Avuna

"Sure, you can ride one, if you can get on it, first. They are not the calmest birds around."

— Inazin Makto

  Avuna are birds native to the deserts of the Sunlit Horizon. They are related to ostriches and emus, but unlike those birds, they can fly for short distances as well as run fast. They are the most recognisable animals in the Sunlit Horizon and are an important part of Kozoni culture.   For the most part, they are just wild birds with a desire to fly, despite their shorter wingspans. Their dreams have made them the subject of many Kozoni legends to inspire people to go beyond their limitations. A less well-known fact about the Avuna is that they can be trained to fly, and a person can ride on them if they bond with one. But the method behind all this is a well kept secret among the adventurers and Cowpokes who manage to do so.  

Locations & Habitats

Avuna prefer to live out in the open and hunt in the canyons. They are always close to the large canyons, so the people of the canyons, the Kozoni, have taken to using them as a mode of transport, akin to horses in the Known World.   Avuna nests are often found high up in the canyons, especially in the weeks after mating season. Males will sit on their eggs during the day while the females go to hunt, and then they will switch tasks when dusk comes. Dusk in the Sunlit Horizon is the start of a dangerous night, and since the males are stronger and faster, they will usually hunt at night or keep watch.   A few Kozoni tribes are known for having Avuna on their farms. As they are used for transport, it is more convenient for Kozoni to have the Avuna close by. The birds will have been trained to be more tame so they do not attack anyone nearby. For most other tribes, the Avuna remain untameable and free-spirited. Some adventurous people will try to bond with a wild Avuna, and they'll gain a lifetime companion if they succeed.  

Anatomy

Avuna have large bodies, long legs and small wings, similar to how an ostrich is shaped. However, despite their wing span, they can fly for short distances at a time. But most of the time, they prefer to run for longer distances. This makes them ideal replacements for horses in the Sunlit Horizon, seeing as there aren’t any. The problem is that most people are quite afraid of their imposing nature.   From an early age, Kozoni are warned never to stand near an Avuna. While most Avuna are solitary animals, they can get very aggressive and territorial if a person is near their nest, their territory or significantly provokes them. They can be unpredictable, so for most Kozoni, it is better to look after other animals and to leave the Avuna alone. Their long legs mean they can reach high speeds and they have mastered the art of the forward kick. Some Avuna are even known to jump-kick their provocateur.   Avuna use their wings for balance and for gathering speed when running or about to fly. Some Avuna with larger wings can even fly for short distances and tuck in their legs for better flight. With training and practice, these Avuna can get better at flying for longer distances, although not for as long as other birds. The strengths of an Avuna remain in their running and speed.