Specimen: #016

"FEATHERED"

Codename: Kaiser

Kaiser has the ability to sequester iron ions from the air surrounding him and actually form a living coat of iron on his own body! Living in active volcano territory has caused a massive buildup of iron dust and metallic ions to 'convert' His feathers into more of thin metal sheets. When he flies he makes the classic 'Clinking' and 'tinking' noise you expect to hear from sword fights- so silence isn't his strong suit. Along with flying, a lot of daily intense preening from his abrasive, whetstone-like beak has sharpened his feathers into basically daggers, swords and shields. When Kaiser molts his feathers- people have been known to use them as both shields and weapons themselves- but he doesn't shed often. Like a crab shedding its shell and needs to wait for it to harden again- his new feathers take a bit of time to regain their metallic nature. Kaiser has increased heat resistance and has been reported to abhor the cold and/or high humidity- as it makes his metal feathers brittle and rusty, and in turn- slow him down, increase his weight, and cause him much discomfort.