Skyling (Sky-ling)
Halflings that dwell on the high peaks and valleys of Kirru, skylings have an innate connection to The Cosmic Force, the background energy of the universe. They channel this force, forming wing-like protrusions of energy to emerge from their heads that give them limited flight capabilities.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Many skylings speak Auren instead of learning Goblin.
Shared customary codes and values
The skylings believe that by attuning to the Cosmic Force, they center their soul and become closer to oneness with the universe. Most of their life is spent working to achieve this oneness, so that they can transcend the bonds of space and time after their death.
Average technological level
Skylings are often slow to adopt new technologies, as they live far removed from the advancements of the Svanti Empire, but are often keen to find new items that can further connect them to the Cosmic Force that permeates space.
Common Etiquette rules
Followers and utilizers of the Cosmic Force often journey to a skyling monastery to complete their training and master their abilities. While sociable, skyling teachers are strict and wary, knowing that many are attempting to quickly gain power and forbidden knowledge. If one repeatedly breaks these rules, the will be polity but forcefully expelled from the monastery.
Common Dress code
Skylings never wear hats, as hats and helmets interfere with their connection to the Cosmic and suppress their head wings.
Art & Architecture
Skylings build large, open temples on the top of mountains. Such temples are often build with special metals in their roofs that become translucent when exposed to starlight, so that the skylings can watch the stars.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Skyling mothers spend the entire night after the child's birth cradling the child, whilst staring and naming stars, to further the youths connection to the Cosmic Energy.
Coming of Age Rites
Young skylings must make journeys alone to the Cosmic Valley to practice their flight and attune to the Cosmic Force. These journeys are often full of danger, both from various beasts and infiltrators from the Svanti Empire seeking to either enslave young skylings or uncover long hidden secrets to exploit.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Skylings bring their dead to the Cosmic Valley, allowing their bodies to slowly decay and have their energy return to the universe. It is said the the spirits of past well-attuned skylings can easily manifest themselves in the The Cosmic Valley to help guide young skylings on their journeys.
Common Taboos
As the skylings view themselves as highly connected to the will of the universe, partaking in magic that actively damage the fabric of reality is a unforgivable crime. The followers of the Dark Tapestry are especially reviled by the skylings, who refer it its followers as members of the "Dark Cosmic".
Common Myths and Legends
Unlike most halflings, the skylings often worship the universals energy known as the Cosmic instead of an actual deity, but also often venerate Draganna Kalila Piitag. They often pay small service to Mip or other members of the halfling pantheon, but rarely partake in full worship.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
A skyings length and output of their head wings helps determine a skyling attractiveness, as well as their mastery of flight.
Gender Ideals
Like most halflings, skylings care little for gender, with both genders able to advance in society based on their connection to the Cosmic.
Courtship Ideals
Skylings often perform sky dances, elaborate flying rituals where the skylings loop around each other in the air in a beautiful aerial dance. Sky dances are incredibly difficult to perform, and young skylings often practice for days on end before attempting to perform one for a potential partner.
Relationship Ideals
Like most halflings, skylings are incredibly social, and love making friends and connections. They are easily trusting, and thus are a prime target for slavers. Even when enslaved, many skylings keep their friendly disposition, often trying to perform their best and even befriend their master in the hopes that they might be freed.
Major organizations
Being members of the Unclaimed Lands, few skylings hold positions in any large organizations, but often join temples and churches to both The Cosmic and Draganna Kalila Piitag.
Random Skyling Homelands
| % Rolled | Homeland | Trait Gained |
|---|---|---|
| 01-30 | Mountain | Natural Flier |
| 31-60 | Secluded Valley | Stargazer |
| 61-90 | Forest | Wanderlust |
| 91-95 | Non-halfling Settlement | Helpful |
| 96-00 | Unusual Homeland | (Roll on Unusual Homeland table) |
Encompassed species
Related Organizations
Related Locations
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