The Altovenator is a curious and dangerous predator native to the Jutland rain forests of the Tourian Continent. In all of Teriss, there are few creatures as dynamic, intelligent and persistent as hunters, and few creatures that form as strong of a bond with a partner or trainer. The Altovenators are a species of "Terror Bird", six to eight feet in height depending on gender and subspecies, found exclusively in the forests of Jutland and along the grassy plain edge northward.

Known for their colorful, almost hypnotic feathers, there are actually many subspecies ranging from muted, stealthy tones to wildly vibrant tropical color schemes when it comes to their plumage. The example given here is a member of the Troll tribe known as the Ashrift Clan, who live near the foot of the semi-active Morok'ata Volcano in Southern Jutland. Their colors are meant to blend in with wild flowering bushes that grow on the mostly barren, ash-strewn slopes. More commonly one will see brown, blue and green, or bright red with an almost Toucan-like mixture of colors.

They are powerful predators, hunting in small packs of four to six members. They hunt exclusively by running down their prey as a group, dividing herd animals from each other before closing in and encircling their prey. One deft stroke of a killing talon, or crushing strike from a rock-hard beak, is enough to kill most prey of their size or smaller. Larger animals have been seen to fall to them as well, simply through focused efforts. Every pack, or flock, is lead by an Alpha Male that will not hesitate to take a kill for himself if the others fail to contribute.

Like many animals in the forests of Jutland the Altovenators are semi-sapient, and have even been known to use environmental elements to build make-shift traps for wily prey. Their sharp intellect, keen eyesight and great speed through the forest makes them not only ideal as hunting partners, but as mounts for people of slighter stature. Though they are birds, they have evolved away from the hollow-boned build of their ancestors toward a thick-boned, sturdy build that allows them to carry considerable weight.

They are among the favored bond-mates/beast-lovers and hunting partners of Trolls throughout the Jutlands, and are valued as intelligent, passionate creatures who form quick life-long bonds. Their average lifespan is a not inconsiderable fifty years in the wild, and longer in a healthy, loving Troll community. Normally a flock of these regal and brilliant creatures will call a Troll village home for generations, with offspring passing between families and interbeeding with the Altovenators of other, neighboring communities.

Though they are valued as partners, that isn't to say that all Altovenators are safe, or to be trusted. Wild Altovenators are still predators, and though they may understand speech it is unlikely they will resist the urge to hunt and kill a sapient creature if the flock/pack is hungry, and the creature is small enough. This has been discovered by Gnomes, Goblins and Dwarves alike, much to their dismay. Usually the hunting grounds of the great birds are marked with tribal bands etched into the trunks of great trees, or with sign posts made from animal skulls to signify danger. It is crucial to pay attention when traveling the wilderness of Jutland, unless one wishes to stumble into a game of cat and mouse with the lethal birds of the forest floor.

Art by  DannyG