Difference between revisions of "Rhea"

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| species = [[Birds (sage study)|bird]]
 
| species = [[Birds (sage study)|bird]]
 
| noapp = 5–20
 
| noapp = 5–20
| behaviour = herd
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| behaviour = flock
 
| range = [[Alpine (range)|alpine]], [[Barrens (range)|barrens]], [[Savanna (range)|savanna]],<br>[[Steppe (range)|steppe]]
 
| range = [[Alpine (range)|alpine]], [[Barrens (range)|barrens]], [[Savanna (range)|savanna]],<br>[[Steppe (range)|steppe]]
| size = 5 ft. at head
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| size = 5 ft. 6 in. at head
| weight = 52 lbs.
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| weight = 60 lbs.
 
| int = 1
 
| int = 1
 
| AC = 7
 
| AC = 7
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}}
 
}}
  
Flightless birds native to South America's grasslands. There are two major species: the greater and lesser rhea. The greater rhea is more commonly found in the pampas and lowlands (lower than 5,000 feet) and near water, while the lesser rhea inhabits shrublands and the Andean plateau, up to 15,000 feet.
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The '''rhea''' is a large flightless bird native to the grasslands of South America. Featuring a long neck and legs, the greater rhea is well-adapted for life on the South American pampas and lowlands, though they have been known to dwell throughout the shrublands and barrens of the Andean Plateau, up to 15,000 ft. above sea level.  The bird's habitat favours a nearness to water sources, where it can forage and find sustenance.
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[[File:Rhea.jpg|left|350px|thumb]]
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__TOC__
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Rhea are hunted for their meat, which is less fatty that other bird meats.  Feathers from the rhea have been worn by numerous tribes and have been transported to Europe for the making of clothing and hats.  Rhea skin, which has a distinctive, pebbly surface, is relatively strong and durable; it's used to make coin pouches, belts and even boots.  Oil rendered from the bird is locally used to make soap and cosmetics.  The most practical way to hunt rhea is using the [[Bola (weapon)|bolas]].
  
[[File:Rhea.jpg|left|350px|thumb]]
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== Behaviour ==
The greater rhea weighs between 44 and 60 lbs on average, while the lesser rhea weights between 33 and 63 lbs. Like ostriches, the rhea typically run when threatened, able to reach speeds of up to 37 mph (132 hexes per round), but they also possess sharp talons to defend themselves from predators.
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Social by nature, rhea form loose flocks that can range from the number shown appearing to three times as many during the breeding season in the late spring or early summer, depending on the region.  During the breeding season, males and females form pairs, with females laying eggs in communal nests, which can result in large clutches. Males take on the responsibility of incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks after they hatch.  
  
As their diet is primarily insect and plant-based, rhea consume pebbles to grind their food, but are quite attracted to sparkling objects and may try to swallow them too. In the summer, the birds flock in groups of 10 to 100 (the greater rhea) and 5 to 30 (the lesser rhea). Rheas nest in the winter, each male nesting five or so eggs from each of their two to twelve female partners (10 to 60 total eggs). Rheas will sacrifice some eggs as decoys by placing them further from the nest to ensure predators do not find the main nest. The eggs weigh around 21 oz and hatch after 4 to 6 weeks of incubation.
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Rheas are also known for their vocalizations, making a variety of sounds for communication within flocks or between mating partners.  Males are aggressive about defending their territory around the communal nest during the breeding season. They can engage in physical confrontations to establish dominance or protect their territory. Natural predators include pumas and jaguars; large raptors like eagles or vultures target young birds, while giant forms commonly hunt adults.
  
The usual predators of rheas are [[Jaguar|jaguars]] and [[cougar|cougars]], while caracaras and armadillos may prey on their nests. Rhea leather, oil, meat and feathers are all common products obtained from hunted or farmed rheas. The leather is often used for cloaks while the oil makes up soaps and cosmetics.
 
  
Rheas are often hunted on horseback and can be quickly immobilized by a set of bolas.
 
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See [[Bestiary]]
 
See [[Bestiary]]
  
[[Category:Lacks Chart]]
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[[Category: Reviewed]]

Latest revision as of 22:55, 1 November 2023

Rhea
Species bird
No. Appearing 5–20
Behaviour flock
Range alpine, barrens, savanna,
steppe
Size 5 ft. 6 in. at head
Weight 60 lbs.
Intelligence 1
Armour Class 7
Hit Dice 1
Action Points 5
Max. Stride 21
THAC0 20
Hp/Die d4
Attack Forms 2: two talons
Damage talons (1–6)
Special Attacks none

The rhea is a large flightless bird native to the grasslands of South America. Featuring a long neck and legs, the greater rhea is well-adapted for life on the South American pampas and lowlands, though they have been known to dwell throughout the shrublands and barrens of the Andean Plateau, up to 15,000 ft. above sea level. The bird's habitat favours a nearness to water sources, where it can forage and find sustenance.

Rhea.jpg

Contents

Rhea are hunted for their meat, which is less fatty that other bird meats. Feathers from the rhea have been worn by numerous tribes and have been transported to Europe for the making of clothing and hats. Rhea skin, which has a distinctive, pebbly surface, is relatively strong and durable; it's used to make coin pouches, belts and even boots. Oil rendered from the bird is locally used to make soap and cosmetics. The most practical way to hunt rhea is using the bolas.

Behaviour

Social by nature, rhea form loose flocks that can range from the number shown appearing to three times as many during the breeding season in the late spring or early summer, depending on the region. During the breeding season, males and females form pairs, with females laying eggs in communal nests, which can result in large clutches. Males take on the responsibility of incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks after they hatch.

Rheas are also known for their vocalizations, making a variety of sounds for communication within flocks or between mating partners. Males are aggressive about defending their territory around the communal nest during the breeding season. They can engage in physical confrontations to establish dominance or protect their territory. Natural predators include pumas and jaguars; large raptors like eagles or vultures target young birds, while giant forms commonly hunt adults.


See Bestiary