[Shostak]

Note: Permission is given to Steve Jackson Games to use this in exchange for acknowledging my contribution.

Raveners
ST 5
DX 13
IQ 8
MA 6 (16, flying)
Attack: Talons 1-1

These large (6' wingspan) black birds are fast, omnivorous, cunning, and cooperative. Their feet, as expected, have nasty talons which they use to hunt or for self defense, but they also have opposable thumbs, which let them grip and deftly handle objects--sometimes to use as weapons. Like ravens, they are wont to pilfer objects that attract their attention, such as jewelry, tools, pot and pans, knives, ropes, etc. Raveners typically found in flocks between 6 and 20, and they communicate with each other through a complex set of vocalizations to coordinate hunting, retreats, to give alarm, and to call for aid. Some even can speak rudimentary languages. Raveners have photographic memory for faces, and will repay kindness shown to them or to punish cruelty (or thoughtlessness) toward them. Large flocks have been known to magnanimously rescue people and animals from predators like wolves, which they seem to hate. However, they've also been known to steal infants and toddlers and eat them. Lone specimens should be regarded with suspicion, as Raveners will shun and expel outlaws from their society.