CookieKirby [2026-09-02 20:15:04 +0000 UTC]

Is it a bird, or a turtle? It doesn't matter!

Nice knowing the fact that most animals in FOI universe is based on medieval depictions of real world creatures.

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Deinocastor66 [2025-05-02 21:29:07 +0000 UTC]

Finally, mock turtle soup

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GGArtwork [2025-05-02 18:31:41 +0000 UTC]

Now that's a TURTLE DOVE.

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justamonsterfan [2025-05-02 16:32:11 +0000 UTC]

Now imagine the snapping turtle analog Shellbird! Btw lore tidbit: Saken absolutely loves shell bird meat and poultry in general

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BluegirlWoomy [2025-05-01 13:54:15 +0000 UTC]

I like the turtlebird

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Sylizar [2025-05-01 02:53:35 +0000 UTC]

Little cutie~!

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Parrovenator [2025-05-01 01:39:48 +0000 UTC]

It's supposed to be a bird but it looks too much like an oddly posed turtle.

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Sir-Haydrion [2025-05-01 01:04:33 +0000 UTC]

Returning to basics, here’s a good ol’ fashioned Jerikoh Hunter’s Journal Entry! Short and sweet, ideally. 

“Hello again, it has been some time since I’ve done a straightforward entry in my Hunter’s Journal. I’ve spent a lot of time detailing some of my wild adventures as of late, even if I’ve had to omit quite a few things. But I am on the road again with my companions by my side and I’m feeling plenty refreshed! Speaking of refreshed, I recently saw something peculiar as Astrio and I traveled through Brinebale! A colony of Shellbirds! Indeed, I was quite surprised myself. It’s rare to encounter or spot them so far from the shore, but there are variants who live in wetlands and swamps. They looked much like their seabound counterparts, though, so I doubt there’s much difference. 

Shellbirds are simple creatures, thankfully. They range in size depending on the species and age, though most don’t exceed the size of the common Pebblenapper Pennguine. Which is somewhat amusing upon consideration, they look much like those flightless birds. Unlike Pennguines, however, these semi aquatic birds are actually good fliers! Using bladders they can fill with gas, they can heft their armored bodies off the ground, and when they need to dive down or merely waddle along the ground they deflate these bladders for a time. These bladders empty if they perish, though, so if you approach a deceased specimen you may be treated to a rather… Unpleasant odor if you disturb the decomposing, gas-filled bladders. Anyway, Shellbirds aren’t terribly dangerous. They’re capable of diving down into the water to snap up any fish they’ve spotted with their keen eyesight, though it is of note that they can and will grab up shellfish and crustaceans when they can. Their colorful beaks can crack open shells surprisingly easily, and their decently sharp talons can make short work of anything they swoop down to grab. (This is how they typically snag anything above water, mind.) Their shells are fairly strong but not the strongest, as that may risk weighing them down too much, but they’re strong enough to buy them time to escape any predators which have snagged them. 

The calls of Shellbirds vary wildly. In fact, they have an extremely wide variety of vocalizations with many different meanings, with songs used to communicate with fellow members of their ‘community’ and to court members of the opposite sex. This makes them popular with bird watchers, as their songs are nice to listen to. Shellbirds roost in cliffsides where predators have trouble reaching their nests, minimizing risks to their eggs and chicks while also giving pairs a safe place to rest. As I’ve discovered, Shellbird pairs without access to cliffsides will make do with Scarletwood Trees and the tallest Bone Spires. For those unaware, Scarletwood trees grow to titanic sizes and at a fairly fast pace compared to normal trees, so it shouldn’t be shocking these sturdy trees are used by clever Shellbirds as roosts. Their beaks can be used to carve burrows out of the thick trunks, resulting in almost nothing grabbing them at that stage. 

Hunting Shellbirds is fairly straightforward and generally danger-free. With a good aim, you can shoot them in the wing which will ground them. Then you can move in and deliver the killing blow however you please; Be it blunt force to the skull or stabbings to the few exposed points on the body. Alternatively, you can trap them with nets and snaptaps. Just beware when you get close; Their beaks and claws can still leave a mark if you get careless. Never underestimate a wounded animal! One of the Ten Golden Rules of Hunting. Ah! And be certain not to be under it when it plummets to the ground, that'll knock you out.

Shellbird meat is delicious… And plentiful! With a nice saltiness to it but still carrying plenty of fluids, they make for delicious meals, and a roasted Shellbird can feed a family of four for each meal of the day. In fact, some shore settlements live off of these birds in addition to all their seafood. The shells are also incredibly useful, perfect for making helmets and shields! For the less combat inclined, they can also make wonderful bowls and the like, with their other body parts having various uses. I personally use Shellbird meat and eggs in many different dishes, sometimes settling for just skewering them on a spit. Hmm… I think I’ll have Shellbird tonight, I’ve gotten up my appetite. Time to once again expand your palette, Astrio! ~Jerikoh Marr, Poultry Pincher.”

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Sir-Haydrion [2025-04-30 23:48:10 +0000 UTC]

That's not a bird I'd care to land on my shoulder or arm lmao, might break my arm with how heavy they look. I'd still keep one as a pet tho.

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