Aven

Living within the canopies of the continent's forests, traveling along the winds, aven are a diverse population of several large, sentient bird species. They mostly live apart from others due to their fragile builds and aloof nature, but in some regions - notably the Korth'an Forest - aven make up a vital communication link, carrying messages with great speed across vast distances.

Description

Aven appear as nothing more than large birds, perhaps with a more intelligent gleam in their eye than the average wild bird. The term "aven" is used (frequently by outsiders) to apply to any number of sentient birdfolk. Within their own flocks, each aven species tends to refer to itself with its own name.

Most aven only have two legs and two wings, without any additional limbs or hands to manipulate objects. They rely upon nimble necks and beaks or long flexible legs and talons, often traveling in groups to allow for mutual support when physical interaction is required. Some few species have dactyly (resembling bony fingers) at the ends of their wings, and there are one or two unique aven species with a separate set of arms in addition to their wings. It is unclear whether these latter aven are a product of natural evolution or some sort of magical interference somewhere in their past.

Of note, aven are specifically very bird-like. They are distinct from Harpies , for example, which have some bird-like features (especially feathers and wings) but which are otherwise very humanoid (with Human-like facial features)

Range

Aven can be found across Lasair, in small family flocks that tend to live in canopies of forests or on the sides of mountains or cliffs. A large population lives within the Korth'an Forest , with many making up a part of Korth'an Wardens and serving as messengers. Some flocks live north of the Titan Wall in the Savage Lands , trading with Orcs while fending off aggressions by Harpies. Yet others circle high over the Fertile Lands , finding shelter among the farms of the Halflings at night in exchange for watching for Centaurs ' raids.

Personality

Aven are very bird-like not only in their appearance but also in their behaviors. They can be aloof but curious, driven to collect shiny objects, and very much at home soaring on the winds. They are very uncommon as adventurers or soldiers, much more likely to be scouts or messengers - on the rare occasions that they choose to interact with other species.

A very small number of aven have notable skills with magic. While all aven are somewhat in touch with the elemental power of the air, some of the aven species have developed a strong tradition of storytelling and history-keeping. Those who are chosen to take on the honor and duty of keeping those stories will often share and develop a magical tradition to go along with it - aiding their people and helping to preserve their traditions.