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{{Quote
{{Quote
|quote     = Oh, yes. Her erstwhile popularity, such as it was, is plummeting. Everyone agrees that she's been quite useless so far. Has the kingdom improved in any way? No one's life is any better, except of course for her own Outclaws, who are now rolling in treasure up there in the palace. I'm sure you saw that yourself. She pours wealth into the talons of those who bow and scrape to her, and she doesn't care a fig for anyone else.
|quote   = She stole you away and brainwashed you. You haven't thought for yourself in years. You do exactly what she tells you to and think whatever she tells you to think. You're not your own [[Dragons|dragon]], Grandson. Everyone knows her group is basically a cult. It's true; ask anyone. The whole [[Kingdom of Sand|kingdom]] has figured out that her [[Outclaws]] are blind followers. You don't want to be a blind follower, do you, Qibli? Don't you want to think for yourself?
|speaker   = Vulture to [[Qibli]] about [[Queen Thorn]] in ''[[Darkness of Dragons]]''.}}{{Charbox
|speaker = Vulture to [[Qibli]] about [[Thorn]], ''[[Darkness of Dragons]]''
|name       = Vulture
}}
|image     = VultureTemplate.png
{{Character
|age       = Possibly older than 50 (if the rumor of [[Cobra]] killing [[Queen Oasis]]'s sisters is true)  
|name     = Vulture
|gender     = Male
|image     =  
|tribe     = [[SandWings]]
<gallery>
|occupation = Leader of the [[Talons of Power (Organization)|Talons of Power]]
Vulture GN 1.png|Graphic Novel
|residence  = Unknown (Formerly [[Scorpion Den]])
VultureTemplateSSE.png|Reference
|status    = Alive
</gallery>
|Relation1  = Daughter
|age       = Older than 47 years (hatched before 4,965 AS)
|RName1    = [[Cobra]]
|gender   = Male
|Relation2  = Grandsons
|tribe     = [[SandWings]]
|RName2    = [[Qibli]], [[Sirocco]]
|powers    =  
|Relation3  = Granddaughters
|RName3    = [[Rattlesnake]]
|appeared  = ''[[Moon Rising]]'' (vision), ''[[Darkness of Dragons]]''
|quote = ''"Oubliette. Ooooooooubliette. It sounds much friendlier than it is, like you should be able to eat it at parties."''}}
'''Vulture''' is an elderly male [[SandWings|SandWing]] and a main antagonist of ''[[Darkness of Dragons]]''. He is the founder of the [[Talons of Power (Organization)|Talons of Power]], an organization located in the [[Scorpion Den]]. Vulture created the Talons in order to kill [[Queen Thorn]] and enthrone [[Ex-Princess Onyx]] so that he could indirectly control the power of the SandWing throne through her. After bombing [[Queen Thorn's Stronghold|Thorn's Stronghold]] in ''Darkness of Dragons'', he was lost in a sandstorm summoned by [[Qibli]], and, after his latest appearance in the [[The Lost City of Night|Lost City of Night]], he has not been seen again.


Before his disappearance, Vulture was extremely wealthy, well-respected, and powerful within the Scorpion Den. After Thorn left the Den to fulfill her duties as [[Dragon Queens|queen]], Vulture became its temporary new ruler.
|status    = Alive (as of ''[[Darkness of Dragons]]'')


== Appearance ==
|current  =  
Vulture has pale yellow scales<ref name=":0">''Darkness of Dragons'', page 78</ref> dotted with numerous dragon skull tattoos,<ref name=":1">''Darkness of Dragons'', page 54</ref> that symbolize the amount of dragons that Vulture has killed. He has a hooked snout<ref name=":1" /> (possibly his namesake), black eyes with golden rings like bottomless voids, and gold-leaf dip on his talons<ref name=":0" /> and tail barb{{Ref|DoD|78}}. He wears several accessories, including two black-and-golden spider-shaped earrings, a black cloak lined with gold, and gold chains along his wings<ref name=":0" />. He is also described as tall<ref name=":1" />, with a long neck<ref name=":0" />.
Founder of the [[Talons of Power (organization)|Talons of Power]],<br />
Crime lord
|former    =  


== Personality ==
|Relation1 = Daughter
According to [[King Darkstalker/King Darkstalker|Darkstalker]], Vulture is "a dragon made of paper who has never been happy one day in his life." Along with being cunning, deceitful, and sly, Vulture is selfish, conceited, and egotistical. He does not seem to care about anything other than wealth, infamy, and power, and deceived his own grandson, Qibli, in ''Darkness of Dragons'' in a ploy to steal the SandWing throne. He is willing to backstab or kill anyone who stands in the way of his plans, and often views dragons as though they equal to inanimate objects.
|RName1    = [[Cobra]]
|Relation2 = Granddaughter
|RName2    = [[Rattlesnake]]
|Relation3 = Grandsons
|RName3    = [[Sirocco]], [[Qibli]]


== Biography ==
|a2App    = ''[[Darkness of Dragons]]''
=== ''[[Moon Rising]]'' ===
|a2Men    = ''[[Winter Turning (book)|Winter Turning]]''
Near the beginning of the story, [[Moonwatcher]] had a vision of Qibli backed against a wall glaring up at three larger dragons, who were later confirmed to be Vulture himself, Sirocco, and Rattlesnake. Into their sneering faces, Qibli curled up his tail and shouted "Where is she?" In the vision, he was referring to Cobra, although in the book he never said those exact words.
|a2Oth    = ''[[Moon Rising (book)|Moon Rising]]'' (vision)
|gnMen    = ''[[Winter Turning (graphic novel)|Winter Turning]]''
|gnOth    = ''[[Moon Rising (graphic novel)|Moon Rising]]'' (vision)
}}
'''Vulture''' is an elderly male [[SandWing]] who was introduced in ''[[Darkness of Dragons]]''. Although he was once known as a powerful crime lord{{Ref|DoD|3}} and the king of the underworld{{Ref|DoD|62}} within the [[Scorpion Den]], his current whereabouts are unknown. He is the founder of the [[Talons of Power (organization)|Talons of Power]].


=== ''[[Darkness of Dragons]]'' ===
== Description ==
When Onyx kidnapped [[Ostrich]] and took her back to the Scorpion Den, Qibli, along with [[Ex-Prince Winter|Winter]], came to rescue her. They were taken back to Vulture's compound by Sirocco and Rattlesnake, where Vulture took Qibli to see his mother's prison. He explained that if [[Cobra]] was to be free, then Qibli was to write down all of Thorn's secrets on a blank scroll and give it to Vulture. After Qibli, along with Winter, Ostrich, and Cobra, escaped Vulture's compound, Qibli had his mother arrested for treason - the plan all along had been to bring Cobra into Thorn's stronghold only to kill her via poison.
Vulture has pale yellow scales{{Ref|DoD|78}} that are covered in hundreds of black [[Dragons|dragon]] skull tattoos,{{Ref|DoD|57}} appearing similar to a leopard from a distance.{{Ref|DoD|78}} He wears a black cape lined with gold, and gold chains are draped along his wings. His claws and tail barb{{Ref|DoD|83}} are dipped in gold leaf, and enormous black-and-gold earrings shaped like spiders gleam in his ears.{{Ref|DoD|78}} His obsidian,{{Ref|DoD|222}} glittering, hypnotic,{{Ref|DoD|90}} dark,{{Ref|DoD|78}} haunting{{Ref|DoD|159}} eyes are similar to the [[Eye of Onyx]]: not solid black, but black in loops all the way down, like looking into the longest, deepest hole in the world.{{Ref|DoD|90}} He is quite tall, with a hooked snout{{Ref|DoD|54}} and a long neck.{{Ref|DoD|78}} He has a slithering,{{Ref|DoD|221}} nightmarish shape,{{Ref|DoD|157}} a hypnotic voice,{{Ref|DoD|158}} and wears a heavy perfumed oil{{Ref|DoD|112}} that permeates the air.{{Ref|DoD|87}}


Later, Vulture bombed Thorn's stronghold, holding the "[[The Eye of Onyx|Eye of Onyx]]" in his talons - however, Thorn appeared and explained that Vulture was holding a fake, created both to trick thieves and spare their lives. As Vulture was making his grand speech, Onyx snuck up behind the queen, but Thorn was saved by Qibli's warning call. Thorn suggested a royal challenge instead of a covert assassination, since all the past challengers have come this way. Onyx accepted, and both she and Vulture believe she was worthy due to her royal blood. Afraid Onyx would be chosen, Qibli summoned a sandstorm with [[Princess Anemone|Princess Anemone's]] weather bracelets, and in the chaos of the storm, Vulture disappeared from the stronghold completely with no warning or sign.
== Personality ==
Vulture is sinister,{{Ref|DoD|228}} determined,{{Ref|DoD|186}} clever,{{Ref|DoD|163}} horrifying,{{Ref|DoD|117}} calm,{{Ref|DoD|104}} observant,{{Ref|DoD|103}} deceptive, confident,{{Ref|DoD|90}} smooth,{{Ref|DoD|91}} condescending,{{Ref|DoD|86}} commanding,{{Ref|DoD|82}} smug,{{Ref|DoD|79}} malevolent, cold, and calculating. His presence is large and terrifying,{{Ref|DoD|57}} and he is menacing,{{Ref|DoD|62}} with punishment for stealing from him being certain death.{{Ref|DoD|77}} He was once deeply entwined with the SandWing monarchy{{Ref|DoD|95}} and has a fierce hostility towards other tribes.{{Ref|DoD|101}} He does not like to be ordered around{{Ref|DoD|107}} and has very high standards.{{Ref|DoD|110}} He is desperate for the SandWing throne and [[Cobra]] once commented that Vulture would burn down the [[Kingdom of Sand]] before he ever gave up.{{Ref|DoD|186}} He often grinds down anyone who tries to disagree with him and if his opponent argued for too long, he is perfectly happy with winning the argument through "casual violence".{{Ref|DoD|81}} His eyes avidly scan his surroundings, cataloging the surrounding wealth in his head.{{Ref|DoD|222}} [[Darkstalker (L1)|Darkstalker]] described him as a dragon made of paper, with thin scales, loves treasure, lies about everything, and has never been happy.{{Ref|DoD|329}} Darkstalker's [[Animus enchantments#Treasure|soul reader]] depicted him as almost entirely evil.{{Ref|DoD|338}}


Throughout the book, Qibli always had a suspicion that Vulture would end up working for Darkstalker and become a juggernaut, taking over the world. That suspicion proved to be true later on, where Vulture is seen in [[The Lost City of Night]], bargaining and talking with Darkstalker about their alliance.
== Biography ==
=== The Jade Mountain Prophecy ===
{{Dropdown
|align  = left
|heading = ''[[Moon Rising (book)|Moon Rising]]''
|content = [[Qibli]] mentioned that his family hated him, and that it was not a big deal since they hated everyone. However, [[Moonwatcher]] saw in his mind that it was a big deal to him, and right after that Moon had a vision of Qibli backed against a wall glaring up at three larger dragons, who were later confirmed to be Vulture, [[Sirocco]], and [[Rattlesnake]]. Into their sneering faces, Qibli curled up his tail and shouted, "Where is she?", referring to Cobra. After Moon's vision, ironically, Qibli said, "... The best news of my life is that I'll never have to see any of my family ever again."'
}}
{{Dropdown
|align  = left
|heading = ''[[Winter Turning (book)|Winter Turning]]''
|content = Qibli said that his family would never do anything good to him when he was discussing families with [[Winter]].
}}
{{Dropdown
|align  = left
|heading = ''[[Darkness of Dragons]]''
|content = When [[Onyx]] kidnapped [[Ostrich (TBN)|Ostrich]] and took her back to the Scorpion Den, Qibli, along with Winter, came to rescue her. They were taken back to Vulture's compound by Sirocco and Rattlesnake, where Vulture took Qibli to see his mother's prison. He explained that if Cobra was to be free, then Qibli was to write down all of [[Thorn]]'s secrets on a blank scroll and give it to Vulture. After Qibli, along with Winter, Ostrich, and Cobra, escaped Vulture's compound, Qibli had his mother arrested for treason — the plan all along had been to bring Cobra into Thorn's stronghold only to kill her via poison.


Near the end of the book, when Darkstalker tried to convince Qibli to become an animus and work with him, he used his power to teleport Vulture in front of him. Darkstalker then enchanted Vulture many times, including to make him act like a hatchling, make him feel guilty for everything bad he had done, and make him be the best grandfather for Qibli. Darkstalker then made Vulture disappear. It is unknown what happened to him after that.
Later, Vulture bombed Thorn's stronghold, holding the "Eye of Onyx" in his talons — however, Thorn appeared and explained that Vulture was holding a fake version, created both to trick thieves and spare their lives. After Onyx attempted to kill her, Thorn suggested a royal challenge instead, since all the past challengers have come this way. Onyx accepted, and both she and Vulture believed she was worthy due to her royal blood. Afraid Onyx would be chosen, Qibli summoned a sandstorm with [[Anemone]]'s weather bracelets, and in the chaos of the storm, Vulture disappeared from the stronghold completely with no warning or sign.


== Quotes ==
Throughout the book, Qibli always had a suspicion that Vulture would end up working for Darkstalker and become a juggernaut, taking over the world. That suspicion proved to be true later when Vulture is seen in the [[lost city of night]], bargaining with Darkstalker about their alliance.
''"Oubliette. Ooooooooubliette. It sounds much friendlier than it is, like you should be able to eat it at parties." - ''To Qibli


''"Qibli. Just the dragon I've been waiting for."'' - To Qibli
Near the end of the book, when Darkstalker tried to convince Qibli to become an [[animus]] and work with him, he used his power to teleport Vulture in front of him. Darkstalker then enchanted Vulture many times, including to make him act like a hatchling, make him feel guilty for everything bad he had done, and make him be the best grandfather for Qibli. Darkstalker then made Vulture disappear. It is unknown what happened to him after that.
}}


''"It's perfectly normal to feel like your pet must think the way you do. It's happened to many dragons. The Camels' Rights Movement. Iguanas Are Dragons, Too. Save the Scavengers. World Walrus Fund. All very sweet, and very misguided. Save your energy for dragons, who can appreciate it."'' - Vulture to Winter <sup>''Darkness of Dragons'', [citation needed]</sup>
== Relationships ==
=== [[Qibli]] ===
Despite being Qibli's grandfather, Vulture hates and haunts him.{{Ref|DoD|66}} Vulture's punishment for stealing from him would be certain death,{{Ref|DoD|77}} and Qibli felt enraged when Vulture spoke badly of Thorn.{{Ref|DoD|87}} Vulture considers Qibli to be the smartest of Cobra's dragonets,{{Ref|DoD|89}} and while they are both equally observant,{{Ref|DoD|103}} Vulture was deceptive{{Ref|DoD|90}} towards him. He hurt Qibli and made him doubt that everything was real.{{Ref|DoD|329}}


''"What a whimsical friend you've brought for my entertainment." ''- Vulture to Qibli <sup>''Darkness of Dragons'', [citation needed]</sup>
== Family tree ==
{{Qibli Family Tree}}


''"Oh, really, Prince Winter? And how exactly do you intend to pay me, when your family thinks you're dead and your royal funds have been cut off?"'' - Vulture to Winter<sup> ''Darkness of Dragons'', [citation needed]</sup>
== Quotes ==
{{SingleQuote
|quote  = It's perfectly normal to feel like your pet must think the way you do. It's happened to many dragons. The Camels' Rights Movement. Iguanas Are Dragons, Too. Save the [[Scavengers]]. World Walrus Fund. All very sweet, and very misguided. Save your energy for dragons, who can appreciate it.
|speaker = to Winter, about scavengers
|book    = [[Darkness of Dragons]]
|page    = 81
}}
----
{{SingleQuote
|quote  = Her erstwhile popularity, such as it was, is plummeting. Everyone agrees that she's been quite useless so far. Has the kingdom improved in any way? No one's life is any better, except of course for her own [[Outclaws]], who are now rolling in treasure up there in the palace. She pours wealth into the talons of those who bow and scrape to her, and she doesn't care a fig for anyone else.
|speaker = to Qibli, about Thorn
|book    = [[Darkness of Dragons]]
|page    = 82-83
}}
----
{{SingleQuote
|quote  = And these tragic bombings, tsk. Dragons are ''dying'' and she hasn't done ''one thing'' about it. She has no idea who's responsible. If she even cares. But ''I'' do. ''I'' have found the culprits! ''I'' am the only one who can protect our tribe.
|speaker = to Qibli, about Thorn
|book    = [[Darkness of Dragons]]
|page    = 83
}}
----
{{SingleQuote
|quote  = You ''think'' you are. Because she stole you away and brainwashed you. You haven't thought for yourself in years. You do exactly what she tells you to and think whatever she tells you to think. You're not your own dragon, Grandson. Everyone knows her group is basically a cult. It's true; ask anyone. The whole kingdom has figured out that her Outclaws are blind followers. You don't want to be a blind follower, do you, Qibli? Don't you want to think for yourself?
|speaker = to Qibli, about Thorn
|book    = [[Darkness of Dragons]]
|page    = 90
}}
----
{{SingleQuote
|quote  = Friends! SandWings! Talons of Power! Listen to me! Have we really come to this? SandWings fighting SandWings? So soon after the war that tore our tribe apart? Look how divided we are! Do you know why we fight each other? Because we are ruled by a false [[queen]]. One who does not deserve this palace! She doesn't care about anyone but herself! She stole this throne to make herself rich! She's been letting SandWings die all over her kingdom without lifting a talon to save them. A ''good'' ruler would find the dragons responsible and protect you all! We need someone who will see the danger clearly! Our tribe is under attack, fellow SandWings!
|speaker = to several SandWing citizens
|book    = [[Darkness of Dragons]]
|page    = 158
}}


''"So, Grandson. I see that like many hundreds of SandWings across the kingdom, you've realized that Thorn is in no way qualified to be queen, and you've come to pledge your loyalty where it truly belongs."'' - Vulture to Qibli <sup>''Darkness of Dragons'', [citation needed]</sup>
== Trivia ==
* Each of Vulture's skull tattoos represents a dragon he has killed.{{Ref|DoD|62}}
* Vulture has always been interested in a business alliance with the [[IceWings]].{{Ref|DoD|100}}
* Vulture loves smelly cheese.{{Ref|DoD|117}}
* Vulture has a [[Vulture's compound|compound]] within the [[Scorpion Den|Scorpion]] [[Scorpion Den|Den]].
* [[Tui]] might make a Winglet for Cobra and/or Vulture, though this is not certain.{{Ref|Event|https://wingsoffire.fandom.com/wiki/User_blog:Tinyscourge1/Brand_New_Information_for_WoF_Books_11-15!!!}}


''"Oh, yes. Her erstwhile popularity, such as it was, is plummeting. Everyone agrees that she's been quite useless so far. Has the kingdom improved in any way? No one's life is any better, except of course for her own Outclaws, who are now rolling in treasure up there in the palace. She pours wealth into the talons of those who bow and scrape to her, and she doesn't care a fig for anyone else."'' - Vulture to Qibli ''<sup>Darkness of Dragons</sup>''<sup>, [citation needed]</sup>
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Vulture GN 1.png|Vulture from ''[[Moon Rising (graphic novel)]]'', by [[Mike Holmes]]
VultureTemplateSSE.png|Reference by {{U|SpaceshipEarth}}
</gallery>


''"Because we are ruled by a false queen, one who does not deserve this palace! She doesn't care about anyone but herself! She stole this throne to make herself rich! She's been letting SandWings die all over her kingdom without lifting a talon to save them."'' - Vulture to the SandWings stationed at [[Queen Thorn's Stronghold|Thorn's Stronghold]] ''<sup>Darkness of Dragons</sup>''<sup>, [citation needed]</sup>
<gallery widths="80" heights="80" caption="Art by [[Mike Holmes]], from the [[:Category:Graphic novels|Wings of Fire Graphic Novels]]">
Vulture GN 2.png
</gallery>


''"[[Talons of Power (Organization)|We're]] the new law and order in this town, and soon in the whole kingdom. I had them looking into these heartbreaking attacks and the dreadful mess Thorn has made of investigating. We discovered who's responsible and we'll bring them to justice."'' - Vulture to Qibli ''<sup>Darkness of Dragons</sup>''<sup>, [citation needed]</sup>
== References ==
{{References}}
{{EventReferences}}


== Trivia ==
{{SandWing Navbox}}
* A vulture is a bird of prey that is known for eating rotting animals.
* In ''Darkness of Dragons'', he says "Great snakes", which is a famous expression the character [http://tintin.wikia.com/Tintin Tintin] uses in his movie.
* Each of Vulture's skull tattoos represents a dragon he has killed. This gruesome display was also taken up by two of his grandchildren, [[Rattlesnake]] and [[Sirocco]]. It is rumored they have the tattoos for the same purpose and not just for show.
* Vulture is the name of Upper Egypt, as Cobra is the name of Lower Egypt.
* According to Cobra, Vulture has always been interested in a business alliance with the [[IceWings]]<ref>''Darkness of Dragons'', page 100</ref>.


== Family Tree ==
[[de:Vulture]]
{{Qibli Family Tree}}
[[fr:Vautour]]
[[pl:Sęp]]
[[ru:Стервятник]]


== Gallery ==
{{Gallery Hider/start}}
<gallery navigation="true">
SandTransparent.png|A typical SandWing (lineart), by [[Joy Ang]]
Germansandwing.jpg|A typical SandWing from the German publication, by [[Max Meinzold]]
VultureTemplate.png|Reference by [[User:Platypus the SeaWing|Platypus the SeaWing]]
SandWing Sigil.png|SandWing Sigil by [[User:Platypus the SeaWing|Platypus the SeaWing]]
Vulture in the Skies.png|Vulture by xTheDragonRebornx|link=http://xthedragonrebornx.deviantart.com/art/Vultures-in-the-Skies-693029003?
vulture_by_spookapi-dcdv413.jpg|Vulture by Spookapi
hey__grandpa_________by_xshadowseekerx-dc1a0ov.png|Hey, Gramps by XshadowseekerX
conniving__vulture_wof__by_blizztheicewing-dc8gd5o.png|Vulture by [[user:PastelMorning|PastelMorning]]
wings_of_fire__vulture_by_hakkenryu-dchneo6.png.jpg|Vulture by hakkenryu-dchneo6
4eb857b83926db53519732f8333904e1.png|Vulture by SharkCatz
91e850b8c098f018fe6ee91e699a1765.jpg|A Real Vulture (photo by National Geographic)
Vulture.png|Charismatic by [[user:PastelMorning|PastelMorning]]
C7BEE760-7A68-44DD-9670-F09C4870084F.jpeg|Vulture by [[User:Tailbite10|Tailbite10]]
vulture2019.png|Vulture by [[User:SpaceshipEarth|SpaceshipEarth]]
Vulture .png|Chibi Vulture
</gallery>
{{Gallery Hider/end}}
== <br />References ==
<references />{{SandWing Navbox}}
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Males]]
[[Category:Males]]
[[Category:Appeared in MR]]
[[Category:Appeared in DoD]]
[[Category:Antagonists]]
[[Category:Animus touched]]
[[Category:Mentioned in WT]]
[[Category:Supporting characters]]
[[Category:Dragons]]
[[Category:SandWings]]
[[Category:SandWings]]
[[Category:DoD Characters]]
[[Category:Antagonists]]
[[Category:Animus Touched]]
[[Category:Dragons of Unknown Fate]]

Latest revision as of 09:52, 16 October 2025

"She stole you away and brainwashed you. You haven't thought for yourself in years. You do exactly what she tells you to and think whatever she tells you to think. You're not your own dragon, Grandson. Everyone knows her group is basically a cult. It's true; ask anyone. The whole kingdom has figured out that her Outclaws are blind followers. You don't want to be a blind follower, do you, Qibli? Don't you want to think for yourself?"
— Vulture to Qibli about Thorn, Darkness of Dragons

Vulture is an elderly male SandWing who was introduced in Darkness of Dragons. Although he was once known as a powerful crime lord[1] and the king of the underworld[2] within the Scorpion Den, his current whereabouts are unknown. He is the founder of the Talons of Power.

Description

Vulture has pale yellow scales[3] that are covered in hundreds of black dragon skull tattoos,[4] appearing similar to a leopard from a distance.[3] He wears a black cape lined with gold, and gold chains are draped along his wings. His claws and tail barb[5] are dipped in gold leaf, and enormous black-and-gold earrings shaped like spiders gleam in his ears.[3] His obsidian,[6] glittering, hypnotic,[7] dark,[3] haunting[8] eyes are similar to the Eye of Onyx: not solid black, but black in loops all the way down, like looking into the longest, deepest hole in the world.[7] He is quite tall, with a hooked snout[9] and a long neck.[3] He has a slithering,[10] nightmarish shape,[11] a hypnotic voice,[12] and wears a heavy perfumed oil[13] that permeates the air.[14]

Personality

Vulture is sinister,[15] determined,[16] clever,[17] horrifying,[18] calm,[19] observant,[20] deceptive, confident,[7] smooth,[21] condescending,[22] commanding,[23] smug,[24] malevolent, cold, and calculating. His presence is large and terrifying,[4] and he is menacing,[2] with punishment for stealing from him being certain death.[25] He was once deeply entwined with the SandWing monarchy[26] and has a fierce hostility towards other tribes.[27] He does not like to be ordered around[28] and has very high standards.[29] He is desperate for the SandWing throne and Cobra once commented that Vulture would burn down the Kingdom of Sand before he ever gave up.[16] He often grinds down anyone who tries to disagree with him and if his opponent argued for too long, he is perfectly happy with winning the argument through "casual violence".[30] His eyes avidly scan his surroundings, cataloging the surrounding wealth in his head.[6] Darkstalker described him as a dragon made of paper, with thin scales, loves treasure, lies about everything, and has never been happy.[31] Darkstalker's soul reader depicted him as almost entirely evil.[32]

Biography

The Jade Mountain Prophecy

Moon Rising
Qibli mentioned that his family hated him, and that it was not a big deal since they hated everyone. However, Moonwatcher saw in his mind that it was a big deal to him, and right after that Moon had a vision of Qibli backed against a wall glaring up at three larger dragons, who were later confirmed to be Vulture, Sirocco, and Rattlesnake. Into their sneering faces, Qibli curled up his tail and shouted, "Where is she?", referring to Cobra. After Moon's vision, ironically, Qibli said, "... The best news of my life is that I'll never have to see any of my family ever again."'
Winter Turning
Qibli said that his family would never do anything good to him when he was discussing families with Winter.
Darkness of Dragons

When Onyx kidnapped Ostrich and took her back to the Scorpion Den, Qibli, along with Winter, came to rescue her. They were taken back to Vulture's compound by Sirocco and Rattlesnake, where Vulture took Qibli to see his mother's prison. He explained that if Cobra was to be free, then Qibli was to write down all of Thorn's secrets on a blank scroll and give it to Vulture. After Qibli, along with Winter, Ostrich, and Cobra, escaped Vulture's compound, Qibli had his mother arrested for treason — the plan all along had been to bring Cobra into Thorn's stronghold only to kill her via poison.

Later, Vulture bombed Thorn's stronghold, holding the "Eye of Onyx" in his talons — however, Thorn appeared and explained that Vulture was holding a fake version, created both to trick thieves and spare their lives. After Onyx attempted to kill her, Thorn suggested a royal challenge instead, since all the past challengers have come this way. Onyx accepted, and both she and Vulture believed she was worthy due to her royal blood. Afraid Onyx would be chosen, Qibli summoned a sandstorm with Anemone's weather bracelets, and in the chaos of the storm, Vulture disappeared from the stronghold completely with no warning or sign.

Throughout the book, Qibli always had a suspicion that Vulture would end up working for Darkstalker and become a juggernaut, taking over the world. That suspicion proved to be true later when Vulture is seen in the lost city of night, bargaining with Darkstalker about their alliance.

Near the end of the book, when Darkstalker tried to convince Qibli to become an animus and work with him, he used his power to teleport Vulture in front of him. Darkstalker then enchanted Vulture many times, including to make him act like a hatchling, make him feel guilty for everything bad he had done, and make him be the best grandfather for Qibli. Darkstalker then made Vulture disappear. It is unknown what happened to him after that.

Relationships

Qibli

Despite being Qibli's grandfather, Vulture hates and haunts him.[33] Vulture's punishment for stealing from him would be certain death,[25] and Qibli felt enraged when Vulture spoke badly of Thorn.[14] Vulture considers Qibli to be the smartest of Cobra's dragonets,[34] and while they are both equally observant,[20] Vulture was deceptive[7] towards him. He hurt Qibli and made him doubt that everything was real.[31]

Family tree

UnknownVulture
UnknownCobra
SiroccoRattlesnakeQibli


Quotes

"It's perfectly normal to feel like your pet must think the way you do. It's happened to many dragons. The Camels' Rights Movement. Iguanas Are Dragons, Too. Save the Scavengers. World Walrus Fund. All very sweet, and very misguided. Save your energy for dragons, who can appreciate it."
― to Winter, about scavengers (Darkness of Dragons, page 81)
"Her erstwhile popularity, such as it was, is plummeting. Everyone agrees that she's been quite useless so far. Has the kingdom improved in any way? No one's life is any better, except of course for her own Outclaws, who are now rolling in treasure up there in the palace. She pours wealth into the talons of those who bow and scrape to her, and she doesn't care a fig for anyone else."
― to Qibli, about Thorn (Darkness of Dragons, page 82-83)
"And these tragic bombings, tsk. Dragons are dying and she hasn't done one thing about it. She has no idea who's responsible. If she even cares. But I do. I have found the culprits! I am the only one who can protect our tribe."
― to Qibli, about Thorn (Darkness of Dragons, page 83)
"You think you are. Because she stole you away and brainwashed you. You haven't thought for yourself in years. You do exactly what she tells you to and think whatever she tells you to think. You're not your own dragon, Grandson. Everyone knows her group is basically a cult. It's true; ask anyone. The whole kingdom has figured out that her Outclaws are blind followers. You don't want to be a blind follower, do you, Qibli? Don't you want to think for yourself?"
― to Qibli, about Thorn (Darkness of Dragons, page 90)
"Friends! SandWings! Talons of Power! Listen to me! Have we really come to this? SandWings fighting SandWings? So soon after the war that tore our tribe apart? Look how divided we are! Do you know why we fight each other? Because we are ruled by a false queen. One who does not deserve this palace! She doesn't care about anyone but herself! She stole this throne to make herself rich! She's been letting SandWings die all over her kingdom without lifting a talon to save them. A good ruler would find the dragons responsible and protect you all! We need someone who will see the danger clearly! Our tribe is under attack, fellow SandWings!"
― to several SandWing citizens (Darkness of Dragons, page 158)

Trivia

  • Each of Vulture's skull tattoos represents a dragon he has killed.[2]
  • Vulture has always been interested in a business alliance with the IceWings.[35]
  • Vulture loves smelly cheese.[18]
  • Vulture has a compound within the Scorpion Den.
  • Tui might make a Winglet for Cobra and/or Vulture, though this is not certain.[event 1]

References

  1. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 3
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Darkness of Dragons, page 62
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Darkness of Dragons, page 78
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Darkness of Dragons, page 57
  5. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 83
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Darkness of Dragons, page 222
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Darkness of Dragons, page 90
  8. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 159
  9. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 54
  10. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 221
  11. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 157
  12. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 158
  13. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 112
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Darkness of Dragons, page 87
  15. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 228
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Darkness of Dragons, page 186
  17. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 163
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Darkness of Dragons, page 117
  19. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 104
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Darkness of Dragons, page 103
  21. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 91
  22. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 86
  23. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 82
  24. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 79
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Darkness of Dragons, page 77
  26. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 95
  27. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 101
  28. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 107
  29. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 110
  30. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 81
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Darkness of Dragons, page 329
  32. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 338
  33. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 66
  34. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 89
  35. ↑ Darkness of Dragons, page 100
  1. ↑ Stated by Tui, source 


SandWings
Queens

Present: Oasis • Thorn
Historical: Scorpion

Royalty

Blaze • Blister • Burn • Char • Scald • Singe • Smolder • Sunny • Onyx

Jade Mountain

Arid • Onyx • Ostrich • Pronghorn • Qibli • Sunny

Other Dragons
(Present)

Addax • Agave • Armadillo • Camel • Capybara • Cereus • Cobra • Dune • Horizon • Jerboa III • Kindle • Meerkat • Needle • Ocotillo • Ostrich • Palm • Parch • Prickle • Quicksand • Rattlesnake • Saguaro • Sandstorm • Sirocco • Six-Claws • Tawny • Torch • Viper • Vulture

Other Dragons
(Historical)

Jerboa • Jerboa II

Hybrids

Sunny

Kingdom

Blaze's fortress • Blister's hideout • Great Five-Tail River • Jerboa III's hut • North Beach • Possibility • SandWing stronghold • Scorpion Den

Society

Outclaws • Talons of Power • War of SandWing Succession


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