Harpies

(Hárpuia in Aervani)

Plagues of the Skies

"Harpy feathers glisten like the sun on a calm sea, but don’t be fooled by their beauty. Those talons have torn many a brave soul apart." —Captain Marek Ironclaw, Dwarven Sailor

History

The origins of harpies are wrapped in mystery, with countless myths and tales about how they came to be, just like the many types of birds out there. They’re mainly split into three groups: Cliffside Harpies, Canopy Harpies, and Wetland Harpies. Each group has adapted to thrive in totally different environments—mountains, forests, and wetlands, respectively.

Cliffside Harpies make their homes in the mountains, living in large colonies on steep cliffs. Their culture revolves around flying, hunting, and living together, deeply connected to the rugged landscape they inhabit. Canopy Harpies are found deep in ancient forests, crafting their nests high up in the trees. They’re smaller and more agile than their Cliffside relatives, perfectly suited for navigating the thick foliage. Wetland Harpies have adapted to life near large bodies of water. With webbed feet instead of regular talons, they’re great swimmers. Their society blends both flying and hunting in the water, making them stand out among their kin.

As time passed, these harpy groups started to spread beyond their original homes, mingling with other cultures. Some encounters sparked conflicts, while others were filled with curiosity and sharing. As they absorbed new ideas, harpy societies evolved, but many still held onto their strong identities and ancient customs.

Harpies that stick to their colonies often don’t have traditional names; they’re known by their roles or the colors of their feathers. Those who venture out and meet other cultures usually pick up names from the people they meet, creating lively communities with a mix of cultural influences.

Physical Description

Harpies are a fascinating mix of human and bird traits. Their upper bodies, outside of swapping out arms for large powerful wings, look almost entirely human but may have a few tufts of feathers here and there. Their lower bodies are more closely tied to those of birds, with large feathered legs ending in varying styles of bird feet. Their looks can change a lot based on their type: Cliffside Harpies are built for strength, sporting broad wings and sharp talons that help them soar high and catch their meals. They tend to be bigger and sturdier, with feathers that match the rocky cliffs they call home. Canopy Harpies, on the other hand, are more slender and quick, designed for agile movements through thick forests. Their feathers are often bright and colorful, making it easy for them to blend in with the vibrant foliage. Wetland Harpies are perfect for life by the water. They have webbed feet for swimming and their feathers are usually water-resistant, often reflecting the colors and patterns of the water around them.

• Common Height
  • Cliffside Harpies
  • Males: 5'0" - 6'6"
  • Females: 4'8" - 6'2"

• • Canopy Harpies
  • Males: 4'6" - 6'0"
  • Females: 4'2" - 5'8"

• • Wetland Harpies
  • Males: 4'8" - 6'2"
  • Females: 4'4" - 6'0"

• Common Wingspan
  • Cliffside Harpies
  • Males: 8'0" - 13'0"
  • Females: 7'8" - 12'6"

• • Canopy Harpies
  • Males: 7'4" - 11'6"
  • Females: 7'0" - 11'0"

• • Wetland Harpies
  • Males: 7'6" - 12'0"
  • Females: 7'2" - 11'6"

• Common Build
  • Cliffside Harpies: Usually have a strong, muscular frame, fitting the Mesomorph type.
  • Canopy Harpies: Lean and quick, they fall into the Ectomorph category.
  • Wetland Harpies: A blend of Mesomorph and Ectomorph traits, featuring webbed characteristics.

• Common Eyes
  • Most have shades of Black, Brown, and Blue, seen across all types.

• Common Feathers
  • Cliffside Harpies: Their feathers come in Black, Gray, and Russet tones, perfect for rocky backdrops.
  • Canopy Harpies: They flaunt bright and unique colors like Gold, Russet, Brown, Gray, and vibrant shades inspired by tropical birds, including yellows, reds, greens, and blues.
  • Wetland Harpies: Their plumage features Black, Blue, Gray, and White, reflecting the colors of water and their wetland habitats.

Culture

Each group of harpies—Cliffside, Canopy, and Wetland—has its own unique cultural practices influenced by their specific surroundings. Still, they all share some common cultural traits that unite them as a species.

Common Cultural Traits

• Living Together
  • Harpies really value living in communities, with their colonies made up of tight-knit social groups. Each colony operates like a connected family where everyone has a part to play. They are super loyal to their colony, putting the group's well-being first. This community spirit is reflected in their strong social ties and the importance of working together for survival.
• Wisdom of the Elders
  • In every harpy group, the elders are seen as the wisest and most respected members. While their roles might vary a bit—like being spiritual leaders for Wetland Harpies, advisors for Cliffside Harpies, and mentors for Canopy Harpies—they all act as the guiding force for the younger members, sharing their knowledge and experience. Elders teach the young ones essential survival skills, whether it’s hunting, navigating their surroundings, or dealing with outsiders.
• Flight as a Symbol of Freedom
  • Flight is a huge part of harpy culture in all groups. It represents freedom, strength, and their identity. Whether they’re soaring over mountains, gliding through trees, or skimming across water, harpies take pride in their flying abilities. Flying is often tied to rituals, celebrations, and important life events. Young harpies go through intense training to perfect their flying skills, and achieving certain flight milestones is celebrated as a big step toward adulthood. There are tales of flightless Harpy’s, but such a phenomenon seems to be incredibly rare.
• Hunter-Gatherer Lifestyle
  • All harpy communities live off the land, embracing a hunter-gatherer way of life that taps into the natural resources around them. Hunting is a key part of their culture, and those who are skilled at it earn a lot of respect. Different harpy groups have their own hunting styles—Cliffside Harpies dive down on mountain animals, Canopy Harpies sneak through the trees, and Wetland Harpies plunge into the water for fish. Regardless of the method, hunting is always a top priority. Gathering is also important, as harpies collect materials for their nests, tools, and decorative items from their environment.
• Simple Material Culture
  • Harpies from all tribes take a straightforward approach to their belongings. They like to wear natural or simply made accessories that showcase their surroundings—think feathers, bones, stones, and plants. Their focus is more on usefulness and meaning rather than accumulating wealth. The items they create often carry cultural or spiritual importance, like a necklace from a successful hunt or a feathered headdress that represents leadership.
• Non-Verbal Communication
  • Harpies heavily rely on non-verbal cues, using body language, gestures, and bird calls to communicate. They do pick up languages from nearby races for socializing, but within their own groups, they often express themselves through subtle movements, wing flutters, and sounds that mimic birds. This way of communicating is especially crucial during hunts or when they need to stay under the radar from predators, allowing them to work together quietly and effectively.
• Strong Independence
  • While harpies are dedicated to their communities, they also cherish their independence. Each harpy values their personal freedom and often follows their own instincts, even if it means bending the rules a bit. This independence is balanced by their commitment to the colony's welfare, creating a harmony between individual desires and the needs of the group.

Group-Specific Cultural Traits

Cliffside Harpies

Leadership and Respect: Cliffside Harpies operate with a clear hierarchy where the top hunters and fliers gain the most admiration. The elders play a crucial role as strategic guides, leading hunts and protecting the colony. Strength and stamina are highly valued, and younger Cliffside Harpies go through tough training to earn their place. Rugged Living: Nesting high in the mountains, Cliffside Harpies carve out their homes in cliff faces, using their strong talons. Their shared spaces are practical and tough, focusing on utility rather than decoration.

Canopy Harpies

Agility and Stealth: Canopy Harpies excel in agility and stealth, essential for navigating thick forests. The elders teach the younger ones how to move quietly among the trees and leverage their surroundings. They tend to be more secretive, keeping their distance from outsiders unless absolutely necessary. Artistic Expression: With a deep appreciation for the forest's beauty, Canopy Harpies often use vibrant natural materials in their nests and communal areas. They embrace artistic expression, crafting intricate designs with feathers, leaves, and flowers that harmonize with their environment.

Wetland Harpies

Adaptability and Fluidity: Wetland Harpies are the most versatile of the three, thriving in both air and water. Their elders often serve as spiritual leaders, linking the colony to the nearby water bodies. Flexibility and creativity are essential traits, as Wetland Harpies frequently come up with innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Spiritual Practices: Living close to water, Wetland Harpies have developed distinct spiritual rituals that celebrate the life-giving essence of water. They engage in purification ceremonies, water rituals, and honor aquatic spirits, showcasing their profound connection to the wetlands.

Mechanics

• Average Lifespan of 70 to 90 years.

[WIP] Harpy skills really change based on whether they're flying or on the ground. Cliffside Harpies are all about that soaring life, using their strong wings to travel far and wide. But when they're on land, they tend to be a bit clumsy and slower because of their hefty taloned legs. Canopy Harpies, on the other hand, are super quick and agile in the air, zipping through trees like pros. They’re a bit more graceful on the ground than the Cliffside ones, but they still love to be up high. Wetland Harpies are unique since they thrive in both air and water. Their webbed feet make them fantastic swimmers, and they can easily switch between flying and swimming. While they may not walk fast, their flying skills are top-notch. They communicate using body language, actions, and bird calls, and they prefer picking up languages from nearby races instead of creating their own. Harpies can inherit cool traits from the birds they resemble, like better eyesight, diving skills, or even water resistance, depending on where they live and what type of bird they’re emulating.

The Realm of Ephimoria • Beyond the Fracture