Blood Bird

Blood birds, also known as red deaths, are originally mutations of the scarlet tanager, that have since mutated further into numerous variations and have spread across the world. The most notorious mutation, however (and the one discussed here), was deliberately introduced by the carrins. The carrins discovered a nanotechnological device that converts sunlight into gamma radiation. Attempts to incorporate this nanotech into the vultures’ own physiology failed, but they succeeded in breeding it into their pet birds. The blood birds now have far fewer natural predators, as anything that bites into one gets a lethal nuclear mouthful.
The nanotechnological device that gives the blood birds their lethal defence is active even in blood bird eggs, which are often stolen and used as grenades by raiders. A few experiments in draining birds of their blood have been conducted, but all ended badly for the experimenters.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Blood birds are russet-coloured birds, standing about 2 1/2 feet tall with a wingspan of 6 feet. They sharpen their long beaks by scraping them off stones, but the serrated edges of their beaks and claws, not to mention the bony spurs that sprout from their heads and wings, have occurred through (un)natural mutation.

Genetics and Reproduction

Blood birds mate for life, and raise 1 or 2 young each spring. The birds are extremely territorial, and violently drive other blood birds (and their own offspring) out of their hunting grounds. Fighting blood birds butt their small head spurs together, and never spill blood in these contests for land or mates.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Blood birds can survive on carrion, but often bring down particularly tasty food by wounding themselves near the prey. The nanotech is carried in the blood; any wound exposed to sunlight releases a burst of radiation, which kills and cooks the prey. Blood birds also sometimes peck at their own breasts or wings to spill blood as a defence mechanism.

Additional Information

Domestication

The carrins raise blood birds as pets, spies and guardians. The birds are telepathically manipulated while in the egg to be loyal to the carrin.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Blood birds can be found wherever carrins are found, and many other places as well. They can adapt to any non-cold climate.

by Claudio Pozas (Gamma World: Machines & Mutants page 15)

Lifespan

15 years

Average Height

2-1/2 feet

Average Wingspan
6 feet

Blood Bird Egg Grenades

Due to their radioactive nature, blood bird eggs can be used like grenades. When used in this way, they break on impact and cause 1d4 points of radiation damage, with a burst radius of 10 ft, a Reflex save DC of 10, and a range increment of 10 ft. Anyone who takes any damage from an egg grenade must also make Fortitude saves against a weak mutagen and a weak radiation source.
Blood bird eggs are rarely available for sale, but when they are, the purchase DC is usually 25.