Razorbeak

The razorbeak is a large flightless bird found all over the vast grasslands of Mundus Major. It is aggressive and predatory, but widely utilized by certain Kith as animals of warfare.

Description

Razorbeaks are large, muscular birds, typically standing between 6 and 8 feet tall. They have muscular necks, and their titular beaks are large and powerful enough to cut through thick hide, leather and muscle. Their wings are small and atrophied, but their muscular legs give them a powerful stride and are capable of rending flesh with their sharp claws.
Wild razorbeaks may have a lifespan of up to 40 years, but rarely do they reach such an age due to their aggressive nature. Domesticated types of razorbeak have been known to live up to their late 70's.

Ecology

Razorbeaks are widely found throughout the continent of Mundus Major, as the species thrives in the open grasslands and savannas. Smaller subspecies are found in semi-wooded areas, but these varieties are considerably more diminutive.
Attempts to spread razorbeaks into the colder eastern plains of Mundus Major, or west across the sea into Mundus Minor have been made, but the colder climate has been found unfavourable for their nesting and reproduction.
Razorbeaks are predatory animals, subsisting on small and medium mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. They have been known to attack fishermen only to devour their catch, but the birds are inept at catching live fish themselves. Razorbeaks rarely hunt kith or animals their own size, but have been known to do so in times of food scarcity or territorial pressure.

Behavior

Razorbeaks are notoriously aggressive and territorial animals. They readily chase after and attack any kith who venture too close to their nests or hunting grounds, and although fatalities are rare, their beaks and claws leave nasty gashes and scars.
Razorbeaks hunt in packs of three to five individuals, but they do not show clear signs of having leadership. Using their impressive mobility, they surround their victims or employ hit-and-run tactics to tire and bleed out larger prey.

Relationship with kith

Razorbeaks are tamed and extensively used by the reptilian setzá, who have utilized the beasts for war and transportation. The setzá are kindred spirits to these much larger birds, and know well how to exploit their aggression and territorialism for their own use. They are immensely important to the setzá way of life, and have made it possible for them to take over most of the continent.
The setzá breed the birds to be bigger and more aggressive, and to own a particularly dangerous razorbeak is considered a symbol of prestige and strength. Such razorbeaks are well taken care of, and tend to live longer than their wild cousins, reaching up to 80 years of age. As such, they often outlive their owners, and such venerable birds are often passed as inheritance or sold for great sums due to the fame they garner over the years.