Encyclopedia of Lesser Known Magical Creatures- Entry 2

Encyclopedia of Lesser Known Magical Creatures

Entry 2- The Wingless Eagle

By- The Fort Knight

Majestic is the last word one would use to describe the wingless eagle. From their hunting techniques to their unsettling appearance, they are one of the most frightening creatures to ever roam (truthfully they strut and hop) the world. Unlike their flying, pride driven brothers, wingless eagles are treacherous and cruel. Some say the gods placed them on this earth as cruel joke, while others say demons sent them from below as a practical joke (trust me, they are no laughing matter).

Each year there is an average of eight reported wingless eagle attacks, however it is estimated there are actually anywhere from 90 to 120 attacks*. This can be attributed to a number of factors. Often travelers misidentify their attackers as giant eagles which skews statistics. The most common factor is that lone travelers are killed and unable to report their own attack/death. It is due to the wingless eagle's hunting techniques that it flies under most people's radar. Unable to move quickly, they must resort to an underhanded means of attack. They stand completely still. Able to do this for days, their patience is second only to their heartlessness. When prey get within pecking distance, the deformed brute stabs it with it's razor sharp beak.

Many travelers list these monstrosities as a low-level danger. However, as research has shown, the number of attacks by wingless eagles far exceeds the reported amount. The reason their motionless hunting works so well is because of their coloring. Primarily stone colored with the exception for the beak and talons which are often metallic toned (bronze, copper, even gold), they look resoundingly like statues when they stand motionless. These deceitful wingless freaks go as far as to perch upon stone slabs and columns to add to the illusion that they are in fact statues. It is only when you have had one of your beautiful ears half torn off that you realize that it was not a statue, but a hideous bipedal buzzard. It is at this point it is only appropriate to kill the monster with a mighty swing of your battle ax, cleaving its head from its none existent shoulders.

The most shocking information about this repugnant fowl is there is a community who seem to think people should go long lengths to protect the wretches from poaching before they completely die out. If the Gods actually put these things on our earth to live, why would they not have wings? It seems like a major oversight on their behalf to not give this abomination some sort of defense mechanism against battle axes. If rats can find a way to survive despite being one of the most easily killed creatures imaginable, then wingless eagles can figure something out. If not, then they are far stupider then the common rodent and do not deserve to eat knights' ears.

Wingless eagles are incredibly delicious despite their appearance and maliciousness. They are not too gamy and the dark pieces are truly phenomenal. It has often been discussed what is the best way to cook a wingless eagle. To truly lock in the flavors and elevate your roast to a whole new level, try marinating the meat in onion wine with a few sprigs of rosemary. Cooking over a medium to large camp fire will give the meal that smokey taste that conjured flames just cannot match. Paired with some roasted potatoes and onions and a large glass of red wine, one will have a dinner fit for a king. If you happen to find one of their eggs (roughly a 5 times the size of a chicken egg) save them for breakfast. They are ideal for morning omelets.

*Research conducted by The Fort Knight's Institute of Magical Research