Syesul's Kite

Summary

Syesul's Kite is a small bird of prey within the Raptor family native to the Syesul islands in north Tiorath, and the Coat of Arms of the Syesul family. Despite their small size they are hardy and strong, mirroring the self image of the Syesul bloodline.

Description

Syesul's Kite usually stands between 35-50cm tall (typically on the smaller side of this measurement), with a large wingspan and small, forked tail. They have a red-brown coloration, and a deep brown beak and black markings around their eyes and bordering the wings and tail. Their beak is small for a raptor and lightly hooked, well designed for tearing flesh from it's prey.
They live in and hunt as small family units that consist of an adult pair and two-three sub adults that help raise the Kites chicks. They are loyal by nature, and will die defending their families.

Uses and Relevance

Peculiarly, their familial devotion sometimes stretches to members of the Syesul lineage. By which means they recognize the Syesuls is unknown (though many scholars believe their sharp eyes can detect some subtle facial features common amongst the family). It has been recorded on multiple occasions that when a young Syesul, specifically a child or young teen, is threatened that the birds will step in and harrass any attackers. Their courtesy does appear to stretch somewhat to adult Syesuls as well. The Syesul's have found even wild Kites to be great hunting partners, as they will follow wounded prey and circle above the animal once it stops. Although this behavior has been seen outside the Syesul family, one trait in particular seems unique amongst their interactions with the family. The birds refuse to eat from prey taken down by the Syesul line until the hunter has collected any meat they desire from the animal, and should there be little or no meat left the hunter is expected to reward the bird with a sizeable piece of meat to return to it's nest.
The specifics of how this relationship was founded is unknown, but many elements of their history have either been uncovered or guessed at. When Syesuls first arrived on the northern isles, claiming dominions over them, they soon encountered the small, hardy kites flying over the regions dense rainforest. Seeing the birds successfully fend of much larger birds of prey and survive harsh weather inspired the young clan, and they would declare the bird the Animal of House Syesul. Like them it was small and new to the records of Tiorathan history, yet it would show itself to be a force to contend with the larger predators of it's home as the Syesuls contended with the large, better established families of Tiorathan nobility.
The Kites quickly became popular pets, however their position as the North Isles favorite pet would not last long as upon their ascension to symbolic family member status by the Syesuls ownership of them was banned, as the Syesuls decreed it was not fitting for a Syesul to be caged. The Syesuls had all Kites in captivity freed, an act that, according to legend, earnt them a debt of grattitude amongst the small birds of prey. The truth of this 'debt' may be unknown, but it is true they do remain loyal to the Syesul lineage.
It is speculated by some that their odd behavior is a simple adaptation to the behaviors of the Syesul. Proponents of this theory state that the birds learnt that they did not have to expend the vast amount of energy required to rend flesh from their prey if they waited near prey claimed by Syesul hunters, and that they could accelerate the process of hunting prey if they signaled its location to these hunters. However many of these birds take the relationship several steps further.
If a Syesul proves themselves in some way, how they do so dependent wholly on the personality of the Kite, the bird may choose to follow the individual for an extended duration, with some choosing to follow their human partner for life across the face of Tor'Saarn. These animals are not considered pets, rather they are viewed purely as willing partners. By both Syesul law and sensibility they are not caged, and treated as one would treat a younger relative.

History

The Kite was first discovered within a short period of time after the Syesul's arrived on Tiorath's northernmost isles, not long prior to the first age. Due to the bird's endurance and strength many specimens were captured and kept as pets, admired for their striking appearance and hardy nature. However, the Syesuls would soon declare them their familial animal, and decree that all domestic Kites be released as it was not fitting for a Syesul to be caged.

Size

35-50cm

Animal Family

Raptor

Diet

Small animals such as sparrows, finches and rodents.

Preferred Biomes

Rainforests, though it has begun to adapt to farmland.

Regions of Habitation

Native: Nor'Syesul and Sol'Syesul Introduced: None Known Domesticated: Nor'Syesul