Yhilea

Yhilea are at home in the sky or on land.

Their upper halves are bird-like with a head similar to that of an a eagle, and wings extending from their shoulder blades. Their fingers end in sharp talons that can be used to great effect in combat. With equine legs that end in goat-like hooves, they are also adept at running swiftly across the ground and climbing across rocky, mountainous terrain.

Most yhilea have plumage the color of an eagle's, tending towards whites and earth tones such as browns and ruddy reds and fur patterns imitating the primary equine species of the land in which it was born.

## Intensity of Honor

Yhilea hold honorable creatures in high esteem and are proud to count themselves as such.  Their word is their bond, and they will keep it as best they can. A yhilea who has broken a promise - whether intentionally or otherwise - can be as implacable as the wind when attempting to right their wrong.

As the humanoid embodiment of both eagles and swift land animals, yhilea are largely of the belief that they were born from the wind its self.  There is a pride and relentlessness of purpose that comes with this belief that makes them loyal allies to those they deem worthy.

## Social Nesters

Seeing the mountains as they see themselves - a bridge between the land and the sky - that is where yhilea prefer to make their nests. They tend towards large family groups, often inviting extended and even chosen family a place to live and communally raise family. Their colonies are generally large and extend both into the tops of the tallest mountains as well as having dwellings stretched between any trees farther down.

As social creatures, yhilea hatch-lings enjoy meeting new people and creatures. They are often taught to be wary of strangers until they are sure the outsiders can be trusted.  Once someone proves their friendship, however, there is little that can be done to persuade a yhilea into betraying their new friend.

## Whispers of Winds

The wind is sacred to the yhileans. As much as they enjoy being surrounded by their close friends and family, there is also a longing to be in solitude with nothing but the wind to listen to.

From a very young age, most hatch-lings are told that if a yhilea can learn to be silent and calm - and find enough time alone - they will hear the wind whisper to them and tell them the secrets of the land and sky.  Many yhilea grow up believing that this is something adults tell the many hatch-lings and youngsters in a nest to get them to be quiet.  However, almost all adult yhilea swear to the gods that it is true.

## Yhilea Names

As is the case with much of their culture, yhilea believe their names come from the same winds that give them their speed and agility. As such, their names are a sacred point of pride. Despite knowing that their names can be difficult for many other humanoids to pronounce, they generally refuse to accept the more descriptive nicknames that are often forced upon them. They prefer instead for outsiders to try and use their given names and get it a little wrong (until they can get it right) than to be renamed. Close friends and family alone have the honor of using a shortened version of any name, and this privilege can only be bestowed by the yhilea whose name is in question.

Generally, a name has one to three syllables, then a punctuation that represents a click-consonant - of which the "retroflex" and "lateral" varieties are most common - followed by another syllable or two. Gender is not a factor in what name a yhilea is given. Most clans don't feel the need for a surname, however, if a clan has deigned to invite a non-yhilea creature into their nest as chosen family, they might adopt their surname as a clan-name, but this is rare.

**Examples of yhilea names:** Aapoa'ware, Ae-ira, Chak-wa, D'sheenah, Fwin-quasha, Gzahni'isht, Ian-sh, Iolen-ous, Koven'ek, Kwasz'toqa Laquis'ennin, Oorrus-whim, Ousstheren'quis, Quent-shan, Qol"ul, Urrested-osh, or Zhen-darsha.

## Yhilea Traits

As a Yhilea, you have certain traits in common with your people. Being able to fly at high speed starting at 1st level is exceptionally effective in certain circumstances and exceedingly dangerous in others. As a result, playing a yhilea requires special consideration by your DM.

#### Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2 and your Strength increases by 1

#### Age

Yhilea reach maturity sooner than humans. By their 3rd birthday they are no longer considered hatch-lings, and they are considered to be mature enough to leave the nest on their own by their 8th birthday. On average, they live to be nearly 60, though it is not unheard of for a yhilea to live in to their 80's.

#### Alignment

Given their sense of honor, yhilea tend towards lawful natures. However, if the laws of the land interfere with promises they have made to their friends, family, and/or community,  their personal bonds take precedence. They tend towards good, choosing to uphold the values of their communal and social lifestyles.

#### Size

Yhilea average around 7 feet tall, with weights varying widely from 150 to 300 pounds depending on their muscle density.  Your size is medium.

#### Speed

Your base walking speed is 35 feet when you are wearing light or no armor; 30 feet when wearing medium or heavy armor.

#### Flight

You have a flying speed of 35 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

#### Talons

Your talons are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier + your Proficiency, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

#### Master of the Mountains

Your tough-padded, cloven hooves are well-adapted for running over rough, particularly mountainous terrain. You suffer no movement penalties due to rough terrain as long as you aren't wearing foot coverings such as boots.

#### Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Auran, and one additional language of your choice.