Wehwaka

Among the Myconids of the Kahursa island, the Wehwaka is something of an icon. It is often the early warning sign of a Poryota raid or Rangurat attack. Its honks alert the mushroom people to the coming attack. It was the Wehwaka who first cried when the Umbuso Empire made claim to the sovereign Kahursa Island, granting the rebels time they needed to filter into the forests where the Umbusan war machine couldn’t follow. To disturb the Wehwaka is taboo amongst the Myconids and outright unheard of amongst the Lizardmen. Some do still hunt Wehwaka either for ego or necessity as these titanic beasts can easily feed ten grown men for a week.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

Wehwaka are a species of goose endemic to the Kahursa island- not that they could leave anyway. They’re almost totally flightless, only able to make brief flights that can barely crest the trees in altitude. Their feathers provide them protection against blunt forces and impacts as well as being waterproofed. Even while totally submerged they need not fear freezing in chilled water. Despite their enormous size the Wehwaka are exceptionally quick underwater on account of their streamlined bodies and powerful, muscular webbed feet. On land they’re only about as quick as a man though their armored scutes upon their legs and feet provide them protection against the small weapons (**teeth and daggers**) that the more nimble predators use.

Browsing the canopy of trees or the seagrass at the bottom of the lake, Wehwaka use their long neck and beak to secure vegetation that other animals cannot reach. Their particular beak structure also grants them a rather curious ability. By channeling vitor the Wehwaka are able to amplify their vocalizations through their beak. These honks are able to knock a grown man off their feet and prevent larger animals from coming closer amidst the sound. A Wehwaka is only able to honk at this force three times in an individual altercation so must either flee or resort to their claws and beak once they’re depleted.

Wehwaka lay their eggs during the spring season. Clutches are rested upon layers of reeds and seagrass suspended over the water. Nest thieves are few as only the brazen or the foolish would swim into the water to collect their prize. The hatchlings when first born are light enough to walk upon these layers without fear of sinking into the water while their oils develop to retain heat. The mother may also grant her brood safety from the cold water by coating them in her own feathers. The infants as a result are entirely dependent on her until they can develop their oil coating at about the age of a year.

#### Psychology

A docile and social species, Wehwaka dwell in medium-sized flocks of up to eight adult individuals. They possess no leadership but form social pairings throughout the year- though these arrangements are not airtight and may change on a dime with the waning of a clutch. Females who are generally larger possess a more aggressive demeanor to their male counterparts, becoming irritated if disturbed or their nests aggressed. Males can equally be aggressive but are generally more amicable. They show no real fear of sapient races but will avoid their loud and obstructive settlements if possible. Taming the Wehwaka for application in warfare isn’t all that possible given their dim intellect but they have been kept comfortably as a crude livestock.