Avyana

Avyana are a mischievous and crafty race, ensconced in a city carved from the ranges of the Chaos Mountains. More than any other race the Avyana have acquired a reputation as tricksters and cowards. Much of their nature has been shaped by their long-lived history and unfortunate oppression of the late King.

**Physical Description:** The physical characteristics of an Avyana is varied. Since they tend to have bird-like qualities, a wide variety of colors and shapes have been spotted throughout the city. From the winged Waharu to the sharp beaked vultures of the Kaharu. Male and female Avyana pride themselves on their individual plumage, and often decorate their feathers with a variety of stones and glass.

Although many have believed the race to be evolved from phoenixes or birds, recent scholars have formulated the theory of them being a combination of humanoid and magic. One main factor of this belief is the blue ring around all Avyana’s eyes.

**Society:** It is well known that almost all Avyana live within the great and only city of their kingdom, Lethnal. Although Lethnal is called a city, on a comparison to other races it would be more accurately labelled as a mega-city. So large it in fact encompasses its own range of mountains.

The city has been a mystery to many travelers, and until recently most relations with other nations was closed off. Many who try to visit the great pyramid city are only permitted access to the main trading district and can only glimpse the wondrous structures from afar.

The only way to be granted further access is to be known in the art of star gazing and divination's. Avyana have been known to produce some of the greatest star gazers. Those of lesser rank that are found to produce these talents are quickly taken in by the Priahuru Clan.

**Relations:** Avyana have had most interactions with other races through slavery. The former King was known to utilize Orcs and different caster races as protection against his own people. Outside of this form of ownership, they are known to have very aggressive natures towards Kunapan. Long ago this race of intelligent lizard folk came in search of refuge. After being granted protection they turned on the Avyana and attempted to overthrow the great city. Although many years have passed, the hatred towards Kunapan has never wavered.

## History

As the Avyana grew in numbers, and began to develop their own territory, clans were formed.

From these clans would rise the most widely known ruler King Roderick.

Roderick came into the highest form of power nearly 50 years ago as a young Avyana. To take over the throne he beheaded and feasted upon his fathers flesh. He would then hold the title and name of the most ruthless king to ever rule. His leadership would cause irrefutable damage. With his insatiable appetite for wealth the city would fall into a great recession. His heavy hand on restrictions would stop any reform for years to come.

The laws of the king stated that all Avyana must stay within the city gates, and those who wished to go against the king would either be killed or exiled. This gave way to the marking of certain Avyana, they were forced to bear a brand of a red X on their foreheads. This practice was given a name at the time “The Searing”.

With the laws so harsh around them most Avyana resorted to stealing, this natural skill became finely honed and was commonly taught at a young age. The understanding that you have to learn to support yourself, and the unspoken thought that it hurt the king kept this practice alive. Even though Lethnal is no longer under the control of the tyrant king these lessons have never stopped. The Avyana now consider the art of stealing a display of cleverness and skill.

During the dark times the art of combat was forbidden to all except those loyal to the crown. The fear of an armed populace trying to overthrow the current regime contributed to this decree. As such, many craved the forbidden knowledge, and some learned and taught in secret. Despite these past conditions, many Avyana today prefer to avoid conflict.

Many races believed the Avyana to be cowards, but those who corner one in hopes of an easy defeat are soon corrected.

One great analyst of the Avyana noted:

> “Those who must fight every day to survive are the most dangerous when cornered.”
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> - Cadhan Siail
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Although talented when trained in arms, any chance for great personal gain usually colors their judgment. This tactic of self over the many has influenced other races to be wary of working alongside Avyana.

Since they pride themselves on knowing when to run and when to fight many cultures have concluded them to be cowards and unreliable.

In 1009 PEW  a new ruler was crowned, King Rodger, the Star Child of the Great Prophecy,

Those that still believed in the late ruler went into hiding, waiting for their chance to go back to the old beliefs. These individuals mostly included members of the Scarlet Sash.

Within the first few months of King Rodger’s reign he lifted the law barring those bearing the red X from returning to Lethnal. Celebrations erupted within the city and the exiles became heroes for their bravery of standing against the late ruler. The city opened their gates allowing their citizens to come and go as they pleased. This also increased aid from other nations allowing the city to flourish and step away from economic disaster.

The first blatant attack on the new ruler was in 1019 during the rise of Nerezza. While the world was preparing to battle for the safety of the Primal Plane the king's pyramid was attacked. Not only did the streets fill with smoke, and bombs erupted from below but the dragon herself appeared, ripping the symbol of power from its perch.

After this attack the city was in shambles, the new king's whereabouts unknown. According to the officials, he is in good hands and is still ruling from a safe location.

## Geography

The main location of the Avyana is the mega-city of Lethnal. This great city is made up of six mountain peaks and valleys in between them. It is surrounded by a great wall. Over the 80+ millennia that the Avyana have lived in these mountains they have transformed the six highest peaks into the giant pyramids.

The Kingdom is located on the southernmost part of the Chaos Mountains, and can be spotted from a distance due to the high wall surrounding it.

Due to the size of the city all of the Avyana people can comfortably live within its walls, as such they have no other city of note.

Each segment of the city is named after the five main factions, each one ending with the name ‘ahuru’. This title was developed by a long dead language but the meaning has remained “their people”.

## Factions

The populace of Avyana is divided by clans and house names. Although many lesser groups exist, those not listed have a history of being laborers and servants. Most races would look upon this slavery as an abhorrent thing, but this has been a critical and integral part of the Avyana kingdom’s life. It is not uncommon to find a servant of another servant within the city. When the city was flourishing the lowest laborer may be better off than a peasant of surrounding nations, and the highest ranked slave may be richer than a Silverthorne noble. Outside of this population are the main clans.

The following list depicts the most prominent clans throughout history:

### **Waharu**

   Many know these Avyana by one distinct feature, wings. Compared to their brethren these are the only known group to be naturally granted the ability of flight. To keep the prized possession of flight within their clan name they were instructed to only marry those alike.

When born the Waharu are flightless, their wings will develop as they mature.

The Waharu clan was responsible for protecting the throne from the skies and were readily used as shock troops.

Throughout their early years a bond was forged with the clan of Maharu. They stood strong, even when in disagreement.

During the reign of King Roderick the Maharu were ordered to raze a nearby city of Gnomes. When the clan defied the King's orders they were punished by death. At this time the leader of the Waharu and his followers fled the city.

Some say that they ran in fear, while others claim it was an act of defiance and strength, but one thing is for certain their aid in the rebellion was not seen.

Their current location is a mystery, although they were recorded multiple times throughout history aiding other races before returning to the clouds.

### **Maharu**

This clan was born a mystery and has remained one since. They are the only group of people to ever be born magic dead, and survive.

Within the historical records of House Toevass there is only one mention of this mystery. This anecdote has been kept in hopes it may solve the mystery of this abnormality.

“Many years before the great Essence War a Mage had a vision to create those that would withstand all forms of magic. Hundreds of all different races volunteered for the process, but rarely did they survive. Defeated, she gave up, until one day a strange bird man appeared begging her to try the ritual once again. After his consistent pleadings she finally resented and thus the first Maharu was born.”

Cadhan Siail

This claim of events has been debated for years on end, and no one to this day has been able to determine its accuracy.

While their creation will most likely remain a secret, what is known is that they were once considered the most noble of clans. Unlike others of their kind they relished in caring for all beings of Phantara. During times of great war these individuals were known to aid other nations. The most recorded incident of this was when they showed the Essence Mages the power of Unmaking.

Unfortunately the noble clan would meet their fall during the regime of King Roderick.

He ordered the clan to take action against a helpless village of Gnomes. When they refused they were marked as traitor. To instill fear in the rest of the clans the King had them hunted down and killed one by one. Those lucky enough to escape tended to be children, the most famous of them being Nehpets.

### **Quadaharu**

This clan name is mostly known through history for their elaborate buildings and advanced traps.

Their  most famous creations reside within the city of Lethnal but they have been commissioned by other races.

Within the city itself they not only constructed the great wall but also the six pyramids. Each one was built as a gift to the most notable clans. They are positioned atop the highest peak within their designated district. The size of these individual pyramids can range up to the height of 10,000 feet. The kings pyramid being the tallest at 30,000 and due to the temperature change covered in layers of snow.

How these masterpieces are created is a secret within the clan, and even the most skilled at prying information will walk away empty handed.

Another great work of the Quadaharu is the pyramid located in the Sea of Dust.

The Quadaharu are also the creators of "The Great Rise", this is a competition to display your abilities at construction and crafting. This event is open to all, and they encourage those from other nationalities to partake. The history behind this occasion dates back over a century, but due to the Lethnal gates closing was disbanded. King Rodger urged the people to bring it back, and thus it was named "The Great Rise".

### **Priahuru**

The Priahuru are a critical name among the Avyana, respected throughout the community for their unique gift of astrology and divinations. Many of these talented individuals study the art of soothsaying in order to perfect their talents. These loyal members primarily live in seclusion dedicating all their time and effort towards the crown and protecting its people.

The Priahuru are one of the clans most noted for adopting others that possess the necessary skills, and creating the festival of the full moon.

> “True star gazers can not be bred, they must be chosen by Phantara”
> Stargazer Tellarion
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Although most with these abilities are born through a direct bloodline, they do not discriminate against a possible member by their socialized status. It is not uncommon for a slave or commoner possessing abilities to be welcomed in by this family. Although this would require those people to give up their previous life and swear loyalty to the Priahuru above all else.

The Priahuru have also been known to converse with other Seers across Phantara. The most notable and controversial person in recent history was "The Lady of Light". These actions are mostly kept secret since they do not limit themselves in the walking world's politics, and refrain from discriminating against opposite beliefs when it comes to the secrets of the universe.

### **Kahuru**

These keen sensed scavengers were once a respected and honored clan of the Avyana. They were originally responsible for the protection and placement of the bones and treasures of the deceased. This group enacted the proper services of death, in order to encourage the spirits of the fallen to join back with The Cycle.

During the reign of King Roderick a steady transformation began. This progression was not slow, it was as if overnight the Kahuru had changed. Many older members of the family disappeared, and the young more impressionable ones took charge. To this day the lost clan leaders have not been located, nor have their souls been given proper burial rights.

Once King Roderick began to take control of the Kahuru he began the practice of the "Wake". This public gathering was mandatory for the city quarter it was declared in. Each morning families would wait for the criers to hear if their district was summoned. The "Wake" was a type of execution, those accused would stand trial. When found guilty they would be feasted upon by the Kahuru. During the "Festival of Souls" they discovered the Kahuru were not feasting on the flesh but on the executed essence.

After these practices began the Kahuru members began to evolve physically, taking on the characteristics of a vulture.

Today the Kahuru are considered dangerous and not tolerated by other Avyana. Although many wish to believe with the change in leadership they will come back to the traditional ways. At this time no steps have been taken. It is believed the Kahuru have taken to the depths of the Chaos Mountain, using the natural caves and intricate passages they know so well to isolate themselves.

### **Anahuru**

This group of Avyana are not commonly spoken of outside Lethnal. The talents of these great protectors is kept secret since they are the ones patrolling the perimeter of the Avyana providence. With such secrecy many rumors have been spread giving enemies a glimpse into the Anahuru's true abilities.

The Anahuru are most commonly seen mounted on large beasts, primarily griffins. This allows them to control attackers and to scout the mountains for danger. At a young age they begin to train with beast masters, and when they reach a specific standard within the Family they are gifted a young Griffin.

To them the bond between a Anahuru and their animal must be strong, and that trust and love can only be done through raising the Griffin from birth. The size of the animal you raise reflects your willingness to place them above yourself, especially during times of resources being scarce.

These great beast masters primarily live within the edges of the city. The Quadaharu created stables that were specially designed in order to keep them housed with their animal companion.

It is believed through this practice the Griffins also taught the Anahuru ways of survival. Through watching and raising these young exotic creatures they begun to understand the abilities to grow and retract their claws. This type of evolution has not been seen throughout the rest of the race, and it is theorized this tactic is one of the requirements to rise in the ranks among their brothers and sisters.

### **Order of the Golden Feather**

This Order came into light when the split of the Scarlet Sashes progressed. They may still carry around the same characteristics of their fallen brothers but their purpose is to be loyal to the throne.

Although the scarlet sashes are still displayed on their bodies, they have also adorned the symbol of the golden feather. This feather symbolizes their loyalty and support of the current leader. To repent for their previous sins they must out shine the sash of past actions with golden tokens. New members of this Order are not required to wear a scarlet sash, but are instructed on past historical events.

The Orders workings and talents are mostly kept secret, and only the King himself can grant a title to those that join. It has been said to become a full member of this elite group you must present golden feathers of trust. Once these trinkets are displayed the King will review your actions of aid towards the crown.

The most interesting part of this process is the ability for any race to acquire the Golden Feather trinket. When jobs are completed for the Order they may present any who displayed unyielding loyalty a feather. This has led to much speculation of non Avyana working for the order. These trinkets displayed on foreigners to the country can allow greater access throughout the city, since you are portrayed as a keeper of their laws and beliefs.

### **Scarlet Sashes**

During the regime of King Roderick, the most commonly feared and revered members of Lethnal were the Scarlet Sash. They were considered the Kings "secret police". The members of this group wore a scarlet sash to symbolize their loyalty to Roderick. The sashes were gifted to each member by the King himself. When the sash was first earned it was a crisp white, after each kill they would dip it into the blood of their victims. These sashes were not just plain cloth, they were woven with magical thread. This allowed the Scarlet Sash to gain some of their victims power or essence.

The rituals within this group are not common knowledge and their are many rumors involved. With the Golden Feather being primarily composed of ex-members some light has been shed on this. Some may speak in depth about the tactics and manipulation used to train unquestioning assassins.

An interview conducted by a collector of knowledge for the Living Library recently divulged a bit of this history.

> "We should not blame the younger members for their part in these atrocities. The fault lies with the adults allowing such actions to take place. The majority of the members brought into the Scarlet Sashes during the height of Roderick's power were taught these cruel ways. When a Avyana was chosen they would be ripped from their family, if they had a sibling they would be taken too. If they did not have family the Scarlet Sash would find a youngling close to them and abduct them as well. As the two were 'trained' in their practices they would begin to also teach the art of kill or be killed. During the final segments to receive their sash from the king, they would take the person closest to them and force them to fight to the death. If they refused they would both be struck down."
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Although more information could be found, this informant has chosen to remain anonymous.

This Clan may be responsible for despicable actions in the name of the King, but select members must also be credited for his downfall. The leader of the Sashes at that time was Nehpets, and without his loyalty to his people the fall of Roderick may have not come to pass.

Currently the members of the Scarlet Sash that believe in Rodericks ways have gone into hiding. They are believed to be working with the members of Kahuru, and waiting for right time to strike. The fear of these individuals still lurking has caused much trepidation in the Avyana.

## Traditions

With a society as ancient as the Avyana many traditions and beliefs have been seen throughout the years. Each district within the great city may have their own celebration days and holidays representing the Family they live under, but as a whole the Avyana have displayed a particular way of showing respect to their people.

**Hatching Day:** Many cultures would consider this a individuals birthday, but the Avyana would call this a Hatching Day. Their are many rumors around the way a young is born. In contrast to other races a Avyana can be born within an egg or alive. With this comes many beliefs of strength. If a child is born outside the egg it is said they will be strong individuals since they broke out of their shell early. It is very common to hear parents discuss the moment of birth to bolster their family name.

Hatching day is considered a private event, and it is not uncommon to find the males excused from the house. Once the eggs hatch the male is welcomed back, but if an egg comes into life still in the shell the men are usually absent until the youngling has fully emerged. This process is done so the first person the child lays eyes on is the mother.

**Eternal Rest:** Many cultures find this funeral display revolting, but to the Avyana it is just a way of life. The Ritual of Eternal Rest is considered a honorific moment in a Avyana's life. When the passing of a member happens a feast will commence. If they are in the comfort of their homes the ritual is enacted by the closest family members. If the ritual is outside the walls of Lethnal, then it is common courtesy for those present to participate.

The Avyana consider the devouring of each others flesh a crucial part of rejoining the cycle. Removing the barrier around the soul, and allowing it to emerge into the river of death and back into life. These actions are considered highly honorable, that those closest to you can live through you.

If someone is not given this honor the Avyana consider it a denial of a full life. These individuals are considered usually considered a enemy, or deemed unworthy. They will then be left to rot never reaching a ultimate place of peace.

During King Rodericks time, he would deny this ritual to those that wronged him or instruct the Kahuru to perform the "Wake" instead.

**Moon Festival:** This festival is held once a year in the city of Lethnal, considered the day of the gazers. During this great festival the city prepares during the day, and when dusk hits the fun begins.

The great star gazers determine the day of the largest moon to hold such a event. During this festival those with the gift line up to prove themselves worthy of adoption into the Priahuru Family.

At the end of the festival the great star gazers of the Clan will announce the years visions. This is the only time of the year they openly display their abilities.

**The Day of the Fallen:** This festival began the year the King Rodger took the throne. It is held every year during the first week of Fall.

In honor of those that lost their lives in the previous regime he selected a full week for the city of Lethnal pay their respects. Stories of those that rose up against King Roderick are told to the young to not be forgotten, and to remember the lives they once lived.

Local eateries and shops are closed up, and you are confined to your homes. Many Avyana fast during this time to simulate the days of struggle.

**The Great Rise:** This festival is held every summer, located outside the city of Lethnal. It is a time to showoff your craft and skills. All are welcome to this event, as the purpose is to learn from one another. The Quadaharu provide materials and games of creation for all ages. If you are lucky enough and skilled enough to be granted the title of best high riser you will be invited into the Pyramid of the Quadaharu clan and welcomed back as a judge in the following year.

**Festival of Souls:** Every October the city begins preparations for honoring those fallen. On this day they all come together to see and connect with the spirits of their fallen ancestors. This is the most common time to see Avyana dressing their best. Outsiders have never been welcome for this event, but those carrying a golden feather token are welcome in all homes.

*(Special Thanks to Stephen Cornish for the original Avyana write up and allowing me to take a creative interpretation.)*