Simurgh (animal)
The Simurgh is a mythic creature said to possess vast pools of wisdom and knowledge, and claim dominion over the skies above. Known in parts of Sarradon as "the Greatest of Eagles," stories tell of a massive, golden bird who lives at the top of a mountain and watches the world below. Some believe it to be benevolent, and will leave their dying babes at the foot of mountains for the Simurgh to care for. Others, claim it to be ferocious, with the strength and power to hunt elephants. It is said to be a thousand years old, and when a Simurgh reaches the end of its life, it will burst into flames. No one knows how, or if, the beast mates- there has only ever been tales of the one.
The Simurgh, or "Greatest of Eagles," to the locals that call this hot, dry land home, is said to be a beast of epic proportions. Villagers speak of its wings spreading wide enough to block out the sun, and that it is strong enough to carry off the heaviest of elephants! A wise woman told us the tale of a secluded mountain not far from here that is supposedly a Simurgh's home, though no one dare venture to check out of respect for the beast. There is said to be a spring where the bird raises the unwanted children of the region, parents leaving their deformed or dying newborns at the foothills of the mount in hopes of the Simurgh taking notice - and pity. The locals most definitely show reverence towards the monster, and the wise woman preemptively tries to dissuade us from hunting it. Nonetheless, we press on with our plan. We stock up on makeshift arrows attached to ropes and hooks, which will hopefully aid us in pinning our quarry to the ground and nullifying its greatest advantage. And copious supplies, of course - the long climb ahead of us is likely quite treacherous in and of itself.