Buata

“The Whistling Death” as it is called by Tescan Drows has a long standing history in mountainous culture. It is believed by many that they lead the blizzards’ roar when it rolls over the peaks of Mt. Ludwag. Superstition points to them as an early warning sign against coming death; an ominous bird that brings word of the chill. They’re both feared and respected by Avian and Elf clans- killing is rare and otherwise taboo. In recent years with the arrival of migratory Whelps they have been vital in controlling the numbers of the draconids. The destructive presence Whelps often possess has been mitigated somewhat by the Buata's involvement, though it might not be long until even this defense cracks.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

Buata are a large species of owl. Like other owls they can fly almost silently and have exceptional night vision. They expel a vitoric field from specialized yellow feathers on their tail and face to absorb noise and alter turbulence. Buata can be less than a few inches away from a prey item before they get the chance to hear them coming. Buata also use these aeromantic fields as a weapon against other flying animals, able to send propulsed air at foes to knock them off course. Despite being smaller than most Whelps, they’re able to knock even them off course. This attack is taxing on the Buata so they are usually only able to use it three times before needing to rest. They may also manipulate objects with air in the same way an **Expert Aeromancer** does, allowing them to carry additional resources or propel objects at foes. If the yellow feathers on their tail are severed they will be unable to cast magic until they grow back; a process that normally takes upwards of a month.

The wind and snow make communication difficult so the Buata have adapted a particularly complex and enlarged larynx. They’re able to produce key whistling sounds at a pitch which rises above the sounds of even blizzard conditions. These vocalizations are often contact calls to confer with other Buata’s wellbeing and location. These sounds may also function like rudimentary echolocation, allowing the Buata to identify abnormalities in their snowy homes. Given Buata have a poor sense of smell, its through their hearing and eyes that they find prey. As carnivores, Buata hunt largely small game but may attack larger flying animals. They have zygodactyl feet with four sharp talons to skewer and wrestle prey to death.

Buata are ground-nesting birds as there’s few trees in their mountainous home. Males have additional muscle on their foreclaws so that they may dig into the ice and earth to create a burrow. Females develop an extra coat of feathers when they’re about to lay in order to shield them from the elements. Her ability to fly is limited with this additional coat so she relies heavily on the safety of the burrow. When the owlets are born they already have a coat of downy feathers, letting the mother shed her coat in order to help with hunting. After about six months, the owlets will be ready to leave the nest.

#### Psychology

For most of the year Buata are solitary creatures. They keep up with the happenings of their fellow birds via their whistles but do not collaborate with them outside of the warm egg season. Pairs are monogamous and may last their whole lives. Should one of them die it is likely that the survivor will never pair again. Paired Buata won’t assist each other outside of the warm season but may tolerate each other in their territories. Otherwise, Buata will defend their territory against other Buata rivals. Buata also express a significant level of aggression toward Whelps and may attack them on sight to stop attempts and brood parasitism.

Few Buata have been tamed over the years but it is indeed possible. One must earn the trust of a Buata in order for it to trust a sapient race. Tamed Buata will view their owners as a replacement to a wild pair, refusing to pair with other Buata and rendering captive breeding impossible.