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Description
This species is one with many common names, so much so it is a bit hard to decide which is the proper one to use in this entry. For those who live in the region it is native to, it is sometimes called the Bladed Prowler (or Bladed Prowler Bird). They may also be called Saw Beaks or Razor Vultures. Go more outside their native lands, and others refer to them as Iron Cloaks or Dagger Birds. Another name has arisen from the fact that these birds are a part of the siren family, so the name Razor Plumed Siren has become a bit more popular. But even that has given rise to the more light-hearted name of Siron (which is often used more as a joke than a legitimate name). Then if you go even farther away from the homeland of these creatures you will find the name that you already know I hate, Steel Dragon. I am pretty sure the Dragon Beast category was created solely to mock me, because goodness it is atrocious and quite inaccurate. Since there are a dozen more names to be used for this species, I am just going to pick one and stick with it for this entry. I will just ask the opinions of my guides and some local friends and use whatever they suggest.

Bladed Prowler it is!

As I mentioned at the beginning, the Bladed Prowler is actually a member of the True Siren family. You can easily see this with their six limbs and pair of external larynges, which is a staple of this family. This species is found on the arid continent, where they stalk the savannas, grasslands and forests. Much like Canyon Sirens, the Blade Prowler walks on all fours, while their winged pair of limbs are reduced to a tiny and flightless state. While they possess a vibrantly colorful face, most people's attention is drawn to their plumage. While they do possess feathers like birds, these ones have been changed to the point where they are more like scales! Instead of light, fluffy strands, these plumes have stuck together and hardened, creating a structure that has the density and texture of a chip of wood. They are light in weight, but they are in no way weak! They are quite resilient and are tough to break, which turns these hardened feathers into armor. The edges of these feathers are also sharp, which leads to all the names that mention blades and knives. Due to their special formation and the fact that they grind against the surrounding feathers, these structures are sharp enough to cut through flesh! So not only is their plumage a good defense, it also serves as a nasty offense! Speaking of weapons, they also possess long tail feathers that drag behind them as they hunt. Much like the rest of its plumage, these feathers are super sharp and have wicked barbs along their edges. Since these feathers are connected to special muscles, the Bladed Prowler has surprising control over them. Combine all these together and you got a bird that would put a swordsman to shame!

While they have an intimidating appearance and names that suggest aggression (like Steel Dragons, ugh), the Bladed Prowler is actually an omnivore. It feeds on vegetables and nuts that it finds on the ground, and it may also reach low branches to collect fruit. As for meat, the Prowler is not a picky eater. Any small critters it can catch will do, but a lot of its meat is gained through carrion. Bladed Prowlers like to seek out fresh kills and will try to claim them even if the original hunters are still eating. Though it is not a fierce hunter itself, they are quite formidable opponents when it comes to a fight. Their feathers can protect them from tooth and claw, while they are also able to inflect nasty cuts. When the Bladed Prowler is agitated, the sharpened feathers will raise up, kind of like a porcupine. This changes their armor to a coat of daggers, which will mean serious pain to any who try to touch it. Their tail feathers will also be used in this angered display, as they will begin to violently quiver like the rattle of a snake. If someone dares approach while they are in this state, the Bladed Prowler will whip its body around, causing its razor tail feathers to lash out like a whip. This speed can give the sharp feathers the force to slash down to the bone, which is something nobody wants! As it fights, it will use its tail to lash out at opponents and inflict nasty wounds. If one can avoid the tail feathers, than they also have to deal with its talons and saw-edged beak. So in the end, the Bladed Prowler has the weaponry and strength to scare predators away from their kill. Some have equated them to the bullies of the savanna, strutting in and stealing what they want. Hunters who have strong numbers may be able to force the Bladed Prowler to back down, but they must be ready to stand their ground. Often enough, these confrontations are resolved without any fighting or blood, as one side admits defeat and slinks away.

One such species that they compete with are Savanna Devils, who are also scavengers of these grasslands. When a cackle of Savanna Devils are interested in the same carcass as a Bladed Prowler, then a standoff occurs. The Devils will often have strength in numbers, while the Prowler has its weapons to rely on. The Bladed Prowler will seek to scare them off with its display, throwing in throaty booms from its external larynges as an extra effect. The Savanna Devils will move to surround the Prowler, all while baring their shearing mouthparts and waving their forward most limbs. This confrontation is meant to show off who is superior. For the Prowler, it is about presenting enough of a threat to the life and limbs of the cackle members that they will not risk it. For the Devils, they try to outmaneuver the bird and nip at its tail feathers. While they are the Prowler's main weapons, the jaws of a Savanna Devil can snip them right off. If the cackle proves to be a threat to the Bladed Prowlers arsenal, then it will back down. In the end, one will claim victory over the rotten carcass. However, the Savanna Devils don't lose everything if the Bladed Prowler dominates them. The scavenging bird does not have the beak to crack open large bones, so they often leave them behind. In the end, the cackle will at least be able to eat the skeletal remains!

The use of its feathers in its aggressive display is an example of how the Bladed Prowler uses its plumage for communication. While their vocal skills are just as incredible as other True Sirens, their feathers also play a key rule. Their hardened state makes them perfect for stridulation, as they can be clattered or rubbed together. The sharp sound that comes from rubbing their feathers together often means uneasiness or inquisitiveness. It is heard when they are inspecting something new or unknown. The loud clattering of their feathers is a show of boisterousness, often used in songs of victory or an attempt to impress a female. Then they have their vocal abilities, which are used quite often. Funny enough, these sirens do not use the hypnotic singing that their other counterparts rely on. It is probably because they are quite capable of getting food on their own and thus don't need such a lure. However, some suggest that they use a different type of song in their daily lives. Those who have been around a Bladed Prowler as its stalks about and hunts note that it tends to sing a low tuned song as it does so. They have also noted that they have felt strange sensations of dread and fear as it sings. This has led to the theory that the Bladed Prowler can emit a song that can instill a sense of uneasiness and terror in those around it. By doing this, it can cause prey to panic and make stupid decisions. Small critters who hide in nests and burrows may desperately try to flee, which winds up exposing them to the talons and beak of the Prowler. This song may also serve as a form of defense, as I can imagine predators would be hesitant to attack with such paranoia in their bodies. I have tried to expose myself to this song to feel its effects for myself, but I am not sure what to make of it. While I was studying a foraging Prowler, I did feel worried and uneasy. However, I had recently angered a local warlord, so I had some others reasons to be afraid!

When mating season rolls around, it is time for the males to impress the females. The first step is to locate a receptive female, which is done by listening for her. When females are prepared to mate, they will constantly sing a special tune that will bring in males from miles around. They will rush in to win her approval, which is done with their own displays and songs. If competition is tight, some males may become a bit scrappy, and a some fighting may ensue. As they sing and dance, the female will inspect her options and decide which suits her. A sign of her acceptance is her singing along with the chosen male's tune. Once the winner has been chosen, the two engage in a sort of ceremony, where singing and dancing is plentiful. The pair will then be mated, and they will go off together. The two will prepare a nest for the eggs, and the female will sit over them once they are laid. The male will forage and hunt for food, returning to feed her the spoils. Once the eggs hatch, the male will slowly drift away from her, returning to a solitary life. The female will be left to raise and protect the young. The chicks will often hide beneath their mother as she strolls through the savanna, and she will become much more aggressive towards strangers and intruders. It is highly advised that one steers far away from female Bladed Prowlers when they have young, as they will be quick to lash out and slice you up!

The absurd amount of names these creatures have already suggest a special reputation. They are intimidating sights to behold in the wild, and their displays have inspired many ceremonies and dances. The hardened and sharped plumage is admired and feared by many, and it has seen a lot of use in local cultures. Fallen feathers are collected so that they may be used as crude weapons or materials for armor. I have seen them used on shields, with some often ringing the edges to create a surprise weapon. Some regions have used the feathers to carve into special throwing knives. Their lightweight and size makes them easy to carry and conceal, and the right technique can make them quite deadly! Showing off your skills with these throwing daggers is a good way to boast and brag, and often a brew or two is added to the mix! And if turning them into tools is not enough, they are also quite popular in the field of Thericorium, as who doesn't want to grow their own layer of sharp feathers!? Since they double as armor and weapons, the feathers are often used as inspiration for those who want to be both lightweight and deadly. Often those who use the Prowlers for their transformations will use the feathers as throwing knives, replacing the removed blades with precise applications of powder. Of course many use their own blends and mixtures to throw more colors into these feathers and create their own personal displays. If your growths aren't a piece of art, then why are you even practicing this field?

As much as the Bladed Prowler is seen as a sign of deadliness and prowess, it is also one heck of a nuisance. Their territories tend to drift towards towns and villages, and they like the plentiful food that those places provide. If allowed, they will root through garbage and raid gardens for any food they can find. The droning terror song they emit is capable of spooking livestock, which means trouble for any farmer. Once a Bladed Prowler is in a place it isn't supposed to, you will have a real hard time getting rid of them. When approached or irritated, they will go into their agitated display and refuse to leave. You will have to work real hard to scare them off, and you will need to do so carefully if you don't want to get flayed. Reminds me of a time one of these creatures wandered into my camp while I was cooking dinner. We came upon a peaceful agreement where it enjoyed my roasted vegetables while I did absolutely nothing about it.

Chlora Myron

Dryad Natural Historian

------------------------------------------------

Boy I love drawing up sirens and cockatrices, but boy do I hate drawing feathers!

Description
This species is one with many common names, so much so it is a bit hard to decide which is the proper one to use in this entry. For those who live in the region it is native to, it is sometimes called the Bladed Prowler (or Bladed Prowler Bird). They may also be called Saw Beaks or Razor Vultures. Go more outside their native lands, and others refer to them as Iron Cloaks or Dagger Birds. Another name has arisen from the fact that these birds are a part of the siren family, so the name Razor Plumed Siren has become a bit more popular. But even that has given rise to the more light-hearted name of Siron (which is often used more as a joke than a legitimate name). Then if you go even farther away from the homeland of these creatures you will find the name that you already know I hate, Steel Dragon. I am pretty sure the Dragon Beast category was created solely to mock me, because goodness it is atrocious and quite inaccurate. Since there are a dozen more names to be used for this species, I am just going to pick one and stick with it for this entry. I will just ask the opinions of my guides and some local friends and use whatever they suggest.

Bladed Prowler it is!

As I mentioned at the beginning, the Bladed Prowler is actually a member of the True Siren family. You can easily see this with their six limbs and pair of external larynges, which is a staple of this family. This species is found on the arid continent, where they stalk the savannas, grasslands and forests. Much like Canyon Sirens, the Blade Prowler walks on all fours, while their winged pair of limbs are reduced to a tiny and flightless state. While they possess a vibrantly colorful face, most people's attention is drawn to their plumage. While they do possess feathers like birds, these ones have been changed to the point where they are more like scales! Instead of light, fluffy strands, these plumes have stuck together and hardened, creating a structure that has the density and texture of a chip of wood. They are light in weight, but they are in no way weak! They are quite resilient and are tough to break, which turns these hardened feathers into armor. The edges of these feathers are also sharp, which leads to all the names that mention blades and knives. Due to their special formation and the fact that they grind against the surrounding feathers, these structures are sharp enough to cut through flesh! So not only is their plumage a good defense, it also serves as a nasty offense! Speaking of weapons, they also possess long tail feathers that drag behind them as they hunt. Much like the rest of its plumage, these feathers are super sharp and have wicked barbs along their edges. Since these feathers are connected to special muscles, the Bladed Prowler has surprising control over them. Combine all these together and you got a bird that would put a swordsman to shame!

While they have an intimidating appearance and names that suggest aggression (like Steel Dragons, ugh), the Bladed Prowler is actually an omnivore. It feeds on vegetables and nuts that it finds on the ground, and it may also reach low branches to collect fruit. As for meat, the Prowler is not a picky eater. Any small critters it can catch will do, but a lot of its meat is gained through carrion. Bladed Prowlers like to seek out fresh kills and will try to claim them even if the original hunters are still eating. Though it is not a fierce hunter itself, they are quite formidable opponents when it comes to a fight. Their feathers can protect them from tooth and claw, while they are also able to inflect nasty cuts. When the Bladed Prowler is agitated, the sharpened feathers will raise up, kind of like a porcupine. This changes their armor to a coat of daggers, which will mean serious pain to any who try to touch it. Their tail feathers will also be used in this angered display, as they will begin to violently quiver like the rattle of a snake. If someone dares approach while they are in this state, the Bladed Prowler will whip its body around, causing its razor tail feathers to lash out like a whip. This speed can give the sharp feathers the force to slash down to the bone, which is something nobody wants! As it fights, it will use its tail to lash out at opponents and inflict nasty wounds. If one can avoid the tail feathers, than they also have to deal with its talons and saw-edged beak. So in the end, the Bladed Prowler has the weaponry and strength to scare predators away from their kill. Some have equated them to the bullies of the savanna, strutting in and stealing what they want. Hunters who have strong numbers may be able to force the Bladed Prowler to back down, but they must be ready to stand their ground. Often enough, these confrontations are resolved without any fighting or blood, as one side admits defeat and slinks away.

One such species that they compete with are Savanna Devils, who are also scavengers of these grasslands. When a cackle of Savanna Devils are interested in the same carcass as a Bladed Prowler, then a standoff occurs. The Devils will often have strength in numbers, while the Prowler has its weapons to rely on. The Bladed Prowler will seek to scare them off with its display, throwing in throaty booms from its external larynges as an extra effect. The Savanna Devils will move to surround the Prowler, all while baring their shearing mouthparts and waving their forward most limbs. This confrontation is meant to show off who is superior. For the Prowler, it is about presenting enough of a threat to the life and limbs of the cackle members that they will not risk it. For the Devils, they try to outmaneuver the bird and nip at its tail feathers. While they are the Prowler's main weapons, the jaws of a Savanna Devil can snip them right off. If the cackle proves to be a threat to the Bladed Prowlers arsenal, then it will back down. In the end, one will claim victory over the rotten carcass. However, the Savanna Devils don't lose everything if the Bladed Prowler dominates them. The scavenging bird does not have the beak to crack open large bones, so they often leave them behind. In the end, the cackle will at least be able to eat the skeletal remains!

The use of its feathers in its aggressive display is an example of how the Bladed Prowler uses its plumage for communication. While their vocal skills are just as incredible as other True Sirens, their feathers also play a key rule. Their hardened state makes them perfect for stridulation, as they can be clattered or rubbed together. The sharp sound that comes from rubbing their feathers together often means uneasiness or inquisitiveness. It is heard when they are inspecting something new or unknown. The loud clattering of their feathers is a show of boisterousness, often used in songs of victory or an attempt to impress a female. Then they have their vocal abilities, which are used quite often. Funny enough, these sirens do not use the hypnotic singing that their other counterparts rely on. It is probably because they are quite capable of getting food on their own and thus don't need such a lure. However, some suggest that they use a different type of song in their daily lives. Those who have been around a Bladed Prowler as its stalks about and hunts note that it tends to sing a low tuned song as it does so. They have also noted that they have felt strange sensations of dread and fear as it sings. This has led to the theory that the Bladed Prowler can emit a song that can instill a sense of uneasiness and terror in those around it. By doing this, it can cause prey to panic and make stupid decisions. Small critters who hide in nests and burrows may desperately try to flee, which winds up exposing them to the talons and beak of the Prowler. This song may also serve as a form of defense, as I can imagine predators would be hesitant to attack with such paranoia in their bodies. I have tried to expose myself to this song to feel its effects for myself, but I am not sure what to make of it. While I was studying a foraging Prowler, I did feel worried and uneasy. However, I had recently angered a local warlord, so I had some others reasons to be afraid!

When mating season rolls around, it is time for the males to impress the females. The first step is to locate a receptive female, which is done by listening for her. When females are prepared to mate, they will constantly sing a special tune that will bring in males from miles around. They will rush in to win her approval, which is done with their own displays and songs. If competition is tight, some males may become a bit scrappy, and a some fighting may ensue. As they sing and dance, the female will inspect her options and decide which suits her. A sign of her acceptance is her singing along with the chosen male's tune. Once the winner has been chosen, the two engage in a sort of ceremony, where singing and dancing is plentiful. The pair will then be mated, and they will go off together. The two will prepare a nest for the eggs, and the female will sit over them once they are laid. The male will forage and hunt for food, returning to feed her the spoils. Once the eggs hatch, the male will slowly drift away from her, returning to a solitary life. The female will be left to raise and protect the young. The chicks will often hide beneath their mother as she strolls through the savanna, and she will become much more aggressive towards strangers and intruders. It is highly advised that one steers far away from female Bladed Prowlers when they have young, as they will be quick to lash out and slice you up!

The absurd amount of names these creatures have already suggest a special reputation. They are intimidating sights to behold in the wild, and their displays have inspired many ceremonies and dances. The hardened and sharped plumage is admired and feared by many, and it has seen a lot of use in local cultures. Fallen feathers are collected so that they may be used as crude weapons or materials for armor. I have seen them used on shields, with some often ringing the edges to create a surprise weapon. Some regions have used the feathers to carve into special throwing knives. Their lightweight and size makes them easy to carry and conceal, and the right technique can make them quite deadly! Showing off your skills with these throwing daggers is a good way to boast and brag, and often a brew or two is added to the mix! And if turning them into tools is not enough, they are also quite popular in the field of Thericorium, as who doesn't want to grow their own layer of sharp feathers!? Since they double as armor and weapons, the feathers are often used as inspiration for those who want to be both lightweight and deadly. Often those who use the Prowlers for their transformations will use the feathers as throwing knives, replacing the removed blades with precise applications of powder. Of course many use their own blends and mixtures to throw more colors into these feathers and create their own personal displays. If your growths aren't a piece of art, then why are you even practicing this field?

As much as the Bladed Prowler is seen as a sign of deadliness and prowess, it is also one heck of a nuisance. Their territories tend to drift towards towns and villages, and they like the plentiful food that those places provide. If allowed, they will root through garbage and raid gardens for any food they can find. The droning terror song they emit is capable of spooking livestock, which means trouble for any farmer. Once a Bladed Prowler is in a place it isn't supposed to, you will have a real hard time getting rid of them. When approached or irritated, they will go into their agitated display and refuse to leave. You will have to work real hard to scare them off, and you will need to do so carefully if you don't want to get flayed. Reminds me of a time one of these creatures wandered into my camp while I was cooking dinner. We came upon a peaceful agreement where it enjoyed my roasted vegetables while I did absolutely nothing about it.

Chlora Myron

Dryad Natural Historian

------------------------------------------------

Boy I love drawing up sirens and cockatrices, but boy do I hate drawing feathers!