[Xiuhcoatl]

Aviari Timberwolves
An IDS Closed Species

ORIGINS

   A breed borne through centuries of trial and error, filled with purpose and passionate intent. The Aviari Timberwolf is exclusively found in the elusive empire of El Dorado, a hidden gem in the isolated jungle shores to the east. The goal was to emulate their deities - great bird beasts - as closely as they could so as to celebrate their ceremonies more devoutly, and to greater increase their connections to the divine. Though the indigenous of this culture acknowledge Aviari are not, in fact, divine, they do recognize a sort of elegance and prestige in the species.

   As they are so well-revered in these jungles, they are kept a coveted secret and selectively, purposely bred (and not bred) so as to keep them a strict treasure of the tribe. They cannot be found anywhere else, and those who dare to wander away from the holy territory of the divine are considered "disowned", in a sense.

   The Aviari are an elegant, graceful, and proud breed.

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UNIQUE TRAITS

   The Aviari Timber is on the smaller side, more often than not. They sport a lithe, lean, and agile build, often stereotyped as acrobats and runners. Similar build and proportions as the fox, they typically have thicker tails, wide ears, and a slender face.

   There are a total of five possible ranges where they may grow feather plumes: the crest, behind the jawline, the elbows, between the shoulders, or at the base of the tail. Purer bloodlines are more likely to incorporate more of these ranges, and full-blooded Aviari are the only ones who can be Full-Ranged. The crest, the shoulders, and the base of the tail are the most common regions, and the vast majority of Aviari mutts will have an average of two of these.

   While not entirely exclusive, it has been noticed that smaller Aviari tend to showcase more extravagant plumage. It is believed that in these smaller forms, the majority of the divine energy has been focused on the feathers themselves as opposed to the figure.

   Aviari Timbers have quick reflexes and are often perceived as jumpy or antsy. Their vocal communication includes a series of chirps and trills, most commonly used between each other. Youth are known to develop their own dialects between themselves through these chitters and chirps. They are also able to flex their feathers, resulting in slight raising or fanning, and this can be used as an alternate form of communication.

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THE SPECS

Species Name:  Aviari Timber  (Canis Aviarus) Height: 2' - 3'3"  (61cm - 99cm) Weight: 75-200lbs  (34kg - 91kg)

Spread: Used to refer to how many ranges an Aviari has plumes in.
Extravagance: Used to refer to the brilliance/design of an Aviari's feather plumes.

Nestling: Youth ranging from newborn to two months old.
Fledgling: Youth ranging from two to nine months old.

Flexing: An Aviari's ability to move their feathers slightly, be it by raising or fanning them.
Molting: When an Aviari 'sheds' their feathers and grows new ones (pin feathers). Often an itchy and irritable transition, good time for social grooming.
Pins: When a feather first grows in, its pin-shaped and coated in a wax sheath that protects it during growth. Eventually sheds the wax sheath when fully-ready.

Vulture: A derogatory term referring to Aviari who do not have any plumage.
Full-Range: An Aviari whose plumage extends over all five possible ranges. More typical in full-blooded Aviari.

Chiroptera: A derogatory term referring to Aviari who have abandoned their homeland. Considered disowned and no longer a true Aviari.

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AVIARI BREEDING

   Due to the selective nature of this breed and the genetic difficulties it overcame to simply come into existence, breeding is a bit of a complicated matter. The parents must construct a "nest" of sorts, consisting of a sturdier base - typically twigs and sticks - cushioned with softer material for resting and nursing.

   Litters between two full-blooded Aviari have much smaller litters, typically two to three nestlings. The more diluted their parents' Aviari bloodline, the greater chance for a larger litter, countered by the risk of offspring with less spread. Only breeding between two full-blooded Aviari are guaranteed plumage results in the litter all having full-range.

   Nestlings must stay within the warmth and soft enclosure of the nest until they reach two months old. Their bodies otherwise will struggle to maintain their higher internal temperature, and could suffer hypothermia from even mild weather conditions. This is also the phase of life where their pin feathers first start to emerge, and so they must be kept safe from poking and prodding during this uncomfortable experience.

   Fledglings are able to leave the nest, and though their plumage range has fully exposed itself by now, their pin feathers are typically still in the process of growing and shedding their wax coating. Often these feathers may grow in at uneven rates, with some being in full display while others are still sheathed. This is the phase where they learn how to control feather-flexing.

Aviari Timberwolves © Akante

[Xiuhcoatl]

Aviari Timberwolves
The Families

OVERVIEW

   The Aviari species came to be via extensive efforts of selectively breeding hellions over many generations, eventually bringing about their brilliant feather plumage as a standard trait. As they began to harness these genetics and furthering its potency, certain physical traits became associated with various families, which were then pursued further. Over time these brought specific family branches on the Aviari family tree.

   While not all Aviaris are borne to these bloodlines, those that are take great pride in their bloodlines, their lineage, and their families' history within the tribe. To fend off genetic stagnancy, outside blood must be brought in the loop, though this is a necessity that is shrugged off by those who would otherwise like to disregard it. In a tribe rich in culture, superstitions, and inflated egos, one's lineage is an integral point of pride.

   Because of generations of breeding, nearly all in the tribe have at least trace amounts of Aviari blood in them, even if dormant. This provides the potential for one to be born from a litter parented by non-Aviaris. These are called Rogue Aviaris, and while they are not lesser in any logical sense of the word, those in more prestigious bloodlines may ascertain otherwise.

Currently, there are five primary families in El Dorado:
Crystalline, Sanguine, Sapphire, Obsidian, and Riverine.

      The CRYSTALLINE family is considered the oldest family in the tribe, dating over 200 years ago. They are largely considered to be the purest of the Aviari bloodlines, often bearing those with full-range plumage with high extravagance. They tend to be on the larger side, with furs that are white, greyscale, or softer colors, and feathers that are opalescent more often than not. Typically, they hold themselves high, boast their bloodline, and strive for the highest ranks and honors. They're the best and they know it, and tend to be snooty and very self-aware of appearances. Definitely elitist.

      The SANGUINE family has been around nearly 150 years, and have a history of being the tribe's most notable physical defenders. Their furs tend to be darker, such as browns, blacks, or deep reds and oranges, with their eyes usually a striking white or grey. They've a reputation for being very dutiful and fastidious, being less likely to be boastful like the Crystalline, and rather focus on their current contributions. With a few members of their family in the past having brought disgrace by leaving, they work diligently for the tribe to compensate, and find dignity in duty and honor as opposed to hereditary privileges.

      The SAPPHIRE family can trace their bloodlines back almost 100 years, and have had a few instances of breeding with non-Aviaris, leaving it possible for future litters to bear some. Where their feathers lack in spread, they make up for in being generally larger. With extravagant, fluffy fur, they tend to bear darker colors with lighter accents, typically stemming from primary colors. The Sapphires don't consider themselves very "elite", per se, but they play their hands well in politics despite being disgusted by it. Their ancestors were petty, and named their bloodline as a call-out to the "stuck up snobs" of the Crystalline family. They recently had one of their youngest son, Rune, abandon the tribe and bring shame.

      The OBSIDIAN family is a striking bloodline, but not for their looks. A more recent family, they're known for having paler colorations, such as cremes, blues, or greens, and are rather miffed about this. Their average height is around 2'1", making them the shortest Aviaris roaming in the tribe, but they make up for it with spitfire tenacity. The family has an utter disdain for the elite or those who flaunt their bloodlines, and it is rumored they were involved in instigating the Civil War. Obsidians always have a cockatoo-like crest of feathers on their head, and are known to be very flexible in raising and spreading these feathers when angry.
      Founded by @Gyr

      The RIVERINE family is the youngest prominent family, dating back only 50 years or so. Their plumes tend to have a higher spread and, being such a new bloodline, their designs are likely to have more variety and surprises. Most so far display prominently blue or green colors, and they tend to be a bit smaller in size. As they're a more recent family, their influence is still in its infancy stage, and are terribly hungry for the appeal of power and prestige. They're shrewd and cunning and eager to soak in the glory of being Aviari and trying to pull any benefits. likely to play dirty or sneaky to pull forward.


   Note that while these are noticeable trends within the family, such as physical appearance or personality, they are not concrete. Individuals within each family may grow and develop in a manner that is different! Also please note that while these are the current prominent families, a new family may still possibly form at any time. [If you've any ideas about starting one, just talk to Akante!].

Aviari Timberwolves © Akante

[Xiuhcoatl]

Aviari Timberwolves
Obtaining One

OVERVIEW

   While the tribe takes great pride in their Aviari Timberwolves, they are not the only inhabitants of their jungles. There must be a balance between their divine breed and other inhabitants, therefore ensuring that there is new blood to introduce and lessen the risk of genetic stagnancy. OOCly, this translates to more or less regulating the influx of Aviaris on the forum. Aside from litters being bred and placed up for adoption, the only way to obtain an Aviari is to try out for one.

Currently, Aviari Tryouts are OPEN!
You may find them HERE.

   These will periodically open and close, ensuring diversity within the tribe and encouraging others to bring in their own characters! When they are open, however, you're encouraged to read up on Aviari information and familiarize yourself with their traits and details. For instance, typically Aviaris who are smaller have larger or more extravagant feathers, and Aviari were specifically bred to be brilliantly-colored, so those who are duller are often frowned upon.

   If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Akante!

Aviari Timberwolves © Akante

[The Crystal Quartz]

Quartzite Bloodline
A moderately old bloodline, Quartzites remained fairly secluded in the greatest depths of the tangles of Syn Cardrys’ dense jungles—choosing to live more intimately with the nature they revere. Unlike the other families, the Quartzites don’t have a set coloration, but rather a set pattern. Quartzites come in a variety of colors but always appear in heavily dappled or striped pelts. Almost like a natural camouflage, should they have the appropriate coloration, they would practically disappear into the jungle. They can lean more on the small size to more adequately move in and out of the thick growth but are generally average. Quartzites are often void of feathers on the shoulders and/or leg ranges. A Quartzite with a full spread is unusual but not impossible. They follow the teachings of the earth goddess Eleuia, and remained impartial during the civil war as they care little for politics.

Eleuia- the Earth Goddess
Eleuia, the embodiment of Mother Nature, goddess of the flora and earth. Often seen in the form of a small wolf who has brilliant blooms of flowers from her ranges instead of feathers, with vines wrap lovingly around her legs like bracelets, a stone of jade set firmly in her head centered above her eyes. Eleuia is nurturing and warm, provider of the brilliance of the tribal lands. Like her fiery fellow God, Xuihcoatl, she too can turn into a merciless force. Mother Nature is wild and untamed and if necessary, a destructive power. But never unjustly; from the fire the forest is reborn stronger, from the hurricane the stagnant pools are washed clean.

Her followers tend to live in the dense forests in caves and root systems rather than the pyramids. They believe that all things in nature happen as they are intended to and it is improper to intervene or change these actions. It is their duty to protect the beautiful earth and the plants in it; they are often seen tending to gardens or checking the health of trees, measuring the width of streams, etc. They live thankful for their environment and generally say short prayers in gratitude to Eleuia and occasionally Xiuhcoatl, whom they see as the protector of the tribal lands. The Earthen Mother’s followers often make exceptional spiritual and herbal healers, and they will assist in the care of others as much as they can. However, they always believe that “Eleuia’s will be done” and if it seems that someone is going to suffer inhumanly just to live, they will refuse to continue treatments. Rather, they’d wish to see them go peacefully and be returned to the Earthen Mother.

The Earth Hippies
Lovers of the Earth and the Earth Mother. They believe they were grated a great blessing to live in such a beautiful home with beautiful families. While the tribe considered Xiuhcoatl to be their patron god, the Quartzites actually consider Eleuia to be their patron goddess. They value Xiuhcoatl’s fierceness and protection over their lands, but prefer to follow Eleuia. While it’s not required that Quartzites say prayers or consider Eleuia their patron, the family tends to ostracize those that don’t have a healthy respect for nature. Some more or less follow their goddess and her tenants, some just love their earth and all its plants. They tend to the earth around them and task themselves with caring for the tribe’s flora. They inspect the health of the plants, plant forests and gardens, occasionally move saplings and those that are allowed outside of tribal lands often bring back new and interesting plants to be carefully introduced to their “Eden”.

The Quartzite Garden of Eden
On the side of the Ember Peak, the Quartzites keep a beautiful, lush garden. It’s thick with long flowering vines and tall billowing grasses. A true botanical garden, it houses many species of plant, even those not native to the tribal lands. Those not native are indicated by a small handmade fence around them, they are watched carefully to make sure they don’t turn invasive. The garden was planted and tended to as a testament of the beautiful world their goddess has created. It is carefully cared for and kept by the Elder Sages of the Quartzite family—occasionally also those of other bloodlines that have been invited--.

Within the Garden of Eden lies are massive bounty of flora tended to with the same delicacy and love as a mother might dote upon her children. The Quartzites are always open to adding new plants to their garden and welcome even foreign plants after a careful inspection. They prune, thin, weed, and fertilize their variety of plants year-round, seeing to it that the garden is always full of life, even in the wintery months. They plant trees, stack rocks or build structures to block the sun and have sections that are irrigated as well to make sure that each plant can be placed in its most ideal condition to grow.

Sections of the Garden
The Garden of Eden is divided into dedicated sections for each type as follows;
-native flora*
-foreign flora
-family flowers
-healing herbs

Each section has excess land to either side of it that is used as “spillover” in case they want to add more species or increase the amount they have of a certain plant. Small retaining walls (no more than 2’ tall) have been built from the ruins of past pyramids to define each section-- with several openings along well marked paths for caregivers or sightseers to move between the sections.

*Within the section of native flora also lies a “restricted section” where poisonous, hallucinogenic, and ceremonial plants are tended and watched. This section is protected with not only retaining walls, but thick briars and ivies matted together to form a solid brush too dense to push through. It is generally not open to the public, a single opening can be found if you know where to look though… However, since the Garden of Eden is not a garden for official reasons, but spiritual reasons, some of these plants can be found in other private gardens or in obscure places along the tribal lands.

Notable Flora
Almost any plant that can be found in tropical climates and jungles can be found within the boundaries of El Dorado, including some beachy natives. The Quartzites respect all the beauty of the earth that was created by Eleuia, because of this they also happily accept non-native plants. Prior to being planted in the Garden they are carefully observed for blight or infestations and are studied to understand their needs and growing patterns.
While the Garden houses many, some of it’s most notable, prized plants are as follows:

-the Orchids.
    As if anyone could be surprised, this jungle full of vibrant natives is also home to vibrant and lovely orchids of nearly ever color imaginable. The collection of orchids in the Garden is high and they can be found in several places within its borders. Currently the Quartzites are working to create more hybridized versions of the orchid flowers to produce more colors and patterns.
Reference

-the Passiflora.
   Passionfruit is a native plant to the area and its bright blooms with intricate spirals and structure is a favorite among the members.
Reference & Refernce

-the Heliconia.
   Also known as “Hanging Lobster-Claw”s or the “False Bird of Paradise”s, this flower family is lovely and has a deep red center and dangles from a great many of the trees in the Garden of Eden.
Reference

-the Sunflower.
   Family Flower. It’s bright and sunny, growing tall and bold and reaching up to the sun it loves so dearly. It’s grown with great care and delicacy and during the right months, it’s seeds are harvested for storage and food content.
Reference

-the Poinciana.
    Toxin warning The Poinciana is a beautiful tall tree that produces exceptionally bright and striking red flowers—alternate species can occasionally produce yellow as well. However, this plant is moderately toxic to canines, ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, drooling, or confusion so it’s fallen blooms, leaves, and pods are well tended.
Reference

-the “Curare” vines
    Toxin warning Derived from a variety of native vines and plants, the term “curare” is often used to denote a poison, that, when in light doses, can be used as a sedative instead.  Its primary function is paralysis; when administered heavily, it will cause one to suffocate due to the lack of being able to control the muscles required to take breaths. However since the poison has to be derived from the plants, they aren’t considered an immediate concern.
Reference

--This list is always open to suggestions for additions or further input such as cultural significance, etc—

Family Flowers
Is it any surprise a family that loves flowers at much as the Quartzites would fathom up the idea of family flowers? Much like an emblem, crest, or fleur de lis; it is a symbol selected to represent their family. Families aren’t required to select one if they aren’t interested, but if they are, the Quartzites will grow and tend them in a section of the Garden of Eden for the other families to enjoy and use for family events if desired.

The Quartzite Family Flower
   The Sunflower. Beautiful and bold, with vibrant colors. It reaches high up and is loyal in its following the sun across the sky; also providing food. Because of its faithfulness and modesty in appearance, the Quartzites claim it as their family flower.

—Any families interested in claiming a “family flower” may contact me (.eclipse.). Feel free to select any native or non-native plant, whether they are listed here or not.

The “Elder Sages”
A term from within the family to denote those that are devoted to their goddess and their tribe and tribal lands. They are to be respected, trusted, and followed without question. Although the term suggests one has to be older to claim it, any one can be labelled an Elder Sage if the current Elders agree to it.
Current Elder Sages: Bryonny,

Aptitudes
While any Quartzite can follow any path, they tend to end up as Cardinals or Doves, teaching about their gods and goddesses or healing others through herbal and spiritual means. They also make excellent crafters of flower crowns and chains or vine jewelry. If you’d like a hybridized flower, contact a Quartzite, they can do their best to get a color or shape you’d like!

[The Obsidian Flame]

Obsidian Bloodline

The Obsidian family is a striking bloodline, but not for their looks. A more recent family, they're known for having paler colorations, such as creams, blues, or greens, and are rather miffed about this. Their average height is around 2'1", making them the shortest Aviaris roaming in the tribe, but they make up for it with spitfire tenacity. The family has an utter disdain for the elite or those who flaunt their bloodlines, and it is rumored they were involved in instigating the Civil War. Obsidians always have a cockatoo-like crest of feathers on their head, and are known to be very flexible in raising and spreading these feathers when angry.  Obsidian do NOT USUALLY have companions, but exceptions can be made.

History

When this family first started out, they had brillant coats, bright greens and blues and whites, and some fire reds as well.  However, as time went on, some kind of gene found its way into their particular bloodline (perhaps through breeding with regular wolves, or the constant use of the same bloodline, others speculate it was because a coyote found its way into the generations), dimming their coats, and stunting their growth.  This would eventually make the other families shun them, assuming they were sick, and contagious.

These other families were so focused on quarantine, and isolating the problem, they were overcome with fear for themselves.  The hate for the elites would only grow however as Obsidian were stripped of their companions when they were shunned,  out of fear of them getting sick as well.

The Obsidian were driven to the edge of the territory, into a small island to the west of the border caves, until this “virus” died, but it never did, it only got worse.    The Obsidian thought (rightfully!) that saving the companions, but not the family themselves was cruel, which only made the hate fester and boil. It also finalized the fact that they family would NEVER take companions again.

There was less food on the island, as well as fresh water, so the Obsidian adapted. They ate less, and so their metabolism grew smaller, they do not need much to sustain themselves.  Less food, means less growth, which is the reasoning behind their even more stunted growth.

Slowly, and skillfully, the Obsidian began to re-integrate themselves back into the workings of everyday life, and the “epidemic” was slowly regarded just as an abnormality, (I’m sure Itai has record of this) but the disgust for this gene still separates the Obsidian from the other families.

Companions

Obsidians normally do not take companions, however, they are able to if they wish.  Normally this is incredibly frowned upon in the Aviari culture, however, the tribe let them decide not to have companions, not for the sake of the Obsidian themselves, but for the sake of those that they might choose as their companions. Members of the tribe were worried for the companions' safety, being with such an aggressive bloodline.  

Hearts and Souls of Stone

Short tempers run rampant in the Obsidian bloodline, they do not tend to hold their tongue.  Obsidians, more often than not, are filled with spite, and rage, both qualities make it difficult for them to integrate completely with the other families that are more prominent in El Dorado.  They do not believe in having animal companions, as the “elite” families have them, they do not like to be reminded about not having “more quality” ones, or bring reminded that theirs were stripped, and had more compassion cast upon them then the family themselves.   This family has a habit of running into fights, and either starting them, or finishing them.

They do NOT like the elites, any member of the families that have brighter, more stunning coats, are without a doubt someone they’re not going to like.  The Obsidian have cresting feathers atop their head, like Cockatoos, that flare up like a mohawk when they are angered or frightened.  

Obsidian Isle and The Shadow Ritual

To the west of the Border Cliffs, lies the islands where the Obsidian family were casted aside to years ago, before the Civil War.  Here, there are many bones of the family buried in the lush, black sand beaches, graves marked by towers of black stone.  The island itself has been abandoned by the Obsidian family, as they have returned to the main island.  However,  only Obsidians know of a secret route through the border cliffs that lead out to the isle, as it is the only route they knew to get back to the main Island.  Every lunar eclipse, the Obsidian return to Obsidian Isle, as they have claimed it to be, to pay their respects to their family members that were not able to return to their home.  Often bringing trinkets, or, more appropriately, volcanic glass that washes ashore, to lay on the long forgotten graves of their ancestors.  The ritual is respected by all Obsidian.  

Coyopa

A God of storms, volcanos, and war, the Obsidian worship him as their family deity, alongside their highest chosen, and most honored deity, Xiuhcoatl. Coyopa is seen as a large, red wolf with a blackened face, bloodied black eyes, bull-like horns, and a devilish grin.  Volcanic magma pulses through his veins, and can be seen running down his legs, pouring out with each step he takes, turning the ground to ash everywhere he steps.  He can breathe fire, command a barrage of fireballs to fall from the sky, and set flame to anything with a blink of his eyes.

He is seen with ropes adorned with skulls around his neck and tail, and arrows in his back, to remind his followers that no one can be trusted.  It is said that the skulls he is adorned with are those of his enemies, and those who betrayed him.  

Aptitudes

Obsidians are allowed to choose any path they wish, however due to their restless, and angry nature, they tend to wind up as Jays. Using their small size, and rage to keep those that dwell in their home safe.  The Obsidian are not fond of specific individuals in the pack, however, they feel an overwhelming connection to protect their home, as it was passed down to them from their Gods.  They feel it is their duty to protect the home that never once deserted them, but provided, even when they were cast aside by their own kind.

Bioluminescence

The Obsidian Aviari are a dull colored family, while the other Aviari are bright and flamboyant.  Those who derive from the Obsidian family line are able to have genes that give bioluminescence in their feathers. The bioluminescence would not be located anywhere else but their feathers, and is not an advantage in anyway.  It is a gene that is available to any and all Obsidian line Aviari, but it is not a requirement to be accepted as a part of the bloodline.

[The League of Algerim]

Algerim Bloodline

Created by Silverfrost9

The Algerim bloodline is relatively new by most standards but the traits of the family are particularly dominant. The first of the Algerim was a female named Alimro who had nine daughters, most of which with different fathers who created the A, N, K, and R branches. Those daughters had children of their own, quickly creating a third generation that gave birth to a fourth generation that is still growing today.

Physical Features:

The most common - and identifying - trait is the presence of heterochromia where the eyes are two different of the same color. Additionally they prefer monochrome coats with their fur ranging from black to white and any shade in between. There have been brighter colors in more recent generations but most Algerim are primarily grey though tints of greys are becoming more common in the later generations. Many of the family members seek to preserve this uniformity by choosing mates that have similar coat colors.

The Algerim primarily takes after jackals in appearance with long-legged and slender builds, long ears, non-tapering muzzles, shorter fur, and a bottlebrush tail. The family is also known for a smaller size that seems to be most common in the females of the line and presently does not affect the males in the family. They range between 22” at the shoulder to giants standing at 39”. Females rarely exceed 30” in height and are notably lighter than similarly-sized Aviari.

The bloodline has a preference for long, thick fears on the rump - especially the rump - and shoulders with spiky feathers on the top of the head (Examples: 1, 2, 3). Cheek and elbow feathers are uncommon in the family. Typically the feather colors are similar to the eye color however there are notable exceptions including Alimro herself.

Twins are also particularly common in the Algerim bloodline aided by the gene being matrilinear and a large percentage of the family being female. Descendants of Nyssa and Nerissa - the dark twins - have the highest chance of twins.

History:

Family Tree

The Algerim family’s recent ancestor and former matriarch is Alimro, a beautiful, exotic-looking Aviari with particularly dominant traits. Alimro went on to have four litters with three different fathers which started a huge second generation. Her first litter was Asenath and Akila who became skilled healers. Her second was with a different father that created the twins, Nerissa and Nyssa who were known to be excellent warriors. Her third litter was with the same father as her first litter which created Kamilah, Khennu, and Ketket who became skilled sentries and spies. Her final litter was with a different father and gave birth to Ramla and Ranako who were skilled spiritualists and Magpies.

Her daughters went on to create the four branches seen today with Alimro as the matriarch of the family. Alimro died three years after her final litter at the age of ten from an infection which started an internal power struggle between the sisters of who should be the head of family. Asenath claimed the title, citing that she was the oldest and therefore the most likely candidate while Nyssa, Ketket, and Ranako disagreed.

The sign was believed to be mark on Alimro’s bones that pointed to Asenath being the next matriarch which ended the struggle abruptly. But with the death of Akila several years later - making it anyone’s game now that Asenath was the only A sister left - has created some tension between the family elders.

The Civil War seemed to split the family with the R and N lines arguing that it was disrupting the natural order of Syn Cardys while the A and K lines believed that it was well-deserved but the A lines believed that the brutality was uncalled for. Several members of the Algerim bloodline became casualties to the war.

Traits:

Traits amongst the Algerim bloodline vary from branch to branch but the most common traits are intelligence and shrewdness. They are loyal to their ancestors and bound to Syn Cardys and their path of choice by their duty to them. They are often spitfires and if there was a family motto, it would be “Do no harm, but take no shit.”

The A branch is ambitious and intelligent with eidetic memories being commonly seen. They are often healers or scholars, seeing themselves as ancestors of Horus.

The N branch leans towards warriors and fighters with most believing themselves to be ancestors of Sekhmet with some believing themselves to be ancestors of Neith.

The K branch is more neutral, believing themselves to be Neith’s ancestors.

The R branch is the newest and most find themselves leaning towards Hathor or Set as an ancestor which pushes them onto the path of spiritualists and craftsmen.

Opinions of the different bloodlines vary from Algerim to Algerim but a consensus shows that most dislike Crystallines and Obsidians for the most part.

Beliefs:

The primary belief of the Algerim is luck and faith. The Seven can influence the fates and luck but it is not a guarantee that things will be changed. Many things can predict and influence destiny however once it has been set, there is little one can do.

Fire, Death, and Life

The Algerim believe Xiuhcoatl is the all-powerful god of fire and Syn Cardys and The Seven are considered to be ancestors if not heroes. They probably did exist a while ago but their deeds and traits have been greatly exaggerated over time.

• Anubis and Osiris are considered to be the first of the Algerim line and it is believed that they can influence death and life.
  
• Anubis is a jet-black Algerim with a gold spread and red eyes.
  
• Osiris is visualized as a pure-white Algerim with red eyes and a silver spread.
  
• They are represented in the Ankh that the Algerim bloodline wears.
  

The Five

The Five are considered to be ancestors of the Algerim, similar to Anubis and Osiris but have set themselves apart with their deeds. They are believed to influence the fate and luck of those who follow their paths and anyone who takes their path is automatically considered to be their ancestor. The Five’s tales have been greatly exaggerated over time to put them as enhanced mortals and heroes.

• Horus was said to be a powerful healer who could heal with a single touch and was given wisdom by the gods. Descriptions of him vary but it is agreed that he had markings like that of a falcon around his eyes and most visualize him with green eyes. He is seen as the ancestor of Algerim that are Cardinals.
  
• Sekhet: is believed to be one of the greatest warriors in history and legends often depict her as an unbeatable fighter. One of the most common legends is that she killed the largest jaguar in the forest known as Nauhtl and wore its pelt as a trophy. Often she is imagined as a dark grey Aviari with darker jaguar-like markings. She is considered the ancestor of Algerim that become Jays.
  
• Neith was said to have been a powerful hunter and was said to have uncanny powers of persuasion which made her a renowned diplomat. Legends say that she once stopped a war with only her howl. She is imagined as a beautiful silver and black Aviari with a dark blue spread. She is believed to be the ancestor of the Algerim that become Ravens and Larks
  
• Hathor is considered to be the mother of the three ancestors (Sekhet, Neith, and Horus) and is thought to have been the most talented creator of all time. She was said to have been the one to first create the Ankh and gave it to her children to wear. She is seen as a silver and white Aviari with uncanny beauty though her spread has been described as pink, light blue, and even light purple however it varies if your a Magpie, Vulture, or Dove. She is said to be the ancestor of the Algerim that become Magpies (Pink), Vultures (Light Blue), and Doves (Light purple).
  
• Set is considered to be the mate of Hathor and the father of the three ancestors. Supposedly he gave his powers to his children, he gave Horus his gift of healing, was said to creep through the nights like a shadow which helped Neith’s hunting prowess, and was said to be the most dangerous warrior of all time which he passed on to Sekhet. Some think he’s the son of Anubis and others believe he’s the brother of the first. He is depicted as pure black, his fur, eyes, and feathers. Many consider him to be the ancestor of those who are in touch with spirits.
  

Charms and Totems

Most of the Algerim wear particular pendants, totems, and charms related to their patron deity along with other accessories. The Ankh is the most commonly worn symbol as it represents life and death, therefore it represents Anubis and Osiris. Most wear a secondary necklace with a pendant related to their ancestor and some wear one that is a mixture of both.

• Horus is represented in imagery of wings and winged pendants are extremely common. Falcons are more rare and reserved for only certain family members.
  
• Sekhmet is represented by a claw or tooth. Therefore most of her ancestors wear one around her neck whether it be metal or real..
  
• Neith is represented by a feather and it is what most wear - often a metal or carved one.
  
• Hathor’s ancestors’ necklaces are often Menats.
  
• Set is symbolized as a serpent and some use an alternative ankh where the snake forms the ankh.
  

Other Stuff

Colors are important to the Algerim since colors symbolize the Ancestors and are important for rituals.

For official mateships, on the day of the ceremony, the two mates wear bronze.

During the birth of an Algerim, flames are lit throughout the labor. For mothers and mothers to be, they are given

When an Algerim dies, ivory flowers are brought and worn by those closest to the deceased.

The Algerim children remember the colors and significance with this little rhyme.

“

Black for spirits and death
For life and creation, the color’s white
Gold for the first ancestor’s spread
Red for the living and the dead

Green to mend the worst of wounds
Dark grey for when war looms
Silver for the hunter’s moon
And purple to bring peace

Pink for those with the greatest creations
Blue for finding riches
And magenta for those who raise our children

Bronze for mates-to-be
Flame for the birth of an Aviari
Saffron for the mothers
For mourning, the color’s ivory