Alto Harpy

One of the more common types of harpy; the Alto harpy is a subspecies built for hunting, often called murder harpies. They gain their name from their low, eerie singing voice that can resound through forestry and shoels. They sport feathers of black and talons most sharp, and are not to be trifled with. They're built for speed, strength and menuverability for flying between trees and rocky alcoves, making them the exellent hunters they are. They loath running from danger and often face it head on like a bully with wings, intending to fight until there is no choice left but to run.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Alto harpies have similar skeletons to those of their greater genus
Alto harpies are much a specimen of their race as any other, featuring many of the same elements that any other harpy might develop. They have digitigrade legs ending in three talons and a hallux for balance when perching. Though unlike the harpies of elsewhere, alto harpies have long tapered wings that grant them greater speed and manuverability. It's rare to see someone outrun an Alto in their territory. Of course, larger wings means problems for an already heavy species. Over generations, alto harpies have developped much more robust muscles spread out over their bodies, and the use of this can even be seen in their bones, such as the more robust collarbones, upper arm and lower arm bones all being noticably thicker. It isn't wrong to call alto harpies dangerous hunters. How they've gained these adaptions has fooled scholars, considering the lack of genetic diversity.

Biological Traits

Alto harpies that live within greengrave have had their lifespawns extended by the blessing the land offers. Because of this, they live upwards of twice as long when compared to other subspecies, and grow much larger as well. As if the very land itself was nutrients for the young chicks, they grow bigger, and they grow stronger. Some wonder if the subspecies was perhaps born from this blessing, as there have been accounts of other harpy subspecies laying eggs within greengrave, only for the resulting chick to be an alto harpy. Though this isn't confirmed and purely speculation.
Alto harpies born outside of greengrave tend to live lifespawns closer to that of the other species, around 60-70 eclipses typically. They also don't grow as large, strong or exhibit the same levels of aggression.

Genetics and Reproduction

No, alto harpies are no different than any other. While harpies can reproduce outside of their species with similar races such as humans, elves, orcs, etc, harpies cannot be born male. Regardless of such facts, alto harpies lay eggs at similar rates to other subspecies', though their eggs are tapered more tapered to prevent it from rolling straight and out of the nest or whatever cliff the harpy calls home.
When a harpy egg is fertilized, whether by magic or otherwise, it follows all the same developments that a chicken egg may before hatching into an adorable little killing machine. Though genetics can be a problem for the young chick. Because of how harpy eggs are fertilized, the chick may be a nearly perfect clone of its mother if magic was used, resulting in very little genetic diversity. In the case it was fertilized by one of the compatible races, this results in a harpy that has lost some of its adaptions. It may be minor, such as shorter wings, worse vision or stunteed growth, but these adaptions can add up quickly and may even be harmful for the child. Thankfully, hags are always willing to help their favorite little birds.

Growth Rate & Stages

The life of an alto harpy is always filled with strife, from the first day it's born. Harpy eggs are already a delacacy, but alto eggs can be very nutritious due to the mother's diet. This results from a heavy diet from fruits and meat, making it high in protein and vitamins, resulting in a red yolk. Of course, harpies are very protective of their eggs and are unlikely to leave them unguarded. Despite this, the strife is yet to come.
Once the young harpy hatches, it will have wings much larger than its body, even when compared to other harpies they're quite long, usually being dragged until the chick has a good understanding of them or the ability to tuck them into their side. But the chick won't have long, it only has a few days before its mother kicks it from the nest to teach it to fly. This is natural. Alto harpies learn quick and truama is a good teacher for the young chick. From this point onwards, the hatchling will fly with its mother to gain strength, endurence, and teach it the skills needed to hunt. 
As the harpy grows, it's muscle-mass will continue to develop and its bones will strengthen. Its lungs will expand to take in more air for continued flight, and its eyes will become sharper. By the time the harpy reaches its early adulthood at 15 eclipses, before fully maturing not long after.

Ecology and Habitats

Alto harpies in particular are suited towards life in clustered forestry and cliffaces near coasts. They prefer to nest near cliffs due to the open view it offers for hunting, but it's not unsual for some to find a nest within any of the nearby forests to be more comfortable. Trees offer good cover, there's plenty of small game to hunt, and typically offers a safer enviroment for chicks because of the clustered nature of any wood.

Dietary Needs and Habits

As previously stated, Altos prefer a more meat-based diet. They are still scavengers by nature, but they hunt more actively and seek out meat in particular, with variety in the way of fruits and nuts from the trees nearby, though this is often supplimented with fish in the case of those that prefer the ocean view. Typically Altos hunt much like any large bird of prey; Often seeing you before you see them. They swoop in, piercing the prey with its talons before flying off. They may drop the creature to break its sturdy shell, or simply bring it to its nest to feed. Some may call it sadistic, but altos don't play with their food, often killing it at the first safe oppertunity to do so.

Behaviour

They show great hostility to those that enter their territory, as altos are typically bigger and stronger, they use their presense to ward off larger or more dangerous predators. Though this hostility extends to others of their race, making for a comptetitive enviroment that can cause tension among harpy circles. Though that isn't to say they can't hunt in flocks, as altos are still willing to do so if they trust their flock members, making for a more cohesive and synced hunting routine for those that do.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Altos have similar faces to humans, but due to a more predatory lifestyle than one built on deception, these features were lost with time. They have large mouths filled with teeth, typically large eyes and pointed ears. Though they share many qualities with the parent species, such as mutated eyes and flattened noses.

Average Intelligence

The intelligence of altos varies but they're as intelligent as most harpy subspecies. They show the capacity to learn and adapt, and remember very well. Calling them a birdbrain would only be an insult to their abilities.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Regarding their sense, alto harpies have excellent vision when compared to humans. They can see small prey from roughly a mile away. At one point it was thought that altos might be farsighted just like their cousins, but their sight is not only better at seeing things from afar, but up close as well, but still at an increased difficulty than other sapient races. Their hearing is also quite good, but they lack a percise sense of smell.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Altos tend to name their young after words they've heard from other races, typically ones of importance. Some believe it to be a way to mock humans, by some think it may be a genuine interest they have in the language of others. Typically named after important individuals, meaningful words. Such examples are; Advent, Belief, Charish, Cherub, and Exodus to name a few.
However, such names are in high demand among prospective mothers, so alternatives aren't uncommon. Some harpies might be named after their first sound, though these can be rather common names. To name a few; Cherp, Eeka, Kree, Shaep, or Quah.
Some especially picky mothers might not even like those. Altos are especially fond of the weapons of man, wheather it be the name of the weapon itself or a unique weapon. Weapons make for great names when raising a strong warrior, after all. Such examples are; Arming, Feder, Seax, Ulfberht, or Zweihander for traditional weapon names and Balmung, Brinnig, Friese, Gleste, Gram for named weapons.
Regardless of the name chosen, harpies rarely have surnames, so it's not uncommon for an alto to find another with the same name. To distinguish themselves and tell friend from foe, harpies create clans. Clans are made up of only blood, more commonly made up of 'kin', altos that consider each other sisters in arms. These clans aren't unlike the houses of nobles, and can hold sway in harpy society depending on their achievements and failures. Beyond their name, clans also have a coat of arms, typically simple in design. Some harpies carry stones with this coat of arms carved into it, or clothes painted or quilted with the design. In the case of some warrior clans, their weapons might be customized to have this coat of arms on a part of itself. Clan names tend to be named in a way to describe what the clan is good at or what it can offer to the greater harpy sociaty. Here is but a few; Battlehorn, Crowsong, Pridecut, Ravenbrand, Slateflame.
Regardless of how an alto is named or what clan they come from, they each believe themselves a unique voice of the choir. How they contribute their voice is for none to decide but themself.

Major Organizations

The most well-known organization of the alto harpies would be that of the harpy enclave, a settlement of harpies near the coast lead by a harpy queen. It is less of a governing body and more of a clan of clans, where the hunted may nest to get strength in numbers.

Beauty Ideals

Altos typically find beauty in the sheen of their feathers, the color of their eyes. They try to adorn themselves like the human women of nearby settlements, often wearing ill-fitting silks and fabrics to imitate their beauty. They especially fond of gemstones, or otherwise shiny trinkets and broken glass. Though others mgiht find beauty in the simpler things, such as learning the arts, like a particular style of fighting with a weapon, or even taking up an instrument to go along with their somber singing voice. Beauty to an alto something that must be found rather than born with.

Courtship Ideals

Harpy courtship is already a mess of different traditions, but they all stem from the same action; singing. Alto harpies sing like any songbird, and while rare, they do court. When courting within their species, it depends on how they engage. If one approuches another, they might show an example of their skills and work it into the ballad. For warriors, it may be an intricate sword dance, or even fighting something strong while singing their heart out. To those that court each other, it's common for the exchange to be a duet of their feelings for one another.
Outside their species, however, it depends much on the circumstances. If the alto is simply looking for a one-time mate, they might offer very little courtship, or in the case of more desperate or vile harpies, they might use their entrancing voice to lure in their respective prey. Outside of more shameful examples, courting can be very similar to courting another harpy. If the harpy is trying to court another race then the display will reflect that, but for that race to try to court the harpy might be a bit more difficult. After all, not all races are born with a beautiful singing voice like a harpy, so they might try to show other skills in an attempt to impress the courtee. Regardless of the circumstances, courting can either take the form of a duet or a hopeful solo, and it all depends on the reaction of the courtee.

Relationship Ideals

Altos are quiet and don't make for great covnersation, that isn't to say they hate socializing. They form strong bonds and even stronger grudges over their lives, so when they form that bond with someone they consider them a sister and one they will die for if need be. This devotion to their bonds often results in heartbreak when tragedy strikes. When kin dies, it's devestating to an alto harpy and can cause a deep sadness that can completely change them. These bonds, the tragedies they're sure to be are all apart of the somber tune an alto sings. And at the end of the day when that alto sits by their favorite spot, one where they sing a song with one fewer voice, they look back to all the times they had and ask themselves if they regret it. They already know the answer.
Though this isn't to say all alto harpies are willing to take that risk. Some who have been hurt before or experienced this tragedy might avoid forming bonds to avoid being hurt again. After all, they can't hurt you if you never show them the real you.

Common Dress Code

Alto harpies pack light, wearing only the barest necessicities for dignity. Often wrapping fabrics around areas, or rarely outfitting clothes pilfered from other creatures to suit their needs. Though they may adorn themselves in trinkets and jewels in some cases, but simple coverings and a weapon tend to be more than enough for the average hunter.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Alto harpies have few, but not none. Typically it's good etiquette to introduce oneself by your name and clan for first introductions. It's rude to hunt in another alto's territory, but they may be swayed to forget such a transgression for a cut of the game, or by asking for permission ahead of time by bringing a gift. Outside territories, it's observed that these harpies avoid conflict outside their respective territories and clans, as it's seen as shameful to the clan and disrespectful to the hunter's territory. In shared spaces however, such as alto villages, this practice isn't common as the entire village is considered shared territory.
Harpies of all kinds are respectful to witches, but altos take it a step further. A witch that enters their territory is seen as an honored guest that is not to be disrespected. Gifts and favors are typically offered, or sometimes food if the witch is hungry. The witch is allowed three nights stay before they can be told to leave. If they refuse, the alto is allowed to remove them by force. In larger nests, most notably villages, witches are celebrated like royalty and are granted an audience with the ruler of that territory.

History

Alto harpies have long since inhabited greengrave, some even say in its infancy during the reign of Gurvek the Great. None know for sure, and the altos aren't one for history worth forgetting. Regardless, they've seen greengrave grow and develop into the towns, kingdoms and sociaties of man. And with it, they've grown too; developped into clans and sociaties. While the heart of their whims come from the mimicking of others, they have grown into an analogue of what a harpy sociaty would look like. It may be as small as a clan or as large as a town.

Common Myths and Legends

They are often an object for storytelling outside their nests. Many folktales come from altos and their sometimes mischivious, sometimes sadistic persuasions. Many a tale of a trickster alto stealing children to raise as their own, or of mighty bird warriors guarding the secrets to extraordernary abilities, needing bested by a young hero needing to prove his worth. But that isn't to say they don't have their own stories to share. Ask any alto before they eat you, and they might be willing to tell you of the often-time exagerated stories of their ancestors.
One myth an alto might tell you is that of the legendary 'firebird'. The firebird as some harpies call it is a creature that takes the form of an injured falcon. It's said the falcon will refuse help. If offered food, medicine or shelter, the bird will take great offense and curse the harpy's clan with impending doom. However, giving it nothing will also result in such. The harpy must bow their head and be sure to only refer to the falcon as 'my falcon', being sure not to offend nor flatter the creature. Wordlessly, the harpy must offer the falcon only the finest game they have, and if they accept, the falcon will reveal its true form and only then; a majestic harpy-like eagle with wings of flame and eyes of coal. It will thank the harpy and grant it the title of 'firebird' for its generosity.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Alto harpies rarely consider the races outside their species, but they do have opinions on such. While some harpies may be more fearful and cautious, alto harpies are aggressive and prone to combat. They rely on their fighting sense and will defend themselves and their nest-mates if needed, even at the cost of their own lives in certain cases. Because of this, altos tend to be outwardly aggressive and even sadistic towards the likes of humans and their associates. Towards other monstrous races, they hold no specific views on, as many altos may never even see an example of that species except in rare cases.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Harpy

Lifespan

140 eclipses

Average Height

6' - 6'5"

Average Weight

180 - 210lb

Average Physique

Altos are larger than their cousins and stand well over 6 feet tall on average. They have pronounced shoulders, defined backs, and toned wings. Their legs are much the same, with larger than average hallux.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Altos tend to have very pale skin, but it's not uncommon to find other skin tones. One of the most common to find is a deep red, as if stained. Some may be found with mixed skintones, being pale all over only to have an entirely red face like certain species of bird. They can also be born with blemishes or markings beneath their feathers, typically spots or light patterns.
Feathers can be strange, as no two altos are too alike. A chick is often born with white, fluffy feathers that will quickly moult as they age into their first or second eclipse. After a few moults, their feathers will grow into a raven black or some variation of such to blend in with the night sky. Though altos are more prone to being born with forms of albinism or leucism, resulting in a lack of pigment like in their earlier stages of life. Markings on their feathers is otherwise uncommon, but spots or light patterns might emerge with age.

Geographic Distribution

• Greengrave