The phayu was a legendary monster bird renowned across Legere for its size and power.
Anatomy
Phayu were incredibly large birds, with wingspans as large as 18 meters. Phayu relied on magical aeromancy to help lift their heavy bodies off the ground. Massive bony spines infused with arcane crystals1 enabled this magically-assisted lift. These spines were visible along the wings of the bird.
Their brown plumage was marked with a bold, striped pattern.
Phayu beaks and massive curved talons were barbed, allowing them to easily hold prey in place while carrying them away.
Arcane Abilities
The phayu used their aeromancy to fly. As a result of their flight, powerful gusts would sweep across the land, sometimes kickstarting devastating storms.
Because they used magic to enable their flight, phayu could move through the air with a nimbleness and agility that most would consider impossible.
Habitat & Hunting
The phayu called the Sangmyung Valley its home. They would sometimes would wander as far north as Corgath.
Phayu hunted large livestock, like cattle, carrying them away with its talons before feasting upon it
In Culture
Deification
Phayu were held in high regard in Isutan culture, revered as gods of the sky that battled with Klo Ming. Unlike klo ming, which were seen as protectors (albeit capricious ones), phayu were viewed as devilish, spiteful entities.
Phayu Wing Mountain Range
The Phayu Wing Mountains was named after the evocative spike-lined wings of the bird.
Remains as Decorations
The phayu’s spines were harvested for embellishments on armour (often mounted as horns), as well as for ceremonial/decorative weaponry.
Phayu Djinnblades
The Isutan weapons known as Djinnblades had an aeromantic variant named after the appearance of the bird’s wings and their aeromantic powers.
Footnotes
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Magic crystals were scientifically known as arcanoforms ↩