Erisa

“Have you come to give thanks to the Goddess? Come, listen, let our hymn wash over you and allow it to lift your burdens.”

- Erisa Songstress shortly before theft.

Emerging from the Isles of Melos, the Erisa have been often called the Children of the Gods, something that has often been encouraged by this winged race. A somewhat contested subject, the origins of the Erisa are rather unclear, as some attest to them having been blessed by Bahl with their form, or even having once been Ancients that were cursed to become birds, only to be stuck halfway and banished to Melos. Whatever their origin, these guardians can often be found within the temple grounds in Thalach, taking it upon themselves as guardians of these holy places.

Wherever the Erisa are, shiny things are sure to disappear, even if those items belong to someone else. It is not a malicious act, even if they often take advantage of their position of some sort of semi-holy status; collecting shiny things is part of who they are, and pilgrims and priests often overlook this behaviour, especially when some of these goods make it to the offering plate. If something valuable is stolen and the Erisa is found, it may be traded for something else that catches their eye, they are not unreasonable after all. The one oddity is that they will never steal from the poor, and often those less fortunate might find a small trinket left for them. It is yet another reason they are tolerated so well.

While there are those that lounge and entice within the temple grounds, the others (a majority of the men) are often seen, statuesque, on the rooftops and cliffs surrounding the temple, acting as guardians for both the temple and their kin below. Anyone foolish enough to lay hands on their kin is often found at the bottom of a cliff after being carried away, if they are not filled with arrows first. Some of their more wild kin are even inclined to swarm their fallen victim in a frenzy of talons and wings, showing a darker side of these people as they devour their victim alive.

Appearance

While they mostly resemble the people of Thalach, with skin ranging from pale to olive and dark hair, their eyes range from yellow to brown. Wings sprout from their backs, and as well as having taloned feet, their bodies are often discoloured from those of humans for the most part and have feathers growing in small tufts or across parts of their bodies. Melos is a land of riches, even if they are not always their own, and the Erisa are often glinting with small ornaments woven into their hair and feathers. Their garb varies, though they do not wear heavy armour, as it will affect their ability to fly. They often wear elegant robes or light leather armour, often in the style of that worn in Thalach.

160-180cm in Height.

Lifespan

Erisa live usually between 70-90 years, though many find their ability to fly diminished in their later years due to arthritis. These elders return to Melos to live out their remaining years in peace.

Religion & Beliefs

While the Erisa worship no one god inherently, they have taken it upon themselves to protect holy places from harm, while simultaneously being a pest for temple goers. It is not to say that they take this duty without care and the seriousness it deserves, and many temples welcome the presence of winged warriors, as those that would cause trouble often think twice, as there is rarely ever just one Erisa.

Geography

Melos consists of three rocky islands with many cliffs and hills surrounding them. The city of Ichos is housed within the largest bay of the main island, with many smaller villages spread across the three islands.

Society

Clans or flocks of Erisa are the most common, usually centered around extended families and their alliances. Each clan or flock is normally overseen by at least one elder; these wisemen and women of their clans and tribes are normally elected based on popular vote. These elders' role is to oversee the temples that a flock may migrate to, or what warrior is to oversee the flocks. As such, the Erisa have great respect for their elders and see them as a source of much wisdom.

Architecture

Ichos is perhaps a rival to Thalach in architecture. The city was created from the stone of the cliffs, both carved out of the stone and built from the leftovers. Its buildings and homes spread down to the bay, reaching down to the trade docks on the shore. Homes tend to be open and airy, often with wide open areas or a courtyard. Greenery also tends to be popular, often tucked wherever there is enough space.

Wealth & Trade

Music is one of Melos' most important exports, with Erisa being one of the best musicians in the world, if not the best in the world.Many instruments of all kinds are created by Erisa craftsmen and sold across the world, noted for their superior sound and quality.

Slavery

Those who have wronged the Erisa and lived will often find themselves captured and put to work. Known as Walkers, these people make up the workforce and are tasked with the growing of food as well as any heavy labour, such as heavy stonework.

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