Bokolo
“If I’d asked myself, as a young human medic, where I’d be in 80 years; “bright green, immortal, and surrounded by twelve foot-tall rainbow war-chickens” would not have been my answer.” -Dr. Opal Vientos-Fritz, Bokolo Rancher
The Bokolo
There are few creatures in the wide green world which can be compared to the fascinating Bokolo, save perhaps the common ostrich which plies the arid deserts of the Krugmar. Tall, flightless avian creatures known for their intelligence and pack mentality, these titans of bird-kind have walked among the forests and deserts of the land for many thousands of years. First domesticated in the lands of Vailor, they have swift proven dependable, loyal, and steadfast companions to the Descendants, and have many enthusiasts among those intrepid enough to seek them out.
Individuals of the species are nigh as diverse as the land in which they originated. Their plumage, which can be of most any colour save black, is a telltale sign of their lineage: Bokolo of vermillion (red) hue originated and tend to inhabit arid locales such as deserts and steppes; of cerulean (blue), in coastal and riverbound areas. Yellow birds are most common, and seem to represent a basic phenotype which can be found just about anywhere. Virescent (green) Bokolo are most often found in forests, where their feathers provide ample camouflage to confuse any predator foolish enough to attempt to make them prey.
Despite their intimidating stature, Bokolo are herbivores, preferring to eat of the fruit, leaves, bark, and other natural bounty of their surroundings. Even still, these avian giants are no easy quarry for predators- most Bokolo are more than capable of defending themselves from all but the largest and most capable hunter. When a fight can be avoided, however, the birds will often employ their immense speed and dexterity to escape confrontation.
While they are fairly common in the wild, the Bokolo’s interactions with the descendant races are fairly limited. Apart from the famous trainers and riders of the Warhawke Confederacy, only a few dedicated souls have been able to begin properly re-domesticating these proud creatures. Fewer still have been able to produce a viable clutch of eggs and raise the chicks, known colloquially as “Bok-Boks”. Persevering individuals, however, have found that Bokolo make for exceptional war-mounts, possessing the strength and will to bear an armoured rider and armour of their own.
A Quick Guide to the Colourations of Bokolo bokolonus
White Bokolo - A legendary and exceptionally rare creature, of which there can only be one.
Orange Bokolo - A plumage found mainly in arid mountain areas, these Bokolo are used to running offroad and in rocky, unstable conditions. As such they are perfect for scouting just about any mountain range.
Magenta and Purple Bokolo - While most Bokolo are frightened of being mounted by magic users, those with a magenta plumage seem to be an exception. Some experts have suggested that this colouration was bred by a particularly concerned wizard. They are often impressed by shows of magical ability, and will rarely consent to be ridden until one does so.
Blue Bokolo - A colour with great variation, blue birds come in almost any hue on the cerulean spectrum. They are usually found near water- lakes, oceans, rivers- and are among the only Bokolo which will willingly enter water.
Yellow Bokolo - The fastest of all the Bokolo, these Big Birds are very common across the lands. They have very few other discerning features, and are considered the most basic of all the Bokolo species.
Green Bokolo - A forest Bokolo’s talons are sharper and thicker than those of their fellow species, and best-suited to traversing the heavily-forested areas of the world. They are immensely adept at woodland warfare, employing their surroundings to great effect.
Pink Bokolo - A passive bird, a Bokolo born pink will never amount to be any sort of hard laborer or war mount.
Gray Bokolo - Lazy birds. A gray Bokolo will work, but only if allowed to sleep upwards of ten hours a day.
Brown Bokolo - Typically a bird with far greater work ethic- while they do not always make good warriors, a brown Bokolo will be at its happiest when it is helping in construction or digging.
Red Bokolo - Fiercest among the species and least tameable, Red Bokolo provide a challenge to even the most adept trainer. Their talons are large, and they are naturally angry- a combination that has proven the end of many a prospective rider. Their master must be of calm and collected temperament to control the bloodlust of this bird, and often employ enchanted collars of calming to aid in this endeavor. A red Bokolo whose anger goes unchecked will murder even their owner.
