Bhether

Bhether are large feathered beasts, often referred to as Owlcat for their resemblance to great cats and birds of prey.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Bhether have two angular hind legs for powerful leaps, and two forelimbs that end in retractable talons. Bhether have surprisingly dense hallow bones to allow for gliding, and thick slabs of muscles for rending prey. their outer coat of feathers provide protection from fang and claw as well as aid in hunting prey by muffling their approach. Bhether have feathers extending from their sides that aid them in gliding short distances, to ambush prey from above.

Genetics and Reproduction

Bhether mating season typically starts just before winter. once an egg has been fertilized and grown its external shell, the female will lay up to four eggs in a safe location to protect for fifty days before it hatches.

Growth Rate & Stages

Once a Bhether hatches from its egg, they are vulnerable for two months while the Bhether mother protects them. during this time Bhether will teach their young how to stalk, hunt, and nest. within four months of hatching a Bhether mother will leave their young and return to solitary life.

Ecology and Habitats

Bhether hunt near entrances to the Deep Caverns, where they make their nests. because of this Bhether have been spotted in nearly every environment from Narsai to Ravan. Bhether are almost exclusively nocturnal, making them exceptionally dangerous in the lightless dark caverns.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Bhether spend most of their life asleep, waking to hunt, mate, or nest as needed. Bhether prefer to scavenge weaker prey when they are asleep or hibernating, only hunting when necessary. Bhether have been known to set traps, gathering berries, twigs, and shiny objects in an attempt to lure in potential prey.

Biological Cycle

Bhether molt their feathers once a year, or more if they have been injured. their feathers serve as vital protection against predators and an advantage against prey. Bhether take great care in cleaning themselves.

Additional Information

Domestication

Many Bhether were once domesticated by the Dark Elves before the fall of Unity. in this time they aided the Dark Elves in defending the burrows groves and sacred forests.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Bhether live in the Deep Caverns uppermost cave systems, spilling out into the surface quite frequently. an upsurge in Bhether spotting's can often be an early warning of an impeding Orc or Kobold attack.

Average Intelligence

Bhether are smart enough to set traps, and on rare occasion learn commands.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Bhether have incredibly sensitive eyes to see in the dark, and keen hearing. Bhether sight can be overwhelmed by sudden changes in light. a Bhether will use its sight for a chase, and rely on its hearing as it closes in for a kill closing its eyes to avoid damage to the sensitive organ.

Lifespan

50-60 years

Average Weight

3145 kg

Average Length

213 cm

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Bhether feathers are often dark in color to prevent any light alerting prey. Over time however, many Bhether have evolved a natural camouflage to their various environments, ranging from white to yellow, many have even been seen with a blue undercoat of feathers as they strike from above mid glide.