Roc

Physiology

Tall, ruthless looking birds with a notable brow ridge, formidible beaks, and wings ineffectual for anything but being accessory to their appearance. Their thick, powerful legs end in heavy talons. They are covered in a coat of feathers.

Overview

Rocs are a clade of large flightless predatory birds, found all across the region. They are intelligent and social creatures, though they keep to small groupings, and often hunt alone.

Historically rocs have preyed upon the kipsang peoples and will still attempt to should an opportunity arise. This has led to the development of roc masks, bold accessories held high with one's tail which aim to frighten and deter an attacking roc.

Notable and well known species of rocs include the plains roc, shoreknife roc, brackenroc, and the cruschola, among others.

The plains roc, much like its close cousin the cruschola, is a pursuit predator that prefers open plains, grasslands, and low-vegetation areas. The cruschola is similar, though much larger, and it prefers a little more cover where it can surprise its prey. The formidable size of this roc makes it an intimidating foe for even the average lissa to contend with. The shoreknife roc, as the name suggests, uses its beak like a weapon to spear fish and other small creatures along waterways. It is a bit daintier than other rocs, which appear rather bulky in comparison. Lastly, the brackenroc is a forest bird; it prefers the shade and ample foliage of jungles and woodlands, and has developed a modest stature in order to navigate between trees and the like. These lesser rocs often sport dark brown, black, and even green plumage in order to blend in with their environment.

Return to Creatures