Birdfolk

Birdfolk today are thought to be the descendants of a parent race that came from the elemental plane of air centuries past, and though that origin is now somewhat distant, they are a fairly prevalent presence along coastal and island regions.

## History

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## Biology

They come in a wide variety of colours and shapes, though bright colours are much more common in the coastal region and islands of the Cobalt Sea. "Birdfolk" is technically an umbrella term for any avian species, including Tengu, Aarakocra, Kenku, and Harpies.

## Settlements and Infrastructure

Birdfolk live in elevated colonies along the Scattershot Cliffs. Aakash is the largest, with the smaller settlements of Lakadi, Haddeen and Meenar.

These colonies are migratory, with birdfolk up to two thirds of the year living a nomadic lifestyle or seasonal work or adventure, returning to their home colony to mate and raise children, convalesce or retire. Birdfolk who leave their colony for a long time are welcomed back eagerly, and the children of exiles born elsewhere are entitled to join the colony.

## Art and Culture

Archery is a central part of birdfolk culture, and fledglings are taught how to shoot from a young age, to hunt and defend. It's common for archers to use their own feathers in fletching, and adorn arrows with charms.

### Language

The native language of birdfolk is Havaka, which incorporates clicks, whistles and trills, making it one of the most unique languages of the terran races.

Names are traditionally given in *Havaka*, and thus difficult for outsiders to pronounce. Phonetic pronunciation of the written *Havaka* is deemed acceptable.

**Examples:** Chidiya, Udana, Shikaree, Mithatee

## Society and Relationships

The role of parents as protector and provider are symbolically important in birdfolk culture, and will typically raise 1 or 2 young at a time. Excess eggs are given to other would-be parents to raise.

## Death, Deities and Belief

Birdfolk believe in the gods of the four winds: Ruits, Tiai, Hini and Sika. Each represents a cardinal compass point direction, and has individual associations and domains. Much folklore surrounds their relationships with each other, and their involvement with the creation of birdfolk, such as Aarakocra, Kenku, Tengu and Harpies.

### Death Rites

Birdfolk practice Sky Burial; a body is placed in an elevated ritual area, somewhere a little way from a colony, and left for carrion birds to clean the carcass of tissue. In same places, vultures can pick a corpse clean in a few minutes. Witnessing an excarnation is neither forbidden nor taboo, and rests solely at an individual's discretion.

Small bones are kept by loved ones as trinkets and amulets, often made into jewellery.

### Mourning

Once the body has been attended by carrion birds, the remaining bones are ground to fine powder, and in a funerary ritual are scattered on the wind.

Funerals are typically affirming and hopeful affairs, celebrating the life of a person.

### Death Adjacent Roles

*Shamans* typically serve as arbiters of mourning, hosting the ceremony of scattering and overseeing the excarnation. The family usually take on the process of preparing a body for ritual.

### Afterlife and Beyond

Birdfolk believe that the souls of their dead are reincarnated. Births and deaths occuring simultaneously are often seen as a sign of a reincarnation, but they do no believe that souls are limited to coming back as birdfolk. This typically informs birdfolk's willingness to seek peaceful involvement with other civil races: you never know where your forebares souls might have ended up.

## Notable Figures

* Lili
* person
* person

## Campaign Events

* event
* event
* event

## 5e Mechanics

### Traits

* Talons
* Avian Affinity
* Keen Eyes