This reference was drawn by the ever lovely glyphgryphon!


It has taken me far too long to settle on a name for these guys, but I think I am rather happy with it; even with how relatively simple it is. First seen in the form of Roshni who is one of their many deities, I have been working on these guys for quite a while. Their appearances are purposefully meant to be widely varied, especially when found in different climes or continents, though they have fairly obvious overarching similarities to tie them together.

Some information:

:bulletgreen: Their eyes are vestigial. The masks they wear were originally crafted or bought simply to hide this fact for the comfort of the other races and species they interact with. However, it has since become a fully integrated part of their culture, to the point that being seen or sensed without one after having come of age is considered a grave offense regardless of the reason for its loss.

Their masks or eye coverings come in a wide variety of forms and materials, from a simplistic cloth to a decadent display of precious gemstones on tasseled silk.

Those who know little of the species believe their mask of 'choice' is a show (or lack) of wealth, but to the Eldaran it is a somatic form of their soul. While they may form it themselves, many have been known to utilize 'The Traveling Masks' who, instead of carrying pre-conceived designs, use the magical energy every Eldaran emits from their horns to craft something unique for them.

:bulletgreen: All Eldaran ears are shaped similarly to either a butterfly or moths wings, though their coloration may vastly differ from the insect in question. These appendages are fleshy with tiny hairs that pick up the smallest changes in airflow and sound, giving them a clear 'view' of the world around them. They are also highly mobile and capable of a wide variety of expression, though it is typically done by the uppermost portion of their ears instead of the lower.

:bulletgreen: While their wings tend to be anatomically similar, there may be some distinct differences based on region or birth parents; such as an addition or removal of fingers on the wing, longer, narrower or wider wing forms and added (or removed) feathers from the dorsal.

:bulletgreen: Every Eldaran has at least 'two' tails: the rudder with twin weights, utilized during flight and landing and a central limb that extends beyond the body used for balance during standardized movement. It may also provide more precise guidance during flight.

Similar to their ears, the end of the central limb tends to take on the shape of a butterfly or moths wings with some influences drawn from flowers. Their rudders, on the other hand, tend to be universal with some variation in feathering or webbing.

:bulletgreen: Their hands are tipped in long claws and have a thin webbing that is attached at their fingers first knuckle (top). These limbs are incredible flexible despite their appearance and the flesh in-between is capable of sensing electrical currents.

:bulletgreen: Eldaran facial forms typically follow an equine or cervidae form, complimented by a carnivorous tooth set, a long set of thick canines that typically overlap the bottom lip and a wispy tuft of fur on their chin. All bear horns that have notches which release excess energy they have absorbed from their environments, the Shift and spirits.

:bulletgreen: A gemstone is inset at various points on their body, the most common being around the throat and clavicle. This is what allows them to absorb the energies that surround them and give them access to a variety of magical abilities semi-dependent on environmental factors, their birth parents and who they are as an Eldaran. If it is severely cracked, their magic will become incredibly weak as they will only be able to absorb energy at a trickle. If it is shattered, they will lose complete access to their magic and ability to communicate with spirits.

If their horns do not release excess energy quickly enough, it will begin to permanently manifest on their bodies in a way that matches what they have control over. For example Roshni, one of their deities, has crimson and gold vines extending from their throat, where their gems are located, all the way down the arms of their wings. For some this can be debilitating or even deadly, thus they must be careful with where they choose to visit or reside.

:bulletgreen: All Eldaran have a special device that they either carry, float or wear on their person. Usually formed from scavenged materials, these objects allow them to channel their excess energy into them, storing it for a time when they need to unleash a spell far more powerful than what they would normally be capable of or in times of distress; when they cannot vent the same volume as what they are absorbing. How much they can hold, what forms they come in, how they are made or what they are created from purely comes down to the Eldaran in question. Roshni for example utilizes a smooth, golden pearl accented by human bone that has been enchanted to float, complimenting their particular magic as well as being capable of storing a massive amount of energy.

:bulletgreen: There is no blatant external variation between the three sexes.

:bulletgreen: Eldaran feet are all visually similar to the deinonychus, though they have two to three toes, not including the sickle or dewclaw.