Cuendali (Old Lore)

Introduction
The Cuendali are a unique class of animals that inhabit the dimension of Chalderia. They share features of both birds, mammals and reptiles and are adepted to the changing climate of their homeworld.

Biology
Cuendali are believed to have been created from birds to populate the lands of Chalderia. They have the ability to controll their bodytemperature by will and have stronger bones and muscles then their ancestors.

Anatomy
Most Cuendali have an anatomy close to that of mammals with four legs, a tail and a head on a long neck. Altough all of them have beaks, they also have large and flexible ears close to that of foxes or owls. Their legs end in four-fingered claws who are either covered in thick skin or protective feathers. The frontlegs usually grow larger and sharper claws used to catch prey, climb trees and walls or defend themselfes against attackes. Their hindlegs gow duller claws, sometimes enforced by a poisinous spur. Their entire body is covered in feathers. They fufill the same role as fur for mammals but can absorb and hold much more heat.

This standart form of Cuendali is the bodyplan for almost all of their species. Some remain closer to their ancestors and grow their frontlegs into large wings while keeping their light muscles and hollow bones.

Reproduction
For choosing partners, courtship display plays a central role among the Cuendali. Males either perfrom dances, sing or compare the size and brightness of their feathers. Cuendali which are organised in herds or packs determine their partner threw their social rank. After two partners found each other, they will stay together for the rest of their lifes and raise their young each spring anew.

While smaller or flying Cuendali still lay eggs, their larger cousins have developed viviparity. Yet they raise their young until they reach adulthood. Both male and female produce a nutritous liquid close to milk in their goiter. They feed their young threw disgorging it into their open mouths until they are old enough to eat regular food.

Notable species
Cuendali inhabit the entire mainland of Chalderia.