Found virtually anywhere in Middle-earth, save in the coldest climes, the Angaunaiwëli (Q. "Iron Un-birds"; S. Angalaewath) was the most resilient, advanced, and common of the larger rávatsar. This was due to the fact that they were, unlike any other reptile or amphibian, warm-blooded. The Angaunaiwëli constituted a unique branch of the rávatsar and were closely related to flightless birds; thus their name.
Detailed Description[]
There were nine species of Angaunaiwëli. All were deep grey or black in color and had bright red eyes. The only notable distinction in the family was between those that ran on four legs (three species), those that ran on two legs (five species), and those that hopped (one species). The former group consisted of the species that lived near the water, especially along rocky seashores. All other Angaunaiwëli had exaggerated hind legs and walked upright, using their tails for balance. Astoundingly agile, they could travel over rugged terrain at speeds exceeding 35 miles an hour. The leaping unbird found in Khand and Khey was the slowest of these creatures; however, they were astoundingly efficient and needed less water and sustenance than other Angaunaiwëli.
Poisonous carnivores, un-birds hunted lizards, frogs, birds, large insects, and small mammals. They had very sharp teeth and curving, retractable, viper-like fangs. When facing most foes, though, they bit their prey while keeping these fore teeth hidden in pockets in their upper jaw. Angaunaiwëli preferred to swallow their victims whole. Against larger foes, they could bare their hollow, needle-like fangs and puncture the unfortunate beasts' hides, injecting a potent venom that immobilized or killed.
Aside from its great speed, an Angaunaiwë relied on its cunning and horny body armor in combat. It had a ridge of pointed scales that protected its spine, and the scales on its back and sides were, as its name suggests, as tough as iron.
See also[]
- Altalantecuimar
- Carchadils and Assangar
- Avancs
- Hopping Unbirds
- Kraeguth
- Leaping Unbirds
- Plated Unbirds
- Quarnaks
- Seashore-Unbirds
- Serpentu
- Srill
- Water Leapers
Notes[]
Original form in MERP: Angúsaiwele
References[]
- Retrieved from Realms of Arda (archived, latest available);
- Original reference: ICE MERP #2012: Creatures of Middle-earth (2nd Ed.)