Chirovari

The chirovari are curious, because most people don't talk about them much - and I get the impression they prefer that. They're a subspecies of the Avari ancestry, and have many of the same traits, but are derived from bats and other active avian night predators.

— Madame Herta

The chirovari are a closely related - yet still distinct - subspecies of the avari that are generally known for being based on bats. They're far rarer than the avari and harpies, and while they can be found in the same places as the avari and harpies, they are also found underground. While little is actually known about them, they are known enough to draw several conclusions about their biology and society, and they are far more like the harpies than the avari.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Like the avari, the chirovari are slim and athletic in nature, possessing a pair of large, leathery wings; most chirovari have these wings integrated into their arms, with the central hub of their wings serving as their hand, but rarely they have them on their back instead, retaining normal arms. Unlike the avari and harpies, it is very clear that the wing-arm chirovari are the common variant. They also have a short, stubby tail that serves as the origin for their wing membranes, which are often slightly translucent.

Beyond that distinction, the chirovari possess a variety of notable batlike features; they tend to have a pair of very large ears which they use for echolocation, which also allow them to process a surprising range of signals, not unlike a highly tuned biological radar. They also have a very identifiable nose, with a pronounced vertical - and often also left and right - tip. In all, it is practically impossible to miss a chirovari, as if all of that wasn't enough, they have very identifiable neck fur that causes them to stand out.

Biological Traits

The chirovari are highly specialized avians, and as a result possess a slew of incredibly specific and potent biological traits; few discussions of them would be complete without looking at their night vision, which is in a class of its own among the ancestries, with few - if any - competitors, let alone equals.

Still, despite that being the most valuable trait they possess, the chirovari are most famous for their incredible echolocation abilities, and the general adaptations that allow them to detect objects with impressive clarity from huge distances; using their echolocation, chirovari can map out an entire region in their minds while they are still flying miles from it. Of course, we also shouldn't discount the natural air magic that is shared with the avari and harpies - the magic that allows them to fly, as their wings are too small for their body weight.

Genetics and Reproduction

The chirovari suffer from pretty much the exact same problems as the harpies, and like the harpies they have developed many ways to deal with it over the decades; this issue is predominantly that they are an ancestry with no males, and thus they must court male breeding partners from other ancestries. Unlike the harpies, the chirovari can (and do) make use of the limited male avari, but the avari themselves predominantly hoard these males, so the chirovari have mostly adopted the same methods as the harpies.

For ease - and to not repeat the same discussion points - you can refer to the harpy article on genetics & reproduction for a thorough breakdown of these issues and how they have historically been solved.

Ecology and Habitats

The chirovari can cope in the same habitats as the avari and harpies, and all of the things mentioned in those ancestries' ecology and habitats section applies here too, but unlike both other ancestries, the chirovari are a predominantly subterranean ancestry, and thus they generally prefer the caverns of the world's subterranean realms; this often places them in contact with the dwarves and the dark elves..

Behaviour

Chirovari are predatory like their cousins, but are known for being far more patient and cunning as an ancestry; they're aggressive and forceful, but keen to carefully lay their plans and see them come to fruition, as opposed to incessantly pursuing a goal they seek, but make no mistake: once they set a goal for something, they stop at nothing to complete that goal.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The chirovari trace their origins back to the sky islands of Alshiir, located high above the mainland of Ranalore, and they can be found today where the avari and harpies reside, albeit in very small numbers. Predominantly, however, they very quickly moved to Thrain by and large, where the numerous mountain realms of the dwarves made for ideal homes.

Average Intelligence

It is generally well known that the chirovari are highly intelligent and able to apply it to a wide variety of pursuits; they make good magic users, absorb information surprisingly well, and are tenacious and cunning schemers capable of applying their intellect to their goals.

Civilization and Culture

Gender Ideals

Like the avari and harpies, the chirovari are highly matriarchal, believing that the women should hold the power over the men, though unlike their kin, they do not attempt to push their mindset onto other ancestries and are content to merely have their ideals recognized by their neighbours, and like the others, the importance of women in their society is very hard to understate: women wage the wars, sire the next generation (with the aid of breeding males), rule the masses and so much more.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Avari

Lifespan

200 - 250 years

Average Height

Chirovari are generally a little bit shorter than the avari, ranging from 5'8" to 6'10", on average.

Average Weight

Chirovari are very light, though heavier than harpies, typically weighing less than 180 pounds, and many chirovari weigh even less than 140 pounds.