Aven

"The Aaracockra chase the wind until their hearts burst. Foolish. The wind always passes. The water? The water remains. If you stand still enough, the fish comes to you. If you wait long enough, the truth floats to the surface. We do not chase, traveler. We wait."

— Elder Puddles, Weaver of the Reeds

Origins: The First Dive

• The Mud-Born: Aven mythology claims they were spirits of the river that took feathered form. They believe the Great Heron plucked the first Aven from the silt of the primal delta.

 
• The Two Lineages: Aven biology manifests in two distinct morphs, though they are the same species:
• The Striders (Heron/Crane/Stork): Tall, thin, and built for wading in deep waters. They are often the scholars, spear-fishers, and watchers.
• The Paddlers (Duck/Goose/Swan): Stout, buoyant, and built for swimming and endurance. They are often the boat-builders, navigators, and heavy laborers.


• Habitat: They dominate the wetlands, marshes, and river deltas of Cruinlagh. They live in Stilt-Villages that rise above the tides, or on massive, flat-bottomed barges that drift along the waterways.

Cultural Values: The Sacred Stillness

• The Hunter’s Trance: Aven are famous for their ability to stand perfectly motionless for hours. They value observation over action. A wise Aven listens more than they speak.
• The Migratory Path: Many Aven communities are nomadic, following the seasonal floods and fish runs. They do not believe in "borders." The river flows where it wants, and so do they.