Tengu

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==Anatomy:==
 
==Anatomy:==
  
[[File:Birdmen.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Birdmen warriors.]]
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[[File:Birdmen.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Tengu warriors.]]
Birdpeople, also known as Birdfolk, are bipedal monsters with bird-like characteristics including feathers, beaks, talons, hard-but-light bones, scaled bird-like hands and feet and excellent vision. Birdmen are typically very lanky and somewhat tall. Birdwomen have a more diverse sizing, ranging from very short and stocky to very tall and slight. Birdpeople come in thousands of different color combinations and feather types. Naturally strong, bird people have high jumping and climbing capability due to their light bones. While able to leap and bound for great distances they cannot actually fly. Birdpeople are only able to have three hatchlings due to their low survival rate. When Birdpeople are born they have feathers as gray as the land itself. It is said that feather color come from personality and upbringing. When they arrive at  adolescence their feathers become very vibrant and bright. As Birdpeople become older their feathers become darker and deeper in color. During summer months Birdpeople begin the mating process. During this time the male's feathers to molt and reveal red colored feathers. While all Birdmen have red feathers during mating, the shades, complimentary feather colors, and feather patterns vary greatly, each one unique to that birdman. Birdpeople live on a diet of grains and meats and jealously guard over their caches ever vigilant for thieves.
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Tengu are bipedal monsters with bird-like characteristics including feathers, beaks, talons, hard-but-light bones, scaled bird-like hands and feet and excellent vision. All birdpeople tend to be on the thinner side due to the isle's harsh environment and scarce food. Male Tengu generally range from average to above average height(relative to pinkies). Female Tengu have a more diverse sizing, ranging from very short to very tall. Tengu come in thousands of different color combinations and feather types. Naturally strong, Tengu have high jumping and climbing capability due to their light bones. While able to leap and bound for great distances they cannot actually fly. Tengu are only able to have three hatchlings due to their low survival rate. When Tengu are born they have feathers as gray as the land itself. It is said that feather color come from personality and upbringing. When they arrive at  adolescence their feathers become very vibrant and bright. As Tengu become older their feathers become darker and deeper in color. Tengu live on a diet of grains and meats and jealously guard over their caches ever vigilant for thieves.
  
 
==Personality:==
 
==Personality:==
  
Ever since the fall of Okah Birdpeople have been constantly at war, be it physically, politically, or mentally. However, despite their tendencies towards war, bird people are outwardly jubilant, silly, and sometimes ditzy. This is a social mechanism that allows no one to know their true motives, without disrupting social progress or political matters. Because death is so common in the Isle of Wind and Bone, Birdpeople often laugh it off as a joke, even if, internally, they are plotting vengeance. Birdpeople are narcissistic, self-hating racists. They are fairly neutral to most races, however, Birdpeople hold a special place of hatred in their hearts for other Birdpeople of different tribes. This stems from the constant warring between the tribes. Because other races do not have feathers, Bird people pity and patronize them. For a Birdperson, life without feathers or color is nothing less than a living hell. However, due to many monsters' colored skin or fur they are often more easily accepted by birdfolk. Since they lack color Birdpeople strongly dislike pinkies. Pinkies somewhat resemble hideous, featherless Birdpeople and are generally considered an abomination.
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Tengu value self-attainment, determination, and willpower above all else. These values are influenced by the way in which one advances in the caste system. Those that strive to become greater and have the mental and physical willpower to defeat their siblings are rewarded with a better life and more opportunity. Because of the caste system and tribal wars, death is very common in the Isle of Wind and Bone and Tengu are not very affected by its presence. The Birdfolk that have never left the Isle hold a special place of hatred in their hearts for other Tengu of different tribes. This stems from the constant warring between the tribes for resources and territory. Thanks to the efforts of Cyrano Long-Beak and many others, the Tengu that left the Isle have attempted set aside their tribal differences in order to boast the power, greatness, and ferocity of their race as a whole. The Tengu of the mainland now believe the other races to be inferior because other races do not have feathers. Bird people pity and patronize them for being bald skinned weirdos. For a Tengu, life without feathers is nothing less than a living hell. Tengu particularly dislike pinkies. Pinkies are the ones who first raided and attacked the Tenguand have not been fully forgiven for it. Additionally the pinkies tend to think they are superior to Tengu and many of them talk down to them. Those are the ones that taste the best.
  
 
==Lore:==
 
==Lore:==
  
Birdpeople live on a mysteriously remote island to the far west known as the Isle of Wind and Bone. It is there where nearly all Birdpeople live and die, few ever venturing from the isle. Socially, Birdpeople are seemingly kind, however, deep down every one of them contains the capacity for mindshattering violence. When insulted, Birdpeople will always retaliate with violence.  
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Tengu live on a mysteriously remote island to the far west known as the Isle of Wind and Bone. It is there where nearly all Tengu live and die, few ever venturing from the isle. Socially, Tengu are seemingly kind, however, deep down every one of them contains the capacity for violence. When insulted, a Tengu will always retaliate.  
  
Their society is built as caste system based on the hatchling's order of birth. The firstborn hatchlings are destined to be high-class, often becoming leaders or great champions of battle. First born are also known as the Wind-bearers for it is believed that those born first hold within them the potential knowledge of everything past, present, and future.  Second born are known as the Earth-bearers. The second born are often farmers, merchants, and shopkeepers. The Third born are called Bone-bearers. The third child is a living tool, often living with hundreds of other Bone-bearers in labor flocks. They make up the bulk of the labor force. Bone-bearers are seen as expendable yet valuable since they are the only once fit for hard labor in the mines and mills. Although the system is unchanging, the Birdpeople believe it is possible to change one's caste status by killing the sibling of a higher caste. It is believed that when one sibling is killed by another, their destiny is absorbed. This is why Birdpeople are instinctively fratricidal.  
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Their society is built as caste system based on the hatchling's order of birth. The firstborn hatchlings are destined to be high-class, often becoming leaders or great champions of battle. First born are also known as the Wind-bearers for it is believed that those born first hold within them the potential knowledge of everything past, present, and future.  Second born are known as the Earth-bearers. The second born are often farmers, merchants, and shopkeepers. The Third born are called Bone-bearers. The third child is a living tool, often living with hundreds of other Bone-bearers in labor flocks. They make up the bulk of the labor force. Bone-bearers are seen as expendable yet valuable since they are the only once fit for hard labor in the mines and mills. Although the system is unchanging, the Tengu believe it is possible to change one's caste status by killing the sibling of a higher caste. It is believed that when one sibling is killed by another, their destiny is absorbed. This is why Tengu are instinctively fratricidal.  
  
There is another caste in Birdfolk society, the little known and scarcely mentioned Fourth. The Fourth are Birdfolk children who have grown up parentless and alone. Their feathers never change color from the original gray and they spend their lives wandering the wastes picking a living from the barren rock. They are, for the most part, shunned completely from greater society however there are whispers of the Fourth forming a nomadic tribe out on the wastes.
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There is another caste in Tengu society, the little known and scarcely mentioned Fourth. The Fourth are Tengu children who have been abandoned and grow up parentless and alone. Their feathers never change color from the original gray. Due to undernourshiment Fourth undergo a genetic mutation which they can not pass down genes for colored feathers to their children. Often times they spend their lives wandering the wastes picking a living from the barren rock. They are, for the most part, shunned completely from greater society however there are whispers of the Fourth forming a nomadic tribe out on the wastes.
  
 
==The Isle of Wind and Bone:==
 
==The Isle of Wind and Bone:==
  
80% of the isle is bleak, gray, and windy. The shoreline is a rocky steppe that eventually levels out into a wide plateau. The bleak landscape is devoid of color. This is why Birdpeople meticulously groom their feathers to make them shine and lend some color to the world. The climate of the Isle is between 20-65 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the season. The central part of the isle is the most fertile area and is also where most of the bird people reside.However, out in the flats there live scattered tribes of Birdpeople. These tribes are very mysterious and little is known about them.
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80% of the isle is bleak, gray, and windy. The shoreline is a rocky steppe that eventually levels out into a wide plateau. The bleak landscape is devoid of color. This is why Tengu meticulously groom their feathers to make them shine and lend some color to the world. The climate of the Isle is between 20-65 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the season. The central part of the isle is the most fertile area and is also where most of the bird people reside.However, out in the flats there live scattered tribes of Tengu. These tribes are very mysterious and little is known about them.
 
[[Image:IsleofWindandBone.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The Isle of Wind and Bone as mapped by Sigurd Amundson.]]
 
[[Image:IsleofWindandBone.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The Isle of Wind and Bone as mapped by Sigurd Amundson.]]
The Isle of Wind and Bone is made mostly of volcanic rocks. The wide flats are former lava flows. Although all these volcanoes are now dormant. Generations ago, the Isle was not as it is now. Where there is nothing but gray wastes, there once were tall trees and wide grasslands. Large terrestrial birds roamed the lands while the great birds ruled the skies. Now only a few examples still thrive including the predatory terror raptors, the majestic and godlike grand eagles, and the herbivorous varieties the Birdpeople still hunt for food.
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The Isle of Wind and Bone is made mostly of volcanic rocks. The wide flats are former lava flows. Although all these volcanoes are now dormant. Generations ago, the Isle was not as it is now. Where there is nothing but gray wastes, there once were tall trees and wide grasslands. Large terrestrial birds roamed the lands while the great birds ruled the skies. Now only a few examples still thrive including the predatory terror raptors, the majestic and godlike grand eagles, and the herbivorous varieties the Tengu still hunt for food.
  
During this age there were actually two species of birdfolk: those bound to the ground and those who ruled the sky. These Sky Rulers were far smaller then their kin and were gifted with nimble hands made for tinkering and inventing. They lived in the trees in intricate homes and had a diet based on fruits and insects. Eventually though, the earth-bound Birdpeople began to cut down the trees for lumber and fuel. The Sky Rulers grew angry with their kin. Through a series of events lost to time they began a bloody war which tipped into the favor of those below due to their greater size, strenght, and population.
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==Okah==
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'''The Isle: A History'''
  
The war came to its climax and bloody conclusion on the Day of Night. The armies were gathering when the Isle began to shake and suddenly a great column of smoke rose from the mountain top and ash fell like rain across the Isle. Great fires spread across the grassland and through the forests. But still the armies clashed. A song is sung about this last flight of the Sky Rulers, it has been translated by Sigurd Amundson below:
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In the early age of the Tengu their small island was known as Okah, or "mother". Okah was their protector and their provider. In return, the Tengu protected and revered Okah's beauty living peacefully along side her. In these days the ancient Tengu had the ability of flight and knew no bounds. They lived as one tribe, remembered as the "Sky Rulers". The people lived peacefully alongside each other. All her children were equal in the eyes of Okah. However, as time went on a Tengu by the name of Pel Sharpbeak grew ambitious. He believed that the Tengu were capable much more than simple existence scratching a living from rocks. Pel was a dreamer, and believed that the world could be shaped to the desires of the Tengu. Pel took a simple obsidian axe and felled one of Okah's mightiest trees, and built a grand hall for himself. Fueled by creativity he began to manipulate the land as he saw fit, marring Okah. When others saw what he had done many were outraged they exiled Pel, banishing him from the forests to the wastes. However, Pel's actions had caught the attention of four other Tengu. They joined him on the edge and soon they founded a separate society, a new tribe. Others soon followed in suit intrigued by a new form of life. No longer bound by the constraints of their religion.
  
During the day of night
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The new tribe began to hunger for resources that were scarce on the wastes and began to encrouch onto the more fertile lands desecrating sacred groves and chopping down trees. When the forest tribe (also known as the protectors of Okah) caught wind of Pels actions, they ordered them to cease their actions immediately. Pel responded by slaughtering the messengers and hoisting their bodies onto spears made from the very trees they were defending. Pel's response of blood against diplomacy encouraged his tribe to become more warlike. They began to conquer and enslave smaller villages in order to support themselves. They thrived and were known as War Wings. As they conquered the War Wings recruited more warriors. Soon he fielded a true army, the first of its kind on the Isle.
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Realizing that there was no other alternative, the Tengu of the forest chose to wage open war on Pel and his heretic tribe. Trails of fire and smoke traced the bloody route of their engagements. The earth began to quake and the great Bald Peak began to smoke. Okah was clearly enraged by Pel's actions.
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Pel's victories drove the Army of Okah north onto High Feather Point. Alas they met for their final battle just South of Bald Peak and west of Hawkbeak Bay. During the climax of the battle the earth quaked with great violence. Late in the afternoon Pel's tribe gained the upper hand and the protectors of Okah retreated towards the Eries covered by the emerging darkness. Pel pursued his enemies relentlessly ignoring the protests of Okah. Finally, as the last rays of sunlight faded, the snow-capped peak cracked belching fire and smoke. A great wave of heated ash poured forth from the mountain and seeped across the Shells and the Wastes. Fires spread across the forests that burned for weeks. Ash fell from the sky blanketing the land and choking the rivers. Even the sea itself turned gray. Forever after tales of this day lived on in a song called "The Deep Night". The following lines come from this song.
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Dark followed the last rays of light
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<br>
 
The winged brood took to the skies
 
The winged brood took to the skies
Wings bent in their last flight
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<br>
To battle went calling war cries
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Wings bent to their last flight
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<br>
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battle they went sounding war cries
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<br>
 
Ash fell, they fell, bodies wrent.
 
Ash fell, they fell, bodies wrent.
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<br>
 
Battle songs shrill, blood they spilled.
 
Battle songs shrill, blood they spilled.
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<br>
 
Until the last each died.
 
Until the last each died.
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<br>
 
Bodies crumpled, broken,
 
Bodies crumpled, broken,
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<br>
 
'neath the skies.
 
'neath the skies.
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<br>
  
After the war's conclusion the remaining Birdpeople had a chance to rebuild. They lived in a age of relative peace for some time. After all those years the land grew tired. The hills were over-farmed and the land was stripped of trees. Wood and lumber have become the most valuable commodity on the Isle. The constant struggle for resources has led the Birdfolk tribes to more wars and in-fighting increasing their already deep distrust for their own kind.
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Pel and many of his followers survived the eruption but found life to be very difficult after the war. Food was scarce and that passed through the fires unscathed was the deep bowl valley in the center of the island. They attacked this stronghold but the brave defenders repelled their advances. Eventually Pel and his people returned to the Flats and took to hunting and fishing for food. In time they were able to farm and thrive. Even the trees began to grow back but these were often mistreated and cut down for fuel and tools. Eventually they became the many tribes of the Tengu, colonizing the rest of the Isle although their wings grew weak and diminutive and so they lost the ability to fly. Meanwhile the defenders of the forests became the Broad Wings and continue to defend their homeland to this day.  
  
==Okah==
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After the war's conclusion the remaining Tengu had a chance to rebuild. They lived in a age of relative peace for some time. After all those years the land grew tired. The hills were over-farmed and the land was stripped of trees. Wood and lumber have become the most valuable commodity on the Isle. The constant struggle for resources has led the Tengu tribes to more wars and in-fighting increasing their already deep distrust for their own kind. The lack of food availability gave rise to the caste system that now binds Tengu into their many roles. The eldest being given the lions share while the lower siblings must work to earn what they can.
'''The Isle'''
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In the early age of the birdfolk their small island, now called the Isle of Wind and Bone, was known as Okah, or "mother". Okah was their protector and their provider. In return, the birdfolk protected and revered Okah's beauty with their lives. In these days the ancient birdfolk had the ability of flight and knew no bounds. In those days there were no tribes or castes for all birdfolk were equal in the eyes of Okah and for a time the lived in harmony. However, as time went on a birdman by the name of Pel Sharpbeak grew ever curious of the world around him. He believed that birdfolk were capable much more than simple existence. Pel was a dreamer, and believed that the world could be shaped to the desires of birdman and birdwoman alike. To test his theory, Pel felled one of Okah's mightiest trees, and fashioned its sacred wood into a home. Fueled by creativity he began to manipulate the land as he saw fit, marring Okah. When others saw what he had done many were outraged they exiled Pel to the edge of the isle and banished him from the forest. However, four birdmen were very intrigued by Pel's ingenuity. They joined him on the edge and soon they founded a separate society. Others soon followed in suit. No longer living by the constraints of the previous society, this Pel's tribe began to chopped down Okah's trees and abuse her land. When the forest tribe (also known as the protectors of Okah) caught wind of Pels actions, they went to his tribe and ordered him to stop. Pel responded by slaughtering the messengers with spears made from the very trees they were trying to protect. Pel and his tribe continued manipulate the land to their desire and soon, his tribe thrived. They learned to farm and fish and hunt and provide for themselves. They killed the small skirmishing parties who attempted to disrupt their society. Soon the the Pel's tribe was a force to be reckoned with. Realizing that there was no other alternative, the Birdfolk of the forest waged war against Pel and his heretic society. The vicious battle raged across the isle. During the climax of the battle, Pel's tribe gained the upper hand and the protectors of Okah retreated. As they fled the isle's tallest volcano erupted and consumed much of the isle in ash and fire covering their escape. The protectors fled into the remaining section of forest and took up a defensive position, protected by the tower trees. Concerned with survival, Pel and his tribe chose not to pursue the protectors and fell back. weeks after the eruption, Pel and his tribe traveled the land, and on many occasions attempted to attack the forest, but to no avail. Accepting this, Pel decided to populate the rest of the isle. In their travels, Pel rewarded each of the original four followers a section of his tribe as well as their own land. After the original founders had passed,the tribes began began to compete with each other for usable farm land. Over time the protectors, now known as the broad wings, emerged from their forest and became their own tribe as well. All the tribes have since lost their full ability to fly due to life on the ground.
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==Tengu Tribes==
 
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==Birdfolk Tribes==
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'''Talons'''
 
'''Talons'''
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'''Water Riders'''
 
'''Water Riders'''
Otherwise known as the Shells. These outcast Birdpeople live on the Shell islands on the west side of the Isle. They once built incredible ships that could fly across the waters and would raid the Bright Feathers and Eagle's Sons for food and valuables. As wood is now in short supply, they are "shells of themselves" scratching a living off rocks. They are still the finest swimmers of all the tribes.
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Otherwise known as the Shells. These outcast Tengu live on the Shell islands on the west side of the Isle. They once built incredible ships that could fly across the waters and would raid the Bright Feathers and Broad Wings for food and valuables. As wood is now in short supply, they are "shells of themselves" barely living on their rocks separated from main society. They are still the finest swimmers of all the tribes.
  
 
'''Bright Feathers''''
 
'''Bright Feathers''''
As their name implies, these Birdpeople have the grandest plumage. Even though well endowed at birth, they still feel the need to highlight their superior grooming with fine gems which they mine from the Eyrie Mountains. They can be found living in cave dwellings all throughout those mountains although they are most common on High Feather Point. Naturally, due to this material wealth and life style, the Bright Feather's are thought to be rather snobbish and pretentious (although this may just be a stereotype).   
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As their name implies, these Tengu have the grandest plumage. Even though well endowed at birth, they still feel the need to highlight their superior grooming with fine gems which they mine from the Eyrie Mountains. They can be found living in cave dwellings all throughout those mountains although they are most common on High Feather Point. Naturally, due to this material wealth and life style, the Bright Feather's are thought to be rather snobbish and pretentious (although this may just be a stereotype).   
  
 
'''Broad Wings'''
 
'''Broad Wings'''
The last tribe closely resemble the Sky Rulers of the ages past. Just like them, Broad Wings are slightly of smaller stature and have a knack for invention. They are flightless like the other tribes but they lightest of them can glide gracefully from tree to tree. Broad Wings build their homes in the last trees of the Isle which they guard with their lives. They make the strongest weapons and construct devilish traps. Broad Wings are also very fast and nimble, able to outmaneuver most opponents. They worship the large eagles that live in the Valley of Bones (the place where they leave their dead to rot and decay - it is a holy place for all the Birdpeople to dispose of the dead and is so a honored place of peace).
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The last tribe closely resemble the Sky Rulers of the ages past. Just like them, Broad Wings are slightly of smaller stature and have a knack for invention. They are flightless like the other tribes but they lightest of them can glide gracefully from tree to tree. Broad Wings build their homes in the last trees of the Isle which they guard with their lives. They make the strongest weapons and construct devilish traps. Broad Wings are also very fast and nimble, able to outmaneuver most opponents. They worship the large eagles that live in the Valley of Bones (the place where they leave their dead to rot and decay - it is a holy place for all the Tengu to dispose of the dead and is so a honored place of peace).
  
==List of Known Birdpeople==
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'''Ash Walkers'''
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The Ash Walkers are a nomadic tribe originally formed by a group of Fourth caste Tengu. They actively adopt other Fourth outcasts into their ranks, providing a home and family for those who have never known one. The Ash Walkers are diverse in physique due to the varying tribal origins. One trait all Ash Walkers do have is their feathers are strictly varying shades of gray. The cause of this trait is two-fold: undernourishment resulting from being Fourth and a genetic mutation that prevents the passage of an active gene for feather color resulting from said undernourishment. The Ash Walkers are very reclusive and deeply resentful of the other tribes and Tengu with with colored feathers.
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'''Extinct: Sky Rulers'''
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The original tribe that consisted of all the Tengu during the pre-eruption era. They lived peacefully under the binding worship of Okah. After Pel Sharpbeak's war and the Deep Night they tribe was shattered. Its descendents make up all the tribes however their creed lives on most strongly with the Broad Wing tribe.
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'''Extinct: War Wings'''
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Founded by Pel Sharpbeak and his followers, the War Wings are the forefather's of all the living tribes of Tengu, excluding the Broad Wings. They excelled in war and conquered much of the Isle before the Deep Night. Since then, inner schisms and power struggles have divided them into the aforementioned tribes.
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==List of Known Tengu==
  
 
[[Cyrano]]
 
[[Cyrano]]
  
==Birdpeople trivia:==
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[[Apteryx]]
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[[Skreech]]
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[[Rebel]]
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[[Chirp]]
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==Tengu trivia:==
 
<br>
 
<br>
-When one Birdperson defeats another in battle it is a common ritual to skin and wear their pelt to show their strength.
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-When one Tengu defeats another in battle it is a common ritual to skin and wear their pelt to show their strength.
  
 
-Because of their love of their own feathers, a common punishment for breaking the law is to remove a number of feathers from the criminal based on the severity of the crime.
 
-Because of their love of their own feathers, a common punishment for breaking the law is to remove a number of feathers from the criminal based on the severity of the crime.
  
-Birdpeople take great stock in sweets, meats, feathers, and dead birdpeople. So much that they will go to war to obtain them.
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-Tengu take great stock in fertile land, natural beauty, vibrant feathers, and the bones of past enemies. So much that they will go to war to obtain them.
  
-In addition to feathers, bones are a highly valuable commodity in Birdfolk society. Value is based on shape, size, and hardness.
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-In addition to feathers, bones are a highly valuable commodity in Tengu society. Value is based on shape, size, and hardness.
  
-All Birdpeople have a two part name. Their first name is a given name by their parents and their second name is a physical attribute unique to them. Some second name examples include: Long-Beak, Strong-Song, Loud-Screech etc.
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-All Tengu have a two part name. Their first name is a given name by their parents and their second name is a physical attribute unique to them. Some second name examples include: Long-Beak, Strong-Song, Loud-Screech, Sharp-Beak etc.
  
-When aroused, Birdpeople's legs turn red.
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-When aroused, Tengu's legs turn red.
  
-Birdpeople's feces makes a fine pancake batter.
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-Tengu feces makes a fine pancake batter.
  
-Birdmen's beaks are a known aphrodisiac. If a beak is ground into a fine powder and consumed with tea or another liquid, it stimulates sexual prowess for hours on end. If the powder is consumed in a greater concentration (like inhaling) it can cause explosive results in the genitalia of the consumer (i.e. detachment in a rocket-like manner). Alternatively, a Birdwomen's beak is a equally powerful laxative when consumed in a similar way. Again, if consumed improperly, the results are explosive causing complete intestinal ejection. The Birdpeople are hunted and prized for their beaks.  
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-Male Tengu semen tastes like poultry or other game birds, varying with the particular Tengu.
  
-Because of constant danger Birdpeople have become more and more hostile, often preemptively attacking and raiding others for both safety and sheer joy.
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-Male Tengu  beaks are a known aphrodisiac. If a beak is ground into a fine powder and consumed with tea or another liquid, it stimulates sexual prowess for hours on end. If the powder is consumed in a greater concentration (like inhaling) it can cause explosive results in the genitalia of the consumer (i.e. detachment in a rocket-like manner). Alternatively, a Female Tengu beak is an equally powerful laxative when consumed in a similar way. Again, if consumed improperly, the results are explosive causing complete intestinal ejection. The Tengu are hunted and prized for their beaks, though very few succeed.  
  
-When preparing for battle birdpeople will often envison the enemy as giant cuts of meat(A.K.A Pinkies) or other birdpeople in order to have maximum killing mentality.
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-Because of constant danger Tengu have become more and more hostile, often preemptively attacking and raiding others for both safety and to display dominance.
  
-Birdpeople have many reasons for killing pinkies, but the biggest one is because its fun. Other reasons include flavor, texture, revenge, and arousal.
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[[Category:Races]][[Category:Monsterdom]]
[[Category:Races]]
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Revision as of 01:37, 14 January 2019

Contents

Anatomy:

Tengu warriors.

Tengu are bipedal monsters with bird-like characteristics including feathers, beaks, talons, hard-but-light bones, scaled bird-like hands and feet and excellent vision. All birdpeople tend to be on the thinner side due to the isle's harsh environment and scarce food. Male Tengu generally range from average to above average height(relative to pinkies). Female Tengu have a more diverse sizing, ranging from very short to very tall. Tengu come in thousands of different color combinations and feather types. Naturally strong, Tengu have high jumping and climbing capability due to their light bones. While able to leap and bound for great distances they cannot actually fly. Tengu are only able to have three hatchlings due to their low survival rate. When Tengu are born they have feathers as gray as the land itself. It is said that feather color come from personality and upbringing. When they arrive at adolescence their feathers become very vibrant and bright. As Tengu become older their feathers become darker and deeper in color. Tengu live on a diet of grains and meats and jealously guard over their caches ever vigilant for thieves.

Personality:

Tengu value self-attainment, determination, and willpower above all else. These values are influenced by the way in which one advances in the caste system. Those that strive to become greater and have the mental and physical willpower to defeat their siblings are rewarded with a better life and more opportunity. Because of the caste system and tribal wars, death is very common in the Isle of Wind and Bone and Tengu are not very affected by its presence. The Birdfolk that have never left the Isle hold a special place of hatred in their hearts for other Tengu of different tribes. This stems from the constant warring between the tribes for resources and territory. Thanks to the efforts of Cyrano Long-Beak and many others, the Tengu that left the Isle have attempted set aside their tribal differences in order to boast the power, greatness, and ferocity of their race as a whole. The Tengu of the mainland now believe the other races to be inferior because other races do not have feathers. Bird people pity and patronize them for being bald skinned weirdos. For a Tengu, life without feathers is nothing less than a living hell. Tengu particularly dislike pinkies. Pinkies are the ones who first raided and attacked the Tenguand have not been fully forgiven for it. Additionally the pinkies tend to think they are superior to Tengu and many of them talk down to them. Those are the ones that taste the best.

Lore:

Tengu live on a mysteriously remote island to the far west known as the Isle of Wind and Bone. It is there where nearly all Tengu live and die, few ever venturing from the isle. Socially, Tengu are seemingly kind, however, deep down every one of them contains the capacity for violence. When insulted, a Tengu will always retaliate.

Their society is built as caste system based on the hatchling's order of birth. The firstborn hatchlings are destined to be high-class, often becoming leaders or great champions of battle. First born are also known as the Wind-bearers for it is believed that those born first hold within them the potential knowledge of everything past, present, and future. Second born are known as the Earth-bearers. The second born are often farmers, merchants, and shopkeepers. The Third born are called Bone-bearers. The third child is a living tool, often living with hundreds of other Bone-bearers in labor flocks. They make up the bulk of the labor force. Bone-bearers are seen as expendable yet valuable since they are the only once fit for hard labor in the mines and mills. Although the system is unchanging, the Tengu believe it is possible to change one's caste status by killing the sibling of a higher caste. It is believed that when one sibling is killed by another, their destiny is absorbed. This is why Tengu are instinctively fratricidal.

There is another caste in Tengu society, the little known and scarcely mentioned Fourth. The Fourth are Tengu children who have been abandoned and grow up parentless and alone. Their feathers never change color from the original gray. Due to undernourshiment Fourth undergo a genetic mutation which they can not pass down genes for colored feathers to their children. Often times they spend their lives wandering the wastes picking a living from the barren rock. They are, for the most part, shunned completely from greater society however there are whispers of the Fourth forming a nomadic tribe out on the wastes.

The Isle of Wind and Bone:

80% of the isle is bleak, gray, and windy. The shoreline is a rocky steppe that eventually levels out into a wide plateau. The bleak landscape is devoid of color. This is why Tengu meticulously groom their feathers to make them shine and lend some color to the world. The climate of the Isle is between 20-65 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the season. The central part of the isle is the most fertile area and is also where most of the bird people reside.However, out in the flats there live scattered tribes of Tengu. These tribes are very mysterious and little is known about them.

The Isle of Wind and Bone as mapped by Sigurd Amundson.

The Isle of Wind and Bone is made mostly of volcanic rocks. The wide flats are former lava flows. Although all these volcanoes are now dormant. Generations ago, the Isle was not as it is now. Where there is nothing but gray wastes, there once were tall trees and wide grasslands. Large terrestrial birds roamed the lands while the great birds ruled the skies. Now only a few examples still thrive including the predatory terror raptors, the majestic and godlike grand eagles, and the herbivorous varieties the Tengu still hunt for food.

Okah

The Isle: A History

In the early age of the Tengu their small island was known as Okah, or "mother". Okah was their protector and their provider. In return, the Tengu protected and revered Okah's beauty living peacefully along side her. In these days the ancient Tengu had the ability of flight and knew no bounds. They lived as one tribe, remembered as the "Sky Rulers". The people lived peacefully alongside each other. All her children were equal in the eyes of Okah. However, as time went on a Tengu by the name of Pel Sharpbeak grew ambitious. He believed that the Tengu were capable much more than simple existence scratching a living from rocks. Pel was a dreamer, and believed that the world could be shaped to the desires of the Tengu. Pel took a simple obsidian axe and felled one of Okah's mightiest trees, and built a grand hall for himself. Fueled by creativity he began to manipulate the land as he saw fit, marring Okah. When others saw what he had done many were outraged they exiled Pel, banishing him from the forests to the wastes. However, Pel's actions had caught the attention of four other Tengu. They joined him on the edge and soon they founded a separate society, a new tribe. Others soon followed in suit intrigued by a new form of life. No longer bound by the constraints of their religion.

The new tribe began to hunger for resources that were scarce on the wastes and began to encrouch onto the more fertile lands desecrating sacred groves and chopping down trees. When the forest tribe (also known as the protectors of Okah) caught wind of Pels actions, they ordered them to cease their actions immediately. Pel responded by slaughtering the messengers and hoisting their bodies onto spears made from the very trees they were defending. Pel's response of blood against diplomacy encouraged his tribe to become more warlike. They began to conquer and enslave smaller villages in order to support themselves. They thrived and were known as War Wings. As they conquered the War Wings recruited more warriors. Soon he fielded a true army, the first of its kind on the Isle. Realizing that there was no other alternative, the Tengu of the forest chose to wage open war on Pel and his heretic tribe. Trails of fire and smoke traced the bloody route of their engagements. The earth began to quake and the great Bald Peak began to smoke. Okah was clearly enraged by Pel's actions.

Pel's victories drove the Army of Okah north onto High Feather Point. Alas they met for their final battle just South of Bald Peak and west of Hawkbeak Bay. During the climax of the battle the earth quaked with great violence. Late in the afternoon Pel's tribe gained the upper hand and the protectors of Okah retreated towards the Eries covered by the emerging darkness. Pel pursued his enemies relentlessly ignoring the protests of Okah. Finally, as the last rays of sunlight faded, the snow-capped peak cracked belching fire and smoke. A great wave of heated ash poured forth from the mountain and seeped across the Shells and the Wastes. Fires spread across the forests that burned for weeks. Ash fell from the sky blanketing the land and choking the rivers. Even the sea itself turned gray. Forever after tales of this day lived on in a song called "The Deep Night". The following lines come from this song.

Dark followed the last rays of light
The winged brood took to the skies
Wings bent to their last flight
battle they went sounding war cries
Ash fell, they fell, bodies wrent.
Battle songs shrill, blood they spilled.
Until the last each died.
Bodies crumpled, broken,
'neath the skies.

Pel and many of his followers survived the eruption but found life to be very difficult after the war. Food was scarce and that passed through the fires unscathed was the deep bowl valley in the center of the island. They attacked this stronghold but the brave defenders repelled their advances. Eventually Pel and his people returned to the Flats and took to hunting and fishing for food. In time they were able to farm and thrive. Even the trees began to grow back but these were often mistreated and cut down for fuel and tools. Eventually they became the many tribes of the Tengu, colonizing the rest of the Isle although their wings grew weak and diminutive and so they lost the ability to fly. Meanwhile the defenders of the forests became the Broad Wings and continue to defend their homeland to this day.

After the war's conclusion the remaining Tengu had a chance to rebuild. They lived in a age of relative peace for some time. After all those years the land grew tired. The hills were over-farmed and the land was stripped of trees. Wood and lumber have become the most valuable commodity on the Isle. The constant struggle for resources has led the Tengu tribes to more wars and in-fighting increasing their already deep distrust for their own kind. The lack of food availability gave rise to the caste system that now binds Tengu into their many roles. The eldest being given the lions share while the lower siblings must work to earn what they can.

Tengu Tribes

Talons The Talons are a tribe who focus primarily on hunting. They are skilled in the uses of leather slings and can kill with a well placed stone to the temple. No prey item is safe from the terrestrial birds to those in the skies. They reside mostly on the Flats and have some cities on Cape Talon. They are reclusive creatures. They like to make flutes from the hallow bones of their prey. In the dark nights you can hear their music carried by the wind over the hills.

Hawkbeaks Hawkbeaks live in coastal dwellings along the eastern coast of the Isle. They have one major mecca in the jaws of Hawkbeak Bay. The only major building is a stone gladiator pit where young Hawkbeaks test their skills of war. From a young age they are taught how to fight using spear and knife. Once they reach manhood, Wind-Bearers of this tribe are given a hatchling terror raptor to raise. Once the raptor reaches adulthood itself it becomes a terrifying mount which Hawkbeaks ride into battle.

Divers Divers are generally peaceful and skittish tribe. They keep to the southern coasts and inlets. Divers are the most skilled fisherman. They practice incredible patience sometimes standing along the shore, in waist deep water, or atop a rock watching the waters carefully choosing their moment to dive in and catch their pray. Some use spears but most enjoy the thrill of catching the fish in their beak.

Water Riders Otherwise known as the Shells. These outcast Tengu live on the Shell islands on the west side of the Isle. They once built incredible ships that could fly across the waters and would raid the Bright Feathers and Broad Wings for food and valuables. As wood is now in short supply, they are "shells of themselves" barely living on their rocks separated from main society. They are still the finest swimmers of all the tribes.

Bright Feathers' As their name implies, these Tengu have the grandest plumage. Even though well endowed at birth, they still feel the need to highlight their superior grooming with fine gems which they mine from the Eyrie Mountains. They can be found living in cave dwellings all throughout those mountains although they are most common on High Feather Point. Naturally, due to this material wealth and life style, the Bright Feather's are thought to be rather snobbish and pretentious (although this may just be a stereotype).

Broad Wings The last tribe closely resemble the Sky Rulers of the ages past. Just like them, Broad Wings are slightly of smaller stature and have a knack for invention. They are flightless like the other tribes but they lightest of them can glide gracefully from tree to tree. Broad Wings build their homes in the last trees of the Isle which they guard with their lives. They make the strongest weapons and construct devilish traps. Broad Wings are also very fast and nimble, able to outmaneuver most opponents. They worship the large eagles that live in the Valley of Bones (the place where they leave their dead to rot and decay - it is a holy place for all the Tengu to dispose of the dead and is so a honored place of peace).

Ash Walkers The Ash Walkers are a nomadic tribe originally formed by a group of Fourth caste Tengu. They actively adopt other Fourth outcasts into their ranks, providing a home and family for those who have never known one. The Ash Walkers are diverse in physique due to the varying tribal origins. One trait all Ash Walkers do have is their feathers are strictly varying shades of gray. The cause of this trait is two-fold: undernourishment resulting from being Fourth and a genetic mutation that prevents the passage of an active gene for feather color resulting from said undernourishment. The Ash Walkers are very reclusive and deeply resentful of the other tribes and Tengu with with colored feathers.

Extinct: Sky Rulers The original tribe that consisted of all the Tengu during the pre-eruption era. They lived peacefully under the binding worship of Okah. After Pel Sharpbeak's war and the Deep Night they tribe was shattered. Its descendents make up all the tribes however their creed lives on most strongly with the Broad Wing tribe.

Extinct: War Wings Founded by Pel Sharpbeak and his followers, the War Wings are the forefather's of all the living tribes of Tengu, excluding the Broad Wings. They excelled in war and conquered much of the Isle before the Deep Night. Since then, inner schisms and power struggles have divided them into the aforementioned tribes.

List of Known Tengu

Cyrano

Apteryx

Skreech

Rebel

Chirp

Tengu trivia:


-When one Tengu defeats another in battle it is a common ritual to skin and wear their pelt to show their strength.

-Because of their love of their own feathers, a common punishment for breaking the law is to remove a number of feathers from the criminal based on the severity of the crime.

-Tengu take great stock in fertile land, natural beauty, vibrant feathers, and the bones of past enemies. So much that they will go to war to obtain them.

-In addition to feathers, bones are a highly valuable commodity in Tengu society. Value is based on shape, size, and hardness.

-All Tengu have a two part name. Their first name is a given name by their parents and their second name is a physical attribute unique to them. Some second name examples include: Long-Beak, Strong-Song, Loud-Screech, Sharp-Beak etc.

-When aroused, Tengu's legs turn red.

-Tengu feces makes a fine pancake batter.

-Male Tengu semen tastes like poultry or other game birds, varying with the particular Tengu.

-Male Tengu beaks are a known aphrodisiac. If a beak is ground into a fine powder and consumed with tea or another liquid, it stimulates sexual prowess for hours on end. If the powder is consumed in a greater concentration (like inhaling) it can cause explosive results in the genitalia of the consumer (i.e. detachment in a rocket-like manner). Alternatively, a Female Tengu beak is an equally powerful laxative when consumed in a similar way. Again, if consumed improperly, the results are explosive causing complete intestinal ejection. The Tengu are hunted and prized for their beaks, though very few succeed.

-Because of constant danger Tengu have become more and more hostile, often preemptively attacking and raiding others for both safety and to display dominance.

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