Talrathi

Basic Information

Anatomy

Talrathi are bipedal, feathered creatures with thin builds and shell-like plates covering their faces. The majority of their bulk is taken up by their enormous wings- each wing commonly reaching twice as long as the Talrathi themselves.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Outside of nests, Talrathi will instinctively band together in tight groups of a dozen or less. The hierarchy of these bands are loose, with each member the leader of what they are most proficient in. Scribes or messengers are the only members with above-average jurisdiction in the group, respected for their work in gathering and sharing information. 
A group of a dozen or more Talrathi is called a Nest. Nests are much more likely to settle in a particular place for extended amounts of time, and resemble settlements, with their own rules, culture, and occupations. The migration patterns of these nests depend on the nest itself, and is often built around their own preferences rather than strict culture. Larger nests tend to be less tight-knit and can become more like travelling cities than family.
The home nest of all Talrathi is a closely guarded secret, located in a massive cave system. All Talrathi have an internal compass tuned to this nest, and most are born there. Talrathi with no connection to the home nest are often outcast, and called Rogues.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Talrathi feathers and shells are incredibly powerful talismans, with the feathers said to grant enhanced speed, direction, and senses, and the shells used in protective charms. The feathers can also be used as large, decorated quills, though few would use one where a Talrathi could see.

Facial characteristics

The face of a Talrathi is comprised of several shell-like plates that fold in to form the shape of a beak. When eating, the plates fold slightly outwards, but quickly snap shut if they notice someone looking. Each five years of a Talrathi's life, they grow another set of plates.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Talrathi have poor senses of smell and touch, as the shells and feathers covering their body obstruct them. However, they have extremely sharp eyes, and can track movement very well. Talrathi also have an internal compass that will always lead them to their home, hidden deep in a massive cave system.

Civilization and Culture

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

When a Talrathi is killed, vengeance is demanded in blood. Tradition dictates that the offender must be killed by an arrow fletched with a feather from the slain. No body or feathers to recover means that the closest family member will donate one. Though this practice has somewhat died out among some communities, the Wildlings hold it close. This has spawned the saying- 'Fletching with your own feathers,' meaning setting yourself up for failure

Lifespan

120 years

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

As a highly adaptive species, Talrak will shift the colors of their feathers and wings based on environment. Talrak that rarely leave nest communities often have brightly colored wings, while messengers and rogues have sandy, greyish, or mottled brown wings. Despite this, all Talrathi will have vivid, patterned inner wings, used for signaling or intimidation.