Eyrie

History

Origin

Little is known about the roots of the Eyrie peoples, as much of their history has been lost to time following their exile nearly three thousand years ago. However, they are known to hail from the now hellish Blackrock Peninsula. Once a vibrant sanctuary of nature in western Serenjara, this region gave rise to their ancient civilization. The Eyrie, a harpy-like race of people, claimed the high perches and mountain ledges of their sub-continent, not merely surviving but thriving in their almost utopian environment. During the 2nd World, their knowledge of magic, sciences, and cultural sophistication nearly rivaled that of the Elves. Legendary cities like Eyrith, Neyron, and Symere still echo in their tales of ancient grandeur.

The Eyrie were a solitary people, harboring no ambitions of conquest. They dedicated their hearts and minds to the pursuit of knowledge and creativity. Their peninsula, as bountiful as it was, was surrounded by deserts and badlands, home to early tribal Orcs who roamed in relative peace. Their culture was vibrant, with songs and colors as varied as the birds that filled the skies. Their technical prowess allowed them to create flying vessels akin to airships. However, their society, both then and now, has always been viewed as dangerous. The Eyrie made no distinction between commonly accepted magic and dark magic, which gave them an eerie reputation and caused concern among other cultures. Unphased by this, the Eyrie believed that magic, regardless of its form, was a tool - one that could always harm or corrupt if not used with restraint.

Downfall

Like all great civilizations, the Eyrie’s glory came to an end. Unlike many others whose downfall came with The Cataclysm, the Eyrie fell earlier, succumbing to the invasive demon-like people known as the Krall. These creatures were said to have emerged from Hell itself to lay waste to the Eyrie’s lush and abundant homeland. The Eyrie view this event as their fall from grace, claiming that Hell grew jealous of their society’s brilliance and sought to destroy them. Meanwhile, historians, mages, and religious figures from Kleriel often blamed their use of dark magic, saying the Eyrie had courted darkness until it consumed them. Another group of theorists speculates that the Krall might have been summoned by an ancient power for an unknown purpose, only to leave them trapped in our world.

Regardless of the cause, the Eyrie found themselves suddenly and brutally under attack. The Krall, a savage and efficient force, seemed intent on exterminating them. Ill-prepared and lacking the knowledge of warfare needed to resist, the Eyrie abandoned their homeland and scattered to the four winds. They fled in search of sanctuary, spreading warnings of doom wherever they went. In time, the Krall followed, conducting raids beyond the peninsula as they stripped it bare of resources.

Current time

The Eyrie’s downfall and their unorthodox philosophy on magic have left them with a reputation as harbingers of misfortune. Wherever they went, they were often shunned. Their once-vibrant culture of colors and beauty has faded into one of isolation and survival. Following The Cataclysm, as cultures around the world were forced to migrate, the Eyrie struggled to find acceptance. They were pushed to the fringes of society, often settling in remote areas inaccessible to the wingless. Many still believe the myth that the Krall’s arrival was their doing, further cementing their role as outcasts.

Today, the Eyrie live in clan-based societies, each establishing its own secluded sanctuary far from others. These sanctuaries, often hidden in the most inaccessible mountain ledges or cliffside perches, preserve faint echoes of their ancient civilization. Despite their isolation, the Eyrie endure, a shadow of the grand culture they once were.

Description

The Eyrie are a harpy-like people, their appearance striking and otherworldly. They possess feathered wings in colors ranging from earthy browns to dusky oranges, dim reds, and deep blacks. These wings are not only a symbol of their heritage but also a crucial part of their identity. While their wings enable them to navigate their elevated habitats, their humanoid physique sets them apart. Their hands and feet transition into darker talons, their ears are long and elf-like, and two distinct horns protrude from their heads. Their skin is typically fair or pale, complementing their avian features.

To the Eyrie, being mistaken for mere harpies is deeply insulting, as it diminishes their rich heritage and sophisticated culture. In an effort to integrate with other societies, they employ shape-shifting magic to soften their avian traits. This transformative magic, however, is arduous to master and a closely guarded secret within their clans. Through it, they alter their legs and feet to resemble more humanoid forms, although the darker pigmentation of their skin often remains as a telltale sign. Their wings, meanwhile, can be draped over their shoulders like feathered capes, or in rare cases, concealed entirely.

Despite their efforts, the Eyrie’s shape-shifting is never perfect, and they remain distinct, often evoking curiosity or fear in those unfamiliar with their ways. For the Eyrie, this blend of mystery and practicality defines their existence as they strive to balance their ancient legacy with the demands of a world that views them with suspicion.