FASHION
STANDARD COUNTERCULTURE/PUNK FASHION
Typically Stormbirds in counter culture show off a disregard for the two appearance norms.
1- not cutting ones hair flippantly
2- keeping an equal balance between the color and pattern of ones clothing and ones plumage.
so punks and other rebellious types are often difficult to look at due to the sheer color or sheer lack of color.
MORPHOLOGY STYLING
the two trending forms of morphology based subculture are; Flesh Fashion, and Shape/Mimic Punk.
Flesh Fashion is the practice of modifying the malleable outer layer of their body to make various "outfits". Shape Punks however focus majorly on altering their outer layer into distinct shapes, textures, and appearances.
TECH MODIFICATION
tech/object head punks
newly popular body modification scene
as stormbirds brains and organs are separate from the skull there's been a new body modification movement of replacing the head with something new to represent ones self. as a whole is more associated with the abstract/absurdist subculture than a particular fashion trend.
HORN DECORATION
HORN CAPS
IMPLANTS
CAPPED TIPS
ORNAMENTS
Masks
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.
PROSTHETIC
during the war a trend broke out of destroying your opponents mask, as a result many ended up disfigured and now wear masks to cover their scarring.
STANDARD MASKS
often personally or professionally styled to provide something identifiable while still displaying ones personality
VEILS
a mask alternative, worn most is arid and hot regions. considered more fashionable but less traditionalist.
NOBILITY
the masks of nobility are ornate and typically styled with more anonymity as they tend to be passed down over multiple bloodlines.
KNOWN SUBCULTURES
'VAMPIRISM'
Vampirism is a lifestyle not an affliction or species.
vampires tend to be poor, have a weak constitution or are otherwise unable to have a proper diet.
so, they opt to get their nutrients by force.
feeding on the blood of other stormbirds provides vitamins, sugars, and minerals they'd otherwise be lacking in their meager diets.
while its understood they're just trying to stay healthy vampires are largely unliked. gauge wounds are harder to heal and leave openings to infections or other fluid borne diseases. it also carries the stigma of being lower class.
identifying characteristics: an altered beak for carving into flesh, a shaving claw to prepare an area, and a barbed proboscis.
-Collection vampires-
black market folk, thieves, and opportunists will attack unsuspecting stormbirds to harvest their blood. unlike a typical vampire they overharvest and leave their victims delirious from blood loss.
aside from their gear the best way to identify one is hygiene and finances. an overly hygienic rich fella is likey a vampire.
TEETH GILDING
stormbird guild their teeth to indicate relationship status. an analogue to humanities tradition of wearing rings
Married- Gold
Single- Bronze
widowed- Silver
Engaged- Copper
-NUANCED GILDING-
Copper + Bronze- Engaged but in an open or polyamorous Relationship
Gold + Bronze- Open or Polyamrous Marriage
Bronze + Silver- Recent or old loss but open to new relationships