BODY TYPES AND REGIONAL VARIANTS
Stormbirds are incredibly varried due to their mimicry abilities. even so theres a few guidelines!
a stormbird can have a wide manner of body types and alterations, however the main takeaways is that while they can be varied there's traits they cant change.
these are: BODY WEIGHT, COLORATION, LIMB TYPES, & INTERNAL SYSTEM
even so stormbirds have their own idea of beauty. a striking appearance!
due to this theres much casual body modification. heres a quick visual rundown
BODY TYPES AND REGIONAL VARIANTS
there are a few environment/country based differences to chose from!
SOLIAN
often termed the default stormbird type as they take up the best environment for their species.
their environment is temperate with open plains and valleys interspersed with cliffs and plateaus.
they often sport smooth feathers and a clean appearance
AESTIAN
environment is the desert mixed with planes and cliffs akin to the grand canyon.
their plumage is prickly due to a lack of waterproofing oils. head plumage is often dyed or styled and they sport numerous tattoos in a variety of colors.
their plumage is scant, ending at both the knee and elbow. scutes cover the exposed skin, as an addition these scutes can be made out of chitin instead of keratin.
MONAN
their environment is cold, rocky, and full of cliffs and caves. their bodies are sturdier and heavier to protect them from falls and impacts. their bodies are covered in fluffy plumage and they have horns.
monan's are the most culturally diverse of the countries, theres many fashion types and trends amongst them.
CALEM
environment is the numerous sky islands that are present on the continent.
sporting one to two sets of headwings and at least two sets of wings.
slick rigid plumage, highly waterproofed and insulating.
typically knights, warriors and infantry against other species/intruders. they tend to have a very single-minded protective nature as they're usually the first to spot threats. the role is highly romanticized in their societies.
HAIR STYLING
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Hair ornamentation is very common and popular.
Some chose to braid their plumes. The styles vary from casual and loose to tightly woven and intricate.
Some have more fuzz, downy or simple plumage on their faces than others. It can also appear in patches on the face.
Long feathers and plumes make up their face. Refer to bird hackles or quills for reference.
They decorate and style it in many ways. The longer the hair the more peaceful or friendly they seem in their culture. As long as a portion remains uncut they will maintain this attribute.
In war or general hateful acts between groups are announced by cutting the hair and sending it to their enemy.
However, the act of cutting the hair can also be an act of denouncing a way of life. Such as a criminal going clean.
Forcibly cutting another's hair off is an act of great hate and humiliation. Rarely seen outside of wars.
styling the plumage
FACE & HEAD
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Faces tend to be catlike in nature, ranging from fully feline to humanoid.
Other animal influences can be seen in faces as well.
The ability to shift their face results in many variations whether they were born with it or simply chose to have such a face.
LIPS
all stormbird lips have two notches in them for better ease of jaw movement. however the lips and placement of the notches themselves are open for variation!
ANTENNAS
Antennas
Attached to the tips of the ears or somewhere on the scalp. They move freely
Works like a normal feeler or antenna
Can take on a variety of appearances
Can be small or long. Larger ones are less common but still possible
Multiple antennas are less common
Typically styled like bird plumes, with the tips having a feather plume accent.
Works as a sensory organ capable of picking up touch, air currents/changes, heat, vibrations, some taste, and especially smells or hormones.
Aside from giving them a keen idea of their surroundings they also help them keep track of their position while in flight. The presence of other stormbirds, and scent markings and territories.
Ironically enough some will tune out this sensory information in order to keep focused often leading to some being quite oblivious.
EARS
stormbird ears can be any shape, and its trendy to peirce or cut into them.
any type of cut is allowed as long as it doesnt server connection to the flesh! so no fully cut out pieces on top of eachother!
common notching and cutting equipment looks like this >
TAIL
while stormbird tails have the same baseshape the overlaid plumage can take a variety of forms. not only that but the length of the tail can be varried as well
EYES
stormbirds have a few pupil types to chose from!
some are purely reserved for the devout however, ones given blessings by their patron deity
theres also three different eyelash types to pick from
MAJORS/ALPHAS/DEFENDERS/PROTECTORS
Majors are a dimorphic class of storm birds that are predetermined by birth. As a whole majors arent too different from the standard stormbird and are an evolutionary remnant of older eras.
The main features of majors are their larger size and bulkier form, their protective instacts are more prominent and they develop thick scutes or chitin as a form of natural armor.
Most are stocky or barrel chested regardless of fem or masc presentation. Their arms and legs are stockier to better handle impacts and to put more force into attacks. They also lose the ability to fully retract their talons.
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An alpha storm call is incredibly loud, capable of leaving vibrations in the air like a real storm cloud.
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Most stormbirds will instinctively go to an alpha for comfort due to their historical roles as protectors.
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While alphas are larger and have the title of “alpha” they are not naturally higher than others within their societies.
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Built to be the fighters and protectors of any group they are affiliated with they have more of an urge to defend than lead, sometimes even ending at the bottom of their social hierarchy.