Vol'antim

The hidden cliffside settlement of Vol’antim is nestled deep within the heart of the Cyrios Mountains. Tucked beneath an unreachable mountain precipice that soars over a thousand feet in the air above jagged rocks and brush, the community is home to aarakocra who live in relative seclusion. Few ever see these aarakocra, as they keep to the Cyrios Mountains and watch intently for uninvited guests.
The denizens of Vol’antim are proud of their isolationism and their adherence to the ancient ways of Melora the Wildmother. For generations, they have carved their homes into the mountain cliffs. There are over a hundred caves adorned with colorful banners that mark the entrances to tunnels. These tunnels twist into a vast cavern, which houses the town proper.

Aerial Enemies

The skies above the Cyrios Mountains are a battleground between the aarakocra of Vol’antim and their ancient enemies, the gorefeather harpies. Despite the birdfolk’s best efforts, the gorefeather clan has only grown larger over time. Some fear that their matron has forged a pact with an evil power that has granted her people a stronger brood with each passing generation.

Mythical Guardians

While the more learned people of Wildemount know of and understand the nature of the winged citizens of Vol’antim, the common folk often only catch occasional glimpses of them in the sky, and few people can claim to have met one. A handful of rural communities in the Truscan Vale refer to the flying creatures as their protectors and leave them small offerings before making dangerous treks in the region. The rare arrival of an aarakocra in one of these communities is a major event for the locals, and they shower the winged herald with gifts, much to the aarakocra’s embarrassment.

Demographics

96% aarakocra, 4% other races

Government

The community is led by a dozen elders called the Horizon. Each elder chooses their successor on their deathbed; if no successor is named before the elder expires, one is chosen by the remaining Horizon members. When there is disagreement within the Horizon, the eldest member makes the final decision and all others respectfully follow. The community’s laws are structured around the tenets of Melora and the respect that she has for her lover, Erathis the Law Bearer. Their foremost creed is that natural life is sacred within the ways of nature and must be protected.

Defences

The settlement’s perilous surroundings make it easily defensible, and trained aarakocra warriors vigilantly protect it from above and within.

Crime

The culture of Vol’antim eschews criminal behavior and acting outside the interests of the community. However, there are tales of past aarakocra who fell from the grace of Melora and followed a selfish path, and these figures were often punished with exile. Visiting outsiders have also been known to bring criminal activity to the city, contributing to the mistrust of those who come to the cliffs unbidden.

Industry & Trade

General arms, simple supplies, and natural goods can be purchased or traded here. Lodging for guests is sparse.

Guilds and Factions

Dual temples to both Melora and Erathis mark the cliff face and interior caverns. No major organizations make their home here.

Geography

Standing high above a rocky valley, the mountain spire curls at its peak, forming a protective lip over the cliff face where the numerous cave entrances to the city are visible. Only accessible via flight, each entrance bears a small shelf or lip for arrival, often bearing banners or thatched decor to signify what is found within. Beyond these caves lies a network of small tunnels that open into a shared interior cavern, in the middle of which a one-hundred-foot-tall stalagmite merges with a matching stalactite to form a great pillar riddled with caves that connect to homesteads in the cavern walls via bridges and ropes.

Type

Town

Population

3,890

Location under

Cyrios Mountains