Sholakir
The Urdaggar Tribes are well known for their ability to commune with their totem animals and in some cases even transform into them. Their Mystics have a supernatural connection with their Totem god, and it blesses them with being able to use these animals as mounts and even combatants during times of war.
Examples of this abound throughout the Urdaggar Tribes, from the Bear Mystics who can take the shape of bears and become ferocious melee combatants to the Spider Tribe’s use of the surly War Spiders as mounts for their gibbering warriors.
The Eagle Tribe has a special bond with the Giant Eagles that roost high in the western Dorsang Danar. These creatures build their nests on rocky cliffs and mountainsides. They soar on thermal breezes high over the plains north of the mountains, scanning for prey large enough to sate them and their young.
While noble and majestic creatures, the Florkalur - Great Talons - are quarrelsome creatures that are impossible to tame and control, except for unique tribespeople from the Eagle Tribe, capable of riding the winged beasts into battle.
These riders - called Sholakir, are special indeed. They are not trained to ride the Florkalur, nor are the beasts raised by the tribe to act as mounts.
In times when war brews, the Eagle Tribe Vola - Mystics - elect a Leader for their forces. This takes place after a ceremony where the Mystic dons a ceremonial outfit replete with feathers while the Tribe’s Wildwings join the Mystic in a dance meant to conjure Tahnkiavata - The Totem god of the Eagle Tribe.
During the ceremony, Tahnkiavata speaks to the Mystic, revealing the warrior who should lead the Clan or Tribe’s forces to battle. Sometimes, however, Tahnkiavata gives the Mystic a vision of the anointed warrior riding on Florkalur.
When this happens, the chosen warrior is named a Sholakir - what the “civilized” Faeler nations would call an Eagle Knight, but among the Urdaggar means chosen or appointed warrior. The idea is that this leader has been chosen by Tahnkiavata personally to ride one of her children to war.
Before the battle, the Sholakir climbs one of the high mountains near the Clan’s home in search of a Florkalur. Normally these monstrous birds are revered from a distance - they can easily carry off a human and often have.
However, the Sholakir is greeted by the Florkalur like an old friend. The bond is instant and complete, as Tahnkiavata has appointed this bird for their chosen warrior. The Sholakir and Florkalur swoop down from the mountain to lead the Eagle Tribe warriors in battle.
In battle, the Sholakir swoops and dives on its opponents, dodging in and out of combat with the grace of a dancer. Urdaggar warriors are bolstered by its presence, believing that the favor of Tahnkiavata is with them.
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