Harpy

About

Common Names: Harpy
Classification: Cryptid; Harpies are a feral sub-species of Ventrax., which de-evolved from the priest caste of the Ventrax species. These rare creatures are believed to be lesser demons, lacking the ability to move about intangibly.

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Appearance: Their basic body plan is the same as a ventrax, grey skinned hairless bipeds, with near featureless heads, large dark eyes, slits for nostrils and ear holes. Unlike their larger cousins, harpies sport a crest of stiff quill-like projections backwards from the tops of their heads. These are brightly coloured in severe contrast to the rest of the Harpy's body, and by controlling the blood flow they can brighten or darken them as a means of signalling emotive state. Their mouths are more pronounced, having a matched row of sharp triangular teeth. They have three digits on both hands and feet, and prehensile tails. They have heavily muscled upper body limbs, with their fingers lengthened to form chiropter wing patagia. Capable of proper flight, they use their "feet" and tails to hold and manipulate objects.

Habitat: Tall forests, coastal cliffs, mountains, or badlands.
Diet: As omnivores, harpies eat a variety of plants, nuts, fruits, and occasionally birds, fish, or small game.

Social Grouping: Up to a dozen living in communal nest colonies.
Temperament: Wary
Intelligence: Sapient
Reproduction: The species is hermaphroditic, so both individuals of a coupling will lay a shared clutch of of up to a dozen eggs, which hatch in approximately 4-5 months after laying. The colony then shares in the brooding and feeding of their young until they are mature enough to survive on their own.
Enslavement: Harpies have a tendency to enslave, and domesticate various creatures they encounter. Typically any one harpy has as many as three animal slaves they use to perform all sorts of menial labour and to provide physical protection.

Mind Web: Harpy colonies form a mind web similar to the Ventrax, although the range and power of their projected thoughts and emotions are weaker. Due to this they include a more vocalisations when communicating with colony members.
Talents: Harpies are naturally talented in the psionic paths of Bonding, and Psyche.