Garuda

The Garuda are bipedal birdmen with man-like arms and hands, but talons for feet. They have bird-like heads, including beaks, and their skin is covered in feathers. They are able to fly by using massive wings sprouting from their backs.
The Garuda belong to a single empire, known as the Garuda Empire. Emperor Zephyrus, a Phoenix, has led the Garuda for over 300 years, and is believed to be immortal by his subjects. The Emperor is beloved by his subjects and worshipped as a divine being.
All Garuda slingers can access the sphere ability of Wind, and upon discovery of their powers are immediately sent to the Thunder Temple of the Phoenix for training and religious teaching. Upon mastering their abilities they are then sent to either the Tempest Forces, military branch of wind slingers, or the Stormbrothers, religious/priesthood branch of wind slingers.
The Stormbrothers attend the Emperor in all matters, including both military and governance. The priesthood demands devotion to the Emperor and is quick to punish and make example of any who stray from their beliefs. The Empire’s military is subservient to the priesthood, and only those found worthy of the Emperor’s blessing, given through the Stormbrothers, have any chance of moving through the ranks.
The Empire’s military consists of it’s own Imperial Army, the Tempest Forces, and the Elite Phoenix Guard (Protectors of the Emperor himself). Sky Commanger Dru Or’Tiga leads the Imperial Army, followed by Sky Marshals Jasuun Or’Tiga, Dru’s younger brother, and Vul Mal’Ru, son of Dru’s predecessor and mentor Sib Mal’Ru.