. Folklore claims that no two Heliaros have the same personality, as one can show up and not bother local villages, while the next will burn homes and crops while feeding on civilians. As such, the Guild has no other choice but to hunt these wyverns regardless of personality due to their unpredictability. The Heliaros is oftentimes a pest for farmers as well, swooping from the skies and snatching livestock such as Aptonoth or Moofah, as well as the aforementioned unintentional crop destruction.

Heliaros mating behavior, despite the mysterious reputation of the wyvern, is actually very well documented. Females will choose a single male to reproduce with for the rest of their lives. As such, the males cannot afford to fail in impressing their potential mates, often fighting via reflecting large beams of light at one another until one forfeits, or until an aggressor decides to attack. These light shows often result in damaged retinas and even permanent blindness, regardless of the victor. After a successful display, the male and female will soar into the skies, interlock claws, and tailspin towards the ground at high speeds, letting go of one another at the last moment to signify their trust and commitment to each other.

Turf Wars
Heliaros vs. Barroth (winner)

Heliaros vs. Qurupeco (winner)

Heliaros vs. Rathian (winner)

Heliaros vs. Tigrex (tie)

Heliaros vs. Seregios (tie)

Heliaros vs. Diablos (loser)

Ecology
(WIP)

First Appearance
Quest: Liver Lover

Synopsis: As the hunter enters Area 7 of the Desert, the last Apceros they need to complete their quest (which is to deliver 8 Apceros Livers) begin to charge for the hunter, who prepares their weapon for combat. However, much to their confusion, the Apceros run right by. The hunter's focus is set on the Apceros leaving the area as the camera enters a first person viewpoint as they turn around and look to the sky. Blocking out the sun is a wyvern-shaped creature with blindingly bright wings. It lets out a piercing shriek, swooping downwards for the hunter and grabbing them, before carrying them off, ending the cutscene. After this sequence, the hunter finds themselves at Area 9 as the Heliaros shrieks, flying off into the horizon.

Hunt Intro
Quest: Chasing the Sun

Synopsis: The hunter enters Area 9, only to find that nothing is there... or so they think. The hunter looks upwards, only to find the Heliaros in the same position as it was in in Liver Lover, but rather than swooping down, it twirls upwards and spreads its wings as it shrieks, causing a flash of light that stuns the Genprey in the area, before it carefully hovers downwards and perches on the ground, glaring at the hunter. A small Western-themed version of Proof of a Hero plays as the two stare at one another, before the Heliaros lets out another shriek. The fight begins.