roc
The largest of all birds of prey, the roc dwarfs many dragons and it is known to carry off prey as large as elephants. to feed on. They are often seen in the company of cloud giants or storm giants, who train them as hunting companions and mounts, but usually keep to themselves, as they require a huge territory to feed themselves.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Rocs are colossal birds of prey, measuring up to 30 feet long from the tip of their hooked beak to the end of their tail and with a wingspan of up to 80 feet. Their plumage comes in a variety of colors, most frequently brown, red, black and white, with rare specimens possessing gold feathers. Their talons are long and hooked, ideally suited for tearing apart even the toughest prey.
Ecology and Habitats
While they are equally at home hunting over lowlands or catching the updrafts over the oceans, rocs typically build their nests in high outcroppings in remote mountains that are usually inaccessible to ground dwellers. These nests are huge constructions of tree trunks and broken masonry, and serve as a place for them to roost and procreate.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Rocs are carnivorous, feeding on animals, humanoids, and magical beasts within their massive territory. While they have the hooked talons and beak of an eagle, most rocs prefer to swoop down, pick up their prey in their talons, and drop them from a massive height before feeding on the shattered remains. For this reason, a roc on the wing frequently attracts the attention of scavengers such as vultures and eagles.
Behaviour
Rocs are decidedly antisocial, attacking any rival rocs that may enter their hunting territory, except for once a decade when they seek a mate. A mated pair produces a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs, and while eggs or hatchlings are present the parents will alternate hunting duties, leaving one behind to guard the nest.
Additional Information
Domestication
While wild rocs can be very dangerous for most smaller species, many cultures have sought to tame these massive birds as flying mounts, a process that starts with acquiring an egg from its nest. Because of how remote and inaccessible such nests typically are, reaching the eggs can be nearly impossible for most ground-dwelling races, much less distracting the diligent parents watching over the nest in order to acquire one. Once an egg has been acquired, the would-be trainer will need to inclubate it until hatching, whereupon training will begin in order for the fledgeling to accept a rider, as well as the riding harness it will need to wear. If all goes well, however, a trained roc can be a formidable ally, but getting to this point will require a lot of food and diligent attention from the trainer.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The feathers of rocs can be used to create a number of magical items, such as wings of flying and flying brooms.
Products
- roc feather
- roc egg
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