Ryukyuri Rail

The Ryukyuri Rail (Hypotaenidia okinawae) was once plentiful throughout the Ryukyuri Kingdom until the Flightless Flu of Toshi994 when the primary population was devastated leaving few survivors.
Affectionately referred to as the "RyuRail" by their handlers, Ryukyuri Rail's were medium sized flightless bird-like creatures. Being able to hunt on the ground and in packs, it is thought they lost their ability to fly as they became the predominant predator on the islands. They have powerful legs and are able to run at incredible speeds, especially downhill. Their feathers are more fur-like than most actual birds and exhibit a hydrophobic capability that is prized in the making of umbrellas from RyuRail that have molted during growth. King Sho Shin is known for his love of the outdoors and ensured the preservation of RyuRails by passing laws that they were not exploited or used in any manner of trade. RyuRails have always lived within the kingdom and enjoy not only running, but swimming and pulling heavy loads. They are a common sight along the Ryukyuri Road pulling carts laden with supplies and come in particularly handy during harvest seasons.
RyuRails are known for bonding with a human and it was accidentally discovered by a fisherman who had a RyuRail bond with him late in life that they were master swimmers, as well as fishers. Their powerful legs allow them to swim great distances and there are one or two stories of a RyuRail saving their bonded-human from the Ocean. If a RyuRail was found to bond with a foreigner, the foreigner would be required to stay within the kingdom, or the RyuRail would be put to death to keep their species pure.
One reason for the harshness of this rule was the RyuRail's combat abilities. Stories are told of the early years of the Ryukyuri Kingdom and how bonded RyuRails would fight along side their bonded-human. These rails were already cunning hunters and exhibited that they could completely understand human language. Some bonded humans even spent time learning to speak RyuRail. This became vial during several battles when barbarians and outsiders would come and invade the islands seeking natural resources and labor. There are many documented instances where RyuRails would allow humans to ride them into battle and bring decisive victories to the local populations they lived in harmony with.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Medium sized bird-like creature large enough for a short human to ride if allowed by RyuRail, only the RyuRail's bonded-human can ride. Powerful legs used for running, swimming, and pulling. Fur-like feathers that exhibit hydrophobic capabilities making them great at swimming and allow them to exhibit what some might consider the odd behavior of standing over babies and walking small children to school in the rain. Large beaks that can crack rocks and punch holes in the underside of ships.

Genetics and Reproduction

Elaborate and secretive mating rituals rarely witnessed by those who study them, never seen by regular humans.

Growth Rate & Stages

Hatchling --> Adolescent --> Adult --> Elder (known to possibly exceed 120yo, almost always outlive bonded-human)

Ecology and Habitats

Ryukyuri Islands - mostly central areas

Dietary Needs and Habits

Omnivore. Known to hunt in packs and fish in pairs

Behaviour

Please see papers published in the future.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Incredible hearing at distance, sometimes can be seen tilting or turning their head in what appears to be a listening posture. In one documented case*, it is said they can hear their bonded human whisper their paired name up to over 2 km away.
*Merchant Master Takahashi Arthur would return from days out at sea and would whisper RyuRail-Okaasan's name along with everyone in his family thanking the spirits for his safe return. After a few minutes, RyuRail-Okaasan would be standing at his side and in their own language indicated Takahashi had called for them.

Scientific Name

Hypotaenidia okinawae

Conservation Status

Extremely endangered and rarely sighted