Storm Hawk

Storm Hawk
Nicknames: • Sky Hounds • Banner’s Eye Classification: Beast - Avian Rarity: Rare Habitat: Coastal cliffs Scale: Medium Average Height: 60 - 80 cm Average Weight: 1.3 - 3.4 kg

The Storm hawks are a distinct imperial breed of hawks, for as long as the history books know they have been trained and bred by elves for scouting, and communication. These hawks are descended from an uncommon breed of coastal hawks, generations of selective breeding have made them faster, and their eyesight is far superior to most avian creatures, while also fiercely loyal. This making them a cornerstone for elven warfare, intelligence as well as prestige with their symbolism in the eyes of the people.

Within the imperial cities and within the colony, the Storm hawks serve as the empire's “eyes”, usually being in battlefields and new terrains being tasked with spotting sails or armies in the horizon while also commonly being used for mapping purposes. They can also often be seen shadowing the armies in case of flanks. Each of these birds are trained to carry messages across vast distances. Almost every sighting has been described as “golden eyes scanning the horizon”. Their presence often in the colony having quite a significant impact as they could be seen as a symbol of comfort and protection, almost as if they are always in safe hands. In contrast to their enemies, where they may be a warning.

“The Empire is always watching.”

Physical Appearance

While quite similar to similar species the storm hawks stands slightly taller carrying itself with pride. Once they become adults they usually stand at sixty to eighty centimeters tall. with their wingspan often being between ninety to one hundred and twenty centimeters. These birds are usually weighing between one thousand three hundred to three thousand four hundred grams. Though even at this weight they are remarkably agile being able to fly across land and sea.

Their eyes are unusually bright amber, almost being described as the eyes of the emperor himself with how striking they are. Each of these hawks typically has a leg guard embossed with imperial sigils. Their plumage is what mainly sets them apart as they have a dark grey plumage with streaks of white along the underwings and breast as well as some white feathers on top of their head.

Mental Characteristics

These hawks are quite intelligent, capable of recognising signals, patterns and very simple commands from their owners. With training they understand short commands and a vast majority of them are taught to unleash shrieks to signal any unknown large movements or unfamiliar sails across the horizons. In more rural towns they are commonly used as a early warning system, its quite common seeing them fly across the coast circling above suspicious structures.

While quite intelligent, in the wilderness its often paired with ferocity, which makes them a danger. They are fiercely independent and aggressive, known to dive anyone who comes too close to their nest. Most attempts at catching them often result in torn flesh.

Lifespan and Development

Their eggs hatch after twenty eight days of incubation, and then are raised for six to eight weeks before they try their first flights which usually ends up being a clumsy attempt.Their breeders often mark and separate the ordinary from the promising fledglings early to train them as soon as their wings can fly properly. These are often marked from the start for their potential

They reach maturity at two years where their plum darkens, and in the wilderness they can live between twelve to fifteen years. Yet under care from breeders and handlers they have been known to live around twenty five years.

Territory and Grouping

Storm hawks are naturally very solitary birds, rarely being seen in groups larger than a pair. In the wilderness they guard their hunting grounds, their cries echoing around cliffs, and they can sometimes even be heard by fishermen. Within the empire, their instinct is bent their handlers purpose, while they live in aviaries trained side by side. Their shrieking hawks may sound like a warhorn to those who has never seen them.

They usually favour coastlines and high vantage points, liking cliffs where they can scan distances. Their nests usually begin on edges overlooking the sea allowing them to see way more than any other place.

Abilities

Like most birds of prey, they are capable of long and sustained flight. If they need to they can remain in the sky for several hours if its needed. Their flight speed is between forty-five to a hundred kilometers an hour, letting them cover long distances with ease.

What makes them formidable for their purpose is their vision. A trained Stormhawks vision is unrivalled being able to spot sails from afar, a small prey in waves or movement fifteen kilometers away. Their handlers commonly train them to circle above positions of interest allowing observers to take note of it

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