Warbeak

Description

The Warbeak is a bipedal bird-like creature, quite flightless. It stands some seven to eight feet tall at the neck. In form, it is rather like a very large, very strong, ostrich, though with a much shorter neck and a huge, axe-like beak which is more than capable of snapping a man’s arm off. The Warbeak is an omnivore and can digest reeds, ferns, and fruits, though it enjoys meat and can be trained by careful promising/withholding of fresh, bloody, gobbets. (Many times, raw meat is placed in stuffed mannequins dressed in the colors of an enemy nation, to condition the Warbeaks to strike at such foes.)

In combat, a Warbeak can be terrifying, especially against those who try to swarm or surround the beast. A skilled rider can use the creature’s instinctive kicking and dodging to his advantage, keeping at least one foe which is harrassing him from getting in a clean shot. It is also capable of prodigious jumps, which it can use to either escape or intercept foes.

(Those interested in some of the reasoning behind this critter, and the background on the world setting it’s part of, might wish to look at this essay. Otherwise, just read on and have fun!)