Overview
- Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus sapiens
- Classification: Tall, avian beings with humanoid body features.
- Average Height: 8.5'
- Average Weight: 250 lbs
- Lifespan: 150 years
- Language: Falarese
- Homeworld: Falar
Physical Data
Physically, they resemble their bird ancestors, but their bodies over time have evolved to a more humanoid appearance with the addition of arms and hands. Their wing joints connect to their shoulder blades and the wings are typically 10 or so feet long, resulting in wingspans of approximately 20 feet when they are in flight. When they are standing or at rest, the wings fold against their back. Their feet are that of large predatory birds, with four large toes with sharp talons covered in a tough leathery hide that is typically a shade of yellow. Because of this foot structure, Falari do not wear shoes, mainly because they would not only be uncomfortable, but they often use their feet to grab onto objects on which to perch. However, they are quite adept at walking when flight is typically not an option, such as while they are aboard ships and space stations. They do however clothe themselves in clothing similar to most other humanoids, with the exception that upper garments such as shirts and jackets are modified to allow their wing joints to move freely, and that their tail feathers are not restricted. As a Falari ages, their white colored feathers, particularly those around the head, begin to be replaced by gray feathers during molting, similar to the process by which humanoid hair turns gray as they age.
The Falari native language consists of chirps of varying pitch and duration, but they are capable of speaking many other vocalized languages. Even then, their laughs, chuckles, or other exclamations of emotion are often expressed in their native voice. Laughs are typically a series of rapid, high pitched chirps, with chuckles being a bit slower and softer. Anger and fear are typically expressed as a high pitched shriek that is very similar to the call of predatory birds.
Cultural Data
Modern Falar is governed by a High Council, on which sits six Elder Falari. In Falari culture, an individual is considered Elder once they have reached the age of 100. These six Elders are elected by the six nation-states of Falar every six years. The High Council is considered to be the final authority on the planet in matters of dispute, and they are also considered the representatives of Falar in galactic matters. The council itself is led by the Chief Elder, who is elected from within the Council.
The six nation-states of Falar cover the planet's four major continents, with three of them being located on the largest continent which covers much of the planet's western hemisphere, giving it a wide variety of climate. The other three continents are situated on the planet's eastern hemisphere, with the second largest continent being situated equatorially, while the remaining two are situated north and south of it. The planet's geologic history resulted in numerous plate collisions over the millennia, giving the various continents vast mountain ranges and canyon systems. Falari cities are typically built within the various cliffs of these mountain ranges, leaving the primary mode of travel between them, and often within them, their gift of flight.
The most notable trait of Falari is their intellect and highly ordered minds. It is for this reason that many Falari become researchers, scientists, and engineers, but like any society they could not function with only those professions, so there are many who take other professions such as merchants, artisans, etc. They crave mental stimulation, so those who do not find themselves taking a career which provides that constant stimulation typically take up a hobby that does, such as music, sculpting, painting, etc. In addition to a defense fleet for protection of their world, the Falari also maintain a standing expeditionary fleet that is dedicated to exploration and discovery. Ships in this fleet often travel great distances from Falar, some voyages taking years.
Falari take great pride in their aerial capabilities, and every year they have a world competition very similar to the Olympics. Aerial athletes come from all over Falar and their colony worlds to the Talon region of the western continent. Here, the Talon River has formed a large system of canyons in which various competitions such as endurance flights, aerial acrobatics, obstacle courses, and a variety of games take place including a game similar to Terran football, except the game is played with hovering goalposts 5000 feet in the air. In some past events, other aerially gifted races like the Tupai have come to compete, and in a gesture of equality, non-aerial races have been permitted to compete at various times using gear such as jetpacks, which are regulated to give them a fair chance against the natural fliers while at the same time not giving them any special advantage.
Socially, Falari have a range of personalities like any other race. Although they evolved from predatory birds, they do not typically perceive other sentients as prey these days. Their intelligence and highly ordered minds is enough to override any latent predatory instincts.