The Seleventi
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Seleventi have two arms, two legs, two wings, heads of a bird and feathers over their bodies. Feather colors vary with tribes or flocks. In general they are larger than humans and live longer. It is important to note they are not humans with wings, but a species of their own. When playing a Seleventi keep in mind some simple differences and how they might affect the behavior. For example drinking with a beak would require a different movement than using lips, or looking around with eyes on either side of your head, or moving arms and wings...
Although the Seleventi originated in Cloosidian, they are not confined to the Sturrbiths. Like the elves, they have fairly bigoted attitudes toward humans, which may have a factor in whether or not a Seleventi (or a whole tribe, even) would move. Some Seleventi have no problem with humans and mingle freely. Others would rather have nothing to do with them, or may even become outright violent upon seeing a human. Many tribes stay in the mountains - it is a matter of choice or a matter of tradition, but there are still those that have chosen to move and populate other areas of the continent.
Seleventi FAQ
What do the Seleventi look like?
Are there only twenty-five tribes?
How diverse are the primary tribes in culture?
What is the lifespan of a Seleventi?
Do all Seleventi speak the same language?
What about the tribal-ruling fight that takes place at Fona du Del?
What do the Seleventi look like?
The Seleventi are a varied people, but for the most part, they share some characteristics. For example, all Seleventi have humanoid forms, but six limbs -- two arms, two legs, and two wings. All of them -- all save the Killer Shrikes, that is -- have the heads of birds (the species of bird is defined by which primary tribe they are a part of). Their bodies, instead of having hair, possess tiny- to small-sized feathers which act both as shield from the elements and insulation. It should be noted that Seleventi are not literally "half human, half bird." They are no more a human than an elf is. They are their own species unto themselves.
Are there only twenty-five tribes?
No. There are twenty-five "primary" or known tribes -- and really, there can be more than one of those already-known tribes. For example, the Gavete have more than one literal tribe of their species. Consider the twenty-five "tribes" as referring to the species of birds, and of those species, there can be more than one literal gathering-tribe of that type of Seleventi. Even then, there is a possibility that there are other species-tribes that have not been discovered yet. If you find that none of the species here is what you're looking for, get in touch with the Cloosidian Region Leader; they'll be happy to brainstorm with you and help you find a solution!
How diverse are the primary tribes in culture?
Even though there are twenty-five primary tribes, the trick to remember is that they're all bound to each other by rule. If they weren't, the battle for the Crown of the Four Winds (the ritual fight which takes place every twenty years at the aerie of Fona Du Del) wouldn't exist. The tribes might not interact with each other all the time, and they all have their own ways of living and acting, but they all hold together -- even grudgingly, sometimes -- as a race.
To try to clarify, for example, the Killer Shrikes are the ruling tribe right now. While they literally rule over the Seleventi, the other twenty-four tribes still retain their individuality. They still live wherever they want and act in the way that corresponds to their basic nature. The tribes will not be dismantled, for lack of a better word.
By nature itself, the twenty-five species of Seleventi have different demeanors and characteristics. As to culture itself, it's reasonable to assume that there's a difference there, too. As an example, you can read about the vicious manner and culture of the Killer Shrikes, and then in another story read about the ritualistic and almost religious culture of the Gavete.
Not all tribes have the same cultural requirements (coming of age, marriage or bonding-rites, etc.), just by the fact that their natures are as diverse as they are. In short, the Seleventi are quite diverse, and in many ways, but many of them follow, at least in part, the behavior and nature of their real-life counterparts.
What is the lifespan of a Seleventi?
On average, Seleventi live longer than humans -- the average lifespan of a Seleventi is approximately 110-120 years. As they grow in age (specifically from seventy-five years on), some of their feathers may lose richness of color.
Do all Seleventi speak the same language?
It's fair to assume that, what with the strong human presence in the world, most Seleventi are familiar with the human, everyday language. Cultural languages may be kept in some tribes (especially the more reclusive ones), and in those cases, it's also fair to assume that the dialects are different from tribe to tribe. (Just as you don't hear a crow using the same vocal patterns as a parrot. Ever wonder if they understand each other?)
Certainly! Some Seleventi seem born to perform Aeromantic skills. The Killer Shrikes, for example, rely heavily on Aeromancy in their battle tactics.
What about the tribal-ruling fight that takes place at Fona du Del?
The battle for the Crown of the Four Winds takes place every twenty years. Representatives from each tribe engage in an all-out battle, with the sole survivor earning the crown, and thus earning that tribe ruling rank over the others.
It all depends on the tribe. There are some tribes -- such as the Killer Shrikes -- who, being the predatorial creatures they are, are naturally equipped with sharp talons to rip and rend. Sometimes the best weapon is a natural one. This isn't to say that Shrikes can't use normal weapons. It's a matter of personal preference as well. Other tribes that need to defend themselves may find themselves needing to use weapons -- the more peaceful tribes, for example. You don't imagine swans as having great big talons, and so it's fair to assume that the Seleventi version of swans wouldn't have fighting talons either. :) They might want to grab a handy weapon.
Seleventi potentially have an array of "natural weapons" at their disposal (it's variable, according to their nature):
1) Their jaw muscles are strong, beaks sharp. A real-life example: an angry parrot can easily snap through a two-inch wooden dowel like it was paper. Mind you, not every bird is going to have that kind of biting power, but any attack with a beak is bound to at the least break skin (if that's the aim) and hurt for a good while!
2) Their talons. This would, of course, apply to the predators more than the "peaceable" birds (again, you don't expect a swan with sharp talons). This would also apply to the birds who have to dive and catch their food.
3) Their wings. Seleventi's wing muscles have to be strong enough and large enough to get a Seleventi into the air. Muscles that strong can pack a real punch! There's a major addendum to this one, though: a Seleventi would only use his wings as a last resort, especially if they're the type that enjoys or needs to fly. Seleventi may be humanlike, but bone-breaks can still happen, and the last thing a Seleventi wants is a broken wing. Some would be shamed beyond reason for having a broken wing, others would be "crippled," needing to rely on other tribesmen (if they're from a heavily aerial tribe -- you get the idea.). Basically, wings are better for escaping than attacking. In short, assume that some Seleventi -- especially those who are not built for combat but still need to defend themselves -- use weapons. Just as some Seleventi who do have sharp talons may still choose to use a weapon.
Where can I learn more about Cloosidian?
Visit the Geography page: Cloosidian.
For more information on the Seleventi, contact:
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