Flarg

Along the coastal banks of Amnisica you may find a curious bird. The Flarg, amongst its cousins, is a truly odd animal. It is uncertain how many of its traits came to be- something of hot debate amongst academics. Some believe that the Flarg’s existence is derived from a cruel punishment levied upon the bird’s ancestors by the malign Gods now dead. Others believe the Flarg an experiment of a crazed sorcerer. Ultimately, we may never be certain. The Flarg stands as one of the few flightless birds to carve out a home on the shoreline in no small part due to its odd characteristics. They’re reasonably common though prove to be a rare delicacy amongst Electi Elves.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

A species of penguin, Flarg are better suited toward moderate climates than their polar cousins. Their insulating feathers keep them dry even while submerged by trapping air against their skin. This combined with a strong lung capacity allows the Flarg to swim submerged in even frigid conditions for hours at a time. Their flippers are enlarged as is their tail to function as enormous propellants. They can shoot forward with speeds akin to the breakneck lunges of cheetahs to evade predators or snag prey of their own. By contrast they’re almost comically slow on land, their enormous flippers and tail dragging limply behind them. These flippers offer only tools as defense on land as their great weight and musculature makes them surprisingly effective bludgeoning tools. A Flarg’s flipper strikes can easily bruise and may even break small bones and cartilage.

A sharp beak makes for the Flarg’s killing weapon. It can be stabbed forth like a skewer to puncture fish and small crustaceans- Castlecraw one of their favorites. This diet grants their plumage a reddened tint along the crest and tail, signifying the health of the specimen. The red feathers are coated in a secretion which is derived from these crustaceans and acts as a disinfectant- specifically for poxes and influenza which healthy birds are all but immune to. These secretions are not long lived on the shelf and must be consistently replenished by the Flarg. If collected, the secretion will rapidly dry out if not contained within a moist, cold environment.

Flarg have varying nesting patterns depending on their chosen sites. Northern Flarg nest in the ground, digging nests into the sides of the dunes or the seabank. Southern Flarg instead don’t nest at all but lay a single egg to incubate upon their feet. Northern Flarg tend to have more eggs of a smaller size and are generally smaller overall whereas Southern Flarg have comparatively larger, singular eggs. Juveniles begin as white-brown birds with a full coat of downy feathers at birth. As they grow they’ll get access to Castlecraws either through their parents or by hunting themselves. By feeding on these crustaceans, Flarg begin to shed their downy feathers and begin the process of fully maturing.

#### Psychology

Social but frightful creatures, Flarg dwell in flocks of up to twenty adult members. Though they’re sociable, they do not aid each other unless they’re a member of a monogamous pair. Flarg rely on numbers as both a buffer and an early warning sign against predators. Flarg will emit booming calls in alarm when startled and generally prefer to flee over fight. Children often harass Flarg- but if pushed over the edge or cornered they can prove to be exceptionally lethal. Flarg will fight their way out of a corner with brutal ferocity. Oftentimes these instances go unrecorded as Flargs often eat their adversaries.