Giant Rahk

Watch the sky, my son, for death comes on silent wings. - Unknown hunter

Rahk, or Roc, are giant predatory birds that dwell in mountainous regions. The Giant Rahk, however, dwells exclusively on the Oleos islands where they live both in the wild and bred by the Rahk tribe as mounts and hunting birds.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Giant Rahk stands between six and eight feet tall with a wingspan between sixteen and twenty feet from wing tip to wing tip. It stands on two clawed feet with three forward facing and two back facing digits. Each digit ends in a six to ten inch curved claw. They have long and broad wings with long primary feathers, perfect for soaring. Their tails are long and narrow, which provide stability during flight. They possess a short curved beak designed to rip and tear the flesh from prey. Primary feather colors are a ruddy brown, with a wheat colored chest. Young birds have darker colorations.

Genetics and Reproduction

Giant Rahks participate in mating flights, breeding in the air. After some months gestation, the female lays two to three large eggs in her nest. Parents take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm while the other hunts. After four months incubation, the chicks hatch.

Ecology and Habitats

Giant Rahk nest in mountain caves and cliff sides, taking advantage of height to keep their nests safe. A single Rahk will roost anywhere that can support it's size.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Giant Rahk will eat just about anything, including rival Rahk. They glide on thermals, keeping an eye out for prey before diving down on it. They use their long talons to wound and kill prey. When hunting in pairs, they will work together to bring down prey as large as horses. Solo hunters have been known to carry off human children, and sometimes adults.
After prey is killed, smaller prey is carried back to nests or roosts to be eaten with minimal risk of other Rahk coming by to steal it, while larger prey is gorged upon where it is felled. Giant Rahk have been observed eating carcasses of animals killed by other animals, old age, and disease with no ill effects.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Like smaller species of Rahk, Giant Rahk have excellent eyesight and sense of smell.

Conservation Status

The Giant Rahk is currently thriving both in the wild and in captivity.

Geographic Distribution

• Oleos Islands