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Vourukh Translated to common from an Orcish log book. Anatomy The Vourukh (Voo-rook) would be classified as birds of prey, to those who would call them birds. ((In OOC contemporary terms, they would be described as theropod-esque as well as raptorial)). A normal venturer of Athera would mistake it for a dragon, however. Their thick, leathery skin, which very much resemble scales, are partially the cause of this misidentification. The hide is on average two centimeters thick, a quarter thicker around the underside and the talons, and a half thinner at the spot atop the head, where the skull joins to the spine. This thick skin protects the Vourukh from many perils, including the attacks of other animals. The beak is short and hooked, like many other raptors and the neck of the Vourukh is short and immensely powerful. This is beneficial as it allows the Vourukh to apply tremendous force, used for cracking and shattering bones. The beak of the Vourukh differs from other predatory birds though in that it is serrated. Towards the front end of the hooked beak, sharp and small serrations are spaced between larger, pointed ones, which are pointed back, so as to savagely tear the flesh of prey attempting to escape. These front serrations are used primarily for predation, and are frightfully effective. The serrations towards the base of the beak, however, are smaller and less pointed. Similar to mammalian molars, these back serrations are used for grinding and crushing. In the Vourukh’s case, it is the grinding and crushing of bones. On the beak are four nares, two larger ones closer to the eyes, and two smaller ones further down the beak. It is believed that the larger ones are solely for breathing while the smaller ones are solely for smelling. The eyes of the Vourukh are red, like their feathers, and the irises range from a deep amber to a golden yellow. The bones of the Vourukh are solid, very strong, and reinforced, comparable to that of sturdy mammals. This is not beneficial to the flight of the Vourukh, as it limits them from large migratory patterns. Otherwise, it allows the Vourukh to absorb heavier blows. As well, stronger and more lean muscles (compared to other birds) can develop without risk to the integrity of the bones. The Vourukh’s feet are anisodactyl, adapted to grip prey, but are also similar to basal theropods in structure in that the base of the feet are lifted from the ground, allowing for limited walking and running. The talons are unique in the fast rate that they grow. If left alone, the talons would grow too large and become cumbersome to the Vourukh. Because of this, the Vourukh whittle their talons down on rocks, which sharpens the talons as well. When outstretched, the wingspan of the Vourukh averages around five meters. The wings are very large and muscular, to keep the heavy body of the beasts afloat. To power these wings, the Vourukh have pectoral muscles comparable to that of an Uruk or an Olog. The wings themselves are separated into two parts that can fold in and downwards slightly. This allows the Vourukh to catch currents in the air with more ease and more efficiently ride them. As well, there are two long and curled talons near the first joint of the wings. These talons can bend in, and allow very limited grasping, and aid in walking on land. The Vourukh have nearly all of their body covered by feathers, except for their feet and their wing-talons. The plumage of the top of their wings tends to be dark colored, with white to gray intermediating in streaks, whileas the plumage of their bodies are white. It is exceptionally rare to find a white Vourukh though, as they stain themselves red in the blood of their prey. From below, the wings are near to invisible, while the body stands out. The tail feathers of the Vourukh are long, outspread, and rounded. Differences between make and female are few. The furcula of the female protrudes further and is thicker than the male's, and the female's tail feathers are narrower and more pointed. Behavior Vourukh, surprisingly, are social creatures. They arrange themselves into strict hierarchical groups--similar to a wolf pack--called flocks. The flocks are generally associated with locations, and are very territorial collectively and individually. A flock associated to a location is called the Vouruk’hai of that location. Within each flock, there are ranks, with the top being the Taasav (meaning warrior-father). The Taasav is usually an older Vourukh, and grows to become fairly larger than the rest in the flock. The Taasav is distinguishable by it’s darker-red to maroon feathers, and a thick black comb that grows upon its head. When the Taasav becomes old and frail, or even when it is strong and powerful, the most prominent Vourukh of the rank below, the Tumarz, can challenge it to a battle, which always results in the death of one of the Vourukh. Below the Taasav are the Tumarz, which grow larger than the normal Vourukh, and begin to sprout a black comb smaller than the Taasav’s. The Tumarz’ numbers are dependent on the size of the flock and the area the flock encompasses. Below the Tumarz, rank in the flock is based on the age of the Vourukh, with the fledglings being the lowest. The Vourukh, being predatory animals and scavengers, require large amounts of land. Because of this, they often separate into different camps. The leader of each camp is the Tumarz. These camps often have Vourukh of the same bloodline, and are similar to clans among the descendant races. Variations between different camps of Vourukh are minor, consisting of small variations in wing feather patterns. Despite having camps, the Vourukh have a main nest, which is where the Taasav resides. Vourukh often visit the nest individually to bring bones as tribute, and as a camp when they are called on. Every three years, before the hottest of the hot season occurs, the camps all return to the nest to breed. The eggs are laid and hatched by the peak of the hot season, and by the time the cold season begins to set in, the fledglings are able to fly the distance to their camps. If they fail to make the journey, they are left to die. This is generally detrimental to the population as a whole, since each mate produces no more than two eggs per three-year cycle, but it ensures the population is strong. Conflict does occur between Vourukh, often caused by food or space within a camp. These conflicts normally do not result in death or serious maiming, and when they do, the Tumarz will often punish the offender. Vourukh form mating pairs for life, and mates are often seen together constantly. Therefore, when conflict caused by transgression of a mate-bond occurs, it almost always results in the death of the offender with no intervention by the Tumarz. Conflict also occurs between camps, though rarely. When it does it is because of issues regarding land. If the issue is not resolved by a non-fatal fight between the Tumarz, or it is not mediated by the Taasav of the flock, it may escalate into a war. A camp war has only been recorded once before, and it escalated large enough to envelope the surrounding camps and the nest in a civil war. It ended with the deaths of a substantial portion of the flock, the abandonment of two camps, and the ascension of a new Taasav. Conflict between different flocks is common as well. If the flocks are located near each other, war will more than likely occur. If not near to each other, a camp from one flock may still be called upon by the Taasav to fly onto the other flocks camps, in a sort of raid. Abandoned nests and camps, and substantial differences in wing markings within a flock suggests that as a consequence of flock war, the defeated flock assimilates with the victor. The nest of the defeated flock is dismantled and is used to build upon the victor’s nest. Conflict with other races is yet to be recorded. Most flocks have not been in direct contact with a descendant race. From the understanding of Vourukh territorial behavior, it is assumed that conflict would occur if they felt threatened. On occasion, solitary and nomadic Vourukh are seen flying outside of flock territory. Physiologically they are smaller and none grow a comb. These Vourukh generally have no distinguishable wing markings. They fly in mate-pairs, and occasionally with the young. It is believed that they breed on a two-year cycle, and that the young are given more substantial care. It is common to find a nomadic Vourukh in conflict with a flock, and almost always the flock Vourukh will kill the nomadic one. Occasionally, a nomadic Vourukh may join a flock by proving itself in battle. These foundling Vourukh are easy to spot as they have no wing markings while their adopted flock-kin do. During the hunt, the Vourukh may assault creatures as large and larger than it with little fear of self-harm. On larger prey, they descend quickly upon it and beat it with their massive wings to disorient the creature, then they plunge their talons into it to bleed it before they return to the sky and follow the quarry. When the prey is sufficiently weakened, the Vourukh dives down once more and finishes the creature by biting out its eyes, its jugular, or breaking its neck with its powerful beak. If the corpse is too large to fly back to the camp, then the Vourukh will peel away the flesh and return to the camp with only the ribs, leaving the rest of the body to be brought back over the next few days. If hunting prey slightly smaller than it, the Vourukh will swoop in and grab the creature from the legs, while beating it with its wings to disorient it. It will then lift it in the air to a substantial height then drop it to its death, before flying the corpse back to the nest to salvage. Small prey, such as rats or Kha kittens, are usually left alone unless the Vourukh eats it as a snack while en route to a destination. Combat between two Vourukh is a sight to be seen. If non-fatal, the Vourukh lock on to each other mid-air and beat the other with their wings to fatigue them as they spiral towards the ground. This continues until one can no longer fight, or until one plummets into the ground. Fatal combat between two is much more glorious. They lock onto the other with their wing-talons, and bite and claw with their beak and feet. They often aim for the neck to bleed the opponent, or for the wing to cripple them and drop them to the ground. These skirmishes occur for hours often between flocks, with the Vourukh disengaging and re-engaging in waves. Rarely does one side retreat, unless their Tumarz is killed. The dead are left to decompose, and are only reclaimed when they become skeletons. The diet of the Vourukh is almost entirely bone marrow. The bones are ground up with the flat serrations of the beak or sometimes consumed as shards. The meat is rarely eaten by adult Vourukh, and instead it is reserved for the fledglings that cannot crush the bones yet. The mother Vourukh may crush up the bones and swallow to regurgitate the bone and the vile for the fledglings to consume. This vile possesses the qualities of fire, or a strong acid, in that it burns and melts, and can disfigure. The fledglings and the Vourukh are immune to the vile though. The same vile may be produced and sprayed by a Vourukh upon an assailant, causing grievous bodily harm. The call of the Vourukh is a rare one, as they seem to be silent creatures while prowling the sky. While communicating among themselves, the Vourukh produce many different sounding guttural chirps. Before and during a battle, the Vourukh let loose shrill and terrifying screeches to disorient the enemy. These same screeches may be used to do the same to prey. Many of the Vourukh are capable of voicing a screech so offensive that an Orc would be brought to its knees in pain. While skirting the edge of their territory, one may hear the differing caws of the Vourukh. The reason for these caws are not entirely known. The recorded flocks occur solely in the margins of the natural world, where adversity reigns. Deserts, mountainous areas, the canyon, and open plains tend to be where flocks occur. Forested areas are home only to pairs of nomadic Vourukh. Nests tend to occur at high elevations for both flocks and nomads, and are littered with bone shards and decorated with bones and the feathers of previous Vourukh. A nest can be identified from a distance by the putrid smell of decay. TL;DR/OOC Giant vulture/therapod-like predatory birds. Like bearded vulture. Strict, advanced hierarchical flock systems as well as solitary nomad-pairs. Sharp talons, beak, and wing-talons. Strong wings. Spit very erosive acid. Paint themselves red with blood. Very territorial and combative. Carry corpses as big as themselves, can kill bigger. Rarely found alone. Mate for life. Tough for hatchlings to survive. Breed every 3 years for flock, 2 years for nomad Flock=bigger nomad=smaller Flocks occasionally war, camps within flocks may have civil war. Advanced inter-species communication with chirps. Loud and shrill screech can disorient and cause pain to whatever hears. Live in camps, mate at nest. Many camps per flock, one nest. Names are in Orcish because they were discovered and documented by an orc, other races can have different names :) Cannot be ridden. Enjoy the hunt and combat. Cannot be made subservient, only befriended, by proving oneself worthy of friendship Can be communicated with by Druids. These are NOT a playable race or creature. The only exception to this is ET played for roleplay and events.

The Blood Omen, a very sinister creature, a creature that is said to bring death and destruction. A winged beast that foretells disaster. An Omen of Blood & Death... One of the more popular strings of the legend, was the sighting in Kingston. One of the citizens reported seeing an "odd creature" perched on the top of the walls near the gatehouse late at night. The creature just sat there, motionless, seeming to just be staring straight into the quiet, sleeping city. The red, glowing eyes just... staying there... staring. The witness, a gardener, tried telling the guard about what she saw the very next morning, but he just retorted with "You just saw an owl, go get some rest...". A few days later, Kingston was raided by the Orcs, and turned into what was Gronkston, A Blood Omen is a large, winged creature that is rarely ever seen. In the dark, the only thing that can be seen is its sinister, red eyes that seem to illuminate the dark slightly. But because of this trait, people just shrug it off as an owl. There is no "official" name for this creature, but it has been nicknamed the "Blood Omen" because of what course of events seem to follow its strange sightings... The disasters. A large, "owl-like" winged creature. It has feathers all around its body, just like any bird. The Blood Omen has legs like a human, but talons like an owl. In almost every single sighting, it is seen perched on top of something, much like a gargoyle would. Probably its most distinct feature though, is the red eyes. This creature lives in usually heavily forested, and/or slightly hilly terrain. The hilly terrain is perfect for being able to fly around, and spot out any potential prey. Although the population of this creature is unknown, and for all anybody knows there is only one. Very little is known about its eating patterns, or how long it can go without food. But it tends to tear up its prey, and leave a lot behind. The Blood Omen feasts on many species, from things as little as rabbits, to something as big as a strong, fully grown buck. The legend that follows the Blood Omen is what gives it its name. The Blood Omen, which basically means a fore-teller of disaster and destruction. The only time it is ever spotted, is before some sort of large-scale disaster. Days before a genocide, a large arson, an assassination, or a war outbreak, it'll just be sitting there, watching the area. If somebody gets too close, it'll just turn and fly of at an amazing speed, never to be seen until the next disaster. Very little, to nothing is known for why this creature even exists. Even less is known for how it knows what is going to happen in the future. I was thinking this creature would be a good use for RP. Maybe for those Broadcast messages (E.X. "A large, winged creature can be seen circling around Petrus in the air.") or for maybe even more sinister, horror-ish Roleplay. So ultimately for ET use. If you have any questions, comments, or etc. please ask them in the comments. We can also use this area for a Q/A if needed.

Aterruce'tras - Ape Creatures Seiges Snow Apes Sinha Snow Lion Maimou Pink Apes Ektos Jungle Outlaw Phindar Fighting Beast OOC Hello fellow peoples and hunters of LOTC, yes I am aware these creatures are from something else just edited. But hey there’s many things in lore or such that are on the server from different places, so why not give it a shot. Anyway to give a short idea for these creatures and maybe questions. Are the creatures playable ? Yes and no… I’d think it would be better if an ET actor would play the creatures, because there will not be a skin for the monsters. I find that rather hard to make and for others to make, with such limits. If the creatures are accepted I would like them to be built and copy and pasted to the areas with signs to connect whom to play them. No, as players aside from ET members. Whats the point of them being in Athera? Well, unseen creatures in the world can be fun, either for hunting or researching. There are people the love the thrill of the hunt and things to kill for fun or as trophies. How will the creatures be represented? As I said before, they will be built with mc blocks. I do not see the point of using mc skin and players to do it. Are they rideable ? Eh.. I'm on the fence about that.. It's very possible if given the chance you can, but you would be hurt or killed. Since they are hostile and will not like that. Can they be capture and trained? Well.. IF there was a percentage chance of capturing, give it a shot I guess. It would be your choice to do what you want with the creatures but remember they are very heavy, so it would be best to have a few orcs to help you take it. Tameable.? That is another tricky idea.. Due to them being very hostile and predators it is very unlikely to tame them as pets or friends. Leading to my Druids out there . Well these creature would be in the animal category so Druids would be able to talk to them, on the other had since they are hostile and want to eat,kill and fight with you. Druids would have a hard time calming the creatures if lucky they'd calm them . What do you get from killing the creatures? Well the reward from actually hunting and staying alive from the hunt you would be rewarded with such loot. If hunters brought a skinning knife or a sword to skin the creatures for their pelt,hide and what not. Others would take the bones or teeth from them using for weapons or trophies. If hungry heck, use the meat as a meal for yourself and your fellow hunters. Why are they so over powered ? Why can't I fight them one on one?! These creatures and a lot tougher and stronger than even an Orc. Their skin and bodies are a lot thicker and resistant to just a flesh wound. It would take at least a good 5-8 man with armor and Mages to attack one head on. If you was to fight one head on there is a 100% you would not make it for more than an hour, you would be a toy for the creatures. Do they have any weaknesses? How is the best way to take them down? Well, I don't want to ruin the fun or spoil the ways to proper hunt the creatures. As hunters you must look around the surrounding you and the creatures would be around and let that speak more for you. I really don't want to tell the weakness because that would break the point of the RP fighting it and players should be surprised on these encounters. Anyway all ideas and suggestions are looked at and taken. :) Just given this a try. So please keep it clean.

Aterruce'waezit - Scaled Creatures Shia The Lurking Shadow Archontas Lord of the Seas Tromos The Underwater Terror OOC Hello fellow peoples and hunters of LOTC, yes I am aware these creatures are from something else just edited. But hey there’s many things in lore or such that are on the server from different places, so why not give it a shot. Anyway to give a short idea for these creatures and maybe questions. Are the creatures playable ? Yes and no… I’d think it would be better if an ET actor would play the creatures, because there will not be a skin for the monsters. I find that rather hard to make and for others to make, with such limits. If the creatures are accepted I would like them to be built and copy and pasted to the areas with signs to connect whom to play them. No, as players aside from ET members. Whats the point of them being in Athera? Well, unseen creatures in the world can be fun, either for hunting or researching. There are people the love the thrill of the hunt and things to kill for fun or as trophies. How will the creatures be represented? As I said before, they will be built with mc blocks. I do not see the point of using mc skin and players to do it. Are they rideable ? Eh.. I'm on the fence about that.. It's very possible if given the chance you can, but you would be hurt or killed. Since they are hostile and will not like that. Can they be capture and trained? Well.. IF there was a percentage chance of capturing, give it a shot I guess. It would be your choice to do what you want with the creatures but remember they are very heavy, so it would be best to have a few orcs to help you take it. Tameable.? That is another tricky idea.. Due to them being very hostile and predators it is very unlikely to tame them as pets or friends. Leading to my Druids out there . Well these creature would be in the animal category so Druids would be able to talk to them, on the other had since they are hostile and want to eat,kill and fight with you. Druids would have a hard time calming the creatures if lucky they'd calm them . What do you get from killing the creatures? Well the reward from actually hunting and staying alive from the hunt you would be rewarded with such loot. If hunters brought a skinning knife or a sword to skin the creatures for their pelt,hide and what not. Others would take the bones or teeth from them using for weapons or trophies. If hungry heck, use the meat as a meal for yourself and your fellow hunters. Why are they so over powered ? Why can't I fight them one on one?! These creatures and a lot tougher and stronger than even an Orc. Their skin and bodies are a lot thicker and resistant to just a flesh wound. It would take at least a good 5-8 man with armor and Mages to attack one head on. If you was to fight one head on there is a 100% you would not make it for more than an hour, you would be a toy for the creatures. Do they have any weaknesses? How is the best way to take them down? Well, I don't want to ruin the fun or spoil the ways to proper hunt the creatures. As hunters you must look around the surrounding you and the creatures would be around and let that speak more for you. I really don't want to tell the weakness because that would break the point of the RP fighting it and players should be surprised on these encounters. Anyway all ideas and suggestions are looked at and taken. :) Just given this a try. So please keep it clean.

Inlu'thin - Insects Eloch Entomo OOC Hello fellow peoples and hunters of LOTC, yes I am aware these creatures are from something else just edited. But hey there’s many things in lore or such that are on the server from different places, so why not give it a shot. Anyway to give a short idea for these creatures and maybe questions. Are the creatures playable ? Yes and no… I’d think it would be better if an ET actor would play the creatures, because there will not be a skin for the monsters. I find that rather hard to make and for others to make, with such limits. If the creatures are accepted I would like them to be built and copy and pasted to the areas with signs to connect whom to play them. No, as players aside from ET members. Whats the point of them being in Athera? Well, unseen creatures in the world can be fun, either for hunting or researching. There are people the love the thrill of the hunt and things to kill for fun or as trophies. How will the creatures be represented? As I said before, they will be built with mc blocks. I do not see the point of using mc skin and players to do it. Are they rideable ? Eh.. I'm on the fence about that.. It's very possible if given the chance you can, but you would be hurt or killed. Since they are hostile and will not like that. Can they be capture and trained? Well.. IF there was a percentage chance of capturing, give it a shot I guess. It would be your choice to do what you want with the creatures but remember they are very heavy, so it would be best to have a few orcs to help you take it. Tameable.? That is another tricky idea.. Due to them being very hostile and predators it is very unlikely to tame them as pets or friends. Leading to my Druids out there . Well these creature would be in the animal category so Druids would be able to talk to them, on the other had since they are hostile and want to eat,kill and fight with you. Druids would have a hard time calming the creatures if lucky they'd calm them . What do you get from killing the creatures? Well the reward from actually hunting and staying alive from the hunt you would be rewarded with such loot. If hunters brought a skinning knife or a sword to skin the creatures for their pelt,hide and what not. Others would take the bones or teeth from them using for weapons or trophies. If hungry heck, use the meat as a meal for yourself and your fellow hunters. Why are they so over powered ? Why can't I fight them one on one?! These creatures and a lot tougher and stronger than even an Orc. Their skin and bodies are a lot thicker and resistant to just a flesh wound. It would take at least a good 5-8 man with armor and Mages to attack one head on. If you was to fight one head on there is a 100% you would not make it for more than an hour, you would be a toy for the creatures. Do they have any weaknesses? How is the best way to take them down? Well, I don't want to ruin the fun or spoil the ways to proper hunt the creatures. As hunters you must look around the surrounding you and the creatures would be around and let that speak more for you. I really don't want to tell the weakness because that would break the point of the RP fighting it and players should be surprised on these encounters. Anyway all ideas and suggestions are looked at and taken. :) Just given this a try. So please keep it clean.

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