Kiwkh (K'YOOK)

Kiwkh (plural: kiwkhs) are an airborne predatory animal of Asrothis uniquely evolved to detect high concentrations of purified Ega. Though they appear to be crosses between birds and bats, they are generally classed as a bird.
They have been present in the ecosystem long enough for other inhabitants to know to be wary of them, but they appear to have emerged in the Corruption spawned from the the Incursion. They are feared primarily due to their habit of pecking holes in other creatures' skulls to obtain their brains, their favored meal and of which they must consume a decent amount for survival. However, if pressed they will become impartial carrion feeders. Some folk legends suggest it is the memories they prefer to consume rather than the gray matter itself. Although their physical eyesight is limited they are attracted to high concentrations of Ega, making channeling especially dangerous.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Bat-like: two webbed wings attached down entire length of body; two legs; two small, three-clawed paws attached to wings. Bird-like head attached to strong neck, with large, narrow, hard beak. Short legs; feet have six claws.

Ecology and Habitats

Spends much of its time in flight, as well as near sentient species.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Though it is not fully understood, the fact that they feed on brainmatter while also being attracted to purified Ega suggests something unique about the brainmatter of sentient species.

Behaviour

They are solitary hunters.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Their beaks make useful tools or weapons due to their hardness; on the occasion of them breaking, they can be fashioned into smaller, further useful items such as needles or arrows. They regularly produce gallstones (~0.5cm diameter) that can either be taken unprocessed as a minor pain reliever or processed with other materials into one more potent.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Asrothis

Average Intelligence

Low

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

As it uses the upper miasma to conceal itself while hunting, kiwkh have a certain degree of resistance to the corruption. Limited physical eyesight instead augmented by their ability to sense strong concentations of purified Ega, as when channeling; due to their hunting methods, this suggests an ability to distinguish channeled/purified Ega amongst the corruption-imbued miasma.

Lifespan

10-15 Years

Conservation Status

Unconcerned

Average Height

3-4ft standing

Average Weight

Approx 80lbs

Average Length

Wingspan: 10-12ft

Average Physique

Muscular

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Beak and claws are glossy black; body is covered in shaggy dark gray and dark indigo feathers; feet, paws, and wing ribbing are black; wing webbing is muted purple-gray. Eyes are yellow.