Kaatoq
Also often called 'feather-folk' or 'bird-men', Kaatoq are a race of beastfolk that resemble birds. Their anatomy is similar to those of various species of birds, their arms and hands integrated into their wings which they can fly with, though they stand upright like humans and have an average height that is a little taller, and they can resemble a wide variety of different kinds of birds depending on where they are from. They have populations all over the world, but there are four main ethnic groups of Kaatoq in Gilden specifically: the Karkaroti'iqlat of the Everwinter mountains and northern tundras, the Qustukel of the northeast plains in the region known as the Monsterlands, the Bulurikyut of the southern islands, and the Tilawt’ao of the Southern Wilds. Each of these groups have their own distinct traits, languages and dialects, customs, and cultures.
A few hundred years ago, the Karkaroti'iqlat of the north once had quite a bit of contact with the various human tribes of the northern highlands, but since the beginning of the Known World Era, they seem to have completely disappeared, showing not a talon nor feather in the highlands, especially not since the Dymin Empire first rose to power, which is extremely hostile to any non-human races. There are some small communities of Qustukel that live in Solril, the kingdom that borders the Monsterlands, and more Bulurikyut and Tilawt’ao that live in Ordaire and Wicksfroth, the countries east of the Southern Wilds. Kaatoq can sometimes be seen in populated areas around central Gilden as well, but much less frequently than in the south or northeast, and they don't tend to mingle with humans much, not for the last few centuries, known amongst humans to be a rather mysterious and reclusive people.
Kaatoq can speak human languages, though tend to have peculiar and particular accents with a slightly trilling or clicking sound. It is possible for humans to learn to understand kaatoq languages, of course, but they don't have the necessary vocal physiology to accurately replicate the sounds of the languages, which tend to be strongly reminiscent of bird calls.
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