Post by Kaya on Jun 2, 2012 23:50:01 GMT -8
History
When the colonists first came to Pern they knew their technology would be short lived on a planet with minimal resources. Coming from a technologically advanced, space-faring society they brought living organisms with engineered healing abilities to Pern as a failsafe to ensure the colony's survival.
When the shuttles were bringing the colonists' supplies to Pern it chanced to happen that one shuttle had its internal instruments fry. It was carrying these special birds. The shuttle was able to land on the Northern Continent but it took several more days before a search party could be organized and sent to find the missing aircraft. The pilot of the shuttle had freed the birds, fearing they might all starve to death within their cages. He wasn't sure if they had much more of a chance against the barren, rocky landscape. One bird remained with him and served the colony until it perished in the First Fall. The rest fled to the farthest reaches of the north where Thread was frozen and harmless. Their healing abilities enabled them to endure the harsh environment and they quickly learned to build homes for themselves. Their programming was such as to make them smarter and larger in every successive generation much like the technology that was used for Pern's dragons.
It was not until Turns later that the birds came back into contact with humans. A Rider from High Reaches had run into a southern nest of them. A few of the birds followed the dragon back out of curiosity. They Linked with Weyrfolk shortly after their arrival and were integrated into Weyr life. They functioned as healers and were praised for their abilities.
Their course in history changed when a less than savory member of the Weyr Linked to one of these great healing birds. They learned to harm as well as heal and were forcing the other birds to join up with them or be killed. The man's quest for power was cut short, however when these dark birds killed those who sought to use them. The DeathWings broke off as independent agents and were kept at bay by the diligent and Riderless Ice Stone Weyr dragons for nearly five hundred Turns. The wild, peaceful birds were slowly forced to assimilate into the DeathWing Hive until none of the benevolent, healing birds were left. Their origins as such were soon forgotten.
It wasn't until the Weyr War that a spark of their past was lit upon. The collective Hive-mind of DeathWings had held onto, but suppressed, their "true" nature as healers. It came to a showdown between the King, Akash, and Gold Kayleth. It is not fully understood what kind of mind battle must have occurred, but it is accepted that Kayleth won. Akash was consumed with guilt and sorrow when he was forced to remember the truth, as the story goes. He fell to his death and left the rest of his race to forgiveness. Many of the dark birds were too far gone into the dark recess of the Hive mind to make the transition back to their race's former state. These birds lost their minds and fell to their deaths as well. The few remaining birds, now called "LifeWings", were among the oddball and lowest ranked DeathWings. This being the case, LifeWings tend to be much smaller than the average DeathWing. A large DeathWing was a fearsome match for even a Queen dragon.
In addition, some larger DeathWings survived for a time, converted to "RogueWings" that followed neither the destructive vision of the Hive nor the goodly quest of the healers. They had no offspring and eventually disappeared.
Life Cycle
LifeWings hold Hatchings much like dragons due to their shared mentality. However, they were modified with technologies from before the dragon's age and are therefore able to survive without a Rider.
The parental LifeWings take turns guarding the eggs until it is time for them to Hatch. They will often sing to them to ensure happy, healthy offspring. A LifeWing mother can lay one to five eggs depending on her size and age and some general factors that vary between individuals. Eggs can range from white to brown and may be speckled, mottled, or plain. Some birds lay eggs with a slight color tint related to their Terran heritage.
LifeWings are born knowing their name like their draconic counter parts. They are capable of speech and once Linked with a Rider will become aware of their Rider's name. Linking is a strong bond similar to Impression. A Candidate may mentally bond with either a LifeWing or a dragon.
LifeWings prefer to Link to a Rider near their birth but will not perish if they are unable to locate a partner. LifeWings that do not Link, that is to say that they are unLinked, will develop physical traits most like their innate personality. As the number of people interested in Linking to a LifeWing increased the number of unLinked LifeWings decreased. LifeWings Linked near birth develop physical traits that best reflect those of their Rider's character or "song". They develop into many different kinds of birds. Nearly all species of Terran bird can be seen in LifeWings. The LifeWing knows the name of the Terran bird they resemble, but have no additional knowledge of that Terran bird.
When a LifeWing is born, it appears as a generic chick, and is covered in white, yellow, red-orange, dark grey, or brown fluffy down. As a LifeWing matures, its unique coloration and appearance will develop.
LifeWings hear a unique song emanating from each individual. They will learn their own song first and then the song of their Rider. After that a LifeWing will typically specialize in listening to and interpreting a specific kind of song, such as that of dragons, humans or other LifeWings. LifeWings can also become generalist healers who can cure common problems in many creatures but are not able to heal life threatening illnesses or injuries. Some LifeWings even chose to learn songs of creatures that do not speak as they do. This is much less common and is even looked down upon in some circles.
LifeWings mature to adulthood over the course of a Turn and a half. They are considered adults when they are capable of flying independently, can heal patients effectively and without guidance and have learned their "soul song" which enables them to locate a mate. Some LifeWings mate for life and will not typically select a new partner if their mate dies.
Abilities of LifeWings
LifeWings have the ability to encourage and accelerate the healing process in an injured individual. Their song has been seen to increase the healing rate of burns, cuts, and other wounds. LifeWing song can also stabilize more critical injuries. Each song sounds like a normal bird-song with just a few strange tones to it. When a LifeWing sings, it is generally for the purpose of healing the injured.
A LifeWing can either specialize in healing of a specific species or become a generalist healer. The learning process is one that is honed from their birth, starting with simple non-healing singing exercises and beginning healing with minor scrapes and bruises. An adult LifeWing of a similar specialty supervises the youngster for all of its early training. A LifeWing must be trained in music and general singing in order to be an effective healer. A LifeWing Rider does not necessarily need to be an expert singer but must also learn music along with their Linked.
The healing process is one that drains a lot of energy. In order to repair a patient's broken song the healer must give up some of the health and strength of their own song. For minor injuries this cost is very minimal and is not very draining. Larger tasks, however, require not only skill but massive amounts of energy as well. Wise healers will repair in phases if possible. A LifeWing and Rider will pass out if they expend too much strength healing. If they far exceed their limit before passing out, the pair's drained strength may unable recover properly or at all. This can result in death in extreme cases. For this reason, trauma patients are treated in teams whenever possible.
LifeWings can chew neither FireStone or IceStone, and they cannot between. To travel quickly between places they must 'hitch a ride' on a dragon. There are harnesses that have been developed for LifeWings to wear that attach to the dragon’s riding gear, enabling the two to travel between together. In emergencies a LifeWing could grip a dragon’s tail or leg with its talons to travel between.
Rider's Job in Healing
The Rider's role is as a healer, assisting the LifeWing by lending their focus, strength of will, and knowledge of healing song -- The proverbial two heads are better than one. Additionally, Riders possess the manual dexterity that LifeWings lack and can maneuver the patient and speak to them directly. Links with LifeWings foster unique knowledge and skills of healing that are otherwise difficult or impossible to understand. LifeWing Riders must be proficient in the basics and will learn to specialize appropriately according to their healing talents and those of their LifeWing.
Flights
A LifeWing's Flight is not dissimilar to a dragon's. The female LifeWing takes to the air, but unlike dragons she will not blood any beasts. It is up to the potential suitors whether or not to give chase. The female will attempt to outperform them in speed, endurance, and aerial acrobatics. In the course of this Flight, the female LifeWing will sing her unique bird-song (that varies between individuals and bird types) that the suitors must answer. It is the male LifeWing's job to sing a song that best harmonizes or complements the female LifeWing's song. This is a strong determinant in the mate the female will choose. The additional qualities females favor vary.
Aerie Life
While LifeWings and their Riders live within a Weyr, they live in a separate section. The area and structure that they live within is called the Aerie. (Such as; Rainbow Mists Weyr's Aerie. Sometimes shorted to Rainbow Mists's Aerie). They possess individual quarters which are also referred to as aeries, with different capitalization similar to Weyr and weyr.
LifeWings and Riders often spend large amounts of time in the Healing Caverns or out 'in the field' at Holds. Life within the Aerie is not vastly different than what one might find anywhere else on Pern. They enjoy meeting, hanging out, and generally interacting with other Riders. Many have friends amongst the Dragon Riders and will spend time with them.
Every two sevendays the Aerie has a conclave. As many LifeWings and Riders as possible are expected to attend. The conclave is led by the AerieMistress and AerieLeader. During the meeting the Aerie's relations with its partner Weyr are discussed. Commendations and conflicts regarding the Weyr are brought to the attention of the Aerieleaders, who will meet later in the sevenday with the Weyrleaders. Matters within the Aerie itself are also discussed and any public disputes between Riders are settled. LifeWings and Riders are allowed to voice their opinions concerning any matters brought up, and are allowed to vote on Aerie matters. The majority of choices made by the Aerie are done so democratically with votes. An AerieMistress and AerieLeader hold more voting power, approximately counting for 5 votes, but can still be over-ruled by the majority. In an emergency or crisis where a decision must be made quickly, the Aerieleaders are obeyed without question.
Fledglings are required to attend barring extreme circumstances, though they are not yet allowed to vote; but must listen and begin to understand and gauge the way Aerie life works. Jr. Fledglings cannot voice opinions, but Sr. Fledglings may voice an occasional input.
Aerie Politics and Leadership
The Aerie is led an AerieMistress and an AerieLeader. The AerieMistress is always female, the AerieLeader is always male. Their LifeWings can be either gender. Unlike Weyrleadership, the Aerieleadership is elected to their positions based on their qualifications. The Aerieleaders may or may not be aeriemates. It is decided between the two which main duties they will tackle, overseeing healing or working within the political structure.
The two main components to the politically oriented tasks of Aeries are discipline within the Aerie and negotiations with the Weyr.
Aeries will hold trials when there is conflict between their Riders. Any witnesses and evidence are brought forth regarding an argument, and both parties are allowed to share their side of the story. At the trial, all Riders act as jurors and vote on who has committed what offense, and what the proper punishment might be. Both parties can be declared innocent, guilty, or any variation thereof. It is rarely a black-and-white decision. It is the Mistress or Leader's task to carry out the punishment, help regulate the trial, and tally votes.
The second is negotiations with the Weyr. Supplies, healing responsibilities, and mutual decision making is often discussed between the leaders of each group. Matters or concerns are brought up and discussed at council meetings and then it is the leader’s responsibility to bring it to the Weyrwoman and Weyrleader.
An Aerie is primarily concerned with the care of its own people. If the environment is too hostile, or political negotiations are a travesty, an Aerie will pack up and move to another Weyr. The Aerie is not afraid to leave if they feel they are being treated unfairly.
Becoming a Rider
People that have Linked with a LifeWing but are not yet full Riders are called fledglings. The process from fledgling to Rider requires many classes, for both Rider and LifeWing. In addition to basic care classes, such as how to clean a LifeWing and identifying food sources, the fledglings must take classes in healing, and the LifeWing must learn how to identify and accurately use its song to heal. When the basic classes have been passed, a junior fledgling is promoted to senior fledgling. The pair receives the full rank of Rider when the LifeWing is capable of flight, can sing a proper soul song, and the Sr. Fledgling pair has passed appropriate levels of advanced Healingcraft classes. Because of the individual rates at which fledglings can achieve this rank, they do not graduate as a class like dragons do. When a Sr. fledgling promotes to the rank of Rider, they are given new knots, and both LifeWing and Rider are now allowed to vote at the Aerie conclave. The newly promoted pair is welcomed with applause and presentation of their knots at the next Aerie conclave they attend after becoming a Rider.
LifeWing Sizes
LifeWings reflect the size of their related Terran species. The lower range is around 18 feet, the upper range close to 28 feet.
Psychology
“An Impression and a Linking may seem like just two different words; but they are not. Within the term a difference between a dragon and a LifeWing are demonstrated. When you smith a spear-head to a pole-arm, they are bonded. The two metals melt down and become completely intertwined. To separate them again would be nearly impossible, and would inevitably destroy both pieces. This is like the bond of dragons. A LifeWing and its Rider are like two chain links, perhaps used on a ship: independently whole, but intertwined. The Linking is not necessarily weaker, but rather different. A LifeWing is more free of thought, and will act as an individual more than a dragon. A dragon and Rider are like destined lovers. A LifeWing and Rider are more like deeply platonic friends.” ~Unknown LifeWing Rider
Just as LifeWings can live from birth without a Rider they can also carry on should their Rider die. So too with a Rider who has lost their LifeWing. The grief will be present and very real and affect each LifeWing or Rider differently. Though deeply hurt, the remaining half of the pair is rarely suicidal. Some keep busy by working, others become withdrawn. These LifeWings and Riders do not Link again. If one of the pair has died due to old age the other does not usually live much longer.
LifeWings are prone to independent thought and do not always share their every thought with their Rider. They are thinkers and will form their own opinions apart from their Rider’s beliefs. This is not without its downsides, as this can cause arguments and distance between a LifeWing and Rider who may differ in their views. They can and do have dragon friends but typically prefer those of their own kind. The sense of camaraderie and understanding ties the LifeWing community tightly together.
Traditions
Due to the small numbers traditions amongst LifeWings and Riders are sparse.
While all may attend a dragon's Hatching, of the LifeWings typically only the AerieMistress and AerieLeader and their LifeWings who attend. Other Riders who know Candidates may also attend to support them. LifeWing Hatchings are a more private event and so they treat dragon Hatchings similar even though there is no such social constraint in the norms of dragons.
Many LifeWings and Riders choose to spend their time amongst Holds, healing the sick and wounded.
In LifeWing culture, right before a Candidate walks into a Hatching, they are lead to a large, bare room. On the wall are two crossed feathers. A smaller, white feather of a LifeWing, and a much larger, pitch black feather of a DeathWing. The Candidate is required to touch both, and contemplate the symbolic differences. The Candidates are then told that if they harbor any darkness or ill-thoughts, they are dismissed and must not resubmit themselves for Candidacy. A Rider and LifeWing will be in the room giving one last examination of the Candidates to make sure they are prepared to stand for the LifeWing Hatching.
OoC Considerations
- There are to be no crow or raven LifeWings. These were their previous evil incarnations known as DeathWings.
- You choose the breed of bird that your LifeWing grows up to be. Research into the breed and its habits are recommended.
- Flightless-breeds (kiwi, penguin, etc) of LifeWings are not allowed. A LifeWing must be able to fly.
- We encourage unique breeds.
When the colonists first came to Pern they knew their technology would be short lived on a planet with minimal resources. Coming from a technologically advanced, space-faring society they brought living organisms with engineered healing abilities to Pern as a failsafe to ensure the colony's survival.
When the shuttles were bringing the colonists' supplies to Pern it chanced to happen that one shuttle had its internal instruments fry. It was carrying these special birds. The shuttle was able to land on the Northern Continent but it took several more days before a search party could be organized and sent to find the missing aircraft. The pilot of the shuttle had freed the birds, fearing they might all starve to death within their cages. He wasn't sure if they had much more of a chance against the barren, rocky landscape. One bird remained with him and served the colony until it perished in the First Fall. The rest fled to the farthest reaches of the north where Thread was frozen and harmless. Their healing abilities enabled them to endure the harsh environment and they quickly learned to build homes for themselves. Their programming was such as to make them smarter and larger in every successive generation much like the technology that was used for Pern's dragons.
It was not until Turns later that the birds came back into contact with humans. A Rider from High Reaches had run into a southern nest of them. A few of the birds followed the dragon back out of curiosity. They Linked with Weyrfolk shortly after their arrival and were integrated into Weyr life. They functioned as healers and were praised for their abilities.
Their course in history changed when a less than savory member of the Weyr Linked to one of these great healing birds. They learned to harm as well as heal and were forcing the other birds to join up with them or be killed. The man's quest for power was cut short, however when these dark birds killed those who sought to use them. The DeathWings broke off as independent agents and were kept at bay by the diligent and Riderless Ice Stone Weyr dragons for nearly five hundred Turns. The wild, peaceful birds were slowly forced to assimilate into the DeathWing Hive until none of the benevolent, healing birds were left. Their origins as such were soon forgotten.
It wasn't until the Weyr War that a spark of their past was lit upon. The collective Hive-mind of DeathWings had held onto, but suppressed, their "true" nature as healers. It came to a showdown between the King, Akash, and Gold Kayleth. It is not fully understood what kind of mind battle must have occurred, but it is accepted that Kayleth won. Akash was consumed with guilt and sorrow when he was forced to remember the truth, as the story goes. He fell to his death and left the rest of his race to forgiveness. Many of the dark birds were too far gone into the dark recess of the Hive mind to make the transition back to their race's former state. These birds lost their minds and fell to their deaths as well. The few remaining birds, now called "LifeWings", were among the oddball and lowest ranked DeathWings. This being the case, LifeWings tend to be much smaller than the average DeathWing. A large DeathWing was a fearsome match for even a Queen dragon.
In addition, some larger DeathWings survived for a time, converted to "RogueWings" that followed neither the destructive vision of the Hive nor the goodly quest of the healers. They had no offspring and eventually disappeared.
Life Cycle
LifeWings hold Hatchings much like dragons due to their shared mentality. However, they were modified with technologies from before the dragon's age and are therefore able to survive without a Rider.
The parental LifeWings take turns guarding the eggs until it is time for them to Hatch. They will often sing to them to ensure happy, healthy offspring. A LifeWing mother can lay one to five eggs depending on her size and age and some general factors that vary between individuals. Eggs can range from white to brown and may be speckled, mottled, or plain. Some birds lay eggs with a slight color tint related to their Terran heritage.
LifeWings are born knowing their name like their draconic counter parts. They are capable of speech and once Linked with a Rider will become aware of their Rider's name. Linking is a strong bond similar to Impression. A Candidate may mentally bond with either a LifeWing or a dragon.
LifeWings prefer to Link to a Rider near their birth but will not perish if they are unable to locate a partner. LifeWings that do not Link, that is to say that they are unLinked, will develop physical traits most like their innate personality. As the number of people interested in Linking to a LifeWing increased the number of unLinked LifeWings decreased. LifeWings Linked near birth develop physical traits that best reflect those of their Rider's character or "song". They develop into many different kinds of birds. Nearly all species of Terran bird can be seen in LifeWings. The LifeWing knows the name of the Terran bird they resemble, but have no additional knowledge of that Terran bird.
When a LifeWing is born, it appears as a generic chick, and is covered in white, yellow, red-orange, dark grey, or brown fluffy down. As a LifeWing matures, its unique coloration and appearance will develop.
LifeWings hear a unique song emanating from each individual. They will learn their own song first and then the song of their Rider. After that a LifeWing will typically specialize in listening to and interpreting a specific kind of song, such as that of dragons, humans or other LifeWings. LifeWings can also become generalist healers who can cure common problems in many creatures but are not able to heal life threatening illnesses or injuries. Some LifeWings even chose to learn songs of creatures that do not speak as they do. This is much less common and is even looked down upon in some circles.
LifeWings mature to adulthood over the course of a Turn and a half. They are considered adults when they are capable of flying independently, can heal patients effectively and without guidance and have learned their "soul song" which enables them to locate a mate. Some LifeWings mate for life and will not typically select a new partner if their mate dies.
Abilities of LifeWings
LifeWings have the ability to encourage and accelerate the healing process in an injured individual. Their song has been seen to increase the healing rate of burns, cuts, and other wounds. LifeWing song can also stabilize more critical injuries. Each song sounds like a normal bird-song with just a few strange tones to it. When a LifeWing sings, it is generally for the purpose of healing the injured.
A LifeWing can either specialize in healing of a specific species or become a generalist healer. The learning process is one that is honed from their birth, starting with simple non-healing singing exercises and beginning healing with minor scrapes and bruises. An adult LifeWing of a similar specialty supervises the youngster for all of its early training. A LifeWing must be trained in music and general singing in order to be an effective healer. A LifeWing Rider does not necessarily need to be an expert singer but must also learn music along with their Linked.
The healing process is one that drains a lot of energy. In order to repair a patient's broken song the healer must give up some of the health and strength of their own song. For minor injuries this cost is very minimal and is not very draining. Larger tasks, however, require not only skill but massive amounts of energy as well. Wise healers will repair in phases if possible. A LifeWing and Rider will pass out if they expend too much strength healing. If they far exceed their limit before passing out, the pair's drained strength may unable recover properly or at all. This can result in death in extreme cases. For this reason, trauma patients are treated in teams whenever possible.
LifeWings can chew neither FireStone or IceStone, and they cannot between. To travel quickly between places they must 'hitch a ride' on a dragon. There are harnesses that have been developed for LifeWings to wear that attach to the dragon’s riding gear, enabling the two to travel between together. In emergencies a LifeWing could grip a dragon’s tail or leg with its talons to travel between.
Rider's Job in Healing
The Rider's role is as a healer, assisting the LifeWing by lending their focus, strength of will, and knowledge of healing song -- The proverbial two heads are better than one. Additionally, Riders possess the manual dexterity that LifeWings lack and can maneuver the patient and speak to them directly. Links with LifeWings foster unique knowledge and skills of healing that are otherwise difficult or impossible to understand. LifeWing Riders must be proficient in the basics and will learn to specialize appropriately according to their healing talents and those of their LifeWing.
Flights
A LifeWing's Flight is not dissimilar to a dragon's. The female LifeWing takes to the air, but unlike dragons she will not blood any beasts. It is up to the potential suitors whether or not to give chase. The female will attempt to outperform them in speed, endurance, and aerial acrobatics. In the course of this Flight, the female LifeWing will sing her unique bird-song (that varies between individuals and bird types) that the suitors must answer. It is the male LifeWing's job to sing a song that best harmonizes or complements the female LifeWing's song. This is a strong determinant in the mate the female will choose. The additional qualities females favor vary.
Aerie Life
While LifeWings and their Riders live within a Weyr, they live in a separate section. The area and structure that they live within is called the Aerie. (Such as; Rainbow Mists Weyr's Aerie. Sometimes shorted to Rainbow Mists's Aerie). They possess individual quarters which are also referred to as aeries, with different capitalization similar to Weyr and weyr.
LifeWings and Riders often spend large amounts of time in the Healing Caverns or out 'in the field' at Holds. Life within the Aerie is not vastly different than what one might find anywhere else on Pern. They enjoy meeting, hanging out, and generally interacting with other Riders. Many have friends amongst the Dragon Riders and will spend time with them.
Every two sevendays the Aerie has a conclave. As many LifeWings and Riders as possible are expected to attend. The conclave is led by the AerieMistress and AerieLeader. During the meeting the Aerie's relations with its partner Weyr are discussed. Commendations and conflicts regarding the Weyr are brought to the attention of the Aerieleaders, who will meet later in the sevenday with the Weyrleaders. Matters within the Aerie itself are also discussed and any public disputes between Riders are settled. LifeWings and Riders are allowed to voice their opinions concerning any matters brought up, and are allowed to vote on Aerie matters. The majority of choices made by the Aerie are done so democratically with votes. An AerieMistress and AerieLeader hold more voting power, approximately counting for 5 votes, but can still be over-ruled by the majority. In an emergency or crisis where a decision must be made quickly, the Aerieleaders are obeyed without question.
Fledglings are required to attend barring extreme circumstances, though they are not yet allowed to vote; but must listen and begin to understand and gauge the way Aerie life works. Jr. Fledglings cannot voice opinions, but Sr. Fledglings may voice an occasional input.
Aerie Politics and Leadership
The Aerie is led an AerieMistress and an AerieLeader. The AerieMistress is always female, the AerieLeader is always male. Their LifeWings can be either gender. Unlike Weyrleadership, the Aerieleadership is elected to their positions based on their qualifications. The Aerieleaders may or may not be aeriemates. It is decided between the two which main duties they will tackle, overseeing healing or working within the political structure.
The two main components to the politically oriented tasks of Aeries are discipline within the Aerie and negotiations with the Weyr.
Aeries will hold trials when there is conflict between their Riders. Any witnesses and evidence are brought forth regarding an argument, and both parties are allowed to share their side of the story. At the trial, all Riders act as jurors and vote on who has committed what offense, and what the proper punishment might be. Both parties can be declared innocent, guilty, or any variation thereof. It is rarely a black-and-white decision. It is the Mistress or Leader's task to carry out the punishment, help regulate the trial, and tally votes.
The second is negotiations with the Weyr. Supplies, healing responsibilities, and mutual decision making is often discussed between the leaders of each group. Matters or concerns are brought up and discussed at council meetings and then it is the leader’s responsibility to bring it to the Weyrwoman and Weyrleader.
An Aerie is primarily concerned with the care of its own people. If the environment is too hostile, or political negotiations are a travesty, an Aerie will pack up and move to another Weyr. The Aerie is not afraid to leave if they feel they are being treated unfairly.
Becoming a Rider
People that have Linked with a LifeWing but are not yet full Riders are called fledglings. The process from fledgling to Rider requires many classes, for both Rider and LifeWing. In addition to basic care classes, such as how to clean a LifeWing and identifying food sources, the fledglings must take classes in healing, and the LifeWing must learn how to identify and accurately use its song to heal. When the basic classes have been passed, a junior fledgling is promoted to senior fledgling. The pair receives the full rank of Rider when the LifeWing is capable of flight, can sing a proper soul song, and the Sr. Fledgling pair has passed appropriate levels of advanced Healingcraft classes. Because of the individual rates at which fledglings can achieve this rank, they do not graduate as a class like dragons do. When a Sr. fledgling promotes to the rank of Rider, they are given new knots, and both LifeWing and Rider are now allowed to vote at the Aerie conclave. The newly promoted pair is welcomed with applause and presentation of their knots at the next Aerie conclave they attend after becoming a Rider.
LifeWing Sizes
LifeWings reflect the size of their related Terran species. The lower range is around 18 feet, the upper range close to 28 feet.
Psychology
“An Impression and a Linking may seem like just two different words; but they are not. Within the term a difference between a dragon and a LifeWing are demonstrated. When you smith a spear-head to a pole-arm, they are bonded. The two metals melt down and become completely intertwined. To separate them again would be nearly impossible, and would inevitably destroy both pieces. This is like the bond of dragons. A LifeWing and its Rider are like two chain links, perhaps used on a ship: independently whole, but intertwined. The Linking is not necessarily weaker, but rather different. A LifeWing is more free of thought, and will act as an individual more than a dragon. A dragon and Rider are like destined lovers. A LifeWing and Rider are more like deeply platonic friends.” ~Unknown LifeWing Rider
Just as LifeWings can live from birth without a Rider they can also carry on should their Rider die. So too with a Rider who has lost their LifeWing. The grief will be present and very real and affect each LifeWing or Rider differently. Though deeply hurt, the remaining half of the pair is rarely suicidal. Some keep busy by working, others become withdrawn. These LifeWings and Riders do not Link again. If one of the pair has died due to old age the other does not usually live much longer.
LifeWings are prone to independent thought and do not always share their every thought with their Rider. They are thinkers and will form their own opinions apart from their Rider’s beliefs. This is not without its downsides, as this can cause arguments and distance between a LifeWing and Rider who may differ in their views. They can and do have dragon friends but typically prefer those of their own kind. The sense of camaraderie and understanding ties the LifeWing community tightly together.
Traditions
Due to the small numbers traditions amongst LifeWings and Riders are sparse.
While all may attend a dragon's Hatching, of the LifeWings typically only the AerieMistress and AerieLeader and their LifeWings who attend. Other Riders who know Candidates may also attend to support them. LifeWing Hatchings are a more private event and so they treat dragon Hatchings similar even though there is no such social constraint in the norms of dragons.
Many LifeWings and Riders choose to spend their time amongst Holds, healing the sick and wounded.
In LifeWing culture, right before a Candidate walks into a Hatching, they are lead to a large, bare room. On the wall are two crossed feathers. A smaller, white feather of a LifeWing, and a much larger, pitch black feather of a DeathWing. The Candidate is required to touch both, and contemplate the symbolic differences. The Candidates are then told that if they harbor any darkness or ill-thoughts, they are dismissed and must not resubmit themselves for Candidacy. A Rider and LifeWing will be in the room giving one last examination of the Candidates to make sure they are prepared to stand for the LifeWing Hatching.
OoC Considerations
- There are to be no crow or raven LifeWings. These were their previous evil incarnations known as DeathWings.
- You choose the breed of bird that your LifeWing grows up to be. Research into the breed and its habits are recommended.
- Flightless-breeds (kiwi, penguin, etc) of LifeWings are not allowed. A LifeWing must be able to fly.
- We encourage unique breeds.
