EXPRESSION
Stormbirds have a different way of expressing themselves compared to other humanoids. often coming across as somewhat static or stiff to humans.
NEUTRAL
HAPPY
INDICATORS/BODY LANGUAGE
Perky
neck crest raised
relaxed
-nuzzles/rubbing- affectionate self soothing behavior, akin to holding hands
-Neck ruffling-
happy/pleased
-Grinding beak/canines (bruxing)-
contentment
-purring/chirring- pleasure/happiness, self soothing behaviors
-Scraping the ground or soft textures/digging-
im feeling good to the point of restlessness
-Preening/Loose relaxed feathers -
i feel at ease/i feel comfortable
-Head bobbing-
enjoyable activity, sign of happiness/contentment
-Laying down, showing chest-
im being vulnerable, a sign of trust
-Asking to be pet-
showing, tilting body to display where they want to be pet
SORROW
INDICATORS/BODY LANGUAGE
Droopy body
emotive eyebrows
slowed movements
ANGER
INDICATORS/BODY LANGUAGE
Raised hackles/crest
bared teeth
looming/invading personal space
stomping
-Ruffling feathers-
back off i'm a big guy
-pecking/biting-
this is mine/back off/i'm annoyed at something you’re doing
-Foot thumping-
mild/minor anger/irritation directed at an individual. Thumping feet is used to warn chicks in the nest of danger, however its been adapted into non maternal behavior in the form of displaying anger or annoyance
-Loud leg stomps-
pissed at a specific individual, doubles as a warning/initiation of an attack
-hissing/lunging-
back off!!! I feel threatened!
-Territorialism-
At times stormbirds will get territorial around disliked individuals and will subtly guard the focus of territory or take a more visible approach in directly swiping at or attacking individuals.
FEAR
INDICATORS/BODY LANGUAGE
Tense and/or cowering posture
tucked tail
SUPRISE
INDICATORS/BODY LANGUAGE
Wide eyes
angled ears
perked antennae
straight puffed tail
tense stance
EXCITEMENT
INDICATORS/BODY LANGUAGE
Restlessness
flicking tail
active antenna
grip response
eye pinning
tail flaring
-Tail held upwards-
excited[social]
-Tail held upwards with rudder feathers flared-
excited to see a specific person
COURTFUL
INDICATORS/BODY LANGUAGE
Flashing bioluminescence
pheromonal output
courtship displays
-Holding skin loosely in mouth-
affection/i like you enough to eat you
-Puffing out feathers-
im so cool/im showing off/ pay attention to me
-Following around-
i like you!
BEHAVIOUR
-Urge to be high up-
vestigial instinct, it serves them well to have higher vantage points
-Mimicry instincts-
Natural curiosity, urges to understand the structure of something, social mimicry/masking, behavior mimicry of another species, willingness to try new things particularly foods, urges to blend in, ability to discern camouflage
-Urge to collect
shiny/colorful objects-
-Contact calling-
mindless calls done until the person of interest is back in view, often assigning specific sounds to people as well, like a ring tone. Done to find mates or offspring. Hearing a call back from the other when doing this has a calming effect.
-Thundering/making thunder noises-
depends on volume, if its low they are trying to get attention but in a mellow manner[usually positive] if moderate, they are asserting dominance. A way of announcing their presence to other stormbirds. If very loud they’re either calling to other distant stormbirds or are attempting to startle/chase off a threat.
-Tongue clicking-
invitation to interact
-snapping/clicking beak-
appeasement/”im just a little guy im a baby”
-Pecking others around food-
hunger, leftover territorial instinct
-Shaking mane/hackles-
im showing off
-Absentminded foraging-
im getting hungry
-Social grooming-
a way of showing care for others, its a form of social bonding
-Stretching-
if done upon entering a room is a more mellow way of greeting
-Cooing-
a low and gentle coo is both self soothing behaviour as well as social soothing behaviour. Its a great way to create a calm atmosphere
TAIL TALK
-Tail slaps-
lets do this/hurry up!
-Base of tail wiggling-
im happy/ i like that
-Tail tip wiggling-
im thinking
ANTENNA TALK
Tapping antenna- “im listening”
apping antennas against others antenna- “im inspecting your well being”
Tapping antennas together- “no way!”
curling/flicking antenna tips- happy/joyous
Crossing antennas- “i dunno about that”
Curling antennas in tightly- disgust/dislike of a sensory experience, discomfort
DOMINANCE
-transcription-
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Stormbirds have a partially hierarchical society, enforced with power. Not only physical strength but mental and emotional strength is valued for status. Noble families are seen to have strong blood as well.
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Sometimes maintaining ranks doesn't require fighting just some simple intimidation
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Thunder calls are also used to get attention or intimidate
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Occasionally dominance disputes appear in large friend groups, not just flocks.
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The more personal or close a relationship is the less fighting and aggression occurs. In families, it's more common to simply use intimidation at most to retain order.
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Being a predatory species, stormbirds treat each other roughly. Roughhousing and aggressive or violent urges are a part of life.
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Despite this, they maintain relative peace and have found ways to work around these instincts.
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Fights and duels are common in their societies. However grudges and anger are typically short-lived, and aggression doesn't always equal hate or distaste for both parties.
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Due to their natural aggression and urge to engage in competition, many sports have been adopted or made. Competitive dance, wrestling, racing, and simple competitions among friends are daily sights, and play fighting is seen in all ages.
POSTURE
-natural posture-
they have a more raptor-like stance when moving around
-Diplomatic Stance-
a shift in posture adapted to better blend in with other humanoid species.
MASK CULTURE
Worn to show clan/heritage ties.
Originated as a way to identify other Stormbirds from a distance/ in flight/ and when shifting back when their shifting abilities were more versatile.
Used in places of discussion and diplomacy due to traditionally being used to signify allegiance. Now they are used to provide an air or neutrality and privacy
Masks are worn in areas of death and war as a way to ward off spirits. superstition is that lingering spirits would steal your life force through the mouth or possess you through the openings of the face. And evil spirits or grudges would steal your face or appearance.
During wars masks were also worn as a sort of uniform to better pick out who belongs to what side as well as for facial protection.
With a war in recent Stormbird history they have also adopted use as a prosthetic. Many attacks during that time went for the eyes and antennas as a means of disabling an enemy. It's become commonplace to wear a mask to hide facial scarring or mutilation.
In some jobs masks are also part of the uniform. Typically in high ranking or seedy establishments. To obscure the identity as well as provide a visual cue on job position.
In general masks are very trendy and serve many useful purposes.
