Fuhnen
These large birds are flightless and good runners. A native predator to the desert, they were domesticated by the many desert races long ago.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Fuhnen stand approximately 2.3 meters tall with sandy colored feathers and gray to jet black legs. A thick feathered long neck leads to a small head with two black eyes and an orange beak. The two long legs extend down into razor sharp talons. The feet of these creatures are specially formed to allow the Fuhnen to sprint across deep sand without slowing down or sinking. They also use their talons in attack, clawing prey to death. The legs and talons are coated in a thin mucus that provides a resistance to fire. This helps them take out their favorite prey, the Gennu. The wings of the Fuhnen are developed as a child and used to fly from other predators until they can defend themself. As an adult the wings do not grow further and are too weak to allow flight. However, they are used to protect their child from heat and sand.
Genetics and Reproduction
A female Fuhnen produce an egg every month. If they find a mate, the egg is fertilized by the male, then the male takes care of the child until it can fed for itself. The female continues after the egg has been given to the male. An egg is able to be fertilized within a day of being laid. The female does not care for the egg and often leaves it wear she laid it. Random eggs can be found occasionally in the desert and often many old eggs are found in a female’s nesting area.
Growth Rate & Stages
A Fuhnen is fully grown at 2 years of age.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Fuhnen are carnivore hunting the larger game of the desert using thier speed and dexterity to run down prey.
Additional Information
Domestication
Domesticated Fuhnen are often used as both labour and combat mounts. Their unique ability of fire resistance aids greatly in corraling herds of Gennu and the Fuhnen are trained to protect their riders in the harsh sun using their wings.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Their eyes have three different eye lids. The first eyelids clean the eyes and keep sand out while allowing the Fuhnen to continue viewing its surroundings. The second pair of eyelids are used to focus light into the cornea giving the animal rudimentary night vision and a magnified view, with the loss of some peripheral vision. The third pair are opaque and used to block bright light and allow the bird to sleep.
Genetic Descendants
Lifespan
75 years
Average Height
2.3 m
Average Weight
93 - 101 kg
Geographic Distribution
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