Feathergrazes

The Feathergraze is a massive, four-limbed beast with an unusual symmetry of bird and beast. Its four limgs ending in thick, cloven hooves with tips ending in rooster-like talon points, shaped for bracing and navigating pastureland. The creature's body is densely coated in coarse, oil-dark fur across its belly and legs, blending seamlessly into copper and red-burnished plumage over the shoulders, spine, and upper flanks. These feathers are layered in overlapping rows, tough enough to deflect weather and weak blows alike. Its head is distinctly avian: a curved, pale beak strong enough to snap roots or leg bones, flanked by a fleshy red wattle and topped with a large, deeply ridged rooster-like comb. The neck is thick and feathered, flaring when threatened. Males, or bulls, possess short, forward-angled horns roughly 3 to 4 inches in length, sharp, curved like dagger-tips, more for dominance than defense but too effective when piercing foes to ignore. The creature's undercarriage and throat are flushed with visible red gizzard-flesh, helping regulate body temperature and intimidating rivals during mating displays. Its tail is no bovine whip but a proud plume of arched feathers, swaying in expressive patterns used for balance, communication, or spite.

Feathergrazes reproduce seasonally, with cows laying large, leathery eggs once or twice a year during dry seasons. These eggs are protein-rich and edible, with yolks the size of an open palm. Cows produce milk year-round after birthing, and young are born featherless, with down forming within weeks. Selective breeding among hillfolk has yielded traits like longer talons for defense, or softer, thicker feathers for cold climates. Pure lines are rare, and most Feathergrazes vary slightly between regions, adapting to local soil and weather with surprising resilience.

• Chickling (0-1 month): Featherless, vulnerable, often nestled beside fire pits.

• Fledgeling (1-6 months): Sprouting feathers and beginning to peck, bleat, and dig.

• Yearling (6-12 months): Large enough to begin producing waste, noise, and occasional eggs.

• Adult (1 year+): Full productivity in milk, meat, and egg cycle.

Typical lifespan: 12-15 years in healthy conditions.

Feathergrazes are found across lowland farmsteads, rolling hills, and river-border fields, particularly prevalent in the Amber Hills and along the misty outskirts of The Ashwood. Though domesticated, they prefer wide, wind-stirred spaces and grow anxious in crowded pens. Some farmers construct rooted nests or allow them mud-hollows, which the beasts dig and occupy like hybrid cows and brooding birds.

Feathergrazes consume grass, bark, tubers, field grains, and insect clutches, occasionally supplementing their diet with small rocks or bone bits, believed to aid in internal grinding. They require more food than standard cattle, but provide threefold return: a single Feathergraze can supply a small family with weekly eggs, daily milk, and dense protein when slaughtered. They cluck while eating and will often scratch the ground like fowl, uncovering roots or disturbing unwanted pests. Despite this, they are gentle to children and rarely hostile unless provoked, or if they detect danger to their herd.

Feathergrazes do not hibernate but become sluggish in frost months, with feather molting occurring in early spring. Bulls become restless during mating season, known to emit deep-throated roosting calls that echo down entire valleys. Cows lay eggs only during dry, late-summer months, and require shade and peace to produce milk efficiently. If overly stressed, they may bury their eggs or trample nests in a panic.

Feathergrazes are territorial, highly protective of their young, and semi-intelligent, recognizing specific voices and routines. They respond well to whistle commands and food bribes, and often form deep bonds with handlers. Bulls are known to be headstrong and reactive, sometimes ramming walls or breaking loose during storms. However, their general demeanor is loyal, mournful, and proud. When a herd member dies, Feathergrazes are known to gather around the body, lowing in unison for several minutes, an eerie but touching ritual known as the Cluckwake.

Feathergrazes have excellent smell and hearing, able to detect intruders or distant weather shifts. They use tail-flick patterns and low body clucks to signal distress or herd movement. Their beady eyes offer limited peripheral sight, but they compensate with strong spatial memory and keen awareness of their own land.