Arcus Vultures are a curious contradiction. One of the most dangerous creatures of the Valley of Fire, it is not due to their razor sharp talons or five step wingspan. (Although these are good to be aware of.)
Rather, it is due to their scavenging lifestyle of digging through decaying carcasses that Arcus Vultures carry a swift and deadly disease known as “fleshrot.”
Fleshrot, if not treated, is often fatal within a few hours. See “Fleshrot.” Because this disease is so deadly and because it transfers at nothing more than a scratch most find it prudent to avoid Arcus Vultures entirely. Arcus Vultures also hunt in packs, no more than six to eight but seldom fewer than three, making them even more worthy of avoidance.
However, Arcus Vultures carry a regenerative healing property in their blood that allows them to carry fleshrot without dying. The chemist philosopher Andrus Corpsen isolated the property and discovered for the modern world the powerful healing elixir that we now commonly refer to as “Second Chance Elixir.” See also, “Andrus Corpsen,” and “Second Chance Elixer.”
Royal Archives Volume 473, Kingdom of Mar, “Arcus Vulture,” by Royal Historian Gregus Sandburr
I love how everything has a history. When this series takes off, and after the trilogy starring Orlando Bloom, I expect the Royal Archives Volumes to be released as their own book.
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