CrystalRaven
Document; Species
Excerpt from A Guide to Sihblosian Fauna: The Magical, the Mythical, and the Mundane
…brings us to the native Sihblosian Giant Crystal Raven. This large bird bears strong resemblance to the Earth species of the same name, but distinct key morphological differences make it uniquely adapted to the perpetual extreme cold of Sihblos.
First, we will consider the commonalities of the crystal raven and the common earth raven. Both are extremely intelligent birds capable of higher communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and tool using skills. Both have complex social hierarchies in their flocks and exhibit family dynamics that include advanced aunting behaviors. Both seem to possess (at the risk of anthropomorphizing) the clever trickster spirit that ravens are famous for. Both are opportunistic, enthusiastic omnivores.
But the crystal raven is, for all it has in common with it’s earthly cousin, a very unique creature worthy of further study on its own. The rise of homologous animal adaptations across planetary boundaries is fascinating and delightful, and covered more in Chapter Seven.
It is, of course, white- like many creatures on Sihblos, it takes advantage of the camouflage snow offers. Like the polar bear of Earth’s artic, this white coloration is actually the result of translucence- when taken individually, the feathers of the crystal raven actually allow light to pass through them and to the black skin underneath, helping keep the bird warm. This coupled with a hint of rainbow, holographic sheen has earned it the title it currently wears: the Crystal Raven. The white color comes from the triple layer of feathery down and windproof, waterproof under feathers combined with the more typical flight feathers stacked on top of one another. Spectrograph studies have shown the crystalline molecular structure of these feathers focuses light as it passes through them, enhancing the warming effect.
In keeping with the pattern of abundance of megafauna on Sihblos, the young crystal raven is also nearly half again as big as the common raven. With wingspans averaging four to five feet and documented at six, this bird is closer to the size of most earth eagles. The crystal ravens are incredibly long-lived; if they manage to survive, they continue to grow. There are stories of a very few crystal ravens that are the size of Giant Bears, and even one sighting of an Elder Crystal Raven that was the size of a young dragon.
Like many birds, the crystal raven’s legs and feet serve an important function in thermoregulation: instead of being bare for ease of cooling, they are fully feathered for additional insulation. Claws that border talons and extremely strong feet help it keep a grip on ice and snow covered branches, or even on sheer rock. The crystal raven actually has two claws on the alula of its wings, like a hoatzin, to provide additional grip and traction. In blizzards, a special tendon in the legs will lock them in place, sitting down and wings draped to grip with those appendages and keep from being blown away even in the fiercest winds.
These claws, along with a special chisel pointed beak, also enable superior tool making and using. Crystal ravens are possibly some of the smartest animals on Sihblos, and often have stashes of lovingly stripped twigs, special rocks, and other items they value or use. Scientists have observed them using sharp stones to chip away at frozen corpses in the wild in a striking resemblance to Neolithic humanoids. In particular the alula claw is essential in making the domed colony nests crystal ravens have. These weathertight shelters are meticulously woven from the long needles of the nearpine tree, and are essential in protecting vulnerable, sick, injured, old, or young birds from the harshness of the ever present winter that blankets the planet, not to mention hungry predators…
Crystal Ravens are among the most intelligent animals on Sihblos. The Crystal Raven is a cousin of Raven, and shares their penchant for play, creativity, and intelligence.
Shamans
Crystal Raven Shamans explore both themselves and the world around them and like to make tools to do so, whatever those may be. They are ever changing, incorporating what they learn into their lives. They also have a knack for mischief, but never in a malicious way, and strong flock values. Bringing fine food, new tools, or especially shiny objects is a sure way to leave a good first impression with Crystal Raven. Crystal Raven Shamans prefer secure, weatherproof dwellings that have easy exits to the outdoors, preferably with skylights; being poorly defended or shut off from the sky is very uncomfortable to them.
