axebeak

Giant flightless birds called axebeaks are the next most common portage animals in Absalom after camels, though they are also herded for food by some Vudrani and Keleshite families. Axebeaks are much more aggressive than camels, but also faster and more able to defend themselves, making them popular for Diobel-to-Absalom caravans. Small clusters of the carnivores move around Kortos in search of food, similar to a pride of lions.

Axebeaks are often magebred for shows based on their colorful plumage, beak shape, speed, agility, jumping height and distance, and their decorative and prodigious caruncles. Axe beaks, despite their aggressive and highly territorial nature, are highly suited to be trained as mounts, beasts of burden, or guard animals as they are highly intelligent.

Edgewatch currently has two axebeaks in its stables: a mottled tan and white male named Isax Evershow III; and a fairly ill-tempered black-bodied female named Ophitte Perpetual Bloodletter, who carries numerous scars on her striped head and neck from fights with other axebeaks. A lone, gray and brown axebeak, named Junu, lives on Cara's family farmstead, but is fairly docile and aids in pulling carts when needed.