Post by AmozonQueen on Jun 17, 2017 0:38:30 GMT
- Cannadith -
“They were akin to flightless wyverns, with scaled heads and razor-tipped jaws. They came at speeds rivaling our own horses, spitting liquid fire.”
- Excerpt from the Traveler's Log
Physical AppearanceThe Cannadith is an intimidating sight to see, with a height reaching up to 9’ and a wingspan of 7’ when fully grown. Its feathers typically are a mix between black, white, and brown. A unique trait in the species is their reptilian-esque scales, coming in fiery hues of reds, ambers, and soft golds. These scales are commonly concentrated around their head, underbelly, and legs. The males tend to be the more vibrant of the species, with the females having a duller tone.
Their snapping jaws are what most travelers fear. The piercing beak and razor-tipped teeth are used for hunting and tearing flesh. Extending from their heads are a set of darkened horns, likely used in courtship duels and regulating their blood temperature. Their eye shades are more commonly brown or black but sometimes red or pink. Due to poor eyesight, they rely on their strong sense of smell to guide them.
Aside from their sharp beak and teeth, Cannadith’s have another defense mechanism. Due to eating animal carcasses their stomach has evolved a corrosive acid. The creature can spit this acid out to inflict burns on attackers.
Aided with long and powerful leg muscles the Cannadith is able to reach speeds of 30-40 mph. Unlike other birds, they only have two toes on either foot, each armed with a dagger-like claws. They are also capable of kicking out at enemies, using enough force to kill a man if placed correctly.
Rarity: Uncommon
Location
They are native to the plains of Eldakir, favoring its warm temperatures and open grasslands where they can freely run. They have also been spotted among the dusty dunes of Veldari, likely having been brought over as a ways of transportation for their heat tolerance and speed.
Behavior
Despite possessing an intimidating appearance and armed with a set of ferocious teeth, the Cannabith does not hunt for large prey. Instead it finds its meals among smaller prey such as rodents, reptiles, and carrion. Some believe that this diet is the reason they have evolved scaled heads.
The Cannabith makes their nests in small pits that they dig out with their large claws. They are highly territorial of their nesting grounds and will attack any intruder. Mates will share a nest during breeding season. Males will defend the nest against attackers while the female will protect the eggs by covering them with her body.
Although flightless, the Cannabith’s wings serve two purposes. During mating rituals, a male will dance around, displaying his vibrant plumage to attract the females attention. If the female deems the male a worthy mate, she will inspect and preen his plumage.
The second purpose of their wings is to help them turn and slow down. To turn the Cannibith will extend the opposite wing of the direction it wishes to go. To slow down, the creature will extend both wings and flap them forwards.
Cannibiths are usually hostile to humanoids, but with patience and a gentle hand, they can be tamed. Tamers offer the creature easy access to food, slowly adjusting the bird to human presence and touch. Once trust is built, tamers then work on getting the creature used to being ridden.
Benefits
- Their feathers, horns, and talons are commonly taken as decorations or good luck talismans among hunters and travelers.
- Their meat may also be taken, however due to their carnivorous diet, this isn’t suggested.
- If extracted, the corrosive acid within their stomachs may be used to inflict burns
- Can be tamed and used as a way of transportation.