To the south of the Temple-City of Oyxl , the great jungle gives way to vast and fertile plains, stretching many hundreds of miles to the southern-most extent of the continent of Lustria . These plains are named after their primary inhabitants; the huge, vicious and flightless birds called "Culchans".[3a]
Characteristics
The Culchan is a huge, flightless, carnivorous bird that lives on the pampas grasslands of Lustria. It is prized by Pygmies and Slann for its multi-coloured plumes and for its flesh, which is considered a delicacy by Humans and Slann alike. The creatures are extremely fierce, but it is possible to use them as mounts if hand-reared. Consequently: eggs and hatchlings are very valuable.[4]
Physique
These unusual birds have strong legs and necks, whilst their head is similar to that of a parrot. Their beaks are exceptionally strong, and can easily crack a man's skull. Their plumage is usually brown, but males in good condition grow a completely new set of colourful red and blue plumage, as well as long tails and crests.
An adult Culchans can reach 8 or 9ft in height.[4]
Culchan Mounts
Oyxl: the Eternal City was built on the threshold where the jungle gives way to the great Culchan Plains. Oyxl was ruined by Daemons during the Great Catastrophe, but its Great Pyramid is still attended by Skink Priests and it is said that the Skinks of the city have almost mastered the Carnivorous, flightless birds that roam the surrounding plains.[2][3b]
Some explorers have claimed that Culchans provide vicious mounts for the warriors of the Amazon people who dwell upon the endless plains.[5]