Gwythaints

A flying construct that travels the pocket dimension created by the The Precursors to connect ley lines and gateways for quicker pedestrian travel. A gift from a powerful king to his people, perhaps...none are quite sure how or why they were created, but we do know that they were corrupted by the targetless rage of Ravelous Nil, and that they soon fell into disuse, darkness, and preternatural stillness. 
It was after this that the Gwythaints appeared...or, at least, were discovered. Flocks of them, swarms of them, hordes of them; these birds are intent on nothing but the destruction of life within the alternate reality that used to be filled with light, and beauty, and soaring spires. The roadways were as strands of ribbon within a bright blue sky, at one time. 
No one has ever seen a gwythaint outside of the Roadways, which has led to entire courses at The Bardic College Campus based around the theory that they do not even exist unless they are being observed...it's all quite metaphysical and deep.

Basic Information

Anatomy

With a wingspan that can reach up to five feet across, these naked-fleshed atrocities fly more like moths or butterflies than birds of prey. Their pointed beaks are filled with wickedly sharp teeth, and they love to rend and tear into...things.

Genetics and Reproduction

As far as we know, they are all descended from an original flock of thirteen. Reproduction being their only biological function (even feeding seems to serve no purpose, other than to destroy the prey) they have gotten quite good at it, and enjoy themselves quite liberally amongst their own kind and various inanimate objects, usually boasting feathers.

Growth Rate & Stages

They are 'live born' although life is not a thing that most would ascribe to them, and grow quickly to adulthood within a span of six to eight weeks.

Ecology and Habitats

They seem to live, to exist, solely within the corruption of the Roadways.

Dietary Needs and Habits

They seem to feed upon destruction...not destroying in order to feed, but feeding by the act of destroying.

Biological Cycle

They do die off in old age, sometime between two and five years after they are born.

Additional Information

Social Structure

They are known to live in flocks that will swarm and stampede warm blooded creatures.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Nobody knows why they were created, but they currently serve as a great detractor, encouraging people to stay away from the roadways.

Facial characteristics

They possess a long beak full of small, sharp teeth, and have only skin over where their eyes should be.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Roadways

Average Intelligence

They are about as intelligent as a human toddler.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Flat, hairless skin covers the parts of their face that their eyes should be, and the only sounds they make are burping croaks that they seem somehow to understand, one-to-another. It is known that they can sense warm blood from miles away, and are racially envious of the feathered bird population, finding them irresistibly attractive and are yet compelled to destroy them.

Scientific Name

Badassicuss undeadagull

Origin/Ancestry

Constructs

Lifespan

2 to 5 years

Conservation Status

Unsure if they're even real.

Average Height

3' or so on short, stubby legs that look a lot like a gulls webbed feet.

Average Weight

Between 5 and 8 pounds

Average Physique

Bloated, warty, and fleshy.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

They range in coloring from a light brown to a deep ebony black.