Description
Rusztölyv or rust hawks, are a species of bird found almost exclusively within the
Eltórián Bonelands, although they have been seen traveling to the
Tukhamu Magas at times. They are a medium sized type of hawk with a long tail and high visual acuity, but they are nearly as sturdy as buteos.
Their defining trait that they are named after, is their predilection towards the plentiful metal within the region. They have a gland near their beak that can secrete a powerful oxidating agent in their saliva. This allows them to rapidly corrode metals such as iron so they can consume the rust that they convert into non-toxic water-soluble products thanks to an enzyme that is (almost) entirely unique to this creature.
The metal they consume serves two functions. First it can function as grit that grinds up any organic food that the hawk consumes to help with digestion. Secondly, they throw the metal back up and spread it to cover the beak and claws to harden them. This provides them with powerful tools to survive in this environment with numerous predators and other birds of prey.
Intelligence and Behavior
Like other hawks, the rusztölyv are some of the most intelligent birds found in nature. They are quiet but violent predators that know well to steer clear from other predators or larger birds. They are frequently drawn to ore deposits where they can take their time to oxidize the metal for consumption. On occasion there have been reports of rusztölyv attacking humans that were wearing metal armor, but when met by any kind of serious opposition they are quick to flee.
Statistics
[5th Edition D&D]
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