Ivaetra

Appearance

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.

History

The Awakened

Knowledge of their existence isn't wide spread, though they are commonly known in Ilior (where they are most prominent) the Ni'arnfell and Iantear, though Druids of any land my know of them by reference.

Their Druid-given name is Ivaetra, which has a root in Elvish and would translate to "Awakened". They are often referred to by this name by Elves (even translated into more common variants meaning the same), though noe outside the druidic orders knows why the name was given. The address is seen as a form of respect, almost akin to an honourary title of sorts, though there are many Ivaetra who have never heard the name being used. This is mostly due to the fact that their societies rarely venture far away from their mountain sanctuaries.

Secret Origins

The Ivaetra are referred to as "Awakened" as they are the product of Druidic Awakening. Though no one knows how long it has been since the first birds were anthropomorphized by magic, most such actions were taken with a great purpose in mind. Ivaetra stand out as they are the only ones of the "Beast-kin" that are referred to by this name, which might have to do with the fact that they chose to take up the role of Cloud Wardens (whether that was their original purpose or not).

Culture

Birds-of-a-feather

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.

Leaving the nest

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.

Relations

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.

Wardens of Purpose

The Aarakocra are known as friends and wardens by most who have had the privilege to encounter them. The locations of their villages tend to be chosen very strategically, often close to a temple of their common patron deity, Armara. Though not necessarily part of the clergy, it is often expected of young Aarakocra warriors to protect the artifacts these temples hold and has such earned the name of the Cloud Wardens. The clerics are also typically the only link with civilization they have, bringing trade and weapons to the Roost.

Notes on Customs

1. Nuts and berries form part diet of Ivaetra as they are omnivores. They trade these eagerly.
2. They cultivate trees in most villages, but generally forage and hunt for food.
3. 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.