Harpie Palette

Harpies

Harpies are a winged humanoid people, usually found in the wilder areas of the world. They are not restricted to any one continent or climate, however they prefer areas of high altitude; usually mountains, plateaus or old forests. Harpies are small and lithe, slightly shorter than the average Human, with broad wings in the place of arms and feathered, bird-like legs. They make up for their lack of hands with extremely dexterous clawed feet, which allow them to manipulate objects with the same finesse as any other race.

Harpies typically live in tribes, sometimes numbering several hundred individuals. They construct towns nestled in tall trees and cliff faces, often completely inaccessible to any being without flight. Harpies typically mirror the plumage common to the bird life in the area they were born. For instance, a Harpy from the mountains will usually be more sombre in colour than one native to the tropics. Hapries will often adorn themselves in carved jewellery, tattoos and body paints, usually unique to their particular tribe, and many have a penchant for unique or pretty objects. It is custom for any Harpie visiting the territory of another tribe to bring a gift as a gesture of friendship.

While Harpies are typically an isolated race, Harpie tribes living in forested areas enjoy a very positive relationship with any Fauns who share their territory, as the peaceful Fauns are often willing to trade food with the Harpies in return for the protection the more powerful Harpies can offer in the wilder parts of the world. A few Harpie tribes have even constructed walkways between their treetop dwellings to allow the Fauns to live among them, considering the Fauns to have equal status within the tribe.

It is not unheard of for a Harpie to live among Humans, but it is rare. Their geographical isolation has typically seen them far removed from most Human affairs which, combined with a highly territorial nature, has made them cautious of and occasionally antagonistic toward any Humans who settle too close to their borders. While very few substantial skirmishes have been recorded in comparison with races such as the Naga, many Harpies will not suffer Humans venturing inside their territory without prior authority. In modern times tension is less common; most Harpie tribes are accommodating toward Human messengers, and many now send emissaries of their own to the nearest Human towns and cities. As long as their territory is not threatened they make peaceful, if not always congenial neighbours.

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