Tengu

Tengu are the henge version of crows, with the ability to shapeshift into humanoid form. They generally live within tribal communities in the mountains of the Wakoku Islands.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Their native forms mirror those of eastern carrion crows. As henge, they can shapeshift into humanoid forms which can differ based on which variety of tengu they are. Karasu-tengu have forms that resemble the appearance and height of hauflins that live within Wakoku. The Daitengu clan have larger bodies and humanoid forms with heights closer to the Joshingun Amazons.

Biological Traits

Avian Skeleton: Tengu possess a lightweight skeleton highly adapted for flight. Even as humanoids, many of their bones are thin and hollow with criss-crossing internal struts and trusses that make them strong enough to withstand the stresses of taking off, flying and landing. 
Carrion Sense: Tengu have a natural ability to sniff out carrion. While their sense of smell isn't as keen as that of other species, it is particularly attuned to the scent of injuries or death. Keen Vision: Another important sense for tengu are their vision and they are known far and wide for their phenomenal visual acuity over other races. From high up in the sky, they are able to spot tiny animals all the way down on the ground with near perfect clarity. This is thanks in part to their lens being able change shape more quickly and to a greater extent than a human, allowing them to better focus on an object. Moreover, tengu have a pecten oculi, a comb-like structure of blood vessels in the back of their eyes. With this structure, far fewer blood vessels are located in front of the retina that would normally partially obscure perceived images. However, because a tengu's eyes are optimized for maximum spatial resolution rather than light perception, they typically see very poorly in low light. Though Tengu possess fully functional human eyelids, they still boast an almost transparent and thin protective membrane to ward off their eyes in flight while maintaining visibility. 
Flight: Tengu even in humanoid form can grow wings from their backs that allow them to fly, although they will be unable to if their wings get wet.
Shapeshifting: This ability is gained once they pass fifty years of age. Tengu have two forms: 1. A typical carrion crow 2. A tengu can assume a unique appearance of a human species of the same sex.

Genetics and Reproduction

Tengu retain their egg laying nature though they can mate in their humanoid forms which results in females going through a short-term pregnancy before laying them. This makes them similar to harpies reproduction method.

Growth Rate & Stages

Tengu young are laid as eggs, one a day, generally over a period of two or three days (though clutches can be as large as six or as small as a single egg.) Each egg measures about nine inches long, possessing a sky-blue shell with dark green or black speckles. The chick incubates for six months within its egg, and hatches. Tengu acquire their full range of abilities from the age of 50. Until then they are natural but highly intelligent crows. Some may become familiars to spellcasters for protection and to learn a few of their spells before they become gradually become magical beasts.

Ecology and Habitats

Tengu primarily live only within the boreal forests of Wakoku mountains

Dietary Needs and Habits

Tengu like carrion crows are scavengers by nature and primarily eat insects, earthworms, grain, fruits, seeds, small mammals, amphibians. With their martial skills they are also able to hunt game in times of abundance.
However, many individuals have preferred foods or strict religious dietary regimens in an effort to spritual efforts like enlightenment.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Primarily Wakoku

Civilization and Culture

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

The tengu have their own cultural religion, Shugendo, an ascetic religion derived from local folk practices of other mountain races, Sramana, and Mitama. The ultimate purpose of the belief system is for practitioners to develop their spiritual power through rigorous training within the mountains to save themselves and eventually the masses.
The tengu appear to be well-versed in both archery and swordsmanship as part of the martial training that is common under their cultural religion.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Tengu as a whole are generally seen as an isolationist species, and they seem territorial of other species trespassing within their home. While certain individuals mat border misantropic, it is generally seen as their practices generally requiring the mountains as a location while simultaneously being important for the masses if done and completed en mass.

Scientific Name

Corvus corone obake

Lifespan

500 to 800 years

Conservation Status

Endemic to Wakoku, especially the Fugaku montane forests

Average Height

avian: 48–52 cm or 18 to 21 inches humanoid: 167.1 cm (5 ft 6 in)

Average Weight

avian: 12 to 57 ounces (337 to 1,625 grams) humanoid: 56.5 kg (124.6 lb)

Geographic Distribution

• Yaojing