Harpy

Harpy

Air Type Subspecies

Common Name

Harpy

Physical Description

Average Height

5 ft

Body Structure

Humanoid upper body with strong, bird-like legs

Skin

Smooth skin interwoven with feathers

Distinctive Features

Feathered tails, wings, and legs; strong, sharp talons; head plumes (more elaborate in males)

Abilities & Powers

Physical Abilities

• Gifted singers — though they cannot magically charm or enthrall Pae’il

• Incredibly fast and high fliers — considered the fastest on Telrunya

• Possess Eagle Eyes — superior long-distance and aerial vision

• Strong enough to carry full-grown Pae’il mid-flight

• Can survive in any climate, regardless of temperature

• Males may exhibit a natural magical affinity, though not as physically strong as females

Reproduction

Method

Intercourse

Gestation Period

One season

Average Number of Offspring

2

Notes

• Female Harpies are driven by instinct toward males, whose pheromones are irresistible

• The presence of a male heightens aggression in nearby females competing to mate

• Males can partner with other Pae types, but only sire Harpies with female Harpies

• In mixed-species pairings, offspring take after the mother

• Same-sex Harpy couples cannot produce males, and gender-swapping magic is required to produce eggs — currently unavailable in Lucandria

• Male/male Harpy pairs are unheard of due to strong reproductive instinct

Growth Stages

• Babies hatch naked from eggs and are referred to as "chicks"

• Children are covered in fluffy down and called "nestlings" — they are flightless and nest-bound

• Teenagers, or "fledglings," begin molting their down, grow flight feathers, and train their flight muscles

• Adults are fully feathered and capable hunters

Parental Care

• Mothers are extremely protective of eggs

• Once hatched, the first chick becomes the favorite; the second is often neglected

• Mothers will not retrieve a fallen nestling

Weaknesses

Known Weaknesses

• Susceptible to Taint (details pending)

• Vulnerable to mind-altering magic

Diet

Primary Food Sources

Mostly carnivorous, though some are omnivorous

Hunting & Gathering

Most Harpies hunt their food

Village-dwelling Harpies may receive prepared rations

Dietary Needs

High-protein diet

Behavior & Society

Social Structure

• Females are typically solitary and territorial

• Males often form bachelor groups, led by the strongest or most flamboyant member

• Some males also choose solitude

Communication

Varies by region

Harpies in Lucandria speak a dialect of Common unique to their kind

History

Origin

When the implosion from Telrunya drew in Pae’il of all kind, a group called the Sila took to Lucandria’s skies. Due to the lack of magic, they began to evolve into forms that made it easier for them to survive in this harsh land.

Major Historical Events

One of the strongest Harpies on Lucandria has found her clutch has gone missing. In her distress, Shakira begins a mission to infiltrate the nests of many of the Harpies on Lucandria. Some become lost themselves or hurt during her rampage, but in the end she does not recover them. Instead, she finds herself singing a mournful song that reaches the ears of Venus herself. Venus ‘recovers’ the eggs for her and offers her a life of luxury if she will continue her beautiful songs.

Interaction with other Species

• They are considered lesser by the Mika.
• They hate Naga with a fiery passion.
• They fight Sphinx & Lycan for hunting grounds.

Other Information

• Languages Spoken: Common. Their inter species language sounds like chirps or caws.
• Technology Level: None. They use what they have been given.
• Tools & Weapons: Claws & teeth are their weapons. Some are clever enough to construct rudimental weapons & tools.
• Allies: None
• Enemies: Anyone who sets foot in their territory.
• Current Status: Thriving