Alexandrian Thunder Bird

Description

These mighty Thunderbirds have pledged their service to the Goddess of the library Alexandria. Their forms now bended by Alexandrian magic, these Thunderbirds are used as enforcers as librarians by their master.

Morphology

Though exceptionally large, many instances of Alexandrian Thunderbirds are comparable in size to their common cousins. Though this does not detract from their imposing appearance as Alexandrias influence can be seen across their form. Many have likened these creatures' appearance to that of the Eurasian Eagle Owl. It is clear to see why as the same colouration, markings, and general appearance is almost a complete mimic. Though if one were to investigate they would notice trailing wisps of yellow arcana rippling across their feathers. This appearance is incredibly unique among Thunderbird species, with instances having far larger eyes and smaller beaks. This is all of course because of the strong influence from their new master Alexandria.

Attaining Blessing

Many Thunderbird instances are truly ancient in age, being birthed hundreds and even in some cases thousands of years ago. It should be no surprise to learn that in this time many Thunderbirds attain a large degree of knowledge. It is this ancient knowledge that Alexandria prizes. Many ancient Thunderbirds will have been visited by one of Alexandria's minions or perhaps heard her voice. An offer will be made, in which she shall offer an exchange of all knowledge in return for service. Surprisingly many Thunderbirds have accepted this offer, with the thoughts of gaining access to all of this realms information being far too tempting. Though upon accepting this offer the Thunderbird shall be transported to the fabled Library of Alexandria. It is here where upon their arrival their form shall be changed and bended to suit the will of their new master. It is also during this transformation in which they shall receive access to all information the library has to offer. This process is irreversible and often entirely changes the opinions and thought processes of the Thunderbird.

Abilities

Alexandrian Thunderbirds are capable of all the powers expected of a Thunderbird, being incredibly gifted with Atmospheric Manipulation. After spending long periods within the realm of Alexandria these creatures will quickly master their abilities thanks to the wealth of knowledge within their new home. Uniquely among Thunder Species the Alexandrian Thunderbird is capable of opening portals between realms. Specifically this is between the realms of Alexandria and Mortal Gaia, our home. This ability effectively allows an Alexandrian Thunderbird to appear anywhere it wishes as long as a preexisting portal is present. This can cause havoc if an Alexandrian Thunderbird chooses to use a portal in a dense urban area.

Behaviour and Psychology

Alexandrian Thunderbirds are considered to be extremely dangerous, unlike their solitary cousins that wish to live in peace the Eagles of Alexandria wish only to serve their master. This strong influence by Alexandria can lead these Thunderbirds to be highly self destructive and incredibly dangerous if in possession of information they seek. On top of this is should be noted that due to the wealth of knowledge within their library home that Alexandrian Thunderbirds will be far beyond the intelligence of any mortal human. Entirely unlike their cousins, Alexandrian Thunderbirds have regularly shown a disregard for human life. Many Anomalous Security Personnel have been lost to a Alexandrian raid, their facility containing some knowledge which Alexandria seeks. It has been theorised however that this complete change in behaviour is due to the sheer amount of information absorbed by the Thunderbird during its transformation. Though extremely powerful and near demigods Thunderbirds are still beholden to biological memory retention, meaning that much like computer memory there is a limit. It is thought that many Alexandrian Thunderbirds have simply forgotten their past lives, being cursed with infinite knowledge with no memory of who or what they once were. Many Alexandrian Thunderbirds have exhibited obsessive behaviours, with instances becoming infatuated with certain pieces of artwork, information, or stories. This is a well known side effect of Alexandrian corruption though Thunderbirds are extremely susceptible to this influence. Many suffering from these obsessions shall become enraged if a piece of knowledge they seek is destroyed.

Habitat & Diet

Alexandrian Thunderbirds dwell within the realm of Alexandria, watching over her immense library. On occasion these mighty Thunderbirds are sent forth into our realm on the hunt for some ancient or new knowledge. Some of these Alexandrian Thunderbirds have been on their quests for centuries, roaming our mortal realm in search of the knowledge they seek. Much like their cousins, Alexandrian Thunderbirds have to consume roughly half their body mass annually in order to survive. It is unknown as to what Alexandrian Thunderbirds regularly consume in their home realm though it is presumed that they thrive off of unfortunate intruders and lesser denizens. Many Alexandrian Thunderbirds have been seen on hunting excursions, coming to our realm in order to hunt. Though it has been considered that this could be a cover for more nefarious information gathering activities as this behaviour is regularly spotted by military and anomalous Security personnel when undergoing large scale covert missions.

Combat & Containment

First and foremost Alexandrian Thunderbirds are to be treated much like their cousins. Though there are no specific combat and containment protocols there are multiple factors Anomalous Security Personnel should consider. With Alexandrian Thunderbirds being extremely proficient in Atmospheric Manipulation personnel should be wary of far more aberrant weather conditions if engaging in combat. Further more Anomalous Security Personnel should be aware of the vast intelligence possessed by Alexandrian Thunderbirds. Instances have in the past shown the ability to avoid detection, intentionally damage critical equipment, and solve problems beyond the understanding of mortals. This has made Alexandrian Thunderbirds extremely dangerous with all encounters requiring immediate report to the United Nations Anomalous Security Council. It should also be noted that instances are capable of opening portals allowing them to swiftly escape unfavourable encounters.

Countering Alexandrian Thunderbirds

Fortunately after both historical and modern encounters with Alexandrian Thunderbirds Anomalous Security Agencies have been able to attain some advantages. First and foremost is the large-scale deployment of realm anchors. These Realm Anchors are capable of denying any entity the ability to open portals freely in a radius around the Anchor. Anchors can be used to great effect in order to prevent Alexandrian Thunderbirds from entering or escaping our realm at will. Furthermore modern ballistics has made responding to aggressive instances far easier than in times gone by. It should also be noted that Alexandrian Thunderbirds are only known to attack relentlessly if they are seeking a piece of knowledge. Often if personnel are able to decipher what it is the Thunderbird seeks they are able to bargain with the aggressive instance. Furthermore if the piece of knowledge is a physical item such as a book, scroll, or artefact then the Thunderbird shall avoid damaging what they seek. This has been used in great effect in the past in order to protect critical personnel and locations from Alexandrian Thunderbirds. Personnel should take into consideration that if the sought after knowledge is somehow destroyed then the Alexandrian Thunderbird will be inconsolable with the vast majority of instances becoming violently aggressive.

Footnotes

Article Created by B.D.Bowater Article Edited by B.D.Bowater This Article is a - WORK IN PROGRESS - information may be subject to change. This Article contains - PLACEHOLDER ARTWORK - any assistance in producing custom artwork is appreciated.