Voitsekh Dragovic
Duke of Vlkyn
- Objective: To create a new creature local to Vlkyn.
- Category: Creature (bird)
- Image Credit: Here, headers and dividers made by Nefadar
- Development Thread: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Name: Vlkyne owl
- Aliases: Nightbirds, Omenbearers
- Classification: Avian
- Intelligence: Semi-Intelligent
- Longevity: 80-90 years
- Population: Rare
- Diet: Carnivore
- Locations: Vlkyn
- Habitat: The Vlkyne owl is nocturnal, and as such is not often seen away from home during the day. They are known to keep to the forests, or sometimes the mountains where they may find caves to rest in during daylight hours. Though they can grow to be quite large, they are graceful, nimble flyers, and therefore are often seen swooping from the large treetops of the krevnístrom, using their black feathers to blend in with the equally black trees they often make their nests in.
- Magical: No
- Description: The Vlkyne owl is a large, black bird that resides in the heart of Vlkyn. They are known for their incredible intelligence and hunting ability, though to outsiders they are often seen as a dark omen, and in some cases, demons.
- Average Height: 0.8 m
- Average Weight: 3.6 kg
- Average Wingspan: 2.1 m
- Average Length: N/A
- Colour Variation: None
- Communication: These owls use what seems to be a simple combination of movements and sounds to communicate, but those that have taken the time to study them have discovered that their communication is surprisingly robust. It also seems that they are capable of learning to understand spoken language, though they cannot reply in words. Nevertheless, those that are brave and patient enough may eventually find themselves being able to have conversations of their own with these mysterious birds.
- Physical Description: There are two greatly defining features of the Vlkyne owl. The first is the black feathers that cover their body. The second, and their most iconic feature, is the deep red eyes they possess, which give off an ominous glow in the night. Travelers have mistaken them for demons and malignant spirits, as the eyes are the only visible part of the bird in darkness. There aren't any particular physical traits that distinguish males from females, and in truth, many still wonder how the owls themselves can tell. Though theories have pointed toward slightly different movements or sounds made by each, these are still unproven.
- Variants: N/A
- Social Ecology: Vlkyne owls are largely nocturnal creatures, conducting almost all of their business between dusk and dawn. While not impossible to be sighted during the day, it is a rather rare occurrence, and usually is due to their nest being disturbed. They are reclusive and territorial, making it rather dangerous to venture too near their homes. Such homes are nests built from a variety of objects, including plants, sticks, and even bones from the animals they kill. They have become accustomed to being hunted, which has made them stay out of sight until they are ready to attack. This has also caused them to become rather selective in their breeding. Whether this is out of a need for secrecy, or some level of fear for their prospective young is up for debate, but it has not helped them to maintain the numbers they once held within the region.
- Languages: N/A
- Special Qualities: N/A
- Quite Clever. The Vlkyne owl possesses a rare level of intelligence, allowing them to adapt and learn with relative ease.
- Apex Predator. There may be animals outside of Vlkyn that stand a chance against these owls, but within their domain, they are indisputably at the top of the food chain.
- Kill the Lights. Though incredibly adept at navigating at night, the Vlkyne owls are quite nocturnal, making them vulnerable in the day while they rest.
- Too Few. Due to their irregular mating patterns, as well as the desire to hunt them from those that fear them, they have become a rather uncommon sight, outside of certain areas where they are heavily protected.
The Vlkyne owl has origins almost as mysterious as the forests and caverns they inhabit. Many of the locals believe them to be holy creatures, and guardians sent from the gods themselves. As such, they are held in great reverence within the land of Vlkyn. Rituals are conducted in their name, and offerings are often given to them in the form of sacrificed animals.
Despite this reverence for the creatures, those that are not from Vlkyn, or rather, not from Goravolst or the surrounding areas, may find themselves quite terrified when encountering these ancient creatures. Many have mistaken them for evil spirits, or as signs of woe. When the Curian presence in Eastern Eroba expanded, the desire to hunt these beasts rose in popularity at alarming rates, heavily damaging their population.
Eventually, when Duke Voitsekh came into power in Vlkyn, he made an effort to protect these creatures at all costs, signing in laws that made the hunting of the birds punishable by death. His knights patrol known nesting and feeding grounds, always diligently looking out for poachers. Despite their efforts, the future of these dark birds remains to be seen.
