Thornbill

Servant of the Goddess El'eusis

## Backstory:

Long before the mortal realms were formed and the pantheon of gods and goddesses took their divine roles, there existed a realm known as the Celestial Aerie. It was a place of eternal tranquility, home to beings of otherworldly grace and wisdom. Among these beings were the Avianethereal, a race of ethereal entities with a unique connection to both the skies and the divine.

Thornbill, whose true name in the Celestial Aerie is unpronounceable in mortal tongues, was one such Avianethereal. He was created by the goddess Subir'el, a deity responsible for guiding souls to the afterlife and ensuring their peaceful transition. Thornbill's creation was a result of Subir'el's desire for a devoted and capable servant to assist her in managing the intricate bureaucracy of the afterlife.

In the Celestial Aerie, Thornbill was initially assigned the role of a scribe and clerk, tasked with meticulously recording the deeds and destinies of departed souls. His keen intellect and unerring precision made him excel in this role, and he became a trusted aide to Subir'el. Yet, Thornbill yearned for a deeper purpose, a chance to make a more profound impact on the lives of mortals and the balance of the cosmos.

His opportunity came when Subir'el's sister, El'eusis, the goddess of Archon, Redemption, Resurrection, Balance, Order, and Justice, requested his presence. El'eusis had sensed the impending birth of Shannon Walker, a mortal destined for great deeds and challenges, and she sought a guardian for this special soul. Recognizing Thornbill's potential and his desire for a more meaningful role, Subir'el transferred him to El'eusis's divine service.

Thus, Thornbill's journey as Shannon Walker's guardian began. From the moment of Shannon's birth, Thornbill watched over her, his avian forms subtly observing and protecting her throughout her infancy and childhood. As Shannon grew, so did her awareness of her mysterious watcher. It wasn't until her teenage years, upon touching the Orb of Balance and speaking the Eleusinian Oath, that Thornbill finally revealed his presence to her.

With Shannon's acceptance of her destiny, Thornbill's role as her protector and guide took on greater significance. Together, they embarked on a journey filled with trials, adventures, and a shared commitment to the values of justice and order that El'eusis held dear. Thornbill's wisdom, knowledge, and unwavering dedication became instrumental in helping Shannon navigate the challenges that lay ahead, all while honoring the divine sisters who had placed their trust in him.

Now, as they face the ever-evolving tapestry of destiny, Thornbill remains a steadfast companion, a reminder of the celestial realms, and a guardian of the mortal chosen one, forever bound by his duty to protect and serve Shannon Walker in the name of El'eusis.

## Appearance:

In Thornbill's true form as an Avianethereal, he possesses a striking and unique appearance that sets him apart from mundane avian creatures. Thornbill is a master of avian mimicry, seamlessly adopting the appearance and characteristics of various bird species. His ability to transform into these birds serves as both camouflage and a means of infiltration, allowing him to move through different environments and situations undetected. Here are some of his commonly assumed forms:

1. **Raven:** Thornbill's most common form, the raven, provides him with a sleek, black-feathered appearance that allows him to blend into the shadows.
2. **Crow:** Similar to the raven, the crow's dark plumage conceals him effectively when he needs to remain inconspicuous.
3. **Rook:** The rook's distinctive silhouette and social behavior make it an excellent choice for navigating wooded areas and observing gatherings of creatures.
4. **Jackdaw:** Smaller and more agile than some of his other forms, Thornbill can take on the appearance of a jackdaw when maneuverability is crucial.
5. **Nutcracker:** Assuming the appearance of a nutcracker bird grants Thornbill access to high altitudes and mountainous regions, where these birds are commonly found.
6. **Blue Jay:** When he needs to blend into more vibrant and colorful environments, the blue jay's plumage allows him to do so seamlessly.
7. **Whippoorwill:** The whippoorwill's distinctive call and nocturnal habits make it an ideal choice for Thornbill when he wishes to move under the cover of night.

Thornbill's mastery over these avian forms gives him the versatility to navigate a wide range of landscapes and situations while remaining hidden in plain sight. Whether he's perched in the trees, soaring through the skies, or calling out in the night, Thornbill's transformations into these bird species are a testament to his remarkable abilities.

### True Form:

Thornbill's true form is a blend of ethereal and avian elements, a sight to behold for those fortunate enough to witness it. His body is that of a raven, with sleek, obsidian-black feathers that shimmer with an iridescent sheen when caught in the right light. His wingspan is formidable, allowing him to glide effortlessly through the skies.

However, what truly distinguishes Thornbill in his true form is his head. Instead of a typical raven's head, Thornbill's skull is that of a raven, but his eyes are an arresting feature. His eyes are not ordinary; they radiate a soft, celestial glow that emanates wisdom, ancient knowledge, and an aura of divine connection. These glowing eyes pierce through the darkness, illuminating his surroundings with an ethereal light.

In this form, Thornbill's gaze is both intense and comforting, conveying his profound understanding of the world's mysteries and the responsibilities that come with his role as an Avianethereal. His presence is a testament to the magical and mystical nature of Pneumanor, a realm where the divine and the natural world intertwine in profound ways.

## Origin:

Thornbill is a spiritual being created by the goddess Subir'el, serving as a clerk, scribe, and messenger in the bureaucracy of the hereafter before being reassigned to the service of El'eusis. He was assigned the task of watching over and protecting the Eleusinian Shannon Walker from birth, gradually making his presence known as she grew older.

## Personality:

Thornbill is highly intelligent and possesses a vast repository of knowledge, stemming from his previous roles as a scribe and clerk. He exudes an air of wisdom due to his age and experience, although he can be impatient and curt at times, especially when explanations are required. He holds a deep fondness for Shannon Walker and maintains great respect for both Subir'el and El'eusis. However, he may not show the same level of reverence to their sister, El'ba.

## Abilities:

Thornbill is a magical and semi-powerful being, with the ability to change shape, primarily taking the form of various birds. This shape-shifting ability allows him to adapt to different situations and fulfill his role as a guardian and protector effectively. He possesses knowledge and skills related to his previous roles in the bureaucracy of the hereafter, making him a valuable resource for information and guidance. Thornbill's connection to the goddesses El'eusis and Subir'el grants him certain divine powers and insights that aid him in his duties.