The Society of Wings
Zephyria is more than floating isles bound by ancient law. It is a living culture where the sky itself shapes tradition, where multiple races navigate the intricate dance of coexistence, and where the winds carry both harmony and tension.
From the elite Winged Guard soaring through storm-winds to Kenku scribes recording history from the ground below, Zephyria’s society reflects both the boundless freedom of flight and the grounded realities of community.
Races of Zephyria
Aarakocra
The majority population and Anachron's chosen people. Bird-folk with varied plumage determined by clan lineage—eagle, hawk, falcon, and owl bloodlines remain distinct. Natural fliers with hollow bones and exceptional vision.
Role: Civic leaders, judges, craftspeople, military commanders
Values: Justice, order, and sky-bound tradition
Air Genasi
Wind-touched humanoids drawn to Zephyria's magical atmosphere. Though rare, their natural affinity with air magic makes them invaluable.
Role: Wind-crystal engineers, weatherworkers, researchers
Values: Innovation and elemental harmony
Kenku
Cursed wingless bird-folk who found refuge in Zephyria. Denied full citizenship despite centuries of residence, they serve critical administrative roles.
Role: Scribes, record-keepers, messengers, archivists
Values: Growing movement for equal political rights
The Winged Guard
Military Excellence
The Winged Guard stands as Zephyria’s elite aerial defense force, composed of the kingdom’s finest fliers and most disciplined warriors.
- •Commander: Judge Thalor Mistfeather
- •Garrison: Cloudwatch fortress complex
- •Core Specialties: Aerial combat, reconnaissance, storm-riding
Legendary Formations
- The Talon Formation: A legendary battle formation that remains undefeated in recorded history.
- Wyvern Defense Protocols: Strategic deployments for island perimeter defense.
Festivals & Traditions
Festival of Alignment
Annual, when all six isles drift closest together
Sky races, aerial dances, communal feasts, oath renewals
Day of Laws
Anniversary of Anachron's tablets
Formal reading of core laws, citizenship oath ceremonies
The Skyguard Vigil
Military ceremonial occasions
Enchanted feather-cloak presentation to new Winged Guard members
The Kenku Songweaving
Underground cultural festival
Recreation of songs through mimicry and harmonic collaboration
The Wind-Song
Each dawn, Aarakocra across Zephyria participate in the Wind-song—a synchronized meditation and prayer tradition where thousands of voices harmonize with the morning winds. This practice strengthens communal bonds and honors Anachron’s covenant.
Economy & Trade
Exports
- ↗Cloudsilver & windstone (rare sky-minerals)
- ↗High-altitude herbs & medicinal plants
- ↗Enchanted feather-silk textiles
- ↗Wind-crystals for elemental magic
Imports
- ↙Timber & construction materials
- ↙Grain & bulk foodstuffs
- ↙Surface metals & ores
- ↙Luxury goods & art
Currency
Wind-marks serve as Zephyria’s official currency—coins stamped from refined cloudsilver with intricate patterns representing wind currents and clan symbols.
Trade Hub
Gale’s Landing handles all surface commerce. Established trade agreements with Fort Valiance, Durumbar, and Thalassia ensure steady exchange of goods and knowledge.
Daily Life & Customs
Roosts & Nests
Zephyrian architecture prioritizes flight access. Homes feature open terraces, high ceilings, and perches. Nesting materials and weaving represent personal identity and family heritage.
Sky-Gardens
Communal gardens grow wind-resistant crops and medicinal herbs. These gardens float on enchanted platforms and serve as gathering spaces for all races.
Communal Dining
Aarakocra culture emphasizes shared meals. Great dining halls in each settlement host communal feasts where social bonds strengthen and disputes find resolution.
Artistic Expression
Zephyrian art includes aerial sculpture, wind-music (instruments resonating with magical breezes), and feather-painting. Artists hold honored status in society.
Religion & Anachron’s Legacy
Anachron worship centers on the sacred Tablets of Law—divine manuscripts believed to contain the covenant between sky and society. The Keepers of the Word maintain these traditions through ceremony, study, and interpretation.
Featherfall
The primary pilgrimage site where the first Tablets were revealed. Thousands ascend annually seeking spiritual renewal.
The Keepers
Scholarly monks who preserve Anachron’s teachings, mediate disputes, and counsel the Council of Judges.
The Question
Some Aarakocra privately wonder if Anachron could be restored—a debate that challenges traditional doctrine.