Strig

Basic Information

Anatomy

Humanoid

Biological Traits

Strig are owl like humanoids, known for their majestic coloring and proud features. Though they have broad wings with thick feathers, they actually are not capable of full flight. However, these wings allow them to glide gently to the ground, meaning that many of their homes are high up with easy ways to get back up quickly. They have talons which they can use as weapons but their main purpose is to help them cling to surfaces. Their feathers are typically patterned, which also helps camouflage them in the forest. Besides this, there are two known subraces of Strig:

• Tlucli (Stout): Known as the most hearty, these Strig are imposing and proud of their strength, known as excellent brawlers and warriors.
• Thurk (Swift): Known for their swiftness, so much so they are able to outpace the average human. This helps them be master survivalists in the forests, and due to this reputation many have gotten good at surviving in the wild.

Genetics and Reproduction

Strig reproduce sexually, with a gestation period of around 4 months. However they possess somewhat complex courting and mating rituals, and so they do not reproduce as much as say humans or orcs

Growth Rate & Stages

Strig reach maturity at around 15 years of age

Dietary Needs and Habits

Primarily carnivores, but are still capable of eating a few types of grains and plants.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Obviously similar to owls, though instead of just a specific type of owl they seem to derive from all known types of owls in the world.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Strig were one of the many races that migrated with humanity after the fall of the Ishtar Empire, and as such have become quit prolific through the world.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Strig possess the ability to see in the dark better than humans

Civilization and Culture

Gender Ideals

Strigs are an egalitarian people

Courtship Ideals

Strig traditionally do a courtship ritual which when translated is called: "Love Dance Under the Star Night". This dance typically starts when the one initiating the courtship spreads their wings as far as they can and initiate in a sort of side to side step dance, circling around their perspective partner. If the partner approves, they will also join in the dance and after some time, the courting concludes.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

The Strig language is known as Ruuki, which is the language they feel most comfortable speaking. While for strange, magical reasons they are capable of speaking other tongues, they find it can be hard to learn. However many have learned other languages since many live within cities of the various other races.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Strig pride themselves on being proud, and graceful. Though it might not be to the same degree as the Elves per say, they do worry about their pride as a people and individuals. In truth though many live in cities, many more live in small forest communities, for they feel truly at home in the wild. Though they may seem imposing, in truth they are quite a sociable people, relying on their strength and stamina to prove their worth to their peers and others around them. They have earned a reputation as mighty warriors due to their strength, and many pride themselves on ideals of honor and nobility. In fact, this ideal of honor has led many to live in Vebastonne, where quite a few are proud and chivalrous knights of the kingdom. Protecting their friends and family is considered the greatist honor any Strig could display, and they bark proudly in battle as they show their foes their strength. However, despite such focus on strength, many are also seen as incredibly wise in the ways of the world, believing that wisdom is just another form of strength.

History

The Strig are a people of wisdom, and strength. It is said they were one of the many races to migrate to the west from the Ruins of Ishtar when it fell. It is said that most of their people glided across the vast wastelands by climbing great mountains that reached the heavens. If this is true or not isn't entirely known, but there are some scattered scraps of stories that tell of a "great wing of shadow moving across the sky" for a brief time. Regardless, the Strig would inhabit the lands, preferring great trees and high up places as opposed to living on the ground. Though they kept high above the ground, eventually contact with humans and the like was inevitable, and so did they meet. In truth, though communication was difficult at first, it would work out in the long run due to how owls were already viewed as wise and strong creatures in many of the tribes folklores and tales. So it was that the Strig now live amongst the many cities of the world, albeit in the more tall buildings usually.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

While many others may see Strig as a bit strange with how they prefer to live in high places (even in cities) due to how they have lived among others for so long most have accepted them as a regular sight. Their tales of bravery and strength make them desirable as guards, sellswords, and other physical jobs. This combined with their reputation as a wise people, many see them as a useful friend, so long as you can get over the accent they have.

Lifespan

180 years (oldest ages recorded were about 230 years)

Average Height

4-5ft

Average Weight

Around 110lbs

Average Physique

Strig are a stout people, with solid bodies and broad wings.