Sunfire Laerti

Sacred bird of Raelis, the Sunfire Laerti is a bird of prey, a perfect flyer and fearless predator.

Its wingspan is seven to nine feet, its frame sleek, and the plumage a mix of radiant red, blazing orange and golden yellow.

Despite its swiftness and ferocity, the Laerti relies on a trick to catch prey unaware - its feathers conduct light, thus it does not cast a shadow. Most useful is this when it charges directly from the sun, becoming effectively invisible - thus the popular expression that it 'charged right out of the sun'.

Also, its feathers store some of the sunlight, and the bird can release it when threatened, thus causing a bright flash of light that blinds those who wish it harm.

The Sunfire Laerti lives in mated pairs, preferring warm and dry climates. Its prey are other birds, as well as small animals. A Laerti that is hungry and does not manage to catch its normal prey will attack even a far larger animal, and rip out a chunk of its flesh and escape nimbly afterwards. Experienced ones will aim for the neck to cut arteries, and let the prey bleed to death.