History

Avians are a proud race set apart from the rest of the world. Some would say they are too proud, and too far apart. High up in the mountains of Le’ever Hashamayim Xyrpmya in the kingdom of Mizrah Atara, they look down on the world in both altitude and attitude. While some do not adhere to this stereotype, most will never be able to shed their superiority complex outside the peaks of their mountain home.

Legends tell of a time when the Avian people had the gift of flight and their bird-like qualities were more than feathered hair and tiny talons. Tales still linger of when the Avians did not need their complex walkways and suspended bridges connecting each of the peaks high above the world. Some would have the world believe that they angered the Gods; others describe a Dragon’s wrath and jealousy. The less devout suggest that the race grew more connected with their inventions and machines and simply no longer needed their wings. A darker tale tells of a division of the race which involves Harpies, but there are too many versions and too little proof to give it much weight. One of the most common tales told among the Avian people is that of the Shadow.

The Shadow

The facts about the Shadow, the shadow realms and the connection they have to the Avians are unavailable. Whether this is a result of time, a desire to forget a tragic history, or a deeply guarded secret of the race, is unknown. There is a fable that is told to young Avians that has a number of variations. The names and enemies change, but the essence and truth of the warning remains the same.

Trust not in the Shadow.

Be mindful of the Shadow.

Respect the power of the Shadow. The tale is simple in the most common telling. Long ago, the Avian race lived among the treetops. The thick canopy of the forest shielded them from the lesser races below. They would fly free about the sky and were the envy of all those who were bound to the lands below. Time passed and the lesser races grew more and more jealous of the Avians and their safe lifestyles. The ones below would complain about the darkness in which they dwelt. They lived in shadow ridden days, with nights as black as pitch. The Avians enjoyed the warmth of the sun, and nights well-lit by the moon and stars. They had no predators which they could not easily escape or send crashing back to the ground where they belonged.

A time came when the lesser races were learning to use tools and weapons. They threatened to take the trees from beneath the Avians and destroy them all. The Avians were too confident in their safety to pay much heed to this threat, so they went about their lives without care. They were unskilled in matters of combat. They knew little of the tools and capabilities of those who dwelt beneath them. When the trees began to fall, they were completely unprepared.

There was mass panic and many lives were lost as the shield beneath them gave way to clear lines of attack. The enemy below had crafted tools which could send death towards them at great heights, and bring down their nests with little warning. The enemy learned to control the elements and call upon the darkness to reach up and snatch them from their homes.

A small group of daring Avians sought answers to what was to become their doom. They ventured below the canopy to try to learn about the threats they were facing. Sadly, they were far too late and were met with an ever growing cloud of darkness that stung their lungs and burned their eyes. They fell to the ground where their enemies were most dominant. It is here that their despair was first met by the Shadow.

A whisper came unto them and promised salvation: “Accept my embrace and I shall conceal you from your enemies.”

Recognizing that there was no greater danger in accepting a fate at the hands of the unknown, they agreed and found themselves in a bleak and seemingly empty world. Cruel reflections of the lands around them loomed. Darker and more twisted versions of their enemies were everywhere.

Here they also met reflections of themselves, resplendent in colors of darkness. The reflections promised that with their combined numbers they could fight free of this terrible place. Seeing no other choice, they fought alongside their dark copies for days until they were nearly free of the forest. As freedom lay within sight, the shadows told them they would be bound to this plane forever. They had been betrayed. When their hope had gone, each Avian would lose their color and become unrecognizable as the person they once were.

Those Avians who did not lose hope sought an escape, and eventually found it. The enemies that pursued them had discovered their location and a means to attack. They created gateways into the darkness and filled them with hungry flames. The dark reflections were driven back, and while the Avians were not, they had no allies in the face of this new threat. A brave Avian convinced the rest to try and rush through the flames and take their chances in the familiar skies outside this place of darkness. Those who could muster some hope and courage made the charge to freedom.

Flocks of Avians breached the gateways. Each of them was scorched and seared by the fires of both worlds. Their wings were the first to burn away. Some Avians fell from the sky as their feathers burned away, while others never left the ground. The enemy did not expect this act and were unprepared to deal with the number of smoldering bodies now running among them. While a good many were captured and killed, more escaped and fled across the open lands. The burns never healed, and the nights were cold and full of unfamiliar sounds. Dark whispers followed them and promised to claim them once again.

The Shadow had become a part of them far more than the other races. Their time spent in the shadow lands would be forever linked to their spirits. Even as they fled to higher grounds where shadows rarely reached, the whispers were always there.

Eventually, they made their home on the tops of the mountains. They hoped that time would heal their spirits and give them back their flight, but it has never come to pass. The Shadow has kept a tight hold upon them and promises to reclaim them one day. Only by working as one, learning more about every topic than their enemies and gaining dominion over their shadows will they ever retake the skies.

Geography

There is only one Avian civilization: the mountaintop kingdom of Mizrah Atara, located in the mountains of Le’ever Hashamayim Xyrpmya, north of Berphaunt. The Avians make their home high in the peaks of the mountains, which they treat like islands, connected with massive bridges and walkways. There are no other known Avian settlements.

Culture

Avian society is divided by peak, and each peak is named after the groupings of Avians classified by Societies. The Societies are connected by massive bridges and walkways with massive cables reaching to the skies beyond the clouds. None of the other races have ever been allowed to live among the Avians, but those few visitors graced with the chance to visit cannot explain where the cables are anchored and the Avians do not say. There is only one way into Mizrah Atara, but there are many ways out. An enormous stairway which can be raised in the event of an assault as well as the burden of moving an army up mountains have kept the Avians free from outside threats.

Each Society is equal for the most part and focuses on one aspect of study to contribute to the greatness of their culture. It is possible to move from Society to Society until one finds their place. While each Society is focused on their area of study, all societies are known to be tinkerers and students of the strange Avian technologies. They are ruled by a monarchy with a council representative from each of the Societies. The current ruler is Empress Diellza Th’rill. She succeeded the throne from her father Emperor Vzz’th Th’rill.

It is common for Avians to change their names or choose names for themselves when leaving the peaks of their homeland. They believe the names of their homeland would be too complicated for the lesser cultures to understand, or those cultures are not advanced enough to merit knowing their given names. Only the Empress or Emperor uses their given name at all times and in all dealings. In this way respect is shown to potential allies, which can be useful when arranging trade with the lesser cultures and kingdoms.

Trade and Commerce

All Societies work toward the common goals of the Empire. Wealth is measured in knowledge and proficiency, not by material goods. This is not to say that Avians do not understand the value of currency. Avians completely understand currency and the uses that the lesser races have for it. It is a vital part of establishing trade and relations, but Avians themselves have no use or need for it within the peaks. All needs are provided for by one Society or another.

Marriage and Mating

Most marriages are arranged within Avian culture. Families that do not have as much standing as others have begun to let this tradition go, and the higher families look down on them for it. Pairings are not always to the liking of the couples, but chances are they will not spend very much time with each other, be from the same Society, or do much more than produce offspring. Avians do not have much time for matters of the heart when there is study and progression of one’s purpose to attend to.

Education

When an Avian child is born, they are taken to the Clamor Society. Here they are raised by Avians who have dedicated their lives to training the young and preparing them for their Rite of Recognition. Parents of the child are permitted to visit, but rarely do. Children in Avian society are not held in high regard. Many would say that a child does not exist until they pass through the Rite of Recognition. Avians tend to find the attachments the other races have for their children to be quite strange. Children do not improve the Empire by simply existing, but only after they are admitted to a Society.

Rite of Recognition

Some time after before becoming a teenager, Avians begin to learn the secrets of their race and their ties to the shadows. When they about to reach an age where their spirits are strong enough to resurrect, they are taken to a sacred place and tested in their understanding. This test comes in the form of building a Spirit Anchor, and then being thrown from the peaks. An Avian who successfully anchors to safety is Recognized, and begins to choose a purpose. Some are assigned to a Society in which they must strive to be accepted, but this is not always the case.

The child’s parents are informed of the survival and the birth of a new Avian into the Empire is celebrated. This day is seen as their birthday and is often when they are given a proper name. Those who fail are forgotten. Given this tradition, it is easy to see why emotional attachments are not wasted on children.

Elders and Funeral Rites

Elder Avians are often seated at the highest ranks of their Society. They are considered to have the greatest wealth of knowledge their Society has to offer and are responsible for sharing it with those younger than them. Age is an obvious sign of greater understanding to Avians, as it is unheard of for the elderly to be uneducated. Avian minds are at their strongest in the final years of their lives, and do not suffer the failures of the lesser races.

It is considered a great honour to record the final musings of a passing elder. When an Avian reaches their twilight years it is common for them to move to the Bevy Society.  Elders are provided comfort, peace, rest and quiet in their final months. It is here that select Avians from every society are chosen to come and be fortunate enough to record the final words and works of their respective elders.  A solemn complement of highly skilled members of the Exaltation Society are always present to dispatch Shadows as they inevitably arise.  No living Avian can recall a time that a Shadow ever escaped Bevy Peak to reach the other societies.

In death, there are a few different traditions followed. The most common practice is for those who respected the deceased to place a feather with the body, recognize their accomplishments, and see the body dropped from the peaks. Another common tradition sees the body burned instead of dropped and the ashes carried by the winds to greater heights. These are gestures only, as the body no longer carries the spirit of the Avian. Once the Shadow has risen, the Avian spirit has already moved on.  Even still, it is said that one of these practices must be completed before the new moon or the shadow will rise again and again to corrupt their life’s works.

Common Quirks & Superstitions

Avians are not a very superstitious race. Their innate pull towards logic and the rational tends to prevent such flights of fancy. They do strongly believe that all sentient creatures have a shadow side, which whispers to them constantly. This leads to a general distrust of the lesser races. An Avian might trust his or her allies, but knows the Shadow is constantly working to ruin those bonds. Avians tend to be very loyal to those who earn their trust as a result, as this helps their allies resist the Shadow’s will.

It is a deep honour to be given a feather by an Avian.

Societies

Each Society has an Elder who represents them to the Ascension Society in council. All the Societies provide for each other and work together for the improvement of the Empire. Even if the purpose of one Society would conflict with another if they were outside the Empire, they recognize the greater purpose is always the Empire itself and petty differences are a concern for the lower races. This is not to say there are no rivalries, conflicts, or outright hatreds but they are never allowed to escalate to the detriment of the Empire.

As purpose is the most important thing to an Avian, each individual strives to join a Society. Admittance into the Society of one’s choice is not assured, but there are menial Societies for those who do not achieve excellence. Some younger Avians will go out into the world to gain an edge in their purpose before returning to their homeland to be accepted to their Society of choice. It is a crushing failure to be denied for lack of aptitude in these instances.

Every peak contains at least one Society of Avians. Each Society will work in concert with other societies to ensure that all needs are met, and no progress is ever impeded. While it would be common to see someone from some of these Societies outside the Empire, it would be unheard of to find others. The following is a brief list of each Society by name, and their area of study. Societies which contribute to the upkeep of the Empire would almost never leave the peaks. Those who study magic, other races, or politics are commonly seen far and wide seeking new knowledge.

Ascension: The seat of political power. Nobility and those who would treat with the outside world.

Bevy: Those who tend to the elderly and stand guard to dispatch their shadow when they die.

Brace: Those who study the ways of Necromancy.

Bury: Those who study the ways of Dragons.

Cast: Those who tend the farms.

Chain: Those who study the ways of Nature.

Charm: Those who study martial tactics and warfare.

Chattering: Those who study the ways of Elven races.

Clamor: Those who raise all children within Avian society.

Clutch: Those who study the ways of Healing.

Colony: Those who study the True Fae.

Company: Those who study the ways of Humanoid Races.

Congregation: Those who study the ways of the Mystics and the Spirit.

Conspiracy: Those who study the Elemental power of Fire.

Convocation: Those who master the ways of Smithing.

Cote: Those who study Demons and Angels.

Cover: Those who study Lowlander politics and geography.

Covey: Those who study the Savage gods.

Crèche: Those who make clothing.

Deceit: Those who study the ways of Runic magic.

Descent: Those who study the ways of Alchemy.

Dissimulation: Those who study traps and locks.

Dole: Those who study art and music.

Drift: Those who manage the inventory and resources of Mizrah Atara.

Dule: Those who study the ways of Goblinoid races.

Exaltation: The training peak for those who become the Royal Guard.

Fall: Those who study history and keep designs and records.

Flush: Those who study the Gods of Darkness.

Gaggle: Those who study the ways of spycraft.

Hedge: Those who study the ways of Sigil magic.

Host: Those who study Wines and Brews.

Huddle: Those who study the ways of the mortal Fae races.

Kettle: Those who master the ways of the Scribe.

Lamentation: Those who study the ways of Psionics.

Murder: Those who study the Elemental power of Water.

Murmuration: Those who study the ways of Dwarven races.

Muster: Those who study the ways of technology and invention.

Nide: Those who study the ways of Assassination.

Ostentation: Those who study numbers and the stars.

Parcel: Those who study the ways of Protections.

Parliament: Those who study the Elemental power of Air.

Piteousness: Those who monitor each society and assign placements.

Pitying: Those who go out into the world as explorers.

Raft: Those who are masters of Summoning.

Rafter: Those who study the ways of Bestial races.

Scold: Those who are masters of Enchantment.

Sedge: Those who study the Astral Void.

Sord: Those who study the Gods of Light.

Spring: Those who build homes and study masonry.

Storytelling: Those who study beasts of all forms.

Tidings: Those who clean and dispose of unwanted items.

Unkindness: Those who study the Construct races.

Wake: Those who study the Elemental power of Stone.

Walk: Those who are the Royal Guard and Safekeepers of the Empire.

Watch: Those who maintain the bridges and walkways.

Wisp: Those who study the ways of Wytchcraft.

Politics

The Exaltation Society is the only military body of which the outside world knows. Also called the Royal Guard, they are the only soldiers visible at the Great Stairway. As Mizrah Atara has never been invaded, the outside world is unable to ascertain if they are the only standing force. It does not take much intelligence to figure out that attacking a kingdom with only one entrance suspended over dizzying heights is foolish. Couple this with the idea that every Avian has dedicated their lives to becoming experts in a single subject, and they are a fearsome enemy indeed.

None may see the Empress. All interactions are completed with representatives, and they carry her authority in all political dealings with the outside world. The Ascension Society are the only ones who may deal with the Empress directly. All Avians love the Empress and recognize the need for her seclusion from the outside world. She is said to be the most beautiful of all Avians, and the most skilled in every way.

Punishments

The Empire has no prisons. It would be foolish to have prisons among a race that cannot be held captive. It stands to reason that they only have one punishment for any crime that goes against the Greater Purpose: exile.

Avians who are exiled are often marked and known as the Flightless. They often die outside the comforts of the Empire, but some have managed to survive, if living in shame can be called survival.

Common Personalities and Views

Avians are generally a very lawful and pleasant race. They understand that the lesser races have not had the comforts of the Empire, or the advantages of learning that they have. Avians are often seen as helpful and friendly, if not a little arrogant and condescending. It is common for them to offer their assistance, ideas, and opinions – even when they may not have been asked for them. Some may manifest this as arrogance or mildly condescending tones, while others have nothing but contempt for the lesser races. It is deeply engrained within the personality of every Avian that no task is worth doing if it will not be done to perfection.

The personality of an Avian will depend heavily on which Society they are from. Their religious views may vary, unless they are from one of the Societies which focus heavily on the gods or dragons. In any case, Avians are a united people. They are conditioned from birth to understand that they serve a role within the larger Empire. Acting against another of their race would damage the Empire, and therefore damage themselves.

An Avian outside the Empire can sometimes feel very isolated and alone. The sense of community which comes with knowing your role and what part you play in your community is often lost away from home. Most Avians will try to make friends quickly and strive to find how they fit within the places they visit. Rarely, Avians will withdraw and become isolated and hostile as they are not able to adjust to life without their kin.

Avians are forever students. Their entire lives are spent in pursuit of being the best at what they do. Once they have mastered one area of study, they will immediately pick another and pursue it to perfection as well. Nothing is more important to an Avian than purpose. Everything an Avian does is in pursuit of their purpose or learning about their area of focus. They dedicate themselves to becoming the best at one or two things, and depend on others to fill the roles which they cannot. As such, they are usually loyal friends to have.

Avian on Avian violence is unheard of for the most part. Due to their strong community values, almost all Avians are exclusively lawful. This does not mean that they are ‘good’, necessarily. It simply means they are more creative in their misdeeds and prefer to visit their ill intent on those who do not reside alongside them. When Avians meet outside the Empire, they will often congregate and share their experiences.

The Flightless never live long and are always ostracized or driven out of communities outside the Empire by the more community minded Avians.

Avians have no parenting skills for the most part and so rarely ever breed outside of the empire. They possess an unusual disregard for and coldness towards children. Avians who do raise the children are never seen outside the Empire.

Views on Other Races

The other races are a scattered people with very few exceptions, and go through life as if tumbling down a steep incline and grasping for purchase to slow their fall. Even though they believe this is the case, Avians tend to be friendly more often than not – even when they do not like a particular race. They see it as charity towards those without the advantages and skills of their own. And, of course, making allies is always good for the Empire.

Ajaunti: “Their sense of community is admirable, but they lack vision! Still, much could be gained from their views…”

Berphauntian: “What a dull kingdom. They try to emulate us with their industrial ideals, but they lack community and so it is just chaos and backstabbing everywhere. Self-respecting Avians do not go to Berphaunt.”

Brood: “They infect, consume and move on. Avoid them at all costs and never lead them back to where you live.”

Carnal Fae: “The name says it all. They are the Fae which the Shadow has consumed. If they are not trying to bed you, they are likely trying to kill you.”

Dark Elves: “They are so beneath us that they live underground. They are the Shadow given form, and it is no surprise that it looks like an elf.”

Deep Dwarves: “The Shadow consumed dwarves who live deep underground. Hopefully that is where they remain.”

Draconian: “Dragons are funny creatures. They act like they are above us all, but live beneath us. Their kids are rarely all that bad, as long as you do not talk to them about the gods.”

Einher: “Brutal race of humanoids. They are so absorbed with fighting and wars. Admire their focus and purpose in battle, but otherwise keep them at a distance.”

Faceless: “Tragic creations. We know what it is like to be haunted by the Shadow, but should not be overly sympathetic. Their past is so dark that even they cannot see it. Darkness that deep can never be trusted.”

Fauns: “No race is so far removed from the Shadow as these. I hope they embrace all forms of learning as they find their place in our world.”

Firbolg: “The filthy lineage of humans that got left behind in the race for progress. Stupid and primitive beyond comprehension.”

Fire Elves: “Something new to learn about. Exciting and passionate, but watch out for the spitting.”

Gargylen: “Fascinating, but they must be so lonely without purpose anymore.”

Gnomes: “They are our closest match among the other lesser races. A great deal can be learned by working with them, even if they are lacking in discipline.”

Goblin: “Cunning and deceitful. They build a decent trap; just don’t get caught in it.”

Grey Elves: “Closed off and isolated. History says they were once a great nation of harmony and intelligence. Being elves, they failed to maintain it and remain hidden from the world in shame.”

High Elves: “Pathetic. They want to be like us so badly that they put their kingdom in the sky.”

Hobling: “Peaceful but entirely unreasonable. They trust everyone and never take anything seriously. By far the most annoying of the humanoid races.”

Ice Elves: “Dangerous, but at least they know their purpose. They are always exploring the boundaries of pain, which is at least a little respectable.”

Kobold: “We have never been able to determine where the explosive organ is and how it works, but it is going to explode at some point.”

Minotaur: “As stupid as they are strong.”

Mountain Dwarves: “They live in our basements. Some say they built their kingdom out of what we left behind. We taught them how to craft, and they are not so bad at it after all these years.”

Ogre: “They understand violence, food, and drink. Each of those incorporates the other two.”

Orc: “The worst of the greenskins. All they know is violence. They are completely incapable of thinking for themselves.”

Pax: “I could respect them if they were more diverse. They limit themselves by narrowing their purpose. Still, they make some interesting devices.”

Risen: “Neat! It is not dead, but it is not alive either. Obviously this will require a lot of study.”

Savar’Aving: “Far too concerned with gender roles. The Shadow stalks them relentlessly, so be careful.”

Sidhe: “Day or Night, it doesn’t matter. They are decent folk and respect the pursuit of perfection.”

Squamata: “Reptile people, but not draconic. The frogs are dim witted, the snakes are untrustworthy, and the lizards are always hungry. Study them from a distance if you can.”

Stone Elves: “Wonderful people. Very focused and studious. Always show kindness and respect to our closest neighbours.”

Tiefanese: “They know about the Gods of Light. It might be all they know about, but they know them almost as much as we do. If they expanded their studies, they might not always be getting attacked.”

Trolls: “Hard to kill. Tune your goggles to make a little fire and finish them off properly, otherwise you will have your hands full.”

Vulcan Dwarves: “Quick to anger, which prevents them from ever being as intelligent as they could be.”

Wild Elves: “Savage little creatures that will try to break your devices! They give focus and purpose to their hatreds. The Shadow must be very close to claiming them.”

Wolven: “They talk about community as if they have built some sort of society, but really they are just animals huddling together in fear.”

Wood Fae: “Very energetic and happy folk. They are chaotic to say the least and waste their long lives with revelry instead of study.”

Roleplaying Tips

Players should choose to play an Avian if they are looking to build an extremely focused character. The personality and attitude of an Avian will depend largely on which Society they come from. Mage Avians would be from whichever Society represents their chosen sphere. Rogue Avians may be from a variety of Societies, but would never admit being from the Nide Society to an outsider. Warrior Avians may be from the Society which trains guards, or those who study martial combat. A craftsman Avian would likewise be from whichever Society best matched their profession.

Being single minded in your expenditures of CP can limit your character, but it is also a rewarding challenge in both RP and creative thinking. While a single sphere of magic may seem limiting, the possibilities that reveal themselves with complimentary spheres at ritual levels make for potent characters. Those who do not resist the urge to round out their skills should expect to be shunned by their peers of the same race. Avian society would see them as abandoning the ideals of their homeland and likely brand them as Fallen.

Avians do everything better (or at least think they do). You may choose to capitalize on your superiority with arrogance, jovial ribbing, or outright pity. There is no required attitude one should have towards the other races on the surface of their personality. It is simply important to have fun with the character who views everything as a topic of study. Your primary agenda is to become an expert at what it is you do, and to bring that expertise back to the peaks. Your concerns are those of the Empire, and low lander concerns only matter when they threaten your agenda. Emotional ties are a strange thing, and if it is your area of study you might consider deeper relationships with certain races. No matter how you decide to act towards the other races, always remember that they have less understanding of the Shadow than you. They can never understand the connection and they cannot hear its influence. Trust them at your own peril.

Avians trust the system. In the absence of the harmony of the peaks, you may find comfort in whatever structure the locals have. Most people will see you as a lawful and trustworthy member of society. Your expertise makes you seem helpful, since practice makes perfect. This is not to say you do not have your own agenda, but it was deeply ingrained in your mind that everyone has a role to fill in a community.