Suraqay (Sir-ah-kay)
Hunter's Bane
Do not find yourself amidst the wild Shutallpa past sundown, lest you draw the ire of that most ferocious hunter: Suraqay.The Suraqay (Imperial Wythian: Swift Terrors), also known as Ground-Falcons or Mujani-Mariib (IW: Winged Warriors), are large carnivorous flightless birds endemic to the fertile plains and marshlands of the Shutallpa. Highly territorial by nature, the Suraqay are the apex predators of the region, preying on rodents, livestock, and the occasional hapless Qal child.
Appearance
Suraqay are large, flightless birds with long legs suitable for running down prey at high speeds. Their plumage is largely grey-brown with the odd streak of white, with brighter and more vibrant coloration occasionally presenting itself along the head and neck.
The beast's vestigial wings sit tucked tightly against their sides, although adults have been seen spreading their wings while running to act as rudimentary sails. A mature Saraqay stands taller than the region's native Qal people, on four-toed feet tipped with razor-sharp claws capable of tearing through flesh and bone alike.
The cry of the Suraqay is infamous amongst the Qal; their loud, piercing yells can carry for miles across the lowlands, and are often the first indicator of an impending ambush.
Behavior
Suraqay are aggressive, fiercely territorial birds, claiming vast home ranges that can often cover thousands of acres. It is often stated by Qalic soothsayers that should one find themselves in the range of a Suraqay at dawn, the beast will be upon them by midday to repel the intruder. Female Suraqay are said to claim ever even larger territories, overlapping those of several males.
Little is known of Suraqay courtship. While females move among satellite territories of different males, they appear to remain within the same territories for most of their lives, mating with the same, or closely related, males over the course of their lives. Despite the obvious difficulties in observing Suraqay mating rituals, it has been noted by certain Lagonic philosophers that males put on intricate and sophisticated mating dances for the females. Should the females disapprove of the male's performance, she will viciously maul him before moving on to the territory of another male.
Suraqay eggs, the largest in the known world at almost a foot from end to end, have a pearlescent sheen to their shells, and are highly sought-after commodities amongst the noble Houses of Khwarrakh to the west.
Due to their aggressive nature, Suraqay are solitary hunters; it is a rare sight to gaze upon more than a single bird at one time. When on the hunt, the Suraqay will run down their prey at speeds rivalling that of the swiftest horse, before delivering powerful strikes with its feet and beak. These attacks leave devastating injuries upon the Suraqay's victim, who often die from a mix of shock and blood loss in moments. Suraqay appear to be averse to feeding upon live prey, preferring to wait until their quarry has succumbed to its wounds before beginning to feast.
