Roc

Oh shit.

You travel along a dirt path, trekking goods through the Isle of Corlan on your way to Riamar. The surrounding forest means the path is dark, but there's still enough light shining through the canopy to see where you're going. Then suddenly there isn't. The light quickly fades to darkness and you're left blinded and confused before you hear a rustling in the leaves above. Not a second later, you feel yourself being lifted off your horse hundreds of feet into the air by the massive, sharp talon of a bird big enough to block out the sun. Looking through the chaos of it all, you see hundreds of miles of forest and ocean below you, and you know this is the last time you'll ever see any of it. The light fades once more.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Rocs are the largest species of bird on Tarroc (by far). Their average wingspan is known to be approximately 120 feet, and they stand up to 35 feet tall on two feet. A single feather might weigh as much as 20 lbs, and be up to 15 feet long.

Growth Rate & Stages

When rocs are born their wingspan is approximately 25 feet, they reach maturity around 8 years old and they reach their full size around 9.

Ecology and Habitats

Rocs prefer to live in desolate areas that they won't have to share with other apex predators. They command vast areas of land and tend to live in solitude, except while they are mating and raising their young.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Rocs are not picky eaters. They will fly over the land until they spot something big enough to grab, and they will eat it without any regard for what it actually is.

Biological Cycle

Rocs are very sturdy creatures, and the passing of season does not affect them much. Because of this they generally stay in one location year-round.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Rocs only associate with other rocs during mating season, which comes once every 10 years. After mating, the mother cares for the young until they reach maturity, and then departs.

Domestication

Only one man has ever been known to domesticate a roc - a former dictator of Gulchet, Benjim the Conqueror. All else who have tried have been gravely wounded at best, eaten alive at worst.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Rocs exist only in the most barren areas on Tarroc, as far as possible from civilization, usually nesting in mountains within warmer climates. They have been known to live in the Emberthorn Crags, the Dead Mountains, and the Centurion Crags.

Average Intelligence

Rocs are not very intelligent, and tend to rely solely on instinct. Anything that looks large enough for a meal, they will make theirs.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Rocs have extremely impressive vision and hearing, able to spot prey from nearly 2 miles away.

Scientific Name

Avius Gigantus

Lifespan

35-45 years

Conservation Status

Rocs are currently endangered, though nobody is attempting to conserve them

Average Height

28 feet

Average Weight

72,000 lbs

Average Length

120 feet

Average Physique

Rocs are assumed to be the biggest living creatures on Tarroc, with an average adult wingspan of anywhere from 105-150 feet, with the largest ever recorded as 193 feet. They stand 3-5 stories tall and demolish anything stupid enough to get in their way. They have even been seen hunting dragons.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Rocs tend to be orange-brown, though those that live in colder climates often have grey or black feathers.