Archer Drake [LINKS]

Snipers upon the Open Seas

Flying high above the cerulean seas, the flock flies in such numbers that they block out the sun. As if on command, innumerable drakes freefall from above, diving upon unsuspecting ships. In a frenzied cacophony of carnivorous carnage, the blue waters are quickly dyed red as sailors fall from the deck to be shredded by claw and fang. As quickly as they arrived, the drakes depart, leaving behind only an empty vessel devoid of any life. 

Marine Hunters. Living on high cliffs or rocky coasts, Archer Drakes are only found in habitats near the open ocean. Plunging from high altitudes, they feed on a diet of fish and seafaring birds. In large enough numbers, these dragons become menaces for any who cross their paths, including any unlucky seafaring vessels or ports. 

Aquatic Archers. Though their ability to hunt from both sea and sky make Archer Drakes a formidable threat, their ability to fire jets of water with pinpoint accuracy is what separates this predator from any normal seafaring creature. Many sailors have been knocked overboard by one of these blasts, only to then be carried away to their grisly fates. 

Migratory Flock. Moving in large groups, Archer Drakes migrate around the world to follow warmer climates. As such, seasons in which they cross the seas are considered especially dangerous by sailors in such regions. Careful consideration is taken when a territory becomes host to a flock of drakes, as port towns fall victim to the annual scourge of drakes descending upon them. 

As another wave of drakes shrieked across the deck, the captain could hear the sounds of more sailors falling to the waters below. Frantically struggling to reload his crossbow, he quickly took stock of the situation with grim dismay. Sails ripped to tatters, men being carried off into the distance, and waters were turning redder by the second; not the most promising of situations. Just as the bolt locked into place, a shot of water blasted the seasoned sailor backwards, sending him careening off the edge. When he opened his eyes, all he could see was the school of hungry drakes circling him amidst the carnage.

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