Noctivian

Noctivians, a wise and spiritual avian race, follow their self-realizing religion, Lunism, and live mainly in the treetops of Owalon-4. Their lightweight bodies, enormous wings, and powerful talons make them elite fliers and martial artists, while their superior eyesight, sharp natural weapons, and silent flight make them highly effective assassins.

## Appearance

Noctivians are an avian race with large eyes, swivelling heads, and enormous wingspans with feathers designed for silent flight. Their legs are long and leathery with large, sharp talons, and their eyes are adapted to see for extreme distances at any light level.

Noctivian coloration is often a mosaic of browns or greys, though uncommonly some will be white with black speckles or another bright coloration. Their limbs are almost always a darkish grey, as are their beaks. Noctivian eyes are the most varied, in terms of coloration, with any color or combination of colors being possible; Noctivians’ eyes are believed to be a representation of individuality, beauty, and intelligence.

Noctivians wear little clothing, usually only donning baggy pants or lightweight, loose gi. This is to ensure the least amount of interference with their flight and martial arts. The clothing worn by an individual Noctivian is unique to them and thought to be a part of their identity.

## Biology

### Habitat

The Noctivian homeworld, Owalon-4, is a temperate world consisting mostly of dense forests, large rivers, and grasslands, with two main oceans. The Noctivian people use the enormous Yunta trees that dominate forests as a base for their civilization, constructing large towns around the trunks and canopies.

### Diet

Noctivians mostly consume rodent-like creatures native to their homeworlds, but can digest virtually any meat. If they consume large quantities of hair, bone, or the like, they eject it in pellets to avoid causing internal damage.

### Reproduction

Noctivians become particularly likely to mate in the warming months of the year, though they are not restricted to this time. A Noctivian female can lay between 1 and 6 eggs to be fertilized by a male, which will take approximately 2/3 of a GUY to incubate. Noctivians almost always mate for life, and may reproduce multiple times with the same mate.

## Culture

### Behavior

Noctivians are wise, calm, and devoted, often acting as a mentor or the conscience of any group they are a part of. They rarely lose their temper and see combat as a last resort to solve any problem, but if it comes down to it, they are vicious, aggressive, and unrelenting; when a Noctivian chooses battle, they believe there is no other option, so they pull no punches.

### Religion and Spirituality

Noctivians follow a spiritual religion called Lunism, focusing on peace, harmony, balance, acceptance, and life. Most Noctivians are Lunist monks that adhere to the laws written over 1000 GUYs ago by a Noctivian named Lunami Shanla.

### Martial Arts

Lunism teaches the art of Stri-Go-Toh, which is a martial art that embraces combat, spirit, and mindfulness. It consists of 5 styles, each containing unique stances, strikes, and meditation methods. Every style is taught to a Lunist scholar in length, but scholars normally only perfect one or two.

#### Styles

* Talon Style: Talon Style consists of using fast slashes and kicks to deliver a quick series of powerful blows to an enemy’s weak spot, such as the eyes. In meditation, the artist is often seated in a standard cross-legged position, palms touching in front of their bodies. Talon style embraces speed, precision, and accelerated cognition. Masters of Talon Style are a devastating force, attempting to gain a quick advantage in any duel, and are often more stern teachers.
* Wing Style: Wing Style consists of embracing the power of flight to attack from multiple angles and use the environment to favor oneself. In meditation, the artist often submerges themselves in nature, such as a wind current or waterfall, with their wings extended and their eyes closed. Wing Style embraces flow, consistency, and forgiveness. Masters of Wing Style use their environment to their best advantage and are difficult to fend off once they begin an assault, and are often more patient teachers.
* Beak Style: Beak Style consists of performing grapples to deflect attacks and aim to finish a duel in a single, devastating attack. In meditation, the artist will normally engage in a series of yoga-like stretches and exercises. Beak style embraces resistance, reflexes, and mindfulness. Masters of Beak Style are nearly untouchable, dodging every attack until they see an opening, putting a quick end to any fight.
* Crush Style: Crush Style consists of using blunt strikes and crushing grabs to disable an enemy. In meditation, the artist often lays flat on the ground, relaxing their body and allowing themselves to rest. Crush style embraces brutal strength, counter-striking, and dedication. Masters of Crush Style are brutal, deflecting any blow thrown at them and immediately punishing their attacker.
* Mind Style: Mind Style is by far the most difficult style to learn, as it consists of feigning attacks while studying the pattern of the enemy, before copying the enemy’s style and using it against them. In meditation, artists are not bound to a typical stance or activity; Mind Style artists meditate while performing everyday tasks, keeping their minds clear. Mind Style embraces feign attacks, intelligence, and wisdom. Masters of Mind Style are more dangerous than any other masters, as they adapt to the fighting style of anyone who dares to challenge them. In spite of this, they are humble and reserved, and regarded as the wisest of masters.

### Government

Noctivian people live in large towns led by a mayor, who is democratically elected. Other than this, very few governmental positions are held. There is no supreme leader. Noctivians mostly keep to their own families and small social groups, practicing their Stri-Go-Toh in peace.

## Characters of Importance

Some important figures of this race include:

* Lunami Shanla, the originator of Lunism and Stri-Go-Toh