Ivaetra
The Bird-folk seem very much like giant birds when seen from afar. Only when they descend to roost or address does one see its slender, humanoid form. Standing upright on their hind legs, they might reach four to five feet in length, somewhat smaller when squatting in their perched positions.
Ivaetra
All Ivaetra have powerful wings and a bird-like face and beak, and tend to have a wide chest due to their large rib cages. Their “feet” are shaped as talons, like any lesser bird of prey, and feathers cover their bodies in a multitude of plumages. Fine, three fingered “hands”, as deft and agile as any, often wield arms.
Virtues
Section titled “Virtues”- Vigilance: Ivaetra are known for their vigilance. They are always weary and looking out for the greater good.
- Isolated: Being solitary by nature, Ivaetra prefer to be left alone and out of respect will not approach anyone without being invited.
- Nuts!: Ivaetra go nuts for nuts. It’s the only thing they can’t resist.
- Ego: Ivaetra are known for their ego. They do not do well without a purpose that raises their status.
Customs
Section titled “Customs”Ivaetra are birds of prey and creatures of solitude. Small family groups roost in the highest peaks of the tallest mountains and hunt the valleys below. Males tend to lead the flock, with the most colorful plumage indicating the most prestigious and worthy to follow. Grooming is an important part of their daily routine, cleaning their feathers and scratching away any pests they might pick up in the wilderness.
Tending to one’s plumage is an important part of courtship, as different tribes get together to meet and breed every few months. Males impress the females with their colors and songs, and when chosen they are expected to move to the roost of their partner until their eggs are hatched. It is important for the females to choose strong males as partners as their prowess in combat would guard their roost for the coming months.
Younglings, both male and female, are trained in the use of weapons from an early age, before they can even fly. Once they are old enough they undertake a trial, whereby they leave the Roost and venture into the valleys alone. They are expected to stay away until they bring back a single piece of wisdom, to be judged by the elders of the tribe.
This “wisdom” is subjective and ceremonial for the most part. The trial is to have the young live on their own, learn to survive without the flock, and to spread their wings as far as they can, for as long as they need, after which they can return to the Roost, satisfied that their place is with their family, and with their duty as the Cloud Wardens.
The Bird-folk of Myrth typically live a life of seclusion. Their settlements are small and far removed from the rest of the humanoid societies. Their resemblance to birds are not limited to their physical appearance and as such their society is that of the flock, and their mannerisms are becoming of their form.
Nuts and berries form part diet of Ivaetra as they are omnivores. They trade these eagerly. They cultivate trees in most villages, but generally forage and hunt for food. A rare berry called “Summerblooms” grow on the peaks of Ilior’s mountains. The are known for their bright, lily-like flowers and clustered, hard-shelled berries. Tasting between a walnut and a gooseberry, they are consumed in various dishes and drinks as an Ivaetra delicacy.