Formatting code for Zephyr
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=====**The Convocation of the Sun and Sky**=====
The Zephyr of the [[http://www.parthosrpg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=Cathilcarn Cathilcarn]] are free spirits who enjoy soaring on the currents high above the ground, taking in the majestic views Parthysis has to offer. They posses an irrepressible zest for life and a pleasantly cheerful disposition. The flighty disposition that Zephyr's are well known for is merely an extension of their embrace for all things pleasant and soothing in life.
At heart they are contemplative and philosophical, and their appreciation for things most take for granted may seem erratic to the landbound races. Some Zephyr, while friendly to those they consider their equals, also tend to be condescending, though never rude, to landbound races. These Zephyr are usually unaware of this; it is merely a natural reaction to treat landbound races as inferior or with pity. Given time and enough exposure to other cultures, this bias is easily extinguished.
The Summersnow Crags stab like a spear into the very heavens. The range is the highest in all of Meditra, and it's peaks are merciless spears of ice and rock, adorned with ever-blowing "tassels" of snow plumes that whirl away in the vicious winds prevalent at that altitude forever lost beyond the snowy clouds. If one were to rise above the clouds, viewed from afar the top of the snow and ice capped mountain glistens like an enormous pearl in the bright sunlight. Just beneath the dangers of that altitude rings the Zephyr community of the Aerie of the Sun and Sky. From the most majestic buildings here, to the lower reaches of the jungled mountains, the Zephyr maintain a vast, loosely populated though closely networked society.
Delicate glassteel spires and a spacious caverns dot the heart of the Aerie. At the peak of their society is the Temple of Lucia, a glassteel spire that beckons to the goddess in an open field surrounded by sparkling lakes. Many of the caves lead to openings by these lakes, and allow access to Lucia's open aired chapels from within the Aerie itself. Here Zephyrs dance and sing in harmony under the sun or multitude of gentle sunshowers. Similarly magnificent is the domed, magnificent colonaded temple of Celestia. The dome's ceiling opens to the sky, allowing entrance from above and providing the temple with a golden breeze that plays the bells and chimes within.
Zephyr's casual wear consists of diaphanous clothing that catches the wind in flight and ripples and weaves in the air. Leather and Glassteel armors are not uncommon, however togas and robes or other silken garments are preferred.
The Zephyr have taken the craft of glassblowing and elevated it to an art form. Whereas dwarves and men and other landbound races turn to metal, wood, or stone for craft, the Zephyr have turned to the fragile and delicate medium of glass. Their propencity for this medium reflects their very nature, for the Zephyr themselves are fragile and beautiful people.
While much Zephyr glass is delicate and decorative, these zephyr have mastered the art of making Glassteel, a form of glass as strong and as light as it's two namesakes.
The Convocation of the Sun and Sky have a unique philosophy for their society. They are divided into two castes, a warrior society of soldiers, and a peaceful society of thinkers and religious scholars. These two diametrically opposed castes work together to forge a powerful symbiotic relationship, a culture greater than the subcultures that compose it.
Warlike Zephyr have a complex code of honor that they use to guide and temper their militaristic activities and training. These Zephyr spend their lives defending their kin, and frequently follow the path of the Heliae. Their lives are geared towards war and protection and they answer to their generals who share responsibility for ruling the society with the religious leaders. This Zephyr of this military force, known as the Talons, are extremely proud, and they form eternal friendships with those who earn their respect and trust. They protect the Aerie and sometimes aid those that pass through their lands, and have inhabited many of the abandoned Aridoc and Ardashir strongholds and watch towers at the lower reaches of the [[http://www.parthosrpg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=Cathilcarn Cathilcarn]]. In times past, the threat of Dragon attacks was the main concern, though in more recent times, bandits have become more of an issue.
The peaceful Zephyr focus mainly on arts and the intellectual aspects of life. If confronted with conflict, a peaceful Zephyr relies on brains and diplomatic abilities, and often on magic power. These Zephyr are artists and philosophers who spend their lives studying the world and crafting works of art simply for the sheer joy of creation. They are also tasked with providing their society with food, entertainment and education. Many are also very religious and spend much of their time contemplating the ways of Celestia and Lucia, particularly as Illuminers of the Lady of Light.
Despite their divergent personalities, these two subcultures interact surprisingly well. Young Zephyr typically spend time immersed in each subculture before opting to join a single caste, learning from both warriors and priests. This lifestyle, which proceeds until adolescence, allows Zephyr raised in one caste to learn how the other caste lives. This system makes for an efficient collaboration between the two castes. For example, peaceful Zephyr will closely study migration patterns of the fauna in the area and tell the warrior-hunters where to hunt. The Zephyr take flight across the skies and crags of the [[http://www.parthosrpg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=Cathilcarn Cathilcarn]] for many of their needs. They fish in the freezing waters of the sparkling mountain lakes and hunt across the broadleaf forests at lower elevations.
Zephyr acknowledge the standard Pantheon as a whole and regularly pay lip service to Rathenor, Phet S'nar, Vellulan, Tharacia, Cherek, and Pharea, but they hold a special reverence for Celestia and Lucia. This dual worship plays an important role in their daily lives. The Zephyr of the Aerie of the Sun and Sky are deeply religious, and this reflects in their culture.
The Convocation of the Sun and Sky believe that in times long past, they were an imprisoned people. They believe that the Dawn's Blade cut them from their bonds, granting freedom from their oppressors and that Gift of the Wind granted them wings so that they might never be captives again. Zephyr also believe that she takes more of a direct hand in their lives then do the other Gods of Men. Zephyr often attribute Lucia's intervention to events that most other races would view as simply fortuitous coincidences.
The Dance of the Swirling Winds is a semiannual festival held on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes to celebrate the changing seasons and to honor Lucia. The Dance of the Golden Sky is held on the winter and summer Solstices, and similarly honors Celestia. Offerings of beautiful feathers are released into the snow plumed winds in [[http://www.parthosrpg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=Cathilcarn Cathilcarn's]] highest peaks, and the entire Convocation joins in an aerial ballet danced to chimes and harps.
Zephyr combine a tradition of vigilance and military formality with a joyous reverence for the sheer peaks and open skies of their homeland. Most wishing to defend the Convocation's majestic way of life join the militant and coordinated Talons while those more inclined to prayer join the Maiden's Faithful, and still others, those who strike out on their own to protect not only the Convocation, but all who pass beneath the shadows of the [[http://www.parthosrpg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=Cathilcarn Cathilcarn]] don the robes of Skywardens.
The Talons are warriors, trained in the defense of the Convocation, that make up the vast majority of the Militant sect of Zephyr society. They are marked by their uniform appearance. All Talons wear feathered helms and garments indicating rank. They wield spears, of both the throwing and melee variety traditionally made from glassteel or obsidian, and carry slings. They represent the ideal Zephyr warrior, specialists in the military arts. They serve as both the guards and military force of the Convocation. Known for their flighty disposition, one might think the military force a disorganized rabble, however the opposite is true. Talons understand that carefree and precious life can be fleeting, and thus act with a single mind to protect it. They effortlessly obey the chain of command as well as a strict code of conduct, and act like a well oiled fighting machine.
Among the Maidens' Faithful the novice priests of Lucia and Celestia are known as the Tethered while full priests are known as Winged Brothers or Sisters. Ceremonial garb for priests consists of sky-blue or white robes, with those of highest rank wearing the darker blues and golds. Feathers are used in decorating their clothing and hair.
The Skywardens are followers of Celestia and self-appointed protectors of the skies, the [[http://www.parthosrpg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=Cathilcarn Cathilcarn]] mountaintops, and anywhere else a Zephyr might ride the winds. They are the aid for those lost or injured while in their domains. The Skywardens are individualists, and operate better outside the strict uniformity of the Talons. Far from being looked on as outcasts, Skywardens are well respected and uphold oaths to never willingly allow anyone to suffer in their domain. Skywardens sometimes, though rarely, have been known to leave to bliss of the Convocation's Aerie out of a sense of duty, and travel to lands where they might extend their aid and put their skills to greater use.
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=====**The Convocation of the Sun and Sky**=====
The Zephyr of the [[http://www.parthosrpg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=Cathilcarn Cathilcarn]] are free spirits who enjoy soaring on the currents high above the ground, taking in the majestic views Parthysis has to offer. They posses an irrepressible zest for life and a pleasantly cheerful disposition. The flighty disposition that Zephyr's are well known for is merely an extension of their embrace for all things pleasant and soothing in life.
At heart they are contemplative and philosophical, and their appreciation for things most take for granted may seem erratic to the landbound races. Some Zephyr, while friendly to those they consider their equals, also tend to be condescending, though never rude, to landbound races. These Zephyr are usually unaware of this; it is merely a natural reaction to treat landbound races as inferior or with pity. Given time and enough exposure to other cultures, this bias is easily extinguished.
The Summersnow Crags stab like a spear into the very heavens. The range is the highest in all of Meditra, and it's peaks are merciless spears of ice and rock, adorned with ever-blowing "tassels" of snow plumes that whirl away in the vicious winds prevalent at that altitude forever lost beyond the snowy clouds. If one were to rise above the clouds, viewed from afar the top of the snow and ice capped mountain glistens like an enormous pearl in the bright sunlight. Just beneath the dangers of that altitude rings the Zephyr community of the Aerie of the Sun and Sky. From the most majestic buildings here, to the lower reaches of the jungled mountains, the Zephyr maintain a vast, loosely populated though closely networked society.
Delicate glassteel spires and a spacious caverns dot the heart of the Aerie. At the peak of their society is the Temple of Lucia, a glassteel spire that beckons to the goddess in an open field surrounded by sparkling lakes. Many of the caves lead to openings by these lakes, and allow access to Lucia's open aired chapels from within the Aerie itself. Here Zephyrs dance and sing in harmony under the sun or multitude of gentle sunshowers. Similarly magnificent is the domed, magnificent colonaded temple of Celestia. The dome's ceiling opens to the sky, allowing entrance from above and providing the temple with a golden breeze that plays the bells and chimes within.
Zephyr's casual wear consists of diaphanous clothing that catches the wind in flight and ripples and weaves in the air. Leather and Glassteel armors are not uncommon, however togas and robes or other silken garments are preferred.
The Zephyr have taken the craft of glassblowing and elevated it to an art form. Whereas dwarves and men and other landbound races turn to metal, wood, or stone for craft, the Zephyr have turned to the fragile and delicate medium of glass. Their propencity for this medium reflects their very nature, for the Zephyr themselves are fragile and beautiful people.
While much Zephyr glass is delicate and decorative, these zephyr have mastered the art of making Glassteel, a form of glass as strong and as light as it's two namesakes.
The Convocation of the Sun and Sky have a unique philosophy for their society. They are divided into two castes, a warrior society of soldiers, and a peaceful society of thinkers and religious scholars. These two diametrically opposed castes work together to forge a powerful symbiotic relationship, a culture greater than the subcultures that compose it.
Warlike Zephyr have a complex code of honor that they use to guide and temper their militaristic activities and training. These Zephyr spend their lives defending their kin, and frequently follow the path of the Heliae. Their lives are geared towards war and protection and they answer to their generals who share responsibility for ruling the society with the religious leaders. This Zephyr of this military force, known as the Talons, are extremely proud, and they form eternal friendships with those who earn their respect and trust. They protect the Aerie and sometimes aid those that pass through their lands, and have inhabited many of the abandoned Aridoc and Ardashir strongholds and watch towers at the lower reaches of the [[http://www.parthosrpg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=Cathilcarn Cathilcarn]]. In times past, the threat of Dragon attacks was the main concern, though in more recent times, bandits have become more of an issue.
The peaceful Zephyr focus mainly on arts and the intellectual aspects of life. If confronted with conflict, a peaceful Zephyr relies on brains and diplomatic abilities, and often on magic power. These Zephyr are artists and philosophers who spend their lives studying the world and crafting works of art simply for the sheer joy of creation. They are also tasked with providing their society with food, entertainment and education. Many are also very religious and spend much of their time contemplating the ways of Celestia and Lucia, particularly as Illuminers of the Lady of Light.
Despite their divergent personalities, these two subcultures interact surprisingly well. Young Zephyr typically spend time immersed in each subculture before opting to join a single caste, learning from both warriors and priests. This lifestyle, which proceeds until adolescence, allows Zephyr raised in one caste to learn how the other caste lives. This system makes for an efficient collaboration between the two castes. For example, peaceful Zephyr will closely study migration patterns of the fauna in the area and tell the warrior-hunters where to hunt. The Zephyr take flight across the skies and crags of the [[http://www.parthosrpg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=Cathilcarn Cathilcarn]] for many of their needs. They fish in the freezing waters of the sparkling mountain lakes and hunt across the broadleaf forests at lower elevations.
Zephyr acknowledge the standard Pantheon as a whole and regularly pay lip service to Rathenor, Phet S'nar, Vellulan, Tharacia, Cherek, and Pharea, but they hold a special reverence for Celestia and Lucia. This dual worship plays an important role in their daily lives. The Zephyr of the Aerie of the Sun and Sky are deeply religious, and this reflects in their culture.
The Convocation of the Sun and Sky believe that in times long past, they were an imprisoned people. They believe that the Dawn's Blade cut them from their bonds, granting freedom from their oppressors and that Gift of the Wind granted them wings so that they might never be captives again. Zephyr also believe that she takes more of a direct hand in their lives then do the other Gods of Men. Zephyr often attribute Lucia's intervention to events that most other races would view as simply fortuitous coincidences.
The Dance of the Swirling Winds is a semiannual festival held on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes to celebrate the changing seasons and to honor Lucia. The Dance of the Golden Sky is held on the winter and summer Solstices, and similarly honors Celestia. Offerings of beautiful feathers are released into the snow plumed winds in [[http://www.parthosrpg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=Cathilcarn Cathilcarn's]] highest peaks, and the entire Convocation joins in an aerial ballet danced to chimes and harps.
Zephyr combine a tradition of vigilance and military formality with a joyous reverence for the sheer peaks and open skies of their homeland. Most wishing to defend the Convocation's majestic way of life join the militant and coordinated Talons while those more inclined to prayer join the Maiden's Faithful, and still others, those who strike out on their own to protect not only the Convocation, but all who pass beneath the shadows of the [[http://www.parthosrpg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=Cathilcarn Cathilcarn]] don the robes of Skywardens.
The Talons are warriors, trained in the defense of the Convocation, that make up the vast majority of the Militant sect of Zephyr society. They are marked by their uniform appearance. All Talons wear feathered helms and garments indicating rank. They wield spears, of both the throwing and melee variety traditionally made from glassteel or obsidian, and carry slings. They represent the ideal Zephyr warrior, specialists in the military arts. They serve as both the guards and military force of the Convocation. Known for their flighty disposition, one might think the military force a disorganized rabble, however the opposite is true. Talons understand that carefree and precious life can be fleeting, and thus act with a single mind to protect it. They effortlessly obey the chain of command as well as a strict code of conduct, and act like a well oiled fighting machine.
Among the Maidens' Faithful the novice priests of Lucia and Celestia are known as the Tethered while full priests are known as Winged Brothers or Sisters. Ceremonial garb for priests consists of sky-blue or white robes, with those of highest rank wearing the darker blues and golds. Feathers are used in decorating their clothing and hair.
The Skywardens are followers of Celestia and self-appointed protectors of the skies, the [[http://www.parthosrpg.com/wiki/wikka.php?wakka=Cathilcarn Cathilcarn]] mountaintops, and anywhere else a Zephyr might ride the winds. They are the aid for those lost or injured while in their domains. The Skywardens are individualists, and operate better outside the strict uniformity of the Talons. Far from being looked on as outcasts, Skywardens are well respected and uphold oaths to never willingly allow anyone to suffer in their domain. Skywardens sometimes, though rarely, have been known to leave to bliss of the Convocation's Aerie out of a sense of duty, and travel to lands where they might extend their aid and put their skills to greater use.
