Legends

 

    In classical mythology among humans, Harpies were believed to be the storm-wind incarnate, sweeping down to snatch food, treasure, or even hapless mortals. Some tales describe them as arbiters of divine wrath, tasked with tormenting those condemned by the gods. Their reputation as relentless hunters earned them both awe and fear from ancient civilizations. 

 

The first harpy was said to be born of a young woman who sang hoping her love would return to her, but when he did not return, she cursed the gods, invoking a dreadful power which transformed her into the first harpy. The curse worked its magic on the woman’s spirit as well as her body, turning her desire for love into a hunger for flesh, and her beautiful love filled song was now twisted with magic that would draw creatures to her deadly embrace. 

 

Community, Age, and Reproduction

 

The flock thrives on harmony through strength. Harpies are known to communicate and strategize through eerie songs and calls that carry across vast distances.  Its sweet song has lured countless adventurers to their deaths, drawing them in close for the harpy to kill and then consume.  They are fiercely protective of their territory and will descend upon intruders with coordinated attacks that rival human or even supernatural battle formations.

 

A harpy’s life span however, exceeds barely that of a Human.  The oldest reported living to 127. However, many harpies live to be little more than their forties due to recklessness, having taken glee in suffering and death, the sadistic harpy is always on the hunt for prey. 

 

A harpy must be born, or cursed from that of a mortal into exisitance. It is not a disease but a magical affliction.  Female harpies may mate with other birds as well as humans females  Female harpies that are impregnated by birds or humans only have Female offspring.

 

Only by mating with a male harpy can a female produce a male offspring. Due to this and the rarity of malles, among the harpy species, they are often a commodity when they surface and many times they will take over a flock. 

 

Harpy Appearance - True Form

 

 Plumage  

• Harpies’ plumage displays a wide range of colors, including fiery reds, deep blues, earthy browns, shimmering golds, and even iridescent hues that shift in light.  Though they are often most similar to birds such as Eagles, Hawks, and other raptors. 

• Their feathers are sleek and well-maintained, giving them a majestic and fearsome look.  

• Can can cover all or just some of the body.

 

 Eyes  

• Harpies’ eyes are striking and luminous, with colors resembling gemstones—such as amber, emerald green, sapphire blue, or fiery orange. Some may exhibit faint glowing effects in dim light.  

 

 Skin  

• Ranging from pale ivory to sun-kissed tan or dusky bronze. In many cases, their skin exhibits subtle feather-like patterns or textures.  

 

 Hair  

• If present, their hair is often feather-like in texture and matches or complements their plumage. It can cascade wildly, framing their striking features.  

 

 Wings  

• Massive and powerful, their wings are adorned with feathers that match their overall plumage, often glinting with vitality. Wingspans are broad enough to cast shadows over their surroundings, enhancing their awe-inspiring presence.

• Their wings can replace their human arms entirely in their truest forms. But may also be found on their back if they only show their form partially.

 

 Talons and Spikes  

• Their talons are razor-sharp and gleaming, resembling polished obsidian or darkened steel. These are deadly tools, used both in combat and for perching on rocky terrain.  

• Some Harpies have small bone-like horns on their bodies. Larger ones usually come with age or  appear on a harpy of exceptional condition and capability. While others may have none at all.

 

Human Form of Harpies

 

Facial Features

• Harpies in human form possess sharp, striking features, with high cheekbones, angular jawlines, and piercing eyes that hint at their otherworldly nature, which makes them hard to ignore.

 

Eyes

• Their eyes remain their most captivating trait, retaining gemstone-like colors (amber, emerald, sapphire, or fiery orange) with an unnatural depth or faint glow, especially in low light.  

 

Hair

• Harpies often have voluminous, untamed hair that mimics the tones of their plumage in their true form—ranging from jet black and fiery red to golden hues or iridescent shades. The hair appears feathery or impossibly soft in texture.  

 

Skin Tone

• Ranging from pale ivory to sun-kissed bronze or dusky shades. Subtle feather-like patterns may occasionally be visible along their arms, shoulders, or neck when closely examined.  

 

 Build and Movement

• Harpies often have lithe, athletic builds, with lean muscle tone that reflects their strength and agility. Their frames appear delicate yet deceptively powerful.  

 

 Notable Features

• Hands and Feet: While they mimic human forms almost entirely, their fingers may appear slightly elongated, ending in nail-like talons.

• Often have pointed ears and beastial fangs.

 

 Overview of the Harpy Flock

 

    The flock of Harpies is a deeply hierarchical and communal group, bound together by ancient instincts and traditions rooted in myth and legend. These creatures, known for their fierce loyalty and awe-inspiring abilities, dwell in remote, desolate regions such as craggy cliffs, abandoned ruins, or storm-swept isles. Their flock functions as a tightly-knit unit with clear roles, ensuring survival and dominance.

 

 [Harpies' Flock Hierarchy]

 

1. Arkos (Greek: "Chief")  

   - The leader of the flock, commanding with authority and wisdom. Often a female due to the rarity of males, but exceptional males may ascend. 

 

2. Pteron (Greek: "Wing")  

   - Second-in-command, enforcing the Arkos's will and overseeing key operations.

  

3. Oros (Greek: "Beloved")  

   - The mate of the Arkos, serving as their closest companion and partner, offering support and counsel while holding a revered place within the flock. 

 

4. Chimon (Greek: "Storm")  

   - Elite warriors who guard the flock’s domain and lead in combat situations.  

 

5. Hagos (Greek: "Guide")  

   - Hunt leaders who command groups of hunters and warriors, directing tactics and strategies.  

 

6. Zefyr (Greek: "Wind")  

   - Core members of the flock responsible for daily tasks like hunting, defending, and raising fledglings.  

 

7. Neos (Greek: "New")  

   - Inexperienced members learning and developing their abilities to fulfill roles within the flock.

 

Character Creation

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[  Omega  ]

The Omega is the weakest of its kind, relying heavily on keen senses and quick instincts to survive.  

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[   Normal Abilities  ]

 

Harpy's Song: A hauntingly alluring melody capable of luring others into a trance-like state, drawing them closer despite their better judgment.  

 

Quick Retreat: Though as strong as an average human, reflexes are 10 times faster, enabling swift and efficient evasion of danger.  

 

Scavenger's Eye: Vision is 2 times sharper than a falcon’s, or approximately 20 times sharper than a human’s, providing exceptional detection abilities.  

 

Distracting Screech: A cry that resonates at 5 times the volume of a human scream, creating disorienting echoes.  

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[  Moderate  ]

The Moderate Harpy is a balanced and capable member of the flock, excelling in both offense and defense.  

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[  Normal Abilities  ]  

*[Inherited] - Harpy's Song, Quick Retreat, Scavenger’s Eye

 

Enhanced Strength: Physical power is 5 times that of an average human, granting significant advantage in direct confrontations.   

 

Echoing Call: A call with 10 times the force of a human shout, capable of intimidating adversaries at close rage but also alert others over great distances.  

 

Vortex Leap: A leap into the air generates swirling gusts that destabilize nearby opponents, creating a tactical advantage. 

 

Empathic Bond: An instinctive connection to the surrounding environment, allowing detection of emotional shifts and disturbances in a wide radius.  

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[  Alpha  ]

The Alpha Harpy is the commanding matriarch of its kind, possessing unmatched power, grace, and dominance.  Though on occasion a Male will take over stepping up to the position. 

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[  Normal Abilities ]

*[Inherited] - Harpy's Song, Quick Retreat, Vortex Leap, Empathic Bond

 

Titanic Strength: Physical power is 10 times that of a human, making it almost unstoppable in direct combat.  

 

Resonant Call: A voice carrying 20 times the force of a human shout, capable of rallying allies or instilling fear across vast landscapes, and disorienting nearby enemies. 

 

Supreme Reflexes: Reflexes are 20 times faster than a human’s, enabling instantaneous reactions to any initial threat or opportunity.  

 

Hawk-Eye Vision: Vision is 4 times sharper than a falcon’s, or approximately 40 times sharper than a human’s, detecting even the smallest details across immense distances.  

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[  Alpha Abilities  ]

 

The Alpha Harpy may select any 2  from the following list: 

 

Sonic Dominion: A voice capable of commanding the elements, stirring tempests, silencing storms, or causing tremors.  

 

Shadowed Wings: Wings that blot out the sun, casting unsettling darkness over the land below.  

 

Predatory Focus: A piercing gaze that locks onto a target, making it feel hunted and exposed.  

 

Call of the Flock: A commanding shriek that summons lesser harpies loyal to the flock, who swiftly and loyally respond.  

 

Airborne Sovereignty: Mastery over the air, creating barriers, whirlwinds, or currents to aid allies or hinder enemies.  

 

Shattering Cry: A scream of unparalleled force, capable of cracking stone and shaking the very earth, leaving adversaries vulnerable, temporarily deaf and disoriented.  

 

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[  Alpha Leader Abilities  ]

* Akros and Pteron, gain these abilities as well as choose from the alpha abilities list 1 additional ability.

 

Skyward Rally 

The Alpha Leader releases a piercing, far-reaching cry that summons allies from across vast distances. The call ignites an instinctive drive in their flock, drawing them swiftly to the Alpha’s location while boosting their morale and coordination. This ability can summon harpies from even the farthest reaches of their domain, ensuring no member is beyond reach during hunts, battles, or emergencies.

 

Skyshield Veil

 A swirling barrier of wind and feathers is conjured, that protects themselves and their allies. This veil deflects projectiles, shields against incoming attacks, and obscures vision for enemies, creating a momentary sanctuary in the midst of battle. The veil dissipates after a short time but can turn the tide in critical moments.