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=== Major Planetary Zones | Regions | Wildlife ===

====== BORR ======

{{ :borr_gg_scenic_2d_04.jpeg?200|}}
===== Overview =====

The Borr is a flying apex predator native to the [[tijonara_mountains|Tijonara Mountains]] in the [[tijonara_region|Tijonara Region]] on the [[desert_side|Desert Side]] of [[the_planet_voi_700_d|VOI 700 D]]. Unlike Earth-like vultures, the Borr is built for precision strikes and coordinated harassment. It is both an opportunistic predator and a ruthless scavenger, known to arrive within minutes of conflict thanks to its acute carrion sense. 

Borr swarms practice coordinated dive-bombing and feint rotations, exhausting prey or driving off larger carnivores to claim kills. Their elongated bald skulls, serrated beaks, and blade-like wings make them unmistakably alien silhouettes against the desert sky.

===== Physique and Appearance =====

  * **Wingspan:** Up to 2.5 meters  
  * **Length:** 0.80–1.0 meter  
  * **Weight:** 3–4 kg (lightweight, hollow-boned)  
  * **Wing Morphology:** Leathery, bat-like primary wings (no feathers), angular planform optimized for speed dives and crosswinds; dark brown membranes with sharp crimson streaks along the leading/outer edges
  * **Head & Beak:** Gaunt, elongated cranial profile with thin, leathery gray skin stretched tightly over bone, preserving a skull-like look; serrated, razor-straight beak (not hooked) for slicing hide and sinew 
  * **Eyes:** Large, forward-facing, highly reflective for long-range targeting and dusk flight  
  *** Integument:** Heat-resistant, sand-shedding leathery dermis with subtle metallic sheen; micro ridges reduce abrasion in dust-laden winds
  * **Tail:** Forked control tail (fan-flexing) for high-G maneuvering during 250 km/h stoops  
  * **Legs & Talons:** Long, cliff-gripping hind talons and forward raptorial claws for pinning or ripping strips from carcasses
  * **Speed:** Stoops up to 250 km/h; strong soaring endurance in mountain thermals  

==== Special Features: ====

  * **Razor-Serrated Beak:** Linear serrations for high-speed slicing passes; excels at flensing thick hides  
  * **Aerodynamic Design:** Hollow-boned, blade-winged, forked tail—built for endurance, crosswind stability, and precision dives  
  * **Carrion Sense:** Detects volatile organics/blood scent plumes up to 1 km away; also cues on heat shimmer from fresh kills

===== Game Mechanics =====

  * **Armor Class (AC):** 14 (agility-based)  
  * **Hit Points (HP):** 60  
  * **Speed:** 60 ft. (fly), 30 ft. (land)

**Attacks:**

  * **Beak Slash:** +5 to hit, 2d6+3 slashing damage. On hit, the target must succeed on a DC 12 Strength save or be Hamstrung (speed reduced by 10 ft. until the end of its next turn).  
  * **Dive Strike:** If the Borr descends at least 20 ft. before impact, Beak Slash deals an extra 1d6 damage and the target makes the Hamstrung save with disadvantage.

==== Special Abilities: ====

  * **Swarm Tactics:** When three or more Borr attack the same target, they gain advantage on attack rolls.  
  * **Carrion Instinct:** Automatically detects fresh blood/death within 1 km; Borr have advantage on Survival checks to locate wounded or dying creatures.  
  * **Pack Intimidation:** When a Borr in line of sight drops to half HP, allied Borr may unleash a coordinated scream; nearby creatures must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom save or become **Frightened** until the end of their next turn.  
  * **Crosswind Rider:** Advantage on checks to resist being knocked prone or displaced by strong winds in mountainous terrain.

===== Behavior =====

  * **Diet:** Predatory scavenger; strips carrion efficiently but will harry and bleed-out live prey.  
  * **Social Structure:** Highly social; temporary **swarms** form around carcasses, cliffs, and thermal columns.  
  * **Vocalization:** Harsh metallic cries; synchronized “strike calls” precede coordinated dives.

==== Hunting Tactics: ====

  * **Aerial Coordination:** Swarms hold altitude in thin mountain air, cycling scouts to mark targets and wind lanes.  
  * **Exhaustion Strategy:** Rotating dive-feints harass large prey (e.g., an injured [[odo|Odo]]), forcing sprint and bleed-out before a final mass descent.  
  * **Opportunistic Scavenging:** Descend en masse to claim kills from larger predators like the [[hoos|Hoos]] or to strip battlefield casualties on the steppe.

===== Reproduction and Lifecycle =====

==== Reproductive Traits: ====

  * **Mating Rituals:** Lifelong pair-bonding; mid-air courtship flights with mirrored roll-and-dive displays.  
  * **Nesting Locations:** Cliff niches, needle spires, and abandoned canyon dwellings.  
  * **Clutch Size:** 1–2 eggs per year; slow but steady growth.  
  * **Parental Care:** Both parents defend nest and train fledglings in glide, stoop, and strip-feeding within six months.

==== Lifespan and Growth: ====

  * **Maturity:** ~3 years  
  * **Lifespan:** 30–40 years

===== Tactical Advice for Dungeon Masters =====

Borr introduce altitude control, line-of-sight denial, and post-combat pressure:

  * **Second Wave:** After a battle, a Borr swarm arrives to contest the field, forcing injured parties to reposition or retreat.  
  * **Cliff Theater:** Fighting on ledges or spires turns into a struggle against dives, crosswinds, and footing.  
  * **Swarm Pressure:** Use Swarm Tactics and Pack Intimidation to isolate stragglers.  
  * **Loot Hooks:** Crimson-tipped scale-feathers (lightweight armor lamellae) and serrated beaks (surgical blades/ritual tools) are valuable trade goods.

===== Related Pages and Further Information =====

  * [[desert_side|Desert Side]]  
  * [[tijonara_mountains|Tijonara Mountains]]  
  * [[tijonara_region|Tijonara Region]]  
  * [[the_wildlife_of_the_desert_side_from_a_to_z|Known Wildlife of the Tijonara Region]]

**Known Prey / Targets:**  
  * Wounded large fauna (e.g., [[odo|Odo]]), kills made by [[hoos|Hoos]], battlefield casualties, stranded steppe creatures