#mountain-men

The Volucra, wards of the Montem or “Mountain-man” elves, are a unique species to the planet of Cyanos. They are known for their ability to create vibrant and highly desirable textiles, as well as ornate colored papers. They are very proud of their ability with dyes and stitches, and often wear clothing that reflects their pride - with rich, vibrant and dark colors that are quite a challenge to create. They are equally known for the strange fact that they live, somehow safely, with the immense six Montem elves, whose existence remains a mystery. They spend their days on the ground being protected from a distance, and at night or in bad weather, they are gathered up and live in stabilized huts literally attached to the shoulders of the giants.

The Volucra evolved to look bird-like (specifically like ruby-throated hummingbirds) in order to blend in with local fauna and survive in their ancestral (and no longer inhabited) home - small villages high in the canopies of ancient deciduous forests. They do not have hair, but rather deep green feathers that sprout from their heads, forearms, and legs. The rest of their body is covered in different tones of very fine, soft down which barely covers their skin, allowing their varying skintones to show through. On their foreheads, all Volucra have a patch of shiny, irridescent green feathers that are a great source of pride for them. These can range from coming halfway down the forehead to extending all the way down the bridge of the nose, depending on the individual. Colors range from medium to very bright green. Finally, Volucra always have some sort of dark feathers accentuating their eyes. This dark down can range from looking like very thickly applied eyeliner to appearing as large dark splotches across the eyes and upper cheeks.

Their camouflage is no longer necessary because they live with and are protected by the six monolithic Montem. So, some bands of Volucra have developed traditions of dying their feathers as they do their clothing, usually in colors that can be achieved with natural, skin safe pigments such as henna.

There is some sexual dimorphism amongst Volucra - in body they all tend to be very similar (other than mammary organs which are present to nurse live-birth young). Males however have a thicker patch of iridescent red down which covers the front of their neck and sometimes parts of the bottom of their faces, forming beautiful patterns. Females similarly have body feather patterns in taupe, brown, and shades of green, but do not develop the red feathers as males do. Many Volucra defy gender binary however, and can be born with a mix of male and female traits.

Volucra have bird like clawed feet to better hang on and steady themselves in high places. Their hands are humanoid, but instead of fingernails have very sturdy claws which help them hold on tight or defend themselves in sticky situations.

Clothing wise, Volucra like to allow their beautiful feathers to shine. They wear very vibrant fabrics, but tend not to cover their arms or legs, sometimes both. Sleeves and long pants can bristle their feathers and cause discomfort, so they tend to wear garments without sleeves or legs, or garments with very loose sleeves and legs, even gender neutral skirts, kilts, and wraps. Usually their clothes are embroidered, patched, or creatively stitched to show off their fine textiles.

Personality wise, Volucra are usually eccentric and dramatic. They love story telling and acting out scenes, which is particularly entertaining to their monolithic protectors. Their personalities are as diverse as those of humans though!

Finally, in height, Volucra are about half the size of your average human, standing about 2.5′ in height. This makes them very diminutive next to the Montem, but the Montem almost never make direct, non-instigated contact with them, and allow the Volucra to move on their own free will at all times. You will never see one of the six Montem grab at a Volucra ward, they will only ever put out a hand/finger for them to climb up and climb off. The Volucra have developed communication with the Montem via mirror flashing codes, as well as through what they refer to as “listening towers” to actually talk to their gigantic hosts. These are towers with brass horns built near the Montems’ ears to be able to speak with them directly.

Montem and Volucra species (c) to me: Kelly-Scribes/Kelly-WritersSoul DO NOT REPOST, COPY, ALTER, OR USE THESE IMAGES OR INFORMATION WITHOUT MY DIRECT CONSENT

For those interested in making a Volucra, the species is closed - please ask permission unless a special temporary opening is made! And please credit me properly!