#avesian

[pupskitvidz]

Just a little something I threw together while bored but inspired.

My beautiful gay trans autistic fictional son whose name shall not be said for– well– uh– I have my reasons :/

(Those reasons are totally not related to my daydreams)

[getdestroyed-staydestroyed]

A friend of mine has a race of characters in his story known as the Avesian, and last year I stated my intention to make a character of this race for him after my favorite looking bird: the bearded vulture. 

Her name is Basira Kassem (meaning “The Wise, Charitable One”) and she’s a traveling merchant with a wide selection of wares for buyers, a very sharp wit, and lack of patience for window shoppers. Though she might be in line with the first part of her name, not so much with the second half. She’s decidedly greedy and dishonest at times in order to make sales and she’s known to sell illegal contraband under-the-counter for the right prices.

Still it cannot be denied that she has some of the rarest artifacts and treasures under her possession. Illegal or not, her stock is always the real thing and never counterfeit. So if you’re willing to pay her gouging prices you can have what you seek if its sitting there in front of you.  

Said friend’s blog can be found here!

Her Charahub page by them with more information can also be found here!

[soul-of-steam-series]

Vanya Bishop

Vanya is a hearty, go-getter type woman whose as bold and brash as she is strong. She is quite confident in herself and has a streak of honesty a mile long. She's a mother of two, and a proud one at that.

https://charahub.com/character/1232089/Vanya-Bishop-ne-Medved

Art by D.E. Belton

[soul-of-steam-series]

Species of Mundus: The Talus Avesians

Introduction: The Talus Avesians (Aves Telluraves sapiens) are a group of largely predatory Avesians who are known for their strength and speed. The genus has roughly 1000 subspecies. While the Talus Tribe is historically infamous for their Spartan society and wars with humans, many forget that the Passerine Avesians are among the most peaceful of Avesian societies, and lead diplomatic relationships between the humans that eventually led to the Aegis Coalition. 

Evolution: Like all Avesians, it is hotly contested among paleontologists which group of avian dinosaurs the Talus Avesians descended from. The Avisaurus genus is considered the most likely candidate as the ancestor for all Avesians and their extinct relatives, which went extinct 66 MA during the K-Pg Extinction Event. As for the ancestor of the Talus Avesians, it is believed their earliest ancestor is the Phorusrhacid, popularly known as the Terror Bird. 

Regardless of their exact origins, most ornithologists and paleontologists agree that the first hominid-like Avesians first developed in Aeshai some 10 MA. Many of these hominid-like Avesians species rose and fell in population with over two dozen early Avesian species going extinct. By 100 KA, all but 5 genuses were left, and through a 100 years worth of drought, all but a single community of each genus were killed off; it was the closest near-extinction event of all sapient species. This single community resided in what is now known as Karfar. The pre-Talus group of this community migrated south out of this region around 80 KA into what is modern day Tamri. Once there, the pre-Talus Tribe encountered fierce competition for resources with the Spawn and Scypho Gols of that region, but tenaciously held on for several thousand years.

Around 30 KA, repeated attacks by the Scypho and Spawn drove out most of the Talus Tribe from pre-Tamri, who split into various smaller tribes that spread across Aeshai. Many populations headed north and eventually populated regions in Otera and Eodeth, finding more success there. A few tribes remained in the Khi Forest and the Barbed Wilds; today, these tribes are considered ancient relics of the bygone eras of Avesian society. On an interesting side note, modern humans originated around this same time in pre-Tamri as well, and evidence suggests humans joined Talus tribes and vice versa.  

Groups: 

Accipi: The Accipi species of Talus Avesians consists of the Buzzard, Eagle, Eodeth-native Vulture, Harrier, Hawk, Kites, Osprey, Secretarybird, and Teratorn Avesians subspecies.

Austra: The Austra species of Talus Avesians consists of the Falcon, Parrot, Passerine, and Seriamas Avesian subpsecies.

Cathar: The Cathar species of Talus Avesians consists of the Otera-native Vulture Avesian subspecies. 

Coraci: The Coraci species of Talus Avesians consists of the Cuckoo Roller, Hornbill, Hoopoes, Kingfisher, Mousebird, Roller, Woodpecker, Toucan, and Trogon Avesian subspecies.

Strigi: The Strigi species of Talus Avesians consists of the Owl Avesian subspecies.

Author’s Note: It is worth noting that some Avesian subspecies are much rarer than others, and some subspecies even represent species that are otherwise extinct in non-Avesian birds. For example, the non-Avesian Teratorns have gone extinct, but once or twice in a generation, a Teratorn Avesian will be born. These Avesians, much like Avesians born with natural wings, are elevated to the level of celebrities for their rarity, and were even revered in ancient times as prophets, seers, and shamans, who had a strong connection to the Avesian ancestors and afterlife.

Diet: As stated before, the diets of most Talus Avesians are carnivorous, ranging from large bodied prey from deer and pigs to small creatures like lizards and insects. A sizable portion of the Talus, however, are also omnivore and capable of living off nuts, seeds, and other plant matter. Accordingly, while the Talus have a reputation for being fierce warriors and hunters, their ancient societies were just as much devoted to food gathering and horticulture, if not more so. 

We have finally returned to the Avesians orders! Wow, its been a while since we last explored them, huh? I’m still working out the kinks on their biology and organization, but I think I’ve made progress since discussing the Multas Avesians. Its funny: the Avesians are one of my favorite species for the series, yet I’ve developed them the least. Does that make me a bad writer?

Speaking of the Multas, I have updated their post, since I realized much of my information was inaccurate. I have even renamed them as the Parvus Avesians. Feel free to check out that post. I have also updated the information about the Avesian characters by pointing out their specific species, as well as updated Margo’s final design. 

I’ll most likely make a separate post about the anatomy of Avesians in the future, possibly with an anatomical drawing of an Avesian for reference. Do not worry, I probably depict anything graph; it won’t exceed anything past the Phractos reference I shared last year.

[soul-of-steam-series]

Countries of Mundus: Ludvalla

Introduction: The Ludvalla Republic, formerly the Ludvalla Empire, is a proud country located in northern Eodeth. It is bordered to the north by Decheyle, to the east by Nivala, to the south by Girolla and Jogesula, and to the east by the Iiln Sea. A predominantly Avesian country with a strong Spawn presence, Ludvalla is well known for its long history of wars, its hardy winters, and producing men and women built more like mountains than flesh and blood. Due to its strategic location close to the Medus Gol capital city, Thul, Ludvalla is the hub of politics when dealing with Medus Gols in this modern age. 

History: While the history of Ludvalla is more complicated than can be adequately detailed here, a brief and simple examination of the country is possible. The history of Ludvalla can be traced back as early as 853 CE. The Zhar Lud’, a loose federation of Avesian tribes that had previously migrated from the Laraizo Plains and the region that become Girolla, were united by the Gamayun Dynasty. They built a city-state of the same name at the river junction that connects the Iiln Sea to Lake Krome and the Moroz Sea, as well as the pre-Girolla region. The Zhar Lud’ thrived off this trade, and whenever they ended a war with another country, trade concessions were a common way to resolve remaining political tensions. They specialized in trade materials such as fur, wax, and slaves.

The ruler of the Gamayun Dynasty was known as the Grand Prince. Early into the history of the Zhar Lud’ in 1120 CE, the Grand Prince Casimir converted himself and the city-state to Eastern Reydios, choosing the religion over the religion Tabjil, mostly because of the Tabjil’s prohibition on alcohol. While the Zhar Lud’ fell in the 13th century to Moti invaders, partly due to centuries long disputes with three large tribes from Decheyle and trade wars with Spawn merchants from pre-Jogesula, the Moti allowed the conquered Zhar Lud’ to continue practicing Eastern Reydios if they paid tribute to the Moti pantheon. This period of Moti rule is known as the Gryazi Period, as the Moti divided the Zhar Lud’ into various princedoms, whose puppet rulers vied for power with the other princes and caused the region’s economy to stagnate. 

During the Gryazi Period, the people of Zhar Lud’ migrated further north, leaving territories in what is now northern Girolla into parts of former Decheyle, whose own failing economy forced weaker border control and allowed the Zhar Lud’ to absorb Southern Decheyle over a few generations. This migration was partly due to massacres by the Moti, but the Moti were largely indifferent rulers: so long as the Zhar Lud’ paid tribute, the Moti were content to give their subjects relative freedom and live separately in their nomadic huts. The Moti largely exerted control by elevating a low-ranking noble to the position of Grand Prince to rule over the princedoms, who acted in their interests. However, during this migration, the people of Zhar Lud’ became increasingly isolated from the influence of other Otera and Eodeth countries, which allowed them to develop a cultural identity of its own.

This also migration also lead to the formation of the first capital city of the Zhar Lud’, Tudovo, which would later be named Tomsburg. Tudovo would would act as the cultural and sociopolitical heart of the Zhar Lud’ and lead it into modern day Ludvalla. For further details on this, please read the section on the Regions of Mundus: Tomsburg.

Government & Politics: While the Ludvalla Empire was originally a monarchy, this has changed within the past ten years. After a disastrous calamity with Girolla, Ludvalla lost a significant amount of territory. This caused a heavy blow to its economy, throwing the prosperous country into a deep recession. The blame for this calamity and the turmoil that ensued was placed on Tsar Pyotr, who was forced to abdicate the throne during the Ludvalla Revolution.

After the Revolution, the Ludvalla Empire has become the Ludvalla Republic. The republic is governed by a socialist government lead by the Aviary party. General Secretary Sasha Utkin is the current head of the Aviary party.

Economy: The economy of Ludvalla relies partly on their agricultural sector, as much of the country is blanketed in heavy forests, such as the Yew Valley. Ludvalla is only second to Girolla in terms of lumber production. However, while Girolla has made great strides through their production of rail systems, Ludvalla lies directly at the heart of Eodeth’s bloodstream: its diverse and interconnected river systems. Ludvalla trades products throughout Eodeth, acting as a merchant state that all countries in Eodeth rely on. The country can also send ships to and from the Iiln Sea, connecting them to countries as far as Vosuarhiel. 

Ludvalla’s financial success relies as well on partly on their close relationships with the neighboring Spawn countries of Nivala, Jogesula, and Abnu, which also allows them indirect access to markets in the Moroz Sea. However, in the face of the Girolla Empire’s growing economy might, Ludvalla has recently been searching for new markets and sources of wealth. Explorations of the depths of the Iiln Sea have already begun, as well as the the western waters of the Cerwiss Ocean. 

[soul-of-steam-series]

Species of Mundus: The Scaly Brood

Introduction: The Scaly Brood, also known as Alienalacerta or Reptilian Degenerates, are Degenerates created by the Eln, Iemn, and Tial Gols who bare many similarities with reptiles and Avesians. They are known for laying eggs, a scaly epidermis, and possessing four limbs. Unlike reptiles, the Scaly Brood are warm-blooded like Avesians and birds, which allows them to properly function in cool weather. They primarily live in Otera and Aeshai.

While their official term is Alienalacerta, they are commonly called the Scaly Brood or “the Brood” for simplicity and easy recognition. The word “Alienalacerta” translates to “Strange Lizard.”

The Scaly Brood can be divided into five groups: Crocodilian Degenerates, Lizard Degenerates, Snake Degenerates, Tuatara Degenerates, and Turtle Degenerates.

Evolution:  While the origins of the Scaly Brood are unclear, forensic and archaeological evidence suggests that the Scaly Brood were created by the Gols around 25 to 6 thousand YA alongside the other sapient Degenerate classes. While the Eln, Medus, and Oyd studied, experimented on, and created the Furred Folk from the mammals in their regions, the Scaly Brood were created based on the Avesians and reptiles. Due to the more aggressive nature of Avesians, the Scaly Brood were initially troublesome for the Gols; it was only after the Gols perfected the mild regenerative abilities of reptiles that they managed to domesticate the early generations of the Brood.

Similar to the Furred Folk, the Scaly Brood are able to breed with Avesians. The offspring from these unions typically demonstrate traits from both parents, such as feathers from their Avesian parent and a heavier skeleton from their Brood parent. The child is born infertile. Since Avesian/Scaly Brood unions violate several treaties between the Aegis Coalition and Degenerate-led countries like Kuspana and Octington, such unions are expressly forbidden and marriage between Avesians and the Scaly Brood is illegal. 

Anatomy:  While some individuals of the Scaly Brood can appear similar to the Avesians, such as Father Hayes of Thoys Owhar, there are a few key differences between the two groups. For one thing, most individuals lack feathers; at best, some Brood members can possess proto-feathers, which have a hair-like appearance, but are structurally different from hair. Another trait that separates them apart is their distinctly different hearts: while Avesians possess four-chambered hearts, the Scaly Brood possess three-chambered hearts. The Scaly Brood also lack the honey-comb bone structure of Avesians, which prevents them from moving as fast as Avesians.

One key trait about the Scaly Brood is the different distribution of “normal scales” to “unique scales” and proto-feathers on their bodies. This trait is similar to the feather distribution on the bodies of Avesians: depending on the species of a Scaly Brood member and that individual’s health, they may present more or less unique scales on their body, giving them a more Avesian and even human appearance. For example, an Avesian like Faris largely possesses feathers on only her forearms and tail feathers, whereas an Avesian like Raphael possess them on his forearms, thighs, head, and tail feathers. Similarly, a Scaly Brood like Father Hayes only has “unique scales” on his arms and legs, whereas a Scaly Brood like Belinda is covered from head-to-toe in unique scales, barring the proto-feathers on her head.

Diet: While several groups of the Scaly Brood are herbivorous by nature, such as the Turtle Degenerates, the vast majority of the Scaly Brood are carnivorous in nature. When they were slaves under Gol rule, the Scaly Brood typically ate protein-rich pastes and genetically altered fruit. Nowadays, they typically eat meat from animals like cows, pigs, and sheep. 

[soul-of-steam-series]

Species of Mundus: Parvus Avesians

Introduction: The Parvus Avesians (Aves Aequor sapiens) are a group of small-bodied Avesians who are known for their preference for aquatic environments. This genus comes in a variety of about 400 subpsecies. They prefer to live in or by land near water, so Parvus Avesians can be most commonly found near coastal cities and lakeside towns.

Evolution: Like all Avesians, it is hotly contested among paleontologists which group of avian dinosaurs the Parvus Avesians descended from. The Avisaurus genus is considered the most likely candidate as the ancestor for all Avesians and their extinct relatives, which went extinct 66 MA during the K-Pg Extinction Event. While the earliest ancestor for the Parvus Avesians has yet to be concretely identified, the first ancestor for the Charadri species originates between 30-33 MA, so the Parvus are at least that old. By this point, they separated genetically from the other Avesian genuses.

Regardless of their exact origins, most ornithologists and paleontologists agree that the first hominid-like Avesians first developed in Aeshai some 10 MA. Many of these hominid-like Avesians species rose and fell in population with over two dozen early Avesian species going extinct. By 100 KA, all but 5 genuses were left, and through a 100 years worth of drought, all but a single community of each genus were killed off; it was the closest near-extinction event of all sapient species. This single community resided in what is now known as Karfar.  The pre-Parvus group of this last community initially stuck to the riversides and the superocean, but eventually migrated west past the Kor Mountains around  50 KA. The storm patterns through and by the Kor Mountains were quite tumultuous during this time in pre-history, so only the hardiest and smartest of the pre-Parvus Avesians survived these conditions; it also theorized that they may have interacted with the Iemn Gols of Dharn Dorul during this migration.

The pre-Parvus Avesians eventually settled down west of the Kor Mountains. During this time, there existed a vast lake in Aeshai called the Hyacin Expanse. The pre-Parvus Avesians thrived here, and over a few thousand years, their numbers grew to surround the Expanse. However, by 300 KA, the Hyacin Expanse went dry, and forced the Parvus through a famine. The survivors migrated out from the territory throughout Aeshai, and much like the other Avesian tribes, who all had migrated out of Aeshai as early as 3 MA, eventually joined the fellow tribes in Otera and Eodeth. 

Groups: The Parvus Avesians can be further divided into several species, which have their own subspecies. These subspecies can interbreed with each other without consequence, but given enough geographic distance and time, they may develop into different Avesian species. If a Parvus Avesian breeds with another genus or species of Avesian, they may be able to produce a child, but the child may likely be born sterile and with medical maladies. 

Mirandos: The Mirandos species of Parvus Avesians consists of the Flamingo and Grebe Avesians.

Charadri: The Gruae species of Parvus Avesians consists of the Wader, Gull, and Auks Avesians.

Eurypygi: The Eurypygi species of Parvus Avesians consists of the Sunbittern, Kagu and Tropicbirds  Avesians.

Aequornithes: The Telluraves subpsecies of Parvus Avesains consists of the  Loons, Herons, Pelican, Penguin, and Stork Avesians. 

Diet: The diet of Parvus Avesians typically relies on crustaceans, fish, and other small aquatic animals.

Edit (10/19/2017): I have finally updated the information about the Parvus Avesians! As it turns out, much of my information about the Parvus was either wrong or so broad that it was unhelpful, so I decided to scrap the Parvus and condense most Avesians into five key genuses. This will mean that the Avesians won’t be able to interbreed with each other as I originally planned, which may cause some difficulty in the future, but I only have one Avesian family so far, so it shouldn’t be too inconvenient. 

[soul-of-steam-series]

Basira Hassan

A purveyor of all things rich and exotic, Basira is a familiar face on the streets of Karfar. Well known for her tight purse strings and uncanny knack for sneaking up on people, Basira is well-versed in the language of merchants and would sell you your left hand if given the chance.

https://charahub.com/character/1257116/Basira-Hassan

Art by Get-Destroyed, Stay-Destroyed