Thunder Vulture
Description
Even great beasts such as Thunderbirds die, when they do their mortal form is visited by a Thunder Vulture. These monstrous birds come to collect and consume the remains of any fallen Thunderbird, retiring their soul to another plane. To see one of these creatures is to see the death of a demigod.Morphology
In general form the Thunder Vulture resembles the non anomalous Black Vulture, though of course far larger in size. With a comparable wingspan and weight to their common cousins these beings all black colouration makes them unmistakable. Many have said that the stench of death permeates from the black feathers of a Thunder Vulture.Thunder Vulture Creation
It is unknown how or why certain Thunderbirds are eventually chosen for the role of a Thunder Vulture. It is thought that perhaps the role is voluntary much like other forms of reaper. Thunder Vultures are created when the soul of a Thunderbird is granted the honour of becoming a reaper of its kind. This happens upon the death and subsequent transportation to the realm of anima. It has been observed that if a Thunderbird has been chosen to be a reaper its bones and soul shall be regurgitated whole. Unlike others the chosen Thunderbird shall begin to regenerate and rebuild its form using the Arcana present in the realm of Anima. It has been witnessed that this is often done with the assistance of 3 - 5 Thunder Vultures, which impart their power upon their new kin.Abilities
Thunder Vultures are capable of all the same abilities of their cousins, being proficient at atmospheric manipulation as well as flight. Though where the Thunder Vulture excels is their portal creation and soul detection abilities. Much like the well known grim reaper Thunder Vultures are capable of detecting when a soul is required to move on to their respective afterlife. In the case of Thunder Vultures their service is for a dual purpose. Not only do Thunder Vultures ferry the souls of their fallen brethren to the afterlife but they also dispose of the physical form. This is done in order to prevent malevolent mortals from using the parts of Thunderbirds to craft arcane items. Thunder Vultures are also capable of Necromancy with instances being recorded summoning risen dead from a local area in order to defend a fallen Thunderbird. This is common among entities that fulfil the role of reaper. Thunder Vultures are also capable of free opening portals to the realm of Anima giving them unprecedented realm traversal abilities.Thunder Vulture Reaper Abilities
Given their status as reapers many will be unsurprised to learn that Thunder Vultures are nigh indestructible whilst upon our mortal realm. Though they appear to have a physical form this is all but a front as their souls will always be able to regenerate. Though one can technically kill a Thunder Vulture it is only bound to bring 3 more in order to ensure their task is complete. After a Thunder Vulture has been slain in our realm its soul along with its form shall be forced back to the realm of Anima. Here they shall remain as their form regenerates, this can sometimes take years dependent on how much damage has been rendered. A Thunder Vultures physical form can take a substantial amount of damage, far more than any living being could possibly be able to sustain. It is only by targeting critical biological systems that one is able to force a Thunder Vulture back to Anima.Behaviour and Psychology
Thunder Vultures are one of the most unique Thunderbird species in terms of behaviour. Filling the role of reaper these Thunder Vultures will come to our realm upon the death of a Thunderbird in order to ferry the soul to the after life. In this charge Thunder Vultures are always successful, completing their task with proficiency. For the most part Thunder Vultures do not interact with mortal humans, simply ignoring passers by as they accomplish their task. Though if someone were to attempt to interfere or desecrate the corpse of the fallen Thunderbird being tended to then they shall receive a full assault. Thunder Vultures will defend their fallen brethren from grave robbers to the death if need be. Upon their return to the realm of Anima the Thunder Vulture shall regurgitate the bones of their kin. It is within this realm that a Thunderbird's skeletal remains shall dwell for eternity. During this process the soul of the deceased Thunderbird shall be released, allowing them to fly into the darkened moon to be reborn again within a new Thunderbird Egg.Habitat & Diet
For the majority of their existence Thunder Vultures shall remain within the realm of Anima, waiting to collect the souls of their fallen brethren. When detected the Thunder Vulture shall open a portal and enter our realm in order to consume the corpse and ferry the soul onward. It is during this act of cannibalism that Thunder Vultures attain sustenance though there status of reapers means they require no mortal needs.Combat & Containment
Thunder Vultures are considered to be highly dangerous if interrupted, it is for this reason that Anomalous Security Personnel are recommended to set up a perimeter and await the departure of the Thunder Vulture. Given that their portal creation is that of a reaper Thunder Vultures are able to enter our realm at will. This can be slightly interrupted by the use of Realm Anchors though often these blocks are circumnavigated. Fortunately even when disturbed a Thunder Vulture will rarely chase down mortal humans, instead choosing to complete their charge. If for unforeseen reasons a Thunder Vulture must be terminated it is recommended that Anomalous Security Personnel use long range ballistics. If such means are unavailable, use of military attack aircraft is also an acceptable method of engagement. Anomalous Security Personnel should be extremely wary of involving large numbers of mortal souls in engagements against Thunder Vultures. The threat of fallen allies being raised by necromancy is present given a Thunder Vultures status as a reaper. It is recommended that where possible Anomalous Security Agencies make use of high calibre anti materiel rifles in order to strike the Thunder Vulture from concealment.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.Thunder Vulture
UN-ASC Status
REACTIVE - 5+
Anomaly Classification
Average Size
Average size is estimated based off of multiple instances recovered
Height : 8 Metres
Wingspan : 16 Metres
Weight : 100kg
Speed : 200k/ph Maximum
Scientific Name
Tonitruum Aquilae Vultari
Notable Abilities
Geographic Etymology
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