Braviary (Rufflet)


    Magnalis bellicus


    <u>Overview</u>


    Coastal braviary are the second-heaviest raptor in the world. They are renowned throughout their range as either war gods themselves or the servants of one. Several of the greatest heroes and warriors of ages past were said to ride a braviary into battle. In the medieval era they were revered for their ability to crush plate metal.


    The modern era has not been quite so kind to braviary. The birds often defend their coastal homes to the death. In the past this served them quite well as no one picked a fight with them. Now that humans have the tools to eventually win and the desire to build large coastal cities many braviary have been killed in battle and pushed out of much of their former range. The decline in their prey, large marine pokémon, has also hit them hard. DDT was the final blow that almost drove them and most other raptors to extinction. While conservation programs in Europe, Russia, Canada, and the United States have led to a rebound in their numbers, braviary have yet to rise back to their former glory.


    Trainers on the island challenge should be advised that for all of braviary’s power they are still not recommended. Braviary themselves are very reluctant to respect a trainer. Anyone who can command one in battle is almost certainly already strong enough that they don’t need one. While rufflet are faster to warm to humans and braviary are often willing to part with a chick, they mature so slowly that they will quickly become outclassed, only becoming useful again towards the end of the island challenge.


    <u>Physiology</u>


    Both braviary and rufflet are classified as dual normal- and flying-types. Neither ruling is disputed.


    Rufflet have small and underdeveloped wings. Outside of newly hatched birds, which have white down feathers, rufflet have grey, black, or blue feathers on their legs, wings, fan, and the lower portion of their body. Their head and back are coated in thick white feathers. Rufflet also have a red crest. All feathers but their down are waterproof.


    Braviary are massive and powerful birds. They have long feathered legs and large talons. Braviary’s wings are extremely powerful and supported by massive muscles obscured by feathers. Between their strong grip and wing beats they have been known to lift objects up to twenty times their own weight. the bottom of braviary’s body is made up of the same dark blue feathers as rufflet. The white feathers are limited to their neck and the back of their head. A blue and red crest rises above their keen eyes and sharp beak. Braviary’s back feathers are dark red or brown. The tail is tipped in rings of yellow and blue feathers. Scar tissue does not grow feathers. This makes it visually obvious how many scars a braviary has accumulated.


    Braviary can reach wingspans of eleven feet and weights of fifty-five pounds. They can live for up to ninety years.


    <u>Behavior</u>


    Braviary companies have rather strict hierarchies with one bird in charge and the rest generally subordinate. The exact structure can be fluid across time as subordinate birds challenge the ones above them to battle. Successful challengers can claim the spot of the challenged. The challenged bird is not always obligated to accept the challenge. A long record of past leadership combined with prior successes in hunting and defending the company can give a braviary enough social standing to reject challenges from birds with lesser records. A braviary that declines a challenge without the clout to do so will be marked with dishonor and mocked by even subordinate birds until they accept the challenge and perform one great feat to restore their honor.


    Braviary hunt large marine creatures in the seas around Alola. Sharpedo are their primary prey. Mantine and dewgong are also regularly on the menu. Juvenile alomomola, gyarados, and wailmer also fall prey from time to time. The raptor glides above the coastal seas keeping an eye out for prey. When a potential victim is spotted, the braviary glides higher on thermals and then begins a dive towards the water. The impact force will usually kill the prey. At this point the braviary will use its powerful wing muscles to pull itself and its prey out of the water and bring it to the company rookery.


    The hunter will eat first. Then the rufflet will feed. Finally, the other adults will eat in order of decreasing rank. Sick birds will sometimes, but not always, be allowed to go before other healthy adults. This allowance appears to depend on the severity of the illness or injury and the rest of the company’s opinion of the bird. If any food remains it is donated to nearby mandibuzz prides.


    Companies typically live near coastal cliffs where it is relatively easy to catch thermals and prey need not be dragged too far inland. There are typically ten to twelve adults in a company alongside three to five rufflet.


    Combat defines the life of a braviary. Newly hatched rufflet immediately challenge the head of the company to a play battle in order to establish themselves. Members constantly jostle for rank. Wars are started with nearby braviary companies and other birds for territory and honor. When a braviary grows old and begins to decline physically, it seeks out a dragon and engages in one final battle as witnesses from the company watch on. The bones of their fallen comrade are collected and buried in a communal service. Other companies may attend the burial of a very well-respected bird.


    There are two non-prey species that braviary have well-established relationships with. Vikavolt seldom bother braviary as there are far easier targets. However, it is common for a braviary seeking to improve their status to seek out and kill a vikavolt as a sign of their power.


    Mandibuzz prides often live near braviary companies and the two frequently interact to exchange food, bones, and information. It was formerly believed that mandibuzz were the females of braviary, which in turn were held to be an all-male species. This is not correct. Mandibuzz are an all-female species but they do not mate with braviary or any male pokémon. Braviary females exist but are nearly identical in appearance to males unless they happen to have a scar in one particular area. The females are also, on average, ten-percent larger than males. The idea that they are all-male stems from human conceptions of masculinity and the extreme shyness of mating birds (see Breeding). Regardless, braviary are exceptionally protective of mandibuzz.


    <u>Husbandry</u>


    The mandibuzz-braviary relationship is relevant to husbandry. Braviary bond far faster with humans who present themselves in a stereotypically feminine way. The trainer’s sex is mostly irrelevant. Only appearance (long hair, jewelry, makeup) matters. Wearing black clothing is also a good way to gain a braviary’s begrudging trust. Ivory or bone jewelry can also help.


    Gaining a braviary’s trust, even with mandibuzz imitation, is very difficult. Unlike most species, braviary do not associate the power and accomplishments of a trainer’s pokémon with the power of the trainer themself. Physically challenging a braviary is not recommended and mere attempt does little to gain respect. While it is legal to capture and possible to bond with an adult, only trainers with very high powered pokémon, a stereotypically feminine appearance, and lots of experience with bird keeping are likely to succeed. Even they will face issues of near-constant challenges to their authority.


    The easiest way to obtain a loyal braviary is to train a young rufflet. While easier than a braviary, raising one is still no easy task. The rufflet will expect to battle constantly. They will further expect to have play fights with their trainer. Access to TMs and a clever strategic mind are the best ways to win over a rufflet. Despite their fearsome reputation, rufflet enjoy being groomed by their trainer or other trusted pokémon. Braviary with a very healthy respect for their trainer will also seek physical closeness.


    Almost all rufflet and braviary despise pokéballs as symbols of subjugation. While they will tolerate them for special occasions (such as battles and sickness), pokéballs will ordinarily be rejected out of hand, even at night while they sleep.


    Braviary require a lot of flight time and exercise challenges such as lifting heavy objects. Rufflet are not skilled fliers but will still want exercise outside of their sparring. Strength tests like breaking a board with a peck tend to work. Many rufflet enjoy the challenge of trying to sit on a durable but lightweight ball.


    Both rufflet and braviary are exclusively carnivorous and will only eat raw or lightly cooked meat and seafood. They prefer seafood they catch themselves. Check the laws related to the hunting of large marine species as it is outright illegal to catch several of them and there are strict quotas on almost all others. Young rufflet eat meat just like their older brethren and will reject insect mixes. If a rufflet or braviary is on the team then feeding order will matter. If a pokémon was instrumental in a recent battle they can go first. Then pokémon should be fed in a set order that reflects power, seniority, or the braviary’s opinion on them. Curiously, braviary will get upset if they are fed before pokémon they see as higher ranked than they are. Do note that this ritualistic feeding order can anger other species. Rufflet are a little more relaxed about feeding order and will generally expect to be fed alongside other pokémon. They may still defer to allies that have recently won great victories.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Rufflet can be housebroken rather easily. Braviary will quickly learn what they are supposed to do but will often refuse to do it until sufficient respect is earned. Reinforcement, positive or negative, will be ineffective in training braviary. They will do what they feel obligated to. Nothing less and nothing more.


    <u>Illness</u>


    Many of braviary’s illnesses stem from one of their greatest assets: their very quick healing. Braviary rapidly regenerate from cuts and form a layer of scar tissue over the wound. This prevents the wound from becoming infected. If the wound was already infected bacteria and fungi can grow beneath the surface and cause serious problems. Bumble foot is the most common of these illnesses. It is marked by a hard bump on the braviary’s talons over a healed wound. These infections can lead to death and should be treated as soon as possible. Frequently check recent injuries for discoloration, tenderness, or swelling.


    Avian pox is relatively common in braviary. This is marked by warts growing near the eyes and beak. While seldom outright lethal, prolonged illness without treatment can cause blindness or respiratory problems.


    Braviary can suffer from a number of other health diseases. Head-bowing, sudden changes in the color and volume of crops, wheezing, and general lethargy are common symptoms. Almost all avian diseases require professional care and cannot be treated by amateurs.


    <u>Evolution</u>


    Rufflet growth is very gradual. In both the wild and captivity, it takes five to six years for a rufflet to evolve. Most rufflet given to trainers by braviary are around five years old. Increased combat does nothing to accelerate evolution. While nothing special needs to be done to trigger growth beyond adequate feeding, sleep, and exercise, even these things will not lead to a quick evolution. Unless a trainer captures a braviary or obtains a rufflet well before setting out on the challenge, they are unlikely to own one until the very end of their journey.


    Braviary flash evolve, instantly quintupling the pokémon’s size. The remaining growth slowly occurs over the next four to five years.


    <u>Battle</u>


    Braviary harm their opponents primarily through blunt force strikes. A fifty-pound bird dive bombing their opponent from thirty feet can hit with enough force to knock out many frailer opponents. The rest can be scooped up in braviary’s talons, flown into the air, and dropped. Upon impact they will take another hit from braviary. This combo is extremely effective against relatively lightweight opponents that lack full-body elemental attacks such as flare blitz or discharge.


    Even on the ground braviary benefit from powerful muscles and beaks. Many opponents can be overpowered and even outrun by a grounded braviary. A common tactic on the competitive battling circuits is to have braviary use bulk up or hone claws while circling an opponent that cannot hit them. By the time a proper bird check comes in braviary can take often them out in a single strike and finish the rest of the match on the ground.


    On the island challenge braviary need few moves to succeed. Brave bird and super power form the core of an effective set. While roost and a boosting move are nice, they are not necessary to clear the challenge.


    Rufflet is a fair bit tricker to use. Early on they have an advantage over other birds by being relatively strong and eager to train. Eventually those birds will start growing and even evolve while rufflet barely experience any physical changes at all. They also are not adept fliers. Rufflet must fight on the ground and rely on relatively strong pecks and their absolute refusal to back down. While this attitude is helpful at first it will only get them hurt later on. For these reasons and others, rufflet are really only recommended for trainers who will have no trouble completing the bulk of the island challenge with five pokémon.


    <u>Acquisition</u>


    Braviary live on all four of the tapu islands and some of the smaller ones. They are presently illegal to capture on Ula’Ula and Akala to allow the populations to build back up. On Akala they primarily live on Mauna Wela and the mountains near the southern coast. On Ula’Ula they live on the abundance of coastal mountains and cliffsides, particularly around Mauna Hokulani, Route 12, and Route 17. While there are braviary companies at low altitudes on Mauna Lanakila, none live near the peak. Braviary on Melemele typically live in a stretch of coastline running along Route 3 down to Ten Carat Hill. Companies can be found along almost the entire coast of Poni Island.


    Rufflet and braviary capture is best done by slowly approaching a company’s nesting area with one pokémon out. When the braviary take notice, bow your head and wait for a braviary to screech. Make eye contact with that bird as it approaches and prepare for a one-on-one battle. Afterwards the company will deliberate. Sometimes they will entrust a rufflet into the trainer’s care. On rare occasions one of the braviary will decide to go with the trainer.


    Braviary and rufflet can be captured with a Class III license. Rufflet can also be adopted or purchased with a Class III license; braviary require a Class IV.


    <u>Breeding</u>


    Braviary have never reproduced in captivity. They have also been never captured mating on film. The exact mechanics of copulation are thus unknown. Around the mating season in early July braviary will get very defensive towards outsiders, including drones and camera traps that had been tolerated for months.


    Eggs are typically laid in mid-February. They hatch around the first week of July which contributes to the unease braviary have around outsiders at that time. All braviary, male or female, help raise all rufflet. Good parenting is a way to increase social status. The rufflet are both strictly disciplined and doted on. They are given far more attention than most young birds. Sometimes a braviary will leave to another company that defeats their own in battle. Otherwise rufflet of both sexes stay in the company they were born in for life.


    A handful of rufflet eggs have been taken from the wild and hatched in captivity. None responded well to humans. While they do imprint to a degree, they remain distrustful of bipeds until around their third birthday. Other birds or sock puppet braviary are now used as surrogate parents.


    <u>Relatives</u>


    There are four braviary species. The one in Alola, the coastal braviary, is the most migratory. They prefer to live in coastal areas with ready access to very large prey. Coastal braviary can be found along the coastlines of the Americas, as well as in a few places they have migrated or been introduced to and that have enough prey and space to live in. These areas include West Africa, some of the largest Pacific Islands, and, recently, parts of Europe.


    Before coastal braviary moved into portions of Europe they were inhabited by the northern braviary (M. steller). The species range originally spanned from Galar to the boreal forests of Canada. They preferred cool and cold habitats, including portions of the Arctic Circle. Northern braviary have telepathic screams that can stun and disorient rivals and kill small and feeble-minded prey. Their preferred hunting strategy is to fly tight circles just above a lake’s surface, killing as many normal fish and weak pokémon as possible before scooping them up and bringing them back to the nest. Companies will often cooperate to snatch as many of the fish as possible. In winter the birds will use their strength and talons to break the ice over lakes so they can hunt. Northern braviary have thick white plumage and glowing pink eyes. Some ESP-sensitive humans report seeing constantly fluctuating arcs of energy around the face. Northern braviary had their numbers decimated by DDT. Climate change has also made much of their former territory more amenable to other raptors. Northern braviary are even longer lived and slower to mature than their coastal cousins, making the recovery process difficult.


    In the past they have also been deliberately hunted by the Russian and Canadian governments. Some indigenous tribes have bonded with the braviary and earned enough trusts to use them as war mounts. During wars with the native peoples the colonial governments would sometimes poison fish to kill off the braviary and reduce the martial abilities of the native population. Coastal braviary are too prideful to allow themselves to be rode by all but the most powerful of humans, so the Canadian, Russian, and Scandinavian governments have intentionally released coastal braviary into the lands formerly occupied by the northern species.


    The wetland braviary (M. columbia) live in the interior of the United States and Canada. They are much smaller than the coastal braviary and hunt in rivers and lakes instead of the sea. This greatly limits the size of their prey. Despite their lack of size, the wetland braviary are every bit as militant as their larger cousins. Widespread conservation efforts by the United States and subordinate tribal nations has led to the population nearly rebounding to its pre-DDT levels.


    This entry began by noting the coastal braviary is the second largest in the world. The largest is the titanic braviary (M. titanus) of Aotearoa. These massive birds can reach wingspans of twenty feet. Their companies have been documented hunting wailord and gyarados, although they prefer hunting dodrio. The species is usually solitary, although companies will form for the greatest of hunts. They nest on the ground for they fear nothing in their native range and there are few trees capable of supporting them. There were also no rodents likely to eat their eggs or antagonize the rufflet. The introduction of rattata, the usage of DDT, and the decline in dodrio populations for similar reasons has left the species on the brink of extinction. Only four wild specimens remain today, alongside twenty-two captive ones. Captive breeding has been mostly unsuccessful: captive birds refuse to mate and females often become distressed by artificial insemination, even resorting to cannibalism of their offspring. The species will hang on for a few decades due to their long lifespan, but their future beyond the current generation looks increasingly grim.


    Braviary’s occasional wanderlust and the overlapping ranges does lead to some cross-breeding between the three most common species. Some will join another species’ company, especially when well outside their native range. Integration is usually fraught. Northern braviary are reluctant to accept the other species given their lack of any psionic ability. Coastal braviary see their counterparts as physically weak and see their preference for smaller prey as cowardice. Coastal braviary in the American interior usually eat far more than their share while not being well adapted to the common river species, causing strain in any company they join. Particularly strong individuals can still achieve relatively high rank in a company, but acceptance is rarely universal.