Located on a north western peninsula of the wind court, Ferrinbur is home to an aerie of Aarakocra who call the forests home. Using the strong Ironwood trees this area is known for, the folk have cultivated a connection with the very root structure of the forest and its trees that allows the Aarakocra to construct “egg like” domiciles out of the strong limbs of the ironwood that hang high in the canopies. Strong fibers that emanate from within the Ironwood suspends the egg shape homes high above the forest floor, allowing the Aaarakocra added protection from the wilds. A series of ropes, bridges and cranes with liftable platforms were introduced to the town to aid the communities mobility among the branches when the Court lost their Wind stone, this sent the entire community into and apathetic malaise. Without the ability to fly the Aaarakocra had to quickly adjust to this new reality, sadly this malaise has seemed to linger and has caused the Aaarakocra to abandon some of the old traditions in favor of new ground based rituals that feel unnatural to them.
History
The Aaarakocra of Ferrinbur were once a great source of Ironwood, used in crafting armor and instruments for the Jagged peaks of Avalon that houses the High Perch, rulers of the land. The Ironwood this community cultivated from the trees can rival that of the Mithral that the elvish communities are known for. While remaining natural wood in almost every way, ironwood is as strong and resistant to fire as steel. This allotted Ferrinbur much sway on matters of the court, that is until the time of troubles. When the stone of wind was stolen the Aarakocra of Ferrinbur had to work doubly hard to cultivate and nurture the Ironwood having never been grounded before they had to learn techniques from other ground bond lands, this was a long and painful process for the once air born peoples. While still supplying Ironwood to Avalon and surrounding cities of the wind court, their yield slowed down dramatically causing the community to suffer the effects.
Locations
The Lift (elevators)
A series of ropes and pulleys connected to a cage like platform that ushers in visitors and community members alike from the forest floor. This system is powered by owlbears pulling ropes connected to harnesses around the owlbear’s body (the owlbears are treated with care and actually enjoy the sense of purpose in helping their Aaarakocran partners).
The Volery terrace (markets of Ferrinbur):
Located among the trunk of large central tree, The Volery is a collection of open air stalls and stores, some carved into the very trunk of the great tree, selling all kinds of trinkets, clothing, armor, weapons and foods. The Volery is held aloft by Aaarakocran crafted suspension platform anchored to the surrounding Ironwood trees.
The Cluster Terrace
Hanging over top the Volery Terrace is a grand platform called the Cluster. It is used for the largest gatherings and celebrations Ferrinbur can muster. The town goes through great pains to ensure this platform is well maintained. The Assembly keep this platform stocked with ample amounts of seating for spectators, fire wood for bonfires and food for hungry onlookers. There is also a large amount of musical Instruments that lay in wait patiently until it’s their time to shine. The Assembly gather the citizens for their monthly Great Dinner Feasts. During these Great Feasts a raucous and joyous celebration is to be had, this gives the population a chance to shed their worries if only for the night. Known throughout the Courts for ostentatious musical performances, to their choreographed dance sequences the bards of the aerie don’t disappoint, these dinners put on a show. But an element of seriousness does exist during this joyous time, as the Assembly uses the great dinners as a chance to air grievances and share strategies with other Assembly members as they discuss the future of Ferrinbur.
The Temple branches
The Aarakocra of Ferrinbur venerate two goddesses; Melora the goddess of the sea, sky, and nature along with Sarenrae goddess of light and the sun. The temples themselves are distinct on their own right.
Melora’s temple is decorated with special multicolored flowers whose vines wrap around the entirety of the structure. These flowers are used in paints and pigments the Aaarakocra us to add color to their surroundings. Special holes in the walls of the temple allow the wind to blow through creating a uniquely beautiful song.
Sarenrae’s temple on the other hand has a open air roof that allows sun to pour in, the light is filtered through a web of branches that squeeze the light, creating beams of light to stream down across the temple grounds.
Aerie Branches
This makes up the majority of Ferrinbur’s mass. The branches of the ironwood tree are dotted with the unique egg like domes the Aarakocra grow years in advance, molding the branches in a secretive process known only to the most trusted of the community. Each dome can house up to 5 Aarakocra at a time. A bridge is constructed each time a new dome is grown, connecting the home with the greater network of bridges and ropes leading back to the massive great tree in the heart of the community.
The Hatchery Branches
Lined with larger egg domed structures suspended by the fibers of the Ironwood, these buildings that act as a hospital for the birdfolk.
The Underfall
Located at the Roots of the Great tree is an area known as the Underfall. In this place you’ll find those who have given up hope that they’ll ever soar the winds again, they wish not to be reminded on a daily basis what was taken from them and as such have resorted to living in the shadow of the great tree using its roots for shelter from the sky. Those that do make the choice to live below are not shamed or shunned in any way by those on high, they’re offered just as much say In the future of the town as any other citizen. The population here make use of the bark that is shed from the tree to make simple homes on the forests surface.
Major export
Ironwood - A specific type of wood can be worked to make a material with properties similar to steel. Ironwood is usually used for art or armor which require the strength of steel not its weight, conductivity, or magnetism. A popular material for high-quality ship hulls.
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