Alcohol Hummingbird

Description

The alcohol hummingbird is a small, winged avian which feeds off of alcoholic spirits. It appears very similar to the normal hummingbird, which looks like any other small bird, except that when in flight, their wings beat so fast that they appear as only a blur to any observer. They are also able to hover in place, and dart from place to place, accelerating to full speed or coming to a complete stop instantly.

Alcohol hummingbirds are very colorful, having bright red, green and yellow plumage. But because of their speed this does not make them easier to spot.

Combat

Unlike their wild counterparts these tiny creatures will not flee immediately from any large creature. Unless they detect some danger to themselves. They have no attack forms, and cannot do damage. Their ability to dart about makes them extremely difficult to hit in combat, and their speed allows them to avoid almost any predator. Also because of their quick movements, they almost always surprise (+5 on surprise rolls) anyone coming upon them. Their speed often allows them to escape even before being detected.

Habit/Society

These unique creatures were created as pets and curiosities for small taverns and inns. They retain the natural curiosity of their wild cousins. Often darting in and out of cabinets and closets in search of food. To keep alive the Alcohol Hummingbird must consume alcohol, this helps to keep them from escaping to the wild and makes sure that they return to their home. They often get into trouble poking around customers drinks, getting in the way of dart games, looking for a drink to sustain themselves. Hummingbirds often form patterns that are hard for others to notice as they seem to randomly dart from table to table looking for a drink. Only the hummingbird knows the pattern and only through careful observation will the pattern be detected. If more than one hummingbird is encountered they will always be a mated pair and one or two chicks. Alcohol hummingbirds mate for life and the death of a partner will often lead to the wasting away and death of the surviving partner.

Ecology

The Alcohol Hummingbird is not a natural animal, it lives off of the alcohol provided by its owners and is almost totally dependant on them. The hummingbird must drink four times its weight in alcohol every day to keep alive. Because of its small size it must spread its drinks over several hours. The hummingbird often gets its drinks out of the mugs and glasses of the guests at the inn or tavern. The hummingbird never shows signs of becoming drunk like other creatures, when it is full it will often return to its nest in the rafters or in a specially constructed box. If for some reason the hummingbird drinks from a particularly strong drink it will move at double its normal rate for two rounds.

It is possible to find Alcohol Hummingbirds in the wild, but it would have to be a special, even magical place, where they could obtain alcohol to drink. An example of a such places would be Whimsy Wine (q.v. Popular & Strange Alcohols Amongst the Worlds) springs. Alcohol Hummingbird are commonly found around such magical places.

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