The Dark World

Entry 05 - Orbearer

This form has been filled in accordance with the Informative Template entry, and has been peer-reviewed by a scribe agent and approved by a superior officer.

Subject: Haze Vulture

Entry: 05

Instance: Collective

Threat Potentiality: Group

Status: Partially Contained

Summary: Inhabiting forests across North America, Entry-05 is a highly dangerous entity that quickly adapted to its environment after the Outbreak; it is capable of using elaborate traps and manifesting hallucinations to confuse its prey. They are known to carry a small pearly orb, a weapon capable of focusing their energy into streams of water and lightning.

They are solitary creatures, very rarely seen with another of their species; however, groups referred to as "Pacts" by the population have been reported to authorities with sizes ranging from 50 to over 150 individuals. Efforts to locate these pacts have been made, but given their sharp instincts and speed, they are often capable of escaping and establishing a new nest elsewhere.

Primarily communicating through deep raven-like calls, their expressions are very complex, showing slight differences depending on their relationship with other groups of the same species, tilting their heads in different ways to express approval, disapproval, anger and even laughter; in some cases they have been observed using subtle body signals such as lowering neck feathers or tilting their feet to coordinate and express discomfort with the interaction or an opening for an attack.

For Entry-05 instances, sharing territories and food sources often leads to conflict against locals and others of their species, the latter being the most predominant.

Although more studies are necessary to determine the intricacies of their groups, it is known that their pacts are led by much smaller members in comparison to an average Entry-05 individual, as they are often unable to hunt for themselves.

More studies are necessary to determine the intricacies of their groups, however some researchers have learned that their "pacts" are often led by much smaller Entry-05 instances, often 40-50% smaller than average Entry-05 individuals; it is theorized that their shorter stature allows for a much higher concentration of their energy, making them far more intimidating despite their smaller frame.

The Warden has speculated about the possibility of this dynamic involving some sort of higher understanding of their needs as a group; by donating their food to a less capable member of their community, they build trust and nurture their knowledge rather than physical strength and hunting instincts, which gives them more opportunities to learn and remember from past mistakes, essentially creating a long term strategist to guide the pact.

Containment Procedures: Although Entry-05 instances aren't difficult to track, their numbers pose a considerable challenge in ensuring they are fully contained.

During containment procedures, a mix of sound and visual lures are often used as the first step employed by Ward's personnel; this however may not work depending on the size of the group, especially if an experienced leader is able to recognize these as patterns. In such cases, captured instances of Entry-05 may be used instead, earning their trust and slowly harvesting data on their precise numbers and environment.

In emergencies, these methods may not work, as their groups will be vigilant and kill any member that isn't a part of their community on sight; this often happens when a group has targeted human settlements as their temporary source of food, which escalates their aggression as locals will attempt to retaliate regardless of the danger.

Although extremely rare, when no other methods can be followed for a peaceful reallocation or de-escalation, the Warden may intervene directly, often eliminating Entry-05 individuals that do not cooperate, and enacting a direct containment procedure.