Hammerbeaks

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Hammerbeaks are a species of large bird, commonly kept as mounts, beasts of burden, and travel companions by sippers and playable races. Although flightless, their clawed wings are deceptively muscular (as opposed to the vestigial wings of other flightless birds), which help them traverse their natural, mountainous habitat.

In order to properly digest their usual diet of magical flora and fauna, they must occasionally consume crystals (about a handful of them), which they detect using the antennae-like feathers above their beak. If a crystal is too big to comfortably swallow, they'll break it into smaller pieces by hammering their thick beak down upon it, an iconic act of which the species is named after. Although normally incapable of producing their own magic, consuming crystals can allow them to perform magical burps (such as fire, ice, electric, healing burps, etc.)

It's natural that some sippers are wary of hammerbeaks, not just because they're large, powerful predators, but because undisciplined birds will attempt to steal their crystals. Sipper crystals are precious due to the amount of time and effort it takes to grow them and, since they often grow out of the sipper's own body, a hammerbeak trying to take them can be a painful and frightening experience. As a result of this, it's common to clip domestic hammerbeak's antennae feathers, which dampens their appetite for crystals to a more manageable level.

However for those individuals with the patience and will to train one well, the hammerbeak may be the most versatile mounts available. Not only are they fast, strong, and agile, but their clawed wings also allow them to climb over difficult terrain (such as rocks, cliffs, or trees) If a rider can manage to keep them in line while keeping their antennae feathers unclipped, they can be super helpful in locating hidden crystals or even treasure!

Although many unique looking bloodlines have been observed recently in both wild caught and captive bred populations, they have yet to be officially documented and categorized. It's the hope of many hammerbeak enthusiasts that distinct individuals, such as the miniature bird to the left, or the fan-tailed individual below, may one day receive official recognition as their own breed.