Rathalos

### Range

Gran Veya, Lost Cerrado, Primordial Garden, Gulf of Giants, Withering Wilds, Frostfire Glade

### Most Active

Day

Rathalos are large red wyverns known for their fiery breath, venomous talons, and impressive range and adaptability. They were first introduced in the original Monster Hunter in 2004 and have since appeared in every single Monster Hunter game to date. They are the male counterparts to Rathians.

**The following information is all non-canonical and presented in the context of *Monster Hunter Verge*.** To learn about this monster's portrayal in the *official canon* please refer to materials published by Capcom or visit the **Monster Hunter Wiki**!

## Ethology

Rath-wyverns fill the role of aerial top order carnivores, though to what extent and where varies by sex. The males of the species, Rathalos, are coated in vibrant red scales and boast impressive wingspans. Of all the Flying Wyverns discovered in the Old World, New World, and Verge they still remain one of the most skilled of all when it comes to aerial maneuverability and flight longevity. Rathalos hunt, fight, and travel airborne and can soar for days at a time without having to land.

Like their land-bound female counterparts Rathalos are primarily solitary monsters, preferring to live far away from others of their species and patrolling enormously wide territories all on their own. They become showy and fierce in the presence of other males and will duel one another in spectacular aerial "dances", spitting fire and clashing talons. These confrontations are not intended to be to the death, but males who fail to stay aloft- usually older or less experienced individuals- often become fatalities. In some especially rare cases dueling Rathalos can even become entangled and doom each other to mutual destruction.

The main exception to the Rathalos' loner lifestyle is the breeding season. Rutting males take great care in sprucing up their dens, clearing off debris like old bones and branches, gathering freshly killed Aptonoth as nuptial gifts, and building elaborate nests, all to advertise their individual fitness and paternal potential. Their efforts can attract Rathians in great numbers, from all over the Verge and beyond, resulting in tumultuous aggregations where multiple like-minded females compete for the same Rathalos' attention. They can fight amongst themselves for weeks before one is crowned victorious and takes her place by his side to raise young.

Once Rathalos become pair bonded they resume most of their usual daily activities. They scour the boundaries of their land ceaselessly, not only hunting, but also searching for potential threats to their brood. Rathalos fathers will attack monsters of any kind without hesitation, even Elder Dragons, and are quick to return home if they hear the cries of their partner. Working together, a defensive pair of Rath-parents is one of the most formidable forces in nature.

## Range

Though only native to the Lost Cerrado, Rathalos can appear almost anywhere in the Verge. They engage in long airborne journeys that take them all over the continent in search of new territory, prey, and prime nesting spots, and are even said to be able to cross the sea and appear in other lands. Locally they are mostly likely to visit the Gulf of Giants, where they hunt coastal herds of Aptonoth and pluck young Epioth and Ludroth from the sea, and Gran Veya, which offers similar resources plus the additional bonus of sturdy man-made shelters.

Hunters may also encounter Rathalos at the Primordial Garden, Withering Wilds, and Frostfire Glade, though these are all rarer occurrences and represent scouting behavior rather than true residence. The only Verge location where Rathalos have never been encountered is the Shivering Strait, which is no doubt far too cold for a fire wyvern.