Halak

Halaks are bipedal carnivores, averaging about one and a half meters (five feet) in height. They have feather- and down-covered bodies, two strong wings, and a sharp beak. They were created as agile aerial warriors by the rowans, and have more recently earned renown as fine woodworkers. As a race, they are rather purposeless and drifting, but seek an identity and niche for their people in the absence of the wars for which they were created. Halaks hate the rowans for casting them aside after the Rowan/Kiisic Wars, and they hate the grakkon race for the losses they sustained at their hands during the same.

Positive IC and OOC peer ratings are required to create a halak character.

How to roleplay a halak

Halaks were magically created by the rowans as living weapons of war. During the third great War, halaks were created as an aerial countermeasure to the (gargoyles), whose flying attack against rowan enclaves threatened to deal an insurmountable blow and ensure a kiisic victory. After the Breaking, halaks were set free by the rowans who, with the near dissolution of their own society, could spare no worry for their servants.

Rowan mages magically created their halak slaves by combining avian and human essence. From their avian progenitors, halaks inherited wings, keen vision, a carnivorous diet, an ear for mimicry leading to an ease of learning languages, and their single-minded loyalty towards those who nurture them in their infancy. Their human genes provide their basic body shape, strength, and the aggressive, reckness nature that enables them to throw themselves headlong into a fight with a larger, stronger foe.

Halaks have an innate sense of honor that revolves around their considerable talent for warfare. Quite a few of them secretly long for war, so they can make full use of their talents once again.

Most halaks are not interested in magic, but they are not particularly frightened or bothered by its practice.

There is no organized halak society; a halak's loyalty usually doesn't extend past the members of his extended family. However, quite a few halaks live among other races, using their unique talents to serve a valued role in a niche that they have carved for themselves within the larger society. On the other hand, a good number of halaks live in the wilds, coming together only to raid civilized areas. As generations pass, these wild halaks are slowly devolving into feral semi-sentients.

A civilized halak character should demonstrate a strong sense of honor. They should act with courtesy towards all, and demonstrate respect for any who show themselves to be competent fighters, political rulers, or experts in any field they consider useful. However, they are aggressive and quick tempered, often seeing slights where none were intended. They should never shrink from a fight, but they should fight on their own terms, employing the tactics that have stood them in good stead since their glory days in the last War. They prefer ranged weapons and spears to keep foes away from their fragile wings. Temporary disengagement and aerial ambush is acceptable.

A halak must have a well-planned character history. This history should dictate how the character is played. A halak's childhood experiences mold its attitude, personality and viewpoints. A halak raised in a calm, social environment will probably not turn out to be a raging warrior. One raised in the miserable wilds won't be content to carry messages for the post offices or whittle wooden items and weave wickerwork.