Zakharan roc Zakharan rocs were monstrous raptors found in the Land of Fate . They were even larger versions of their northern cousins . Three variations of Zakharan rocs existed : the common roc , great roc , and two - headed roc . The great roc and two - headed roc spoke Midani as well as their own language . Description . Zakharan rocs were beautiful creatures decorated with colorful plumage . Wings were usually a shade of green or gold . Females had a brilliantly white breast . Their massive beaks ranged in color from ivory to bronze . The color of a Zakharan roc ' s wing tip feathers was used to differentiate between the three roc species , aside from noting the obvious extra head that two - headed rocs possessed . Common rocs had crimson - colored wing tip feathers , azure feathers indicated a great roc , and two - headed rocs had jet black wing tip feathers . Furthermore , the color of the crest on males of all Zakharan roc species matched their wing tip feathers . Tales existed of adventurers having witnessed pure white , black , and red rocs . If these creatures existed then they were certainly rare . Both the common roc and two - headed roc measured 60 feet ( 18 m ) from beak to tail and had a 120 foot ( 36 m ) wingspan . In contrast , the great roc measured an astonishing 120 feet ( 36 m ) in length with a 270 foot ( 82 m ) wingspan , making them rival or surpass dragon s in size . Combat . Zakharan rocs fought in order to feed or to protect their nest . When faced with an opponent of equal size , the Zakharan roc used its great aerial speed to its advantage . Zakharan rocs used their impressive vision to soar at great heights and spot potential targets beneath them . Their eyesight was capable of penetrating fog , dust storms , and shallow water . They could execute lighting strikes where they swooped down to attack and retreat in a near instant . Prey seized by a Zakharan roc was gripped securely and attacked with bites on the way back to the roc ' s nest . The roc tried to secure the creature ' s arms and legs when possible , preventing spellcasting in the case of a human or demihuman . The Zakharan roc ' s initial swoop attack almost always surprised the target on the first pass . Any seized target able to inflict enough physical harm unto the roc convinced the roc that it was not worth the effort , prompting the roc to release the target during flight , usually to plummet to their death . Zakharan rocs almost always attacked the largest member of a group first since it was the largest potential meal . However , all rocs were fully capable of grabbing a creature in each claw , assuming the creature was not too large and required both claws to hold securely . Boulders were often deployed from above when a roc attacked ships or physical structures , serving to soften or destroy the structure so the roc could swoop down and attack . Habitat / Society . Zakharan rocs were found either atop high mountains or isolated islands . Access to ample prey species was a necessity for any area for a roc to nest . Hungry rocs in search of food could be spotted flying over the open ocean or deserts . All Zakharan roc species built their nests atop the highest area within their territory , usually atop a mountain peak or rocky outcropping . Whole trees were used for the nest ' s construction . Roc nests were capable of holding 1 – 5 eggs or hatchlings . Young rocs lived in the nest for the first six months of their lives , at which point they were large enough to go off on their own . Zakharan rocs would defend their young to the death . These raptors were extremely territorial . They did not tolerate other rocs within their territory save for the purpose of mating . The average roc territory spanned a circular distance of at least 10 miles ( 16 km ) . Adult Zakharan rocs fed at least three times per day , plus another feeding to regurgitate any partially digested food for their young in the nest . Like smaller birds , they swallowed stones to help grind food within their gullet . These creatures often became bored and hungry quickly when dealing with humans or humanoid s . Because of their more sinister nature , two - headed rocs could be persuaded to aid others if they were rewarded with large quantities of food . Two - headed rocs decorated their nests with shiny treasure taken from their past meals , hoping to attract a potential mate with their displays of " wealth " . The other Zakharan roc species left any potential treasure littered about their nests haphazardly . Ecology . All Zakharan roc species were incredibly difficult to raise because of the vast quantities of food they required . However , rumors persisted that adventurers and sorcerers were able to train rocs captured as chicks . One legend even stated that a tribe of jann living near the World Pillar Mountains used rocs as mounts . Zakharan rocs preyed upon the largest animals they could find including elephant s , giant s , ankheg s , shark s , whale s , and even kraken . Additionally , undefended human s were fair targets as well . Roc eggs were valuable items from a collector ' s standpoint , easily fetching hundreds of gold pieces a piece . They were also useful as components in a wide range of magical potions and oils . If someone desired for the egg to hatch , then it needed to be kept warm until the chick emerged .