The Waverider Birdfolk

This article is one of a series providing basic information for someone choosing to role-play a Birdfolk of the Waverider Culture in a TTRPG based in the World of Cartyrion. The series is designed to encourage preparation of a Player Character by focusing on the nature of the character without focusing on the game statistics.

As a Waverider, you are more at home on the open sea than you are on land. You are happiest when you feel the salty wind ruffling your feathers as you stand on the deck of a Awkwana sailing vessel. Even when you are no longer able to go to sea, you cannot be far from it; port cities and towns are where the old and young Waveriders can be found.

You are also unfazed by the strong storms that blow at sea - even the fierce lightning that strikes during the strongest sea-squalls doesn't seem to affect you as it would others.

Cultural History

The ancient lore of the Awkwana tells that it was not long after the Awakening that some of the Birdfolk grew uncomfortable living high in the mountains around Kaal Ruk. Some of these set out to find new places to settle. The tales go on to tell of how some Birdfolk, having encountered the Seafarer Dwarves that visited Sea's Edge Delve not far from the home roost became enamored of the seas themselves. While these first Waveriders returned to the area near their birthplace, they did not settle in the mountains. Instead, they founded the settlement of Glaakri Ruk, or Home By The Sea. There, they flourished, and created the roots of a seafaring culture that today rivals that of the Seafarers.

A Waverider with Red-Dyed Plumage

Geographic Distribution

A Waverider is happiest and most at home on the deck of a sailing vessel - and that is where many are found. But it is impossible to be at sea forever, and so the Waveriders have established settlements along the coasts near the Farspine Ridge, and even in a few places across the seas. Some of these settlements have grown into sizable cities - all of which are bustling with trade. Not only Waverider Birdfolk make call at these ports - the larger cities are trade destinations for the merchant ships of all races -- and raiding grounds for piraces of all races as well.

Role-Playing a Waverider Birdfolk

Interacting with Other Birdfolk

The Waverider Birdfolk provide two major services for the rest of the Awkwana culture - both of which are greatly appreciated by Birdfolk all cultures. The first is fishing. With the Awkwana being primarily carnivores, fish is a major part of their diet. The second is trade - the Waveriders are the biggest link to the other Folk of the world and all of the goods and services those Folk can provide.

Interacting with Folk of Other Races

Waveriders suffer the same issues relating to facial expression and body language as other Birdfolk when it comes to interacting with Folk of other races, but as their travels have almost certainly exposed them to others, they're not quite as bad off as other Awkwana cultures may be. Their use of body decoration, which is far more prevalent among the Waveriders than any other Awkwana culture, also allows them to express themselves somewhat more than their cousins of other cultures.

The Waveriders are one of the five great sea-going races on Cartyrion, along with the Catfolk, Dwarves, Humans, and Ratfolk. There is a special sense of comraderie among these races - sailors hold an appreciation and respect for others that brave the same dangers as them. This is not to say that the "honest" sea-going folk don't despise pirates, but especially in social situations (like the dockside tavern), a Waverider will have more in common with Mariner Catfolk than with Birdfolk of other cultures.

Interacting with Your Adventuring Party

You are more likely than most Birdfolk to be familiar with the importance of facial expression and body language for communicating with other races, but while you will likely be able to interpret the moods and emotions of your companions, they will still have trouble reading you until they get to know you.

Traditions and Taboos

You are the ultimate adventure-seeker. If there is a new experience to be had, you will want to try it.

Your first drink of any tavern session will always be a toast "to the next voyage" - even if you are far from sea and among others not of the Waverider heritage. As part of any funerary rites you attend or participatein , your first drink will follow a toast "to the last voyage".

You will never intentionally do harm to any sea bird.

Likely Professions

The most obvious former professions are those related to fishing and sailing. But you may have been a merchant or even an artisan of some sort - perhaps specializing in the sort of gear that a seagoing culture would require (ropes, nets, sailmaking, or even shipbuilding).

Preferred Dress / Gear

It is relatively common for the Waveriders to dye their feathers (head and torso) in bright colors, and for them to adorn their beaks with piercings of gold, silver, or even gemstones. (You don't have visible ears, so earrings are not an option.) Bright reds, greens, blues, and yellows ensure that a Waverider will stand out among Birdfolk of other cultures.

At sea, you need to be unencumbered to climb the lines and masts and to keep your footing on a moving deck. Going ashore in hostile situations, you may rely on light armor. Like all birdfolk, you prefer lighter armors, though a solid breastplate is not out of order.

For weaponry, besides your beak, you will tend to prefer light, agile bladed weapons, though the cutlass is common as well. Daggers are handy, and can be thrown. Multiple daggers are not uncommon.

Naming Conventions

Shortly after hatching, your parents will have given you a name that reflects their aspirations for you, as is the custom among all of the Awkwana. This name will be a short phrase which suggests some talent, or goal, or attitude. The nature of your name may well depend on the specific sea-based profession that your parents had in mind for you. Some examples include "Braves the Storm", or "Steers a Straight Course", but could also include names like "Casts a Wide Net" for the child of humble fisherfolk, or "Seeks New Ports" for the child of a family of merchant traders. As with other Birdfolk cultures, though, a new name may arise to reflect a great achievement or renown, such as "Master of Sharks", or "Senses the Reefs".

When introduced to non-Awkwana, you will give the common language translation of your name, as the phonetics of the Awkwan language are often too difficult for non Birdfolk to vocalize properly.

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Banner portrait and other character images by RPGDinosaurBob on Heroforge