Mist Skimmers

Among several forms of travel in the Between are the Mist Skimmers, giant birds used for short distance travel. 
Skimmers can't take much weight compared to other options, but their speed is unmatched. Skimmers are often used for ferrying people around Flotsam Town and by messengers.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Despite the name, a Mist-Skimmer is closer to a hawk than a skimmer bird in shape, build for speed and the hunting of prey. The Mist-Skimmer was likely domesticated from one such giant hawk for said speed, but such events are long in the past.
Mist Skimmers are still larger compared to their wild cousins at a wingspan of 6 meters. Their wings are astonishingly powerful, and riders must be careful to avoid being hit by them.
The saddle area is a little less than 2 meters wide, and a Skimmer can only take up to 2 riders.
The wings and head are both a dark gray and blue-grey mix, and the underside and legs are white. Some breeds have been bred for interesting patterns, including a particularly prized mottled light grey called mist-weavers.

Additional Information

Domestication

The Mist-Skimmer is said to have been domisticated from a 'Sea-Skimmer,' a type of sea hawk from a long lost world. While none of its sea hawk cousins have survived for comparison, enough myth survived for a comparison.
A Skimmer is at least a third again the size of its still giant relatives. Furthermore, while Skimmers aren't what most would call 'friendly,' a Skimmer takes a rider easily and is very teachable.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Aside from its use in travel, shed Mist-Skimmer feather are quite prized. Smaller feathers are often used for bedding and coats, while the larger are prized by the rich.

Lifespan

40 years

Average Length

2 - 2.5 meters

Geographic Distribution

• The Between