Fire Corvus
Basic Information
Genetics and Reproduction
The Fire Corvuses are a genetically diverse species with enough members to not encounter breeding issues unlike other species that are only found in a small area, this is often credited to the Red Temple who since the beginning have controlled the Magma streams which has seen a increase in the numbers.
The Fire Corvuses forms mated pairs which mate for life, typically forming after a period of courting from the male to female. The typical age the pairs form 2-4 years old, on the rare occasion a paired bird choses to bond with devoted both birds bond with them and stay with their bonded person, in cases like this the church attempts to situate the member in the red temple to allow the birds to still breed.
Growth Rate & Stages
Chicks are denoted as between 0 to 68 days old, during which time they are completely dependent on their parents for food and water, during this time the chicks begin to rapidly grow to their juvenile size. When born they are approximately about 12 cm tall and 18 cm long covered in a black down plumage before their adult feathers come through.They are completely flightless and delicate during this time, it is speculated that it is in this time that the Fire Corvus develops their resilient plumage and their magical properties.
Juveniles are denoted as between 68 days old and 100 days old. Typically at this stage the juveniles are of the Average Height of 32-40 cm, Average Weight of 10-14 Kg , Average Length of 30-38 cm , and a Wingspan of 54-68 cm. During the juvenile stage they grow to their adult size, and typically by 74 days old begin to gain their adult plumage. In this stage the Juveniles are more independent and begin to explore the ridges that their nests are on. Their diet during this stage also changes from pre-digested food to the parents bringing caught food for the juvenile to eat. From 80 days , the Juveniles begin branching using the ridges of the cliff to catch air and begin learning how to fly.
Adults are denoted as after 100 days old and reach their sexual maturity at 2 years, at which point they begin to look for a mate and some begin working for the church of Bane.
Ecology and Habitats
The nesting site, on the Cliffs of the volcano Tal'ahana, are in small ridges that have been carved out by lava streams. These Ridges have been controlled by members of the Red Temple since they began to divert the streams for the temple, however they rotate which streams are being used so the birds can continue to breed.
If a bird is bonded it will stay with its bonded person.
The Birds are able to survive diving into the magma and the hot landscape due to their magical fire properties which are still unexplained by sages that have studied the illusive birds. Studies on old nest sites speculate that eggs of the species will not hatch if they are not on hot coals and magma rock that is slowly cooling, pairs that are dominant take the streams that are the hottest and will typically have a larger brood.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Additional Information
Social Structure
A unusual characteristic, is that bonded birds seem to adopt the social structure of their bonded member of Order of the Sentinel , so birds bonded with members higher in the church are superior to birds bonded to lower ranks within the church.
Domestication
The Rite of Ignis
This Rite is a Ritual, where participants attempt to impress a Fire Corvus to bond with them as their partner through a 6 week long test of Leadership, Power, Intelligence and skill. The Rite can only be attempted by members of Order of the Sentinel who have sworn their vows and have upwards of 5 years of service for the Order. The most common participants are members who are wanting to become high ranking members and those who want to test their belief and advance into certain positions in the church. The Rite has 8 stages where the participants are accessed and typically runs once a year beginning on the 16th of Flocktime each year and the participant who complete are given their formal awards at the end on the 2nd day of Richfest at the Celebration of Red's Victory .
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Average Intelligence
The Sages of theRed Temple have done in depth studies showing that the birds have a social hierarchy, which is distinguished not by brawn but by the birds Intelligence of collecting hot coals from inside the active volcanos in the area. The birds with the best techniques to retrieve the best coals are considered higher in the social structure, this way seems to encourage the birds to continue to learn and survey the area. This trait is incredibly useful when they work for the Order of the Sentinel .
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Ignited Illumination
Fire Corvuses can set themselves ablaze or extinguish their flame for a some time. Whilst ablaze they can inflict fire damage and cast bright light around them.
Superior Feathers
The Fire Corvus's feathers can become unnaturally hot without damaging the bird and preserve the internal temperature when exposed to cold temperatures. This allows them to fly intro terrains that are extremes. When nesting this is one of the biggest abilities used due to diving into the magma to collect hot coals for their nests.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Males are known as Flames and Females as Flavias.
Relationship Ideals
Common Etiquette Rules
Always treat them like the honoured guest they are, be prepared to pay if you don't. Anyone who is not versed in their behaviour should not approach them to avoid inadvertently offending them.
It is Traditional to avoid their eyes if not acquainted with the specific bird, as they interrupt a stranger making eye contact as a challenge for dominance. This is the most common reason for injury when encountering these birds, and the most severe injuries include facial burns and third degree burns on the torso if this custom is not observed.
As such any members of the church of Bane are taught the ways to properly introduce oneself to a fire Corvus and any guests of the church who could encounter Fire Corvus are briefed on the proper way to greet them if needed.
-Gray Nobilsan (Sage at the Red Temple)
History
Over the period of 12 years the temple formed a relationship with the birds, a mutually beneficial agreement where the temple helps protect them and their nest site, in exchange the birds deliver messages to the different Bane Temples. They are Faster and less susceptible to being intercepted due to their large size and aggressive nature that can kill a skilled individual when threatened.
In present time they have become a sacred bird, after the demigod Adrex Silverblood adopted his familiar as a fire Corvus named Fuego. So they are now more protected than ever as harming one is a direct insult to the Gods, and the Followers of Bane continue to revere their loyal birds. Fire Corvus are from Anatari
Wingspan
70-85 cm
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