The Avians Sky Realm
Masters of the Skies, meeting their destiny
Avians are an enigmatic people with a characteristic half-human half-bird, deeply connected to the skies and air magic. Their sky colonies stand as marvels of engineering and magic, a testament to their millenium-long history. Family bonds and oral traditions keep them firmly rooted in their rich past, while diplomatic skills shape their role as mediators in conflicts and stargazing practices make them dreamers of the cosmos. Yet, the looming threat of the crystals of power challenges their very existence, compelling them to take action to preserve their way of life and the safety of their unique sky dwellings. As the world teeters on the brink of uncertainty, the fate of the Avians intertwines with that of the entire world for the first time ever. They are more part of this world than they ever thought.
Origins
High in the breathtaking Karaya Mountains, where the world seemingly touches the heavens, lies the ethereal realm of the Avians. These majestic beings inhabit sky colonies built upon massive rocs levitating over the edge of the world. These awe-inspiring cities are adorned with a harmonious blend of stone, wood, and glistening snow from the highest peaks. The Avians are not ordinary creatures, for they are born from a legendary tale that echoes through generations. According to the ancient myth, Neani, a young human girl formed a magical alliance with an eagle metamorph named Yird Stormclaw. This profound bond forged the very first Avian, marking the genesis of their extraordinary race.
Master of the Skies
Perched atop the levitating rocs, the Avians revel in an unparalleled defensive position, safeguarding their sky colonies from potential threats. This strategic advantage renders them largely detached from the affairs of the world below. The Avians possess wings of varying sizes, a true reflection of their health and strength. Those feathers not only enable them to soar effortlessly through the skies but also provide warmth and comfort, even in the harshest chill of the mountain air. Their affinity with the air magic make them formidable opponents to any who dare challenge their territories.
Family Bonds and Oral Tradition
Strong family bonds form the very essence of Avian society, forming the bedrock of their unique social structure. An Avian is forever bound to their family, and every action they undertake ripples through the lineage, influencing the fate of generations to come. A deeply ingrained oral tradition weaves its way through each family, passing down history, legends, great deeds, and the wisdom of their ancestors. These tales are recited with reverence, preserving the essence of their ancient heritage.
One of the most prominent families are the Stormclaws, who claim to be the direct descendants of the legendary Yird Stormclaw himself. This large family is known for their distinct eagle-like head, which is a trait that has been passed down through generations. They have earned historical prestige through their high deeds and are highly respected by all Avians. Avians do not all have the same morphology, which varies depending on their ancestral proximity to the metamorph of their origins. Those with the weakest lineage have human-like hands and feet, while closest descendants have bird-like claws. Despite this, the Avian community is a close-knit one, with a strong sense of unity and shared cultural values that bind them together.
Diplomats and Stargazers
The Avians are renowned for their exceptional diplomatic skills, sought after as mediators and peacemakers in conflicts that arise throughout the world. Their impartiality and natural detachment to the issues of those Landfolks that will never reach their highs. Often found at the heart of tense negotiations, they have earned respect and admiration through the numerous conflicts they were able to end.
Their affinity for the vast skies and celestial wonders drives their fascination with the cosmos. From their elevated vantage point on the levitating rocs, they gaze upon the myriad constellations that grace the night skies. Every night, they gather to marvel at the stars, drawing inspiration from the far away galaxies and pondering the mysteries of the heavens. During those nights, some collect Stardust, a rare and valuable substance. Stardust is gathered through the use of special nets casted through the sky. It is known to contain pure air magic essence, which is highly sought after by enchanters and spell casters alike. The essence is used to imbue items with magical properties, allowing them to perform extraordinary feats. Additionally, the essence can be used to assist in the casting of spells, amplifying their power and efficacy. Stardust is rare and highly prized by Avians, as it can only be caught during northern light nights and major cosmos events. The Starcatchers are Avians that dedicate their live to find it, and the most successful ones are highly regarded, making their families reputation shine.
Air Magic and Special Missions
The Avians are skilled practitioners of air magic, harnessing its power to achieve unparalleled feats. Their mastery of evasion and agility, coupled with their wind manipulation abilities, allows them to dodge attacks with grace. The most powerful wield control over tempests and thunderstorms, unleashing the very fury of the skies upon their foes.
The gift of wings sets them apart, making them the ideal choice for special missions across the world. They serve as elite surveillance agents, swift spies, and nimble smugglers. The Avians excel as message carriers, traversing great distances with ease to deliver vital communications. However, those who choose to work for other nations risk becoming renegades, potentially tainting their esteemed family names. In severe cases, these renegades face the wrath of their own kin and can even be hunted down.
Menace of the Crystals
Since crystals of power were discovered, Avians have lost their peace of mind. These rare and potent artifacts have begun to spread across the world, disturbing the delicate balance of the air magic streams that hold their sky colonies aloft. The fear of their beloved cities crashing to the ground or disappearing over the edge of the world haunts their every waking moment. Fueled by this fear, the Avians keep an unwavering watch on the spread of these crystals, for the consequences of imbalance could be catastrophic.
