Aeda

**Aeda** are rare winged sentient beings of Eleneid descent. It is unknown when ancient aeda may have first separated from ancient elves and melusine, but archaeological evidence supports that the species we know today as aeda originated in the Gairloch Mountains, near Aos.

## Genetics

Aeda biodiversity is quite extensive. There are three major subspecies with similar, but distinct physiologies. Regardless, there are several traits that are present across all subspecies of aeda.

Like all Eleneids, aeda have pointed ears. Their nails are long, sharp, and curved, sometimes described as “talon-like”. Some aeda living in close proximity to humans, dwarves, and elves will file them down. Skin tones are in the same range as human, dwarves, and elves, ranging from very dark to very pale neutrals. However, their hair and eye colors are typically distinct and take on metallic and jewel-toned hues.

Their most distinctive feature are their wings, which sprout from their mid to upper backs. Wings can take on a variety of types, dependent on an aeda’s subspecies. Aeda often learn to fly before they learn to walk.

Aside from their wings, all aeda have crests. These naturally-occurring facial markings appear around their eyes and forehead, and grow in size and color as an aeda ages. Crests appear in a wide range of patterns and shapes, ranging from distinctive spirals, to lines that resemble lightning, to specks that resemble freckles. Crest color typically matches an aeda’s hair or eye color.

Aeda are known for their excellent hearing, which far outstrips the capabilities of other sentient species.

## Aeda Subspecies

### Arinna

Arinnans live primarily in the mountainous regions of Istaran and Rhesainia. They are usually quite tall and have average to large builds. Their wings are feathered and they have the largest wingspan of all aeda. Hair colors are predominantly black, dark brown, metallic gold or bronze. The most common eye colors are gold and bronze.

### Syna

Synans live primarily in the mountainous regions of Vergelnar. They are typically of medium height and build. Their wings are feathered and smaller than their Arinnan counterparts. White and silver are the predominant hair colors and the most common eye colors are silver and violet.

### Asteria

Asterians typically live in forested areas across the globe. They are of small to medium builds, but with a large wingspan. Unlike their counterparts, Asterian aeda wings are membranous and often compared to butterfly wings. Asterian wings are brightly colored and patterned, typically in jewel-tones that complement the aeda’s hair, crest and eye color.

Jewel-tones for hair and eye color are extremely common in Asterians. Greens, blues, and violets that mimic emeralds, sapphires and amethysts are all common. Some Asterian aeda have pearlescent hair and wings that shift color in the light.

Regardless of subspecies, all aeda have comparatively short lifespans compared to other sentient beings. Many aeda are reported to have an expected lifespan of 60 to 80 years.

Due to their location, many aeda cities are inaccessible without aid. However, there are many aeda who have migrated from their homes to live among humans, dwarves, elves, and melusine. Many major cities in the world, such as Velantis and Varthrandir, boast small aeda communities that have been established for centuries.

## Mixed Ancestry

Aeda are compatible with other sentient beings. Half-aeda tend to overwhelmingly assume the physical traits of their aeda parent, with one notable exception: half-aeda never inherit wings or night vision. They do, however, inherit crests and their aeda affinity for otherwise unusual hair and eye color. Half-aeda often have the same enhanced hearing as their aeda parent.

A half-aeda’s lifespan will primarily be affected by their non-aeda parent. While they live longer than most aeda, by how many decades can change drastically depending on whether they have human, dwarven, elven or melusine ancestry. It differs greatly from individual to individual.