Owlin
Winged Scribes, Feykin Owls, Silent Scholars
Distant kin of giant owls from the Feywild, owlin come in many shapes and sizes, from petite and fluffy to wide-winged and majestic. Owlin have arms and legs like other Humanoids, as well as wings that extend from their back and shoulders.
Like owls, owlin are graced with feathers that make no sound when they move or fly, making it easy for them to sneak up on you
Basic Information
Anatomy
Owlin possess humanoid torsos, legs, and arms, with large feathered wings extending from their shoulders and back. Their heads are rounded with large, forward-facing eyes, flat, hooked beaks, and facial discs of feathers that enhance their hearing. They have talon-like feet that remain dexterous enough for fine manipulation. Their feathers vary in texture and density, depending on their region of origin.
Genetics and Reproduction
Owlin reproduce sexually and lay eggs, which require careful incubation. A clutch usually contains 1–2 eggs, with hatching taking place after 30 days. Hatchlings, called fledglings, are born with sparse down and grow their feathers over several months. Owlin genetics are diverse, producing offspring with feathers and traits that blend characteristics of their parents.
Ecology and Habitats
Optimal habitats include dense forests, craggy mountains, or secluded grasslands—environments that offer ample concealment and proximity to knowledge repositories like libraries or ruins. Owlin live in harmony with their surroundings, often enhancing their ecosystems by eliminating pests and cultivating magical flora for sustenance or trade.
Behaviour
Owlin are contemplative, introverted, and driven by a near-obsessive thirst for knowledge. While they value solitude, they are fiercely loyal to close-knit communities. Fey influence makes them prone to wily cunning and a tendency for trickery. Owlin who leave their nests often seek grand truths, new magical discoveries, or adventure.
Additional Information
Average Intelligence
Owlin exhibit above-average intelligence, with an IQ equivalent of 120–140 in human terms.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Owlin excel in low-light conditions with their exceptional darkvision (120 feet), perceiving their environment in shades of gray when in darkness. Their facial discs amplify their hearing, allowing them to detect faint noises at a great distance. Additionally, some retain extrasensory “fey intuition,” granting heightened awareness of magic or unseen presences.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Names often carry soft, melodic sounds, resembling whispers or the rustling of feathers. Examples:
- Male: Sorvin, Leoth, Karrith.
- Female: Tyvra, Mirial, Aerowyn.
- Neutral: Orin, Vystar, Lira.
Beauty Ideals
Intricate feather patterns, shimmering plumage, and wide, luminous eyes are prized. Clean and orderly feathers reflect wisdom and composure.
Gender Ideals
Owlin are egalitarian, valuing intellectual contributions over physical traits. While some emphasize traditional roles (such as elders as keepers of history), most focus on individual talents regardless of gender.
Relationship Ideals
Courtship involves shared acts of discovery, such as uncovering forgotten ruins or decoding ancient texts. Gifts often include rare feathers or crafted objects imbued with personal significance.
Average Technological Level
Partnerships are based on mutual curiosity and emotional connection. While monogamy is common, some Owlin prefer flexible arrangements, reflective of their Feywild heritage.
Common Etiquette Rules
- Speaking in hushed tones is a sign of respect.
- Interrupting a focused scholar is considered rude unless urgent.
- Bowing slightly when meeting someone acknowledges their wisdom.
Common Dress Code
Owlin favor robes or cloaks that allow their wings full mobility, often adorned with subtle patterns or enchanted threads. For formal occasions, they wear feathered mantles or accessories.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Veil's Eve
Date:
Purpose: A night to honor the Owlin's shadowy past and celebrate the pursuit of wisdom and secrets in adventurous ways.
Veil's Eve is a holiday that reflects the Owlin's complex relationship with knowledge, secrecy, and their evolving nature. It commemorates their history under the influence of the Aurora Coven and celebrates their current quest for enlightenment. The night is uniquely marked by the convergence of Astrium's four moons, casting an otherworldly glow upon the land.
Twilight Gathering
As the four moons begin their rare alignment, the Owlin gather in secluded areas, often within the shadowed halls of the Semblance Athenaeum or the hidden recesses of Zaswar. Clad in dark cloaks and masks, the Owlin participate in the Twilight Gathering, a solemn ceremony that honors their past as keepers of secret knowledge for the Archfey. Stories of the old days are whispered in the shadows, recalling the time when they moved silently through the world, collecting secrets.
The Silent Procession
Following the gathering, the Silent Procession takes place. The Owlin move silently through their surroundings, each carrying an unlit candle. The procession is a homage to their former lives in the shadows, reflecting the quiet pursuit of knowledge and the secrecy that once enveloped them. The only light comes from the converging moons, whose combined illumination creates a mystical interplay of shadows and light, highlighting the dual nature of their past and present.
Light of Discovery
After the procession, the Light of Discovery ceremony begins. The Owlin gather in a central area, where the eldest lights a single flame from an ancient lantern. One by one, each Owlin lights their candle from this flame, illuminating the space with a growing circle of light. This act symbolizes the transition from their hidden hoarding of knowledge to a more open and shared pursuit of wisdom. The four moons' ethereal light mixes with the candlelight, symbolizing the enlightenment and unity they now seek.
Midnight Revel
With the shadows dispelled, the Midnight Revel commences. The Owlin remove their dark cloaks to reveal vibrant, expressive attire, celebrating their newfound sense of freedom and adventure. Music fills the air, and they dance under the celestial light of the four moons, which cast shifting patterns across the landscape. The revelry is filled with tales of exploration and discovery, celebrating how the Owlin have transformed from secretive gatherers into adventurous seekers of knowledge.
The Exchange of Secrets
During the Midnight Revel, the Owlin participate in the Exchange of Secrets. This ritual involves sharing pieces of knowledge, whether they be riddles, puzzles, or fragments of lore. This exchange, held under the watchful gaze of the four moons, honors their tradition of collecting secrets while transforming it into a communal activity that fosters unity and growth. It is a testament to their changing relationship with knowledge—one that now embraces sharing and collaboration.
Dawn's Promise
As dawn approaches, the final ritual, Dawn's Promise, takes place. The Owlin gather together, holding their candles high as they face the horizon. As the first rays of sunlight begin to pierce the sky, they extinguish their flames, signifying the acceptance of their past and the embrace of a future illuminated by the light of knowledge. The four moons, now fading with the coming of the sun, serve as a reminder of the balance they strive to maintain between the shadows and the light.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Knowledge is sacred, with libraries often doubling as temples. Oral traditions, fables, and riddles are woven into their cultural fabric, reflecting their Feywild origins.
- Feather-Binding Ceremony: A coming-of-age ritual where fledglings receive enchanted feathers symbolizing their bond with their community.
- Moonlit Revels: Gatherings under the full moon for storytelling, music, and the sharing of discoveries.
- Silent Vigil: Annual periods of silent reflection in honor of ancestors.
Common Taboos
- Destroying knowledge (books, scrolls) is a grave offense.
- Disrespecting an elder's advice is seen as reckless hubris.
- Revealing the location of hidden archives to outsiders without approval is considered betrayal.
History
The owlin were humanoids who made deals with the archfey of the feywild as seekers of knowledge. Taking the form of giant owls who managed the huge libraries found in the realm.
When the aurora coven brought havoc to Astrium it brought along a number of the owlin to find and hoarde knowledge for the archfey that craved knowledge.
Throughout time the Owlin stay close to the shadows and collecting knowledge, but some of the Owlin have the wily of the fey in them and seek adventure and knowledge in new ways.
They have settled down in the mirrored grasslands with access to a hidden library known as the Semblance Athenaeum; as well as the Small city of Zaswar, along with a small tribe of Kalashtar the original home who houses the Illuminated Archive with many tomes on extraplanar relams and artifacts.
Common Myths and Legends
- The Eternal Feather: A legendary artifact said to grant immortality and infinite wisdom, hidden in the Feywild.
- The Whispering Aurora: A tale of the Feywild storm that brought Owlin to the Material Plane, said to still echo faintly in Zaswar’s skies.
- The Guardian of Semblance Athenaeum: A spectral giant owl, believed to watch over the hidden library, testing those who seek forbidden knowledge.
Scientific Name
Strigiformis Sapiens
Lifespan
50-75 Years
Average Height
4'6" - 5'8"
Average Weight
80 - 130 pounds
Average Physique
Lean to medium builds, optimized for aerial agility rather than brute strength.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Feathers range from snowy white to deep browns, blacks, or even mottled patterns that resemble bark or leaves. These patterns provide natural camouflage. Some Owlin have faint shimmering hues on their feathers, reflecting their Feywild lineage.
Geographic Distribution
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