#windrustler

Will post more soon.

In the vast stretches of the Windward Plains, two bird wyvern species have carved out an existence among the large monsters.

Talioths are small, predatory, bird wyverns that travel and hunt in packs. Group structure consists of about four individuals with seemingly no true hierarchy like we've seen in other bird wyverns (such as the Old World Raptors). They've been observed initiating hunts together and traveling as a group unit instead of being commanded by a larger alpha individual. More study is required, but I theorize there are likely altruistic behaviors yet seen. This comes from the lack of dominance competitions observed alongside the tight pack dynamics. If these are family units, that might explain the tendency towards high-risk-high-reward hunting with and for the entire pack. We also see groups resting with one another, often while one stands alert for the others. A familial pack might also explain the distinct pack territories we see throughout the Windward Plains, with only one pack in a large area at a time. I have observed two main packs in the Windward Plains, one towards the sandy dunes and the other near the far end of the rivers. Talioth packs likely interact when it comes to the breeding season in order to keep future generations genetically healthy. Perhaps young males are sent off on their own to mate with a female of another pack and start his own. Breeding behavior has never been observed as of now, so this is just theory.

Talioth boldness isn't just from their numbers but also their weaponry. They have large and powerful crossed mandibles, and their feet feature a sickle claw on the medial side of each foot. These adaptations allow the Talioth to tackle prey much larger than themselves.

Talioths use their sickle claw not for slicing and tearing but to hook onto their prey item. This gives them ample opportunity to tear into the larger monster with their powerful jaws, all while staying out of the way of counter attacks. Said jaws are adapted in a way that allows them to deal with even the most armored opponents, but unfortunately for the Talioths, sometimes they bite of more than they can chew. Talioths have been observed to attack very large monsters, including the recently un-extinct flying wyvern, Arkveld. This can lead to higher mortalities in Talioth packs. However, they are not afraid of fleeing. If a hunt seems to be unsuccessful, the pack will retreat before any losses can incur. This suggests a high level of intelligence and communication often associated with bird wyverns.

Windrustlers are tiny bird wyverns endemic to the Windward Plains that travel in large packs of around eight to ten individuals. The common Windrustler is a sandy tan color, save for their distinctive head crest, that blends in perfectly with the grasses and sand of their native range. Windrustlers are likely opportunitistic feeders, their diet mainly consisting of insects like Emperor Hoppers but likely scavange from carrion, small fish, and possiblely eggs and hatchlings from Chatacabra. Windrustlers have also been spotted in Kunafa Village, stealing scraps of food left unattended.

On top of the Windrustler's head is a large, three-pointed, red crest that can be flared upwards to signal to the rest of the pack. It's been observed to be used as a warning for potential predators and where to move/who to follow. Pack dynamics are possibly centered around a head individual, similar to bird flocks, to keep tight coordination to avoid predation and other dangers. Safety is in numbers for the Windrustlers.

The Black Windrustler is a rare variant of the Common Windrustler featuring charcoal black scales and an overall larger frame. From my observations, it seems the Black Windrustler takes a guiding role in Windrustler packs, often seen in the center or front. Other scholars suggest a melanisitic mutation or subspecies, which are possible. However, it might be further development of an older aged Windrustler. I propose this theory due to the low numbers of the Black Windrustlers but being common enough to see regularly. Also, the position we see the Black Windrustler in with Common Windrustlers makes it unlikely it's a true subspecies as it seems perfectly integrated with the Common Windrustler. If it is a mutation, perhaps we're witnessing early speciation of a new Windrustler species, but I do not think it is a true subspecies at this moment.

Addendum on the Talioths

Will post more soon.