Harpies
The Harpies are a race of avian humanoids who primarily make their towns in the elevated mountainous regions of the High Mountains and Ruined Rockies. Standing on average of around 6-7 feet, the harpies boast beautiful, feathered wings of many rustic colors that resemble that of the different bird species around Latani, with wingspans anywhere from 20-25 feet to support their weight and the armor they often fly in. Harpies also have a small fan of feathers around their ears and a short kite of feathers on their tailbones to act as rudders during flight. Their slightly oblong eyes and irises allow them to see almost twice as much as the average human, their facial features are sharp overall, and their forelimbs are scaly like that of other taloned birds. Harpies have flexible, multi-jointed necks, allowing them to rotate their heads 270 degrees around.
Once nomadic and separated during the dark ages of Latani, the Harpies eventually united and started to dispense and enact law throughout the lands of Latani after the events of the First Reform. Harpies are among the greatest warriors in Latani today, with their culture mainly revolving around defending others, keeping peace and acting as the eyes, ears and the personal fighting forces of The Crown of Latani. They wield all sorts of weapons and fashion sleek, rustic armors. The harpies are an extremely proud species who do not hesitate a call to action, they are both feared and respected throughout Latani, and it is suggested that visitors and hosts alike both fear and respect them as well.
Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
The vast majority of harpies share the Quintalasism belief, most of which focusing their time into Sheeran, the goddess of balance. Most harpies believe in that of connectiveness and justice, often scouring the landscape as peacekeepers to help with conflicts and rising tensions between species. Sometimes they are welcomed, but other times they are turned away and told to mind their own business.
Shared customary codes and values
Harpy culture revolves heavily around battle and justice, with the harpies having one of the greatest armies and most skilled warriors in the whole of Latani. At a young age, most harpies are taught that they must fight and grow stronger to protect others who cannot. A common saying in the harpy community is "fly for those with no wings", it has become somewhat of a standard and reminder for those in their military and scouting forces.
Coming of Age Rites
Coming of age is one of the most important moments in a young harpy's life. Once their down has molted at around age 10, they must fly for the first time to prove their strength and bravery. Certain sites in the mountains are reserved for such events, with young harpies gaining enough courage to leap off the edge of the mountain and take flight, with older harpies (usually the parents) accompanying them just in case.
Historical figures
Kaloss Yermin - The first and only harpy King was a man who united the harpies years ago back when they were still scattered, wandering nomads. He has been described as a jovial, caring and deeply ambitious man who saught nothing less than the best for his people and home of Latani after a time of everlasting war. Alone, Kaloss embarked on a massive continent-wide campaign, one by one uniting the Harpies under a single collective banner with the goal of helping establish law and peace throughout the war-torn Latani. He was also a loyal and fierce warrior who turned the tide of the War of Flesh and Scales when she plunged a spear into the eye of Lord Ledoux during his skirmish with Torren, and leading his final assault brigade on the giant dragon, tearing up his wings enough until Torren and his allies could blast through them to made him fall to his death, although Kaloss was caught by Ledoux's lightning breath and killed during his final decent. Kaloss is without question the most famous Harpy who ever lived, and out of respect for him and his accomplishments, the unified Harpies collectively agreed to never again have another King, opting instead for leadership from elders and generals. A massive statue of Kaloss resides in the Harpy city on top of Mt.Drang in the High Mountains.
"The graceful and intimidating police equivalent of Latani, with a deep rooted sense of honor and dignity. Their massive wings that give them the rare power of flight is a sight to behold and admire."F.L.
Within their ranks are three specific classes of soldiers:
Aivers, which specialize in many weapons such as spears, swords and halberds to swoop down on foes during aerial combat.
Kinths, which are ground fighters that clad their wings in thick armor to act as sharp shields.
Monoliths, which are ironclad warriors that dive strait down on foes mid-air at Mach speeds dealing massive damage and often instant death.
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