Starlark

Found throughout the Lower Wylds, these strange metal-infused birds were a rare sight. Starlark feathers are comprised of a various alloys imbued with bizarre color patterns. Known alloys have included mithril, bronze, copper, celestium, and most often starfall steel from which their name derives. Boons to the miners near Otway, starlark feathers were more precious than the richest veins within the Starfall Mountains and easily secured a week's pay for those lucky enough to retrieve them.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Starlarks are avian beasts comprised of composite alloys ranging from supernaturally light to incredibly dense metals. Their outer set of feathers are exceedingly sharp and angular allowing their otherwise weighty bodies to obtain the lift required for flight. Starlark talons are immensely strong yet often are dulled down by movement of their weighted bodies. Lighter variants of the species often have sharper talons and tend to cause more damage to trainers for this reason. Starlarks are temperamental and trained individuals usually die within a few months of captivity.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Starlarks serve as an indicator of nearby veins within mountains as the often build their nests nearby. Their diets comprise small mammals and carrion. Most notably, starlarks need metal shavings to act as gizzard stones. In absence of metal ore, starlarks will dangerously consume their sharp shed feathers. Once excreted, these polished metal gastroliths can be fashioned into jewelry or used as an indicator of nearby veins.

Biological Cycle

Often indistinguishable from skylarks at birth, starlarks begin forming their plated feathers around 6 weeks of age. Within their first years, their outer feathers become aerofoil enough for short flights. Constant preening, sharpening, and shedding of their feathers keeps them active and healthy.