Hirundine

I know I'm small and unassuming, which makes their faces so much funnier when I knock them on their tail feathers with awesome magic.

— Kadrisa Lrevgm

The Hirundine, descended from the earliest settlers of the Hinda Forests and other marshlands in Alvana, are a numerous race of small swamp-dwellers. In that time they have adapted to the often-poisonous drinking water and periodic flooding with a number of unique physical abilities that are unheard of among other races. They're known for their strong immune systems, enhanced survival instincts, and the time they can hold their breath.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Hirundine are most noted for their ability to easily resist diseases that would kill others, even if the disease is one they are completely unadapted to. This is a double-edged sword: on one hand, it means coming down with a sickness is less likely to result in serious symptoms or death. On the other, it also means they might receive less adequate care even if the disease demonstrably threatens their life.
Another ability of theirs is their incredible breath-holding capabilities. Some individuals have managed to do so for over ten minutes with few side effects.

Ecology and Habitats

Hirundine are noted for their heavily adapted bodies to wet and wooded locations. They almost exclusively prefer wetlands and rainforest to open plains or desert. Cold locations aren't exactly their favorite places to live, and they avoid arid regions like the plague. Their bodies are adapted to require much more water than the average avani, so a scarcity of fresh-water that would be a minor inconvenience to other avani can be deadly for them. Hirundine prefer to live aboveground in trees or on cliffsides, so their presence in an environment is also preferred.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Hirundine can be found across Alvana and in wetter parts of Kinavi, though they are most concentrated to the regions within and surrounding Hindaros.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Avani

Scientific Name

Avis Illustratum Hiruni

Average Height

2-4 spans

Average Weight

21-58 flaps

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Depending on the subrace, Hirundine feathers can be a variety of colors. The most common is a white chest and underside with a glossy blue-black back. Variants include brighter blue feathers, green feathers, and purple feathers. The face usually has black or orange markings around the beak and eyes.