L O S T
Art by James Combridge of ArtStation
Name: AndörynDesignation: Semi-Sentient
Homeworld: Midvinter
Language: Not Applicable
Average height of adults: ~ 0.8m, with a wingspan of ~ 2.0m
Skin color: An almost white shade of blue, though unseen.
Hair color: Feathers can be any shade, though more snowy colours are more predominant and earthly hues are not too uncommon.
Breathes: Type I and II
Strengths:
+Andöryn are birds capable of flight; this is their primary defense mechanism, as very few creatures on Midvinter are capable of reaching the same heights as they and only the Valkyri have the technology to shoot them from the air. They are capable of flying for long periods of time before needing to rest.
+For a creature that isn't sentient, the Andöryn are rather intelligent. While they are known for being fierce predators, many have taken to following Valkyri hunters in the hopes of picking off smaller quarry or even gorging on the creatures the hunters fell. They are said to be intelligent enough to differentiate between different people, and the few of them which have been domesticated over the years have been able to be trained to deliver messages and return to their homes despite the sometimes vast distances they're made to travel.
+Curved talons and beaks, as well as a very strong eyesight, mark the Andöryn as a bird of prey. A particularly aggressive predator, they have been known to bring down Älk and even the mighty Vhaanir with enough perseverance... Though these days for many simple carrion will suffice.
Weaknesses:
-Like many avian, Andöryn are surprisingly fragile. Their hollow bones may aid their flight but too much physical trauma of almost any kind can incapacitate them. Beneath the feathers their wings are rather thin, and if punctured their ability to fly can become hampered.
-There are very few Andöryn left in the wilds of Midvinter, a fact which does not bode well for the future of the species. Each year it becomes increasingly more difficult for the solitary Andöryn to find a mate, which in turn dwindles the population further.
-Competitive, almost to the point of aggression against one another, Andöryn do not do well among others of their kind. They often hunt alone, as the sparsity of creatures in many parts of Midvinter lead them to be greedy. This is perhaps the greatest flaw which counteracts their intelligence, as working together would ensure a more fruitful scavenge... They just haven't figured that out yet.
Distinctions: Avian; A large wingspan, over twice the length of its body.
Average Lifespan: ~ 24 years
Races: None, though Andöryn's can appear as diverse as humans.
Estimated Population: A few thousand, sparce.
Diet: Raw Meat, Prefers Vhaanir over any other delicacy. Can stomach seeds and fruits if necessary, though not ideal.
Communication: Screeches
Culture: Andöryn for the most part are solitary creatures, though there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, recently hatched chicks will remain together and even learn to fly and hunt alongside one another. There have been cases of Andöryn who appear to have found a mate-for-life and likewise hunt together, though this is extremely rare. For the most part, however, there is no defined culture.
Technology level: None
General behavior: Andöryn are known for being an ever travelling species of solitary birds, who trail after potential quarry and are often associated with Valkyri battlefields where they feast on the dead. They can be extremely aggressive toward others of their kind, though surprisingly they seem to be far more amicable with the Valkyri... Although they still retain their distance and only ever come close to hunters and their quarry. They roost high in trees, though only remain for as long as they need to rest or hatch their eggs.
History: Andöryn have been spotted across Midvinter for as long as any history book can recall, though they are so few and far between that throughout many periods they have been thought to be extinct or even a myth. They haven't changed too dramatically over time, though many believe that they have both dwindled in size and number due to a difference in what can be found today and what has been written in many tomes. Likely this is just down to flaws in perception and the diversity of the species. The Andöryn have never done anything especially notable, they have not played much of a part in any legends or folklore. They have simply existed.
Notable Player-Characters: None
Intent: To further build upon the lore of Midvinter.
