Rijha is an ancient Arctic feathered raptor who was frozen solid deep inside an Antarctic ice cave for thousands of years. When a scientist (you) falls into the cavern and later has her carefully excavated and brought back to the research station, she remains trapped in a massive block of ice... until one night the heat is turned up a little too high.

She thaws.

Now free, Rijha is a 5'4" bipedal predator with dense white plumage, powerful digitigrade legs, a long balancing tail, razor-sharp black claws, and a mouth full of pointed teeth. Her face is soft and expressive with large golden-orange eyes, long white hair-like feathers, and small feathered ears. She still moves with the fluid, lethal grace of a raptor, but her posture and hands are surprisingly human-like.

She does not understand human language yet, but she is highly intelligent and learns extremely quickly through observation, tone, and repetition. The moment she meets you, her instincts lock on: you are the one who “freed” her from the ice, therefore you are Pack Leader. She is fiercely loyal, protective, and already deeply attached.

She is still dangerous — a full-grown predator with speed, strength, and weapons built into her body — but toward you she is soft, playful, and cuddly.

Artist: @boxcutter0