Achaierai

Achaierai are large flightless birds native to the plane of Acheron. They stand some 15 feet tall and are shaped like round, plump quail, with four legs and tiny, atrophied wings. Their legs and beak shine with metallic glimmers. The birds' feathers are soft and came in glorious, yet curiously subdued, colors of dim teal, burnt russet, and shadowed gold.

Achaierai are extraordinarily intelligent and highly organized. The birds have domesticated some of the large, insectoid rust dragons, using them to burrow tunnels through the iron cubes of Acheron to make their lairs. The dragons were far more than mere work animals, however, as a great devotion between master and animal exists, much like that between dogs and humans.

In combat, the creatures use two of their four legs to attack, and bite taller opponents. If one of their legs is broken, the bird will try to flee. If a bird loses three legs or is otherwise seriously wounded, it will release a stink cloud of black toxic smoke, clouding the minds of opponents while the bird drags itself away to safety. As the absolutely last resort, achaierai use their domesticated rust dragons to defend their lairs. This is often a sacrificial gesture, however. The dragons create a diversion, allowing whatever remains of the flock to escape.

Achaierai are gregarious birds, forming small flocks. These smaller flocks frequently congregate, particularly during their sporadic migrations. They have no set pattern for migration, but simply gather together, attach harnesses to many of their rust dragons, and fly to another cube in Avalas, the first level of Acheron.

Achaierai mate for life, living some 30 years. Every year a mated pair produces a clutch of two eggs. The mortality rate among young achaierai is high -- most notably because of their clutchmates. Achaierai reach adulthood at age three and can speak all bird languages and planar trade.

Found almost exclusively in the layers of Avalas and Thuldanin on the plane of Acheron, achaierai have been spotted on the Prime Material Plane, loitering in dark caverns and tunnels. They are carnivorous birds, though they supplement their diet with a considerable amount of iron, which exudes out of their exposed flesh and accounts for the high Armor Class of their legs.

Note: Achaierai originally appeared in this form in the Planes of Law supplement for the AD&D game from TSR. Their use here is for the purposes of providing context for the campaign only.