Great Arctic Tern Species in Urvén | World Anvil
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Great Arctic Tern

A prodigous bird from the icy borders of Urvén.

With a wingspan of nearly eighteen feet, clean white plumage and a bright yellow beak, the great arctic tern is one of the most fearsome birds on Urvén. They live almost entirely solitary lives, pairing up only to mate and raise chicks. The union breaks as soon as the younglings can fly and start looking after themselves.

The terns are well acclimatised to the cold. Time spent in locations influenced by and open to the elemental plane of ice have caused the birds to gain supernatural resistances.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

The great arctic tern resides on and around the great ice walls that form the barriers at the edges of the world. They favour hollows in the ice which they furnish with wood, seaweed and other foliage the scavenge from the surrounding area.

Dietary Needs and Habits

As a large bird, the tern eats large food; they particularly enjoy eating walrus, seals and penguins, relishing the high fat content. Leftover food is brought back to its cave perch and finished carcasses are dropped to the ground or sea below.

In a pinch, the great arctic tern will dive for fish, its specialised plumage protecting it from the cold and wet.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Although almost impossible to retrieve, great arctic tern eggs are a delicacy in nomadic, tribal cultures near the ice walls. In addition, the feathers are naturally resistant to the cold and may be used to produce garments or the fletching for arrows.

Average Intelligence

While not sentient, the great arctic tern is roughly as intelligent as an adult dog.

Lifespan
40-50yrs

Intelligence (Nature) checks:
10 - "The great arctic tern is native to the ice cliffs at the border of the world."
15 - "I am aware that this bird is resistant to cold damage."
20 - "I know all the information set out on this page."

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Cover image: by Antonio López from Pixabay

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