Harpy

Andraous (Discontinued)    Sentient Folk    Chimera Folk      Harpy

One of the most common and widespread ChimeraFolk, harpies consist of many diverse populations.

Basic Information

Anatomy

While a harpy's head and torso are very humanoid, the rest of them is very avian. Instead of typical arms and hands, they have a pair of large wings with a three claws per wing that are used to hook and manipulate objects. Their lower body is also very bird-like, and their feet have large, sharp talons. Instead of hair, they are instead covered in feathers.
Harpies tend to be lighter than they look, thanks to their hollow but strong bones.

Biological Traits

Harpies are relatively strong, and are capable of picking up smaller folk when flying.
To maintain feather health, they must oil their feathers.

Genetics and Reproduction

Harpies lay eggs, and the women will build their nets high up on cliffs, trees, or even tall buildings where she can protect her eggs or chicks from threats. Before she lays her eggs, the women will develop a bald patch on their chest that they'll use too keep eggs and chicks warm.

Growth Rate & Stages

Fledglings are covered in fluffy down and cannot fly until they get their adult feathers when they are fire years old.

Ecology and Habitats

They are mainly found by ocean cliff sides and other coastal areas. Much of their time is spent flying.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Much of their diet consists of fish and other marine creatures they can catch.

Additional Information

Social Structure

There is on average 12 individuals per flock, but some flocks have been known to number in the hundreds.

Facial characteristics

Harpies are said to have sharp eyes that come in a variety of colors, and a large, beak-like nose.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Harpies are common in 'Port City A'. They nest on the cliffs outside of the city and will patrol the harbor for food or to harass the sailors.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Manipulation Even though they have some claws on their wings, harpies will often prefer to use their feet to manipulate objects.
Vision Harpies have incredible vision, and can see fine details even at a great distance.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

One well known population nests on the cliffs around a coastal trading city.

Average Technological Level

Because they lack hands they have difficulty creating new items, however some individuals have learned to use items made by other folk. A few flocks have learned to use weapons by watching adventurers that pass through their territory.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Harpies can make a wide variety of sounds, and their own language is comprised of coos, caws, shrieks, chirps, etc. Many Kinfolk claim them to be beautiful singers, and have been known to be captivated by their singing.
They also tend to be excellent mimickers.

Common Dress Code

No clothing.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Wild flocks tend to behave more beast-like than sentient-like. Experiments have shown that if a harpy egg or fledgling is taken from their flock and raised amongst one of the other folk, it is capable of learning languages, manners, culture, etc.
Battle Harpies mainly use hit and run tactics against threats, slashing with their talons and hitting with their wings before flying out of an opponents reach when they try to retaliate.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

To those that live near them, Harpies are feral nuisances that steal fish and shiny knickknacks.

Average Height

3-4ft

Average Weight

120lbs

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

They have a variety of feather colors and patterns, with some of the most common colors including black, brown, white, grey, red, and gold.