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Tempest Weapons

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The Tempest Weapons are crafted by the Ervaj, a species of harpy created by the god of storms and weather, Kotus. Their home is nestled within the peaks of the Nyorian Mountains on the southern side of the continent Lyndiel. Their isolation from others fostered a great sense of unity and cultural identity. This can be seen not only in their specialty crafts, but their weapons as well.

Talented artisans and masons, they use the natural materials around them to build not only their towns and villages, but tools, clothes, armor, and weapons. They use a combination of stone and wood. The wood from the Cuu tree, which seems to grow right out of the mountainside and cliff rock, was chosen for its light weight and hardiness. The Esaari stone, carved directly from the areas of the mountain would be used for blades.

Once a weapon has been made and is properly set and ready to use, there is still a final step before it is considered “complete.” For all Ervaj there is a rite of passage that must be taken on. After choosing a primary weapon to study, another cannot be taken up until completion of said rite. In order to pass, participants must hunt the elusive Qataljuu, a large predatory bird that makes its home in the higher western regions of the mountains. Success means having procured plumes from its lengthy tail. These are then used to decorate ones weapon. They signify strength, prowess, wisdom, and that the wielder is considered to have reached adulthood. Each month a ceremony is held for all who succeed. After, they are free to study other weapons should they choose and although many continue to do so, are not required to participate in the hunt again.

The Qataljuu are thought to have been also created by Kotus. Legend says that while he only created one civilized species, in order to ensure their survival, he also gave life to the flora and fauna that share the mountains. The tail feathers of the Qataljuu change color to adapt to weather patterns which supports the idea. Also, that the colors are similar to the patterns of the Ervaj helps this belief. However, each weapon type has a predetermined color associated with it, and presentation of the wrong one will count as a failure.

For piercing weapons; bows, daggers, and spears, the dark blue feathers of Rain are used with the imagery of rainfall. Slashing weapons like the sword and axe use the deep purple plumes of Storm to echo how the shock of lightning can scar the planet’s surface. The shining rays of the Sun can be seen in the fiery red feathers of magical wands and staves. Similar to the crushing power of an avalanche, blunt weapons, such as hammers and maces utilize the light blue feathers of Snow. Finally, shields use the vibrant green feathers of wind, a symbolic opposition of protection.
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ShatteredAmber's avatar
I like this very much! Great!