Roc

Born out of the world heart themselves, rocs are massive, divine avians. The most core desire for a roc is to protect the world heart they are bond to until the end of its natural life cycle, though this is rarely a necessity, as few things can damage them. Whatever can, however, is likely to be immensely dangerous and rocs are well equipped o take on such dangers, being gifted with strength to sunder fortress walls and toughness to trade blows with ancient dragons. Rocs are mostly solitary, but are usually neutral towards other sapient races.
If engaged in combat, rocs prove to be versatile. If their strength is not enough, they can call upon the powers of the world heart to blast enemies with rays of burning light or blind them with sudden flashes of illumination. They rely upon their innate mobility and toughness to fend off enemy attacks, knowing that they can outlast enemies in most cases. Should a roc actually fall in battle it will be reborn many cycles later from the world heart, unless its very soul was sundered. The only other think that can permanently kill a roc is the death of their world heart.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Rocs are humongous avian beings. They have to wings big enough to blot out the light of the world hearts, two massive legs ending in talons the size of a human's torso and a big beck. Despite their size, they can fly with ease, setting of and landing with enough force to create gusts of wind. The hemispheres of their brains are divided, posing some challenges, but also granting advantages. For example, rocs can let only one of their halves sleep, allowing them to remain much more aware while resting. Rocs are tough and few things can truly damage them, least of all divinity or fire, two things that rocs are infused with. They are closely connected to the world hearts and can call upon them to create an extra layer of crystalized armor, making them even tougher than normal. This connection also allows them to display unique powers depending on which world heart they connect to, the most common one being the ability to instinctually pick up on languages common to the sphere.

Genetics and Reproduction

Rocs are born from world hearts, though it is quite rare and no one has so far been able to consistently predict it. Some, like the roc scions of Rishinile, believe that through the ritual of scion flight they can be reborn and rocs, and there is some evidence to suggest this is true, though still rare. As they mimic many facets of mortal beings, rocs are capable of intercourse, but this serves as a purely recreational activity.

Growth Rate & Stages

Rocs are born fully grown.

Ecology and Habitats

Rocs prefer mountainous areas, which give them space to live and good vantage points.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Rocs are primarily carnivores, preying upon the larger fauna of the area they are in. They do supplement this diet of meat with fruit, which is often consumed alongside a fair bit of leaves and branches given their size.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Roc's are loners, as even two rocs living together could deplete the land of food. However, rocs are united by their shared reverence for the world heart and will come to each other's aid to defend it.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Rocs are a very rare species, though found in just about every sphere

Average Intelligence

Roc's are sapient beings. They are sharp-eyed and observant, quick to think on their feet. Their lonesome lifestyle and usually non-urban living means they are rarely academically gifted.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Roc's have very sharp eyes that can pick up minute details even when viewed from far above. They are also unaffected by any level of light, meaning a roc sees equally well in the brightest of light or dimmest of darkness.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Rocs usually choose their own names, usually combining words from local languages they feel suit them.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Jinn: Jinn look up to rocs as greater manifestations of the world hearts. If a roc is moved to action, most jinn are likely to at least consider the massive avian's opinion.

Scientific Name

Magna Avis Sphaerae

Lifespan

Does not age

Average Height

15-18 meters

Average Weight

90 - 110 tons