Charadrius

The Charadrius is a genus of plovers, a group of wading birds as well as a magical bird the size of a heron, with a curved, hooked beak that per Roman mythology with powers to cure disease. Also called the Caladrius was very rare, and pure white when healthy. It is found in clean marshes and other wetlands.
If a charadrius is brought before a sick person and turns its head away, that person will die from the disease he suffering from. However, if the bird looks at the sick individual, the charadrius will begin to turn gray, but the patient‘s color will begin to look healthier. The charadrius is taking on the disease of the invalid, and when it is fully taken on, the patient is cured. The charadrius must then fly off high into the air, and let the sun purify it.
This magic curing ability works with any natural or magically induced disease. It does not help with wounds 
at all, but will cure any secondary infection from such injuries. Likewise, it can do nothing against poison. The only HT it restores is that lost by disease. It is the GM’s decision whether or not the charadrius can cure diseases of divine or demonic origin.
They never attack people, and cannot be tamed. They can be kept in cages, but will die if they cure someone and are not allowed to fly high into the sunlight. They will not come back, but will seek out a remote swamp.
Merchants demand that a charadrius be bought sight unseen — should the charadrius look at a sick person while in the shop, the patient will be cured and the charadrius will either die or have to be freed! Retail value of the bird is always at least $1,000, and often much more.
Rumors: Some say the charadrius will cure only royalty. Others say that the bird always dies after healing the patient. Pliny says it is only effective against liver disease.
Category:Myth