Valkryie
Valkryies are a kind of pseudogriffon similar to Tengu. Sharing their humanoid faces and bodies, feathered wings, and soft animalian ears, it is easy to mistake one for the other. Unlike other pseudogriffon races, however, valkyries are of the Light element, rather than the Air element.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Valkyries are pseudogriffons. This means that they have humanoid bodies, but avian wings and a head and chest covered in down feathers. Their humanoid faces bear long, beaklike noses. Their feathered ears are slightly smaller and differently shaped than those of tengu.
Biological Traits
Like tengu, valkyries tend to add birdlike chirps, coos, and screeches to their speech. This becomes more obvious when they are excited. Their warcry sounds like the screeching of a hawk.
Unlike tengu, many valkyries enjoy singing. Like sirens, their birdsongs have magical powers. They can either bless or curse a listener, depending on the specific song. Though these powers are not as extensive as those of sirens, they are even more effective against wendigoes because of the valkyries' additional affiliation with the Light element.
Genetics and Reproduction
Valkyries lay eggs in clutches. These clutches usually have 4-6 eggs in them.
Growth Rate & Stages
Valkyries, like tengu, reach maturity very quickly. They typically start flying around one year, and take about four years to fully mature.
Ecology and Habitats
Valkyries inhabit the same territories as tengu. This means floating islands, high mountaintops, and other areas associated with the Air element. They are also commonly found in lands associated with the Light element, such as the Forest of the Young.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Valkyries have a similar diet to tengu, though theirs includes more meat. In addition to the nuts, berries, and fish that tengu consume, valkyries are known to help themselves to smaller game animals on occasion. They are particularly fond of pork and lamb.
Biological Cycle
Since Valkyries are associated with the Light element, their magic is the strongest around midday and around the Summer Solstice.
Behaviour
Valkyries are a bit more peaceable than tengu when it comes to other species. However, that does not mean that they are pacifists. They are less shy about attacking prey on land than tengu, and stepping in between a valkyrie and its young is a guaranteed death sentence if the valkyrie doesn't know you well.
Valkyries are somewhat nomadic, able to set up nests in many different environments. Many members of the League of Exploration are valkyries.
Like tengu, valkyries are attracted to shiny objects. But they usually do not use them to decorate their nests; rather, they usually end up selling their finds or donating them to museums. Such is the case for many valkyries in the League of Exploration.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Valkyries can be solitary or social. Their societies often have a strict hierarchy, much like those of tengu.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Valkyries, being able to withstand isolation for long periods of time and travel easily via flight, often get jobs as scouts or ambassadors.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Valkyries are distributed all throughout Altairus. They are more common in areas associated with Air or Light, including floating islands, high mountaintops, and certain forested areas.
Average Intelligence
Valkyries have the same intelligence as a human adult.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Valkyries have superior sight in daylight, but poor vision in the dark. They also have an exceptional sense of smell and hearing.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Low-ranking valkyries do receive names, unlike tengu. Their names often have to do with their position in the community at large.
Major Organizations
The League of Exploration is mostly hosted by valkyries. This is because their wanderlust and somewhat solitary nature make them ideal explorers.
Average Technological Level
Valkyries' overall technological level is not very high, though individual valkyries often have a vast knowledge of various magical technologies.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Valkyries are somewhat isolated from other Altairian races. Even so, their songs are revered across the world. Many valkyries are also credited as curators of history and experts on magical artifacts due to their roles in the League of Exploration.
Light
Valkyries tend to have a lean, muscular physique, which is necessary for them to fly.
Valkyries have a wider range of pigmentation than tengu. Their feathers are usually white, grey, or fawn brown, sometimes with spots or stripes. Their skin is usually a lighter shade of the color of their feathers.
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