Qhiles | Avian
The Qhiles are an avian-like race of humanoids who tend to live at higher altitudes, preferring mountains, cliffs, and other elevated places where they can live in relative isolation. Some Qhiles can fly, while others are more grounded but possess sharper talons, giving them distinct advantages in both aerial and terrestrial environments.
Physical Characteristics
Qhiles are humanoids with distinct avian features that set them apart from other races. They have two arms and two legs, with sharp talons at the ends of their feet, adapted for gripping onto rocky ledges or other surfaces in the high places they inhabit. Their bodies are covered in feathers of varying colors and patterns, which range widely depending on their lineage and region. Some Qhiles are adorned with vibrant, brightly-colored feathers, while others have more muted or uniform tones. One of the most distinctive aspects of the Qhiles is that they are generally born as one of two types: flighted or flightless.- Flighted Qhiles possess a pair of wings extending from their backs. These wings, depending on the individual’s strength and stamina, can either allow for full flight or serve primarily to slow their descent during a fall. In their daily lives, flighted Qhiles use their wings to glide between high perches or to aid in transporting lightweight goods across their mountainous terrain. The wings also add extra weight, requiring these Qhiles to balance carefully, and they often use their wings for additional stability.
- Flightless Qhiles, while lacking wings, have sharper talons, usually on both their feet and their hands, making them more suited for combat or physical tasks that require precision. Their talons are sharp enough to be used as natural weapons, giving them an advantage when defending their territory or hunting.
