Peri

Description

Peri are a fair, winged, avian-like people with a proud nomadic trade culture found throughout Tarisia. Known for gathering in familial groups called Convoys, they are social by nature and fiercely loyal. While most prefer company, they may also be found traversing the remote wastelands of Tarisia alone.

Trade is a major aspect of Peri society, with many Convoys journeying months to transport rare and valuable goods between distant markets. Specific trade routes are passed on through families, with the most valuable or efficient routes held as closely guarded secrets of the Convoy. Enormous respect is bestowed upon individuals or tribes with substantial trading-renown and stories of particularly clever or profitable trades quickly become popular folklore among Peri Convoys. Great reverence is given to gifts, which are viewed as a substantial sacrifice of potential value, and it’s common tradition to reciprocate gifts so as to avoid any perceived debt to the giver.

Culturally they are not opposed to conflict, and often make great warriors due to their loyal nature. Peri may occasionally conscript with armies or join causes that appeal to their beliefs. This decision could be made individually, but is more frequently made by the entire convoy through a somewhat democratic process.

Peri come in a variety of colors including iridescent blacks, blues, and desert tones, with familial variation in the head and beak shapes. Heights average 6.5 feet tall, with weights between 80-130 lbs owing to their lighter bone structure. They have vestigial wings with an average wingspan ratio of 1:1, which are not powerful enough for flight, barely allowing short distance gliding. Their plumage is prized amongst artisans for a variety of uses, and are sourced from both voluntary and involuntary individuals.

Convoy

Peri culture is largely tribal, and individuals often travel in small familial groups known as convoys, rarely settling in highly populated areas such as major city-states, and maintaining specific trade routes across the steppes and sands of Tarisia. While individualism is not a common trait, it’s not impossible to find a lone Peri who has lost, or abandoned, their convoy to explore the world and settle into greater Tarisia society.

The Queen’s Convoy

By far, the most notable Convoy is led by the ruthless Queen Mother Astarte, ruler of Astarte Ruk and sorceress of war. She has accepted all Tarisians willing to conscript into her massive army to join her Convoy in Astarte Ruk. The guarantee of food and shelter is a compelling selling point for Tarisians struggling in the savage sands, but unlike most small familial Convoys which are largely democratic in nature, Astarte rules hers with an iron fist.

Naming Conventions

Peri names are often short, sharp monosyllable sounds with melodic qualities.

Examples include: Lyr, Wara, Iro, Nia, Reet, Yir, Pilo, Tia, Hur, and Twi.

Characteristics

Avian Bone Density: Peri have −1 Toughness due to their hollow bones.
Immune to Disease: Peri are fastidious about cleanliness and grooming, they also have incredible natural resilience against diseases.
Keen Senses: Peri are more perceptive than most. They begin with the Alertness edge, granting them +2 to Notice rolls.
Loyal: Peri are loyal to their Convoy, which though rare, may change over time from mercenary group, conscripting army, or band of adventurers
Resourceful: Owing to a deep trade culture and the resourceful nature of convoys, Peri gain +1 to checks utilizing Supplies.
Vestigial Wings: Peri have vestigial wings attached under their arms which do not provide the benefit of flight. They can reasonably glide at Pace 12 per round, but they require sufficient elevation or runway to take off, and cannot hover or gain altitude without the aid of rising currents of air or thermal gusts of wind. Use Athletics −2 when maneuvering while gliding.