Der'Anka

High in the mountains above the northern cliffs giant nests can be seen. It is there on one of the peaks that radiant light shines. The descriptor of “golden” to the great eagle is apt. Her progeny has a light brown to gold coloration, unlike the darker color of other mountain eagles. Her own color is that of polished gold. Initial wariness at the small creatures coming to inhabit her territory was overcome by their gifts to her, and reverence they showed to her and her children. That followers of the apex eagle would even go so far as to protect other eagles that were not hers only further solidified her decision to allow them to stay.   Acolytes of Der’Anka wear outfits decorated with assortments of feathers of mountain birds. Higher ranking acolytes are afforded the right to wear eagle feathers. The High Adept headpiece is an elaborate eagle mask, decorated with feathers of Der’Anka. Though the feathers do still glow, no other enchantment is known to exist on it, unlike the Sunfeather Cloak. Ritual combat is performed using talon knives, on a small platform that has been extended from the cliff face. The most zealous of followers engage in a marvelous defense of the cliffs. Through much trial and error, winged gliders have been constructed and are used by sling wielding acolytes.   It is through skill of flight that Der’Anka chooses her champions. Frequent updrafts along the cliffs permit those who are skilled in navigating them to remain in the air for hours at a time. On occasion, the great winged predator has snatched soaring acolytes from the skies. She retrieves them to her nest atop the high peak and leaves them alone there for the night. Should they survive the cold and thin air, she marks them in the morning.