Carnifex Raptor

The Carnifex is a breed of raptor that lives and hunts in forests, and wooded foothills. They can grow to between three and four feet in height. They stand on two legs, and have two arms that reach to nearly two feet in length, with 5 inch talons at the end of their feet and arms. The head of the Carnifex raptor has a round cranium, with a longer snout that is filled with sharp teeth. It is shaped similarly to a dogs skull, although instead of protruding ears, it has ear holes. Their skin is usually smooth and scaled, with feathers of dark green and brown coloration protruding from the elbows and heels.
      The raptors have advanced vocal chambers in their skull that allow them to mimic the calls of many small animals, and the noises of baby game such as young deer, wild boars, and foxes. When hunting, the Carnifex raptor will use its long talons to climb to a high vantage point in trees, and issue calls for its intended prey. When it sees the prey nearby, it will jump from treetop to treetop to get near enough to the prey. It will then descend on its prey, slicing into the neck and belly with its feet for a quick kill. The raptor will then try to take its meal to higher ground to feast in peace.
      Although the presence of a raptor hunt can be dangerous for travelers, the Carnifex releases a musk that smells heavily of pine while it is hunting. This periodically alerts travelers of nearby Carnifex raptors, and helps to keep groups of travelers free from attacks. The raptor also will not attack groups of travelers that outnumber it. While it is foreboding in size, it is capable of recognizing the tactical disadvantage of engaging groups that outnumber it. Unless forced to fight in self defense, or afflicted by severe hunger, people will almost never face attacks from the Carnifex raptor.