There are certain birds renowned for their speed, fabulous eyesight and carniverous nature, specifically the falcon, the eagle and the owl. The falcon is strongly associated with command of the skies, while the owl likewise dominates the woodland regions of the continent. It is possible to raise and nurture birds of prey, to engender a loyal companionship with the bird - and utilise its natural predispositions for your own ends. This is particularly true for members of the Ranger and Druid profession, since both boast specialisations attuned to a close relationship with birds and directing them to have extremely potent impact on the land.
Two aspects of the birds of prey should be borne in mind, though, by all Avalonians - whether professionally sympathetic or not. Firstly you should keep in mind their tendency to monitor their environs for food - the falcon in the skies or the owl in its forest - and the fact that their choice of "food" extends to mice, squirrels, small animals of that variety. These are often kept as beloved pets or found pilfering one's crops; in the first case you may wish to remain alert for birds-of-prey that might pose a danger to your pet, in the second you may want to utilise their hunger to rid yourself of infestations. See HELP CRITTERS for further info on small animals and infestations.
Secondly, one should be aware of their incredible speed, strength and eyesight, their ability to swoop about the land through sky and forest, to gather information, to act as steeds, to pluck fruit and nuts from trees, to be directed about specific pilfering (skills permitting) and - when gathered in flocks - to work together to bring about far more powerful abilities. Controlling flocks is a specialist skill, however, and can only be fully exploited by the Ornithologist or the Falconry expert; though all, to an extent, can raise loyalty in a bird and use their innate capabilities. You can ride the giant eagle, for example, if your Riding skill is high enough - and this provides invaluable access to the lower skies and a speed of movement otherwise impossible without magical means.
See HELP BIRDS for an overview of all Avalon's major bird groups, HELP ORNITHOLOGY and HELP FALCONRY for info on attainment of bird-related specialist skills, along with HELP PRESENTATION for members of the Ranger and Druid professions to learn about the five great 'symbolic birds' and their role as gatekeepers of the secrets of bird-companionship and close empathy.
