Noa, Helinsae (3.5e Monster)

With a loud trilling squawk, this large flightless bird raises its' long shaggy gray feathers as if to intimidate, then taking off at an intense sprint as you approach.

Imported from Palantium long ago, the Helsinsae noa is the most common mount and beast of burden on the holy shard of Helsinsid.

Helsinsid noas stand about 8 feet tall and weigh around 230 pounds. They are slightly finer boned than their Palantium ancestors, but the largest difference is the long, sweeping bone structure of their skulls, which is topped with a a breathing valve like nostrils, or a whale's blowhole. This allows them to breathe easier during the sandstorms frequent on that shard, as their nostrils filter out the fine sand.

Helsinsid noas reach maturity at around a year of age, living up to eighteen years in captivity. At around twelve years old, some males-forced by overpopulation or enviromental hazards, further mature into a stage known by the locals as a drayli.

Carrying Capacity: A light load for a Helinsae noa is up to 150 pounds; a medium load, 151–300 pounds; and a heavy load, 301–450 pounds. A Helsinsae noa can drag 2,250 pounds. All species of noa are treated as quadrupeds for determining their carrying capacity.

Combat
Slightly more aggressive than their Palantium counterparts, Helinsae noas usually seek to chase foes away, although they turn and run before attacking.