The Wild Turkey of Mhedibab

THE WILD TURKEY OF MHEDIBAB by Reagren Wright

For the last four years, the Sect of Rurga has been making greats strides in the Domain of Man. As a show of appreciation, the gods of Mhedibab have reward the region with a game bird from their own native dimension. The Wild Turkey of Mhedibab is just like a typical wild turkey found in woodland countries of the east and north, only these birds come from an epic deific realm, meaning they are gigantic in size. They also are keen survivalist, as if being hunted by the gods has made them naturally paranoid. They will defend themselves against one or two humanoids. These birds look sluggish but they can fly or run at the first sign of danger. They fly close to the ground for no more than a half a male. The birds are omnivorous, foraging on the ground or climbing shrubs and small trees to feed. They eat acorns, hazelnuts, chestnut, hickory, and pinyon pine as well as various seeds, berries such as juniper and bearberry, roots and insects. They will on occasion consume small vertebrates like snakes, frogs or salamanders. However, the bulk of their diet is made up of grass.
These birds only appear on the Palladium World from the Autumnal Equinox to the Winter Solstice. No more than 100 birds arrive via dimensional teleport and in random remote locations throughout the northern half of the Eastern Territory and southern half of the Great Northern Wilderness. After the Winter Solstice, any bird not killed and/or eaten returns to Mhedibab. The birds have magical properties that can only be realized if the bird is killed and properly prepared (cooked) and it must be preserved right away if it’s going to be eaten within the 48 hour time frame. It is said Cirga the Bowman takes great pride watching his worshipers try to hunt these birds. Rurga prefers hunters be honest when they describe the size of the bird that got away.

Hit Points: 2D6+4

S.D.C.: 3D6+6

Average P.P.E.: 6D6.

Natural Abilities: Fly, good sense of direction/land navigation 80%, superior eyesight, and camouflage 65%.

Speed: 70 (49 mph/78.8 km) flying, 15 running.

Attacks Per Melee: Two

Damage: Kick does 2D6 points of damage, a bite does 1D4, a headbutt or peck 2D4.

Bonuses: +2 on initiative, +2 to strike, and +2 to dodge in flight or running.

Magic: The birds has no natural magical powers, however its body retains a great deal of P.P.E. that is not released when the bird is killed as in normal living things. The P.P.E. is obtained by eating the dead bird if it has been properly cooked (-20% to skill). The P.P.E. will then be doubled and shared among those who consumed the bird (divided equally). If the bird has been properly prepared, all will enjoy the effects of a Might of Palladium potion for 24 hours. If the bird has not be prepared well (failure of the cooking skill), then those who eat the bird will suffer the effects of a deep sleep for 3D4 hours of which there is no awakening from until the duration expires. Only a save vs. deific magic (18 or better) can ward off the sleep. After the bird is killed, it must be cooked and served within 48 hours or the P.P.E. and mystical effects are lost. Preserving the bird after it has been killed must also be done correctly (-15% to skill) or the magic will be lost. Freezing the bird automatically destroys the magic within it. After the bird is properly cooked, it must be eaten within 2 hours or the magic fades.

Psionics: These birds possess a natural sixth sense (same as psionic power).

Value: Alive 500-700 gold, A prepare bird can fetch 1500-3000 gold.

Average Life Span: The birds if they are left alone usually live for 10 years.

Habitat: Temperate forests and low-level mountains.

Range: Eastern Territory and Great Northern Wilderness

Language: Gobbles, clucks, putts, purrs, yelps, cutts, whines, cackles, and kee-kees.

Enemies: Every humanaoid and wolfen alive. They are also preyed upon by numerous predator animals (wolves, lynx, mountain lions, etc).

Allies: None

Size: Males 6 ½ to 8 feet (1.98 m to 2.4 m) long, Females 5 to 6 feet (1.52-1.82 m) long. The wings span ranges from 8 feet to 9.5 feet (2.4 to 2.89 m).

Weight: Males 26 to 57 lbs (11.7 to 25.65 kg). Females 14 to 29 lbs (6.3 to 13 kg). Duke Githeon VasPsseon the 12th and his family feed on the largest bird caught so far. A male bird that weight 91 lbs (40.95 kg).