Birdfolk - temp title
The birdfolk of the Floating Islands are among the most well known of the animal races, as they hoard knowledge like wealth and travel among the kingdoms as much as possible. The people of the kingdoms can often tell when the birdfolk will visit based on the proximity of the islands as they travel across the continent.
In exchange for the knowledge they crave, the birdfolk bring with them many technologies and crafts that improve quality of life for those who live on the ground. As such, it is easy for them to find trading partners in most kingdoms.
Culture
Common Etiquette rules
The most common and well known piece of etiquette among Birdfolk and humans alike is to never, ever touch their wings without permission. Birdfolk wings are sensitive and far too easy for an unsuspecting human to damage. While grounding one of the Birdfolk isn't as easy as touching or pulling out a single feather, it only takes a few of the right ones to do so temporarily and is considered an immense punishment.
Common Dress code
Birdfolk dress in close fitting clothing to avoid hampering their wings, wearing something akin to a uniform when they reach adulthood. They wear the lightest clothing possible while also keeping in mind the temperatures both on the ground and on the Floating Islands.
Art & Architecture
Nearly all art among the Birdfolk is meant to be viewed from the sky. Their cities often paint a picture from the sky with the way their streets and buildings are arranged and they are very well known for creating architecture that creates a changing image as the viewing angle changes as well. This has created something of a puzzle to the visitors of other races. For those who cannot fly, it is nearly impossible to find the correct perspective to see one of these images, but it is considered immensely impolite to not comment on one upon arriving.
Funerary and Memorial customs
When one of the Birdfolk dies, their body is returned to their home, where the flight feathers on their wings are carefully removed and the body cremated. Close family members keep and preserve a single feather and the remaining ones, along with the ashes, are placed on top of a pillar at the highest peak of the city. As the ashes and feathers are blown away by the wind, it is thought that it is the person's last flight and their soul is flying to a new place to find new adventures and knowledge.
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