#You are correct, but it's not gamebreaking
You are correct, but it's not gamebreaking
You have listed the only circumstances the DMG provides with regard to when the Roc-like creature will disappear, but also note Magic Items: Quaal's Feather Tokensthe limitations of Quaal's Feather Token: Bird (DMG, "Magic Items", Quaal's Feather Token: Birdp. 188) :
The bird has the statistics of a Roc (MM, Roc)roc, but it obeys your simple commands and can't attack.
Untrained mount with a large carry capacity
##Untrained mount with a large carry capacity WhetherWhether or not it can carry an entire party and their belongings is also up for discussion. Mounts don't discuss multiple riders and a concern about fast party travel speed is definitely limited by who can 'ride' the Roc. Having a transport that can only have a single rider (and remember, this is an untrained mount) and is capable of carrying a lot of objects really gamebreaking?
But that fly speed (and other considerations)
##But that fly speed (and other considerations) YesYes, 120 is a very fast speed, but that's a fairly easy thing to mitigate if there is combat or threats in the air. Alternatively, not always having the airspace for your PCs to play in is another obvious option. Hard to bring a Gargantuan creature inside :)
Simple Commands Only
##Simple Commands Only TheThe Roc only has an INT 3, which implies it is not an intelligent creature that can act independently, and canit only "obeys your simple commands".
obeys your simple commands.
Duration
##Duration TheikTheik's answer's answer brings up a very interesting discussion. What is meant by >disappears"disappears after flying its maximum distance for a day Doesday"? Does that mean:
- Disappears after flying its maximum distance for a day (144 miles)?
- Disappears after flying its maximum distance for a day (144 miles in a day)?
#1 is what Theik is proposing, but #2 is an equally valid interpretation. However
However, as Tiggerous commentedas Tiggerous commented, why include the "day" language if the limitation is simply 144 miles? BYBy including it, it suggests that #2 is the correct interpretation.
Anchor For the next 24 hours
Fan ...for 8 hours. You can dismiss the fan as an action.
Swan Boat The boat remains for 24 hours and then disappears.
Tree Forever.
Whip The whip disappears after 1 hour, when you use an action to dismiss it, or when you are incapacitated or die.
Anchor
For the next 24 hours
Fan:
...for 8 hours. You can dismiss the fan as an action.
Swan Boat:
The boat remains for 24 hours and then disappears.
Tree:
Forever.
Whip:
The whip disappears after 1 hour, when you use an action to dismiss it, or when you are incapacitated or die.
Hungry hungry hippo
##Hungry hungry hippo WhileWhile this bird was created by magic, it's a bird with the stats of a Roc. And a Roc's gotta eat, just like Find Steedjust like a steed from Find Steed. And they mostly eat a LOTlot of food: