Creatures of extraordinary beauty known as birds of paradise flit through this stretch of jungle canopy in 50.11. Their plumage can be so bright and elaborate that it puts royal clothiers to shame. During mating season, birdwatchers can view their mating rituals from the World’s Edge. The rituals are sophisticated, and sometimes compared to Shuttered’s Shadow Ballet and the Two-Faced Dancers of Jahur in terms of artistry.
Hunters who chase these birds discover that they are cursed. Anyone who brings death to one, directly or indirectly, quickly suffers an agonizing loss. Elves of the Kingswood believe they are the sacred animal of a forgotten wind deity named Asrigh, who still avenges their deaths. The elves enjoy painting them on their walls and in their folios, and imitate their struts and spins during many festivals. Humans aren’t satisfied with mere imitation. Some reckless adventurers attempt to capture the cursed creatures despite the terrible risk. Lords in Shuttered who can present a caged bird of paradise in their halls are prestigious indeed. Sosarian (48.18) cattle barons utilize them more pragmatically. They capture small specimens and visibly integrate their cages into their clothing to deter assassins. Pasquale Lourd wears an orange long-tailed bird in a bulbous cage-hat. Cessine the Fair’s elaborate outerwear includes tiny golden cages.
===Connections===
- -The cyclopses of Monatheron wore birds before it was cool (43.12).
- -There are carvings on Asrigh’s Portal depicting birds of paradise transforming into harpies when they touch the ground (49.11).
- -The Idjits have managed to create birds of paradise that steal memories (19.30).
Hooks
- -Why are the birds cursed? If it’s because of Asrigh, the obscure wind deity, does he still have worshipers?
- -Tell me about the Shadow Ballet and the Two-Faced Dancers.
- -How do hunters catch these birds without harming them?
- -Who has fallen victim to a bird of paradise’s curse?
- -How do Sosarian assassins avoid bringing harm to their marks’ birds of paradise?