Archeostrix

Description:

An archeostrix is something of a cross between a reptile and a large, flightless bird. They run upright on two long, scaly legs with sharp three-toed talons for feet. Their long, sharp, twisting claws appear to be vestigial wings, partially concealed in colourful plumage and held close to the body except when lashing out with them. They have sharp, hooked beaks, with eyes on the sides of their head allowing them to see in 360 degrees.

Archeostrix' live in deserts and badlands, spending much of their time standing still as statues, conserving their energy while watching for prey such as rodents or reptiles that slither or skitter across the dusty ground. They are efficient hunters, and when they pounce, their incredible speed often rewards them with a meal.

Archeostrix' are believed to be exceptionally stupid, but fortunately just intelligent enough to be domesticated and trained for use as mounts. When used as mounts, they require a great deal of food in order to output the energy needed to travel for long periods with a burden, but a rider with a large sack full of live mice, tossing them periodically out into the air in front of an archeostrix can keep it going all day. The demanding change in the pace of their life and the acceleration of their metabolism that comes with it means archeostrix taken as mounts usually die within several months or a year.

While archeostrix' can be trained to serve as mounts, they cannot be trained for mounted combat. An archeostrix can be trained to carry a rider, but will not carry a load on its back.