Winged: Lost

Following the Second Parliament of The New Age, House Raptor have begun to kindly accept the deceased Lost into their number. Perished Souls who were never sent to their Patron, these Lost have escaped, and some still "live" inside a colossal Gilded Cage at the center of The Dream (previously, within the Abyss). Although many are warlike and hateful of their living descendants, many more simply want to exist outside of confinement, and The House of Raptor have given them that blessing.
Soon after, other Coteries started accepting Lost into their homes: the Green, Wavefarers, and Riverstates.

Common knowledge about Lost is vague and small: they were once average Winged, who died, and their souls were collected in the Cage; the Cage was owned and ran by the Xenos; something in the Cage destroys Lost as part of some mechanism.
Lost find it hard to exhibit emotion, and many find singing hard, if not impossible; they describe an experience not unlike the cold of the Abyss when they wake; some claim they have no Souls.
Lost can repair damage to their forms very quickly - it is unlike flesh; not all Lost are bloodthirsty - they are a people, and some want revenge for their deaths and others just want an existence.

This page serves as a list of all playable Lost so far.
The following Coteries can recruit the following Lost:

• Riverstates: Lost
• Wavefarers: Great Awks
• Green: Lost, Bustards
• Raptors: Everything except Bustards & Great Awks
  

It is possible at some point, following player action, the Lost may become a full-fledged faction.

- -

The Lost (Lost)


Any Winged can die. A Winged whose Soul is neither consumed nor given to their Patron finds themselves fodder in the Cage. Some want revenge. Some want to live again. Some want to fade away. After all, they are just people.
Although there are now Lost returning their homes in every Cotery, the Raptors are the only ones to accept The Lost as their own kind, and give them positions within their Society...

Type: Lost Pawn
Plumage: Pale (Based on Previous Winged)
MakeUp: Tired Rings around Eyes (Based on Previous Winged)
Beak: Pale (Based on Previous Winged)
Emotion: Hate
Qualities: Stalwart, Fearful, One more based on Previous Winged.

Lost are subject to a few special, secret rules. They can also trade in Songs for more basic Qualities.

-

Dodo (Lost)


Relations of the Pigeons, the Dodos were lore-hungry scholars, determined to mine history and secrets from the world, with legitimate means, subterfuge, or a Knife. Something went wrong, and human dreams overwhelmed them. Or the Cats.
Now the Dodos have returned to reopen the Parliament, and are as thirsty for knowledge and power as ever.

Type: Lost Pawn
Plumage: Pale Blue or Grey
MakeUp: Tired Rings around Eyes (Based on Previous Winged)
Beak: Pale, Big Hooked (Based on Previous Winged)
Emotion: Hate
Qualities: Hardy, Knifesman, Emotionallist

Lost are subject to a few special, secret rules. They can also trade in Songs for more basic Qualities.



- -

Bustards (Lost)

Once proud members of the Green, the British Bustards were peaceful plainspeople - pacifistic crafters and farmers, whose life meshed well with the Grouse. But the Bustards peaceful ways made them perfect targets for attacking Coteries, and with the rise in human dreams of firearms, they found themselves hunted to death. Their place in The Green was ritually filled by the Cappercailies, who did little to reflect the Bustards' peaceful ways.
Returned, the Bustards simply want life, craft and existence... but are saddened that they have been replaced by monsters.
Type: Lost Pawn
Plumage: Pale Brown
MakeUp: Tired Rings around Eyes
Beak: Pale
Emotion: Love
Qualities: Merchantillier, Materiallist, Toolsman

Lost are subject to a few special, secret rules. They can also trade in Songs for more basic Qualities.


- -

Caracara (Lost)

Described in texts as "Vile", "Ill-Tempered" and "Evil", Caracara were close to both the Vultures and Buzzards: Raptors of a military bent who used their cruelty as both an art form and a way of chanelling their bile. Argumentative, ill-tempered, and ambitious, the Caracara attempted various uprisings in their Houses, and dwindled in numbers as the other Raptors fought back. The final known Caracara was Tenebrae Fols, acting Conductor of the 1888 Parliament.

Type: Lost Knight
Plumage: Grey or "Faded" Black
MakeUp: Tired Rings around Eyes (Based on Previous Winged)
Beak: Pale, Big Hooked (Based on Previous Winged)
Emotion: Hate
Qualities: Swordsman, Sabruer, Armoured, Fortified, Fearful

Lost are subject to a few special, secret rules. They can also trade in Songs for more basic Qualities.

-

Moa (Lost)

Alchimerists and herbal seers from the early times, the Moa lived in symbiosis with the Raptors: the Raptors protected them, in exchange for the Moas' lives. Their proficency with emotion manipulation and alchimery have led many to believe that Moas are the originators of many song structures used today to shape the Dream. When human Dream power rose, the Raptors retreated, their most Ancient Eagles fell, and so did the Moa with them.

Type: Lost Bishop
Plumage: Faded Brown or Grey
FacePaint: Brown or White around Tired Eyes
Beak: Small
Emotion: Hate
Qualities: Hardy (+1 Hit), Barbrisier (1 Minute Roleplay Healing)

Lost are subject to a few special, secret rules. They can also trade in Songs for more basic Qualities.

-

Elephantine (Lost)

The cousins and protectors of the Moa, the Elephantine were huge, well built farmers and simple builders, providing living space and crops for the Moa and their Eagle overlords. Although peaceful, they served as a dutiful and strong militia, intent on protecting their families & betters. They died alongside the Moa.

Type: Lost Knight
Plumage: Faded Brown or Grey
FacePaint: Brown or White around Tired Eyes
Beak: Small
Emotion: Hate
Qualities: Hardy, Hardier, Hardiest, Numb, Stalwart

Lost are subject to a few special, secret rules. They can also trade in Songs for more basic Qualities.

 -

Great Auks (Lost)

Ancestors of the Puffins before they became the Blissful little busybodies of today, Great Auks were masters and mistresses of the tumult. Sirens, Courtesans and Celebrants of Emotion, Auks took the power of the tumult and used it to fulfill their dreams, wants and needs. Crafters of Stories and Songs, the Auks surrounded themselves with beautiful things and people, and cared not for the worlds outside their porcelain temples...

The Auks ceased to be when most of their kind turned to Bliss, and the rest left to find greater comfort outside the Tumult, never to return.
Following the actions of the Puffins of the Wavefarer Ships Bounty & The Fool's Errand, Captain Jim Ross officially gave sanctuary to a number of Lost Auks. Now they are reunited with their Descendants, and returned to a world of beautiful physical possibilities.

Type: Lost Bishops
Plumage: Pale Blue or Grey
MakeUp: Tired Rings around Eyes (Based on Previous Winged), Red Nose
Beak: Pale, Big Hooked
Emotion: Love
Qualities: Hardy, Hardier

Lost are subject to a few special, secret rules. They can also trade in Songs for more basic Qualities.

-

Ancient Eagles (Lost)

Ancient Eagles, extinct, almost completely forgotten memories of monstrous dominance have recently clawed their way back to the Dreaming, no-one knows where from. Powerful, utterly monstrous and ravenous, these bygone-era Beasts demand respect & power, and will destroy anything that denies them such.

Type: Lost King
Emotion: Hate
Plumage: Brown / White
FacePaint: Brown on Forehead, Red on Nose
Beak: Large Curved Yellow
Inspirations: Julius Caesar, King Arthur, Dracula, Vlad The Impaler, Genghis Khan
Oppurtunities: Monster, Barbarian King
Qualities: Fearfulism, Armoured, Taloned

Lost are subject to a few special, secret rules. They can also trade in Songs for more basic Qualities.

Possible Lost: Bustards

BUSTARDS - Once proud members of the Green, the British Bustards were peaceful plainspeople - pacifistic crafters and farmers, whose life meshed well with the Grouse. But the Bustards peaceful ways made them perfect targets for attacking Coteries, and with the rise in human dreams of firearms, they found themselves hunted to death. Their place in The Green was ritually filled by the Cappercailies, who did little to reflect the Bustards' peaceful ways.
Returned, the Bustards simply want life, craft and existence... but are saddened that they have been replaced by monsters.

Talons

Talons
By David Mumford

Outside the House of Ashe, thunder roared overhead. Thunder always roared overhead, outside the Eyrie.
- -

Despite all the locomotion behind , Ysselde continued reading her book. Her piercing eyes purposefully never moved away from the tiny copperplate, dancing in the candle light.

Junther breathed through his beak. Anger slowly built behind his tired, noble eyes. The Hawk on each side of him grasped his arms tight, wrestling desperately with his great white wings despite the Eagle's stony-stillness.

His eyes kept moving towards the tapestry parallel to his throne. It depicted a Monstrous beast, all claws and fur and muscle and beak, roaring at the moon. A breeze swayed it from behind.

Burstrum took a dagger to the leather straps on Duke Junther's breast plate. Whatever passed for steel in the Dream clashed to the stone floor, ringing beautifully for a moment before faltering. Talons tore at Junther's shirt, revealing a network of delicate scars on his white breast. Ysselde let out a small cough, and turned another page.

Burstrum chuckled to himself, his uncombed brown plumage falling over an eye. He reached down and tried to lift his Lord's colossal sword one-handed. Unsuccessful, he applied both hands and dragged it across the cobbles to the rest of his fellow hawks. Junther ground his beak, watching sparks fly as his grandfather's blade was mishandled by a peon.

"Well." began Junther, his deep calm voice resounding around the stone throne room, "I cant say I'm entirely surprised Burstrum. You've always been a parasite."

Burstrum's glee faded instantly, replaced by slow-boiling fury.

"You must admit, your Highness," his lucid, sibilant tones spilled into the room without guilt or reservation, "That this is your own un-doing. You always told us Hawks that... what was it... The Strong Are Nothing If They Are Not Strong...?"

"It was an honest Duel. I lost. It was Noble. Something you wouldn't understand Burstrum." Junther's eyes kept watching the tapestry.

The Hawk laughed, cruelly and in spurts. Without accompaniment, he suddenly stopped and pulled a stern look at his hangers on. They laughed too. Pressure and fear cracked cracked through their raucous roars.

"Noble!?! The Great and Noble Duke Junther Of The Most Ancient House of Ashe Lost a Fight! To a Moorhen! A Bloody Moorhen!"

Junther didn't flinch. "I really don't know what you're laughing at Burstrum. I seem to remember a certain young Hawk running scared from his first encounter with a Goo--"

The clatter of Dream metal. The quick stalk of feet. Talons slashed across the Eagle's face.

Ysselde winced, but kept her Owl eyes on her text.

Burstrum's sneer broke into unbridled rage. "Do not mock me, Duke of Nothing! I am not scared of Geese! One Incident! One! Nothing! See this around you? Nothing Also! This is Over! Finished! Now stands the House of Lord Burstrum Accipter!"

The Hawks roared approval. They didn't feel like they had much choice.

Junther shook, blood trickling down the triplets of rending s over his left cheek. Wary, he lent slightly around the bustling Hawk. The Tapestry still did not reach the criteria he was after.

The Hawk laughed, grabbing the Eagle by the chin. With one hand he flicked open a silvery hip flask, something fluid running down his beak, and shut it again. Burstrum seemed bloated on something, his eyes wide and engaged.

"You can forget about Your Bloody Idiot-Savant Secretary emerging from that woven shit-piece! I sent him off Auditing the number of stained glass windows we have in this primordial heck-hole of an Eyrie hours ago. He wont hear your screams. Not in these Patron forsaken caverns beneath the Eyrie. Damn them. Creepy, monstrous things. Wouldn't see me living in the past, hauling my way through them."

Junther broiled. "Grent's not an idiot. He's my valet. And that's not a "shit-piece". That's Our Lord Gryp--"

As if on cue, one of the other Hawks, in pince-nez and brown waist-coat, tore the weave off the wall, and rent it in half between his claws. Behind it, a terrifyingly narrow corridor blew a chill, whispering wind into the room.

Junther roared at the cloth-divider. "Stayn! I will forgive you if you land yourself on your blade this instant!"

Stayn, a young Hawk, shrugged. More laughter.

Junther winced. "Vespix. Dame Vespix. Where is she?"

"Your Kestrel Bint?" Smiled Burstrum, cruelly, "Oh you know. Out on the moors. Hunting. Arranged for a small Rabble of Green-Bastards to come over here for a trade deal. Of course, now they're in our territory and, well, you know how she feels about territory."

Another Hawk laughed, inappropriately and croaking. "You know Burstrum - Haw! - you could say - Haw! - you could say she's on a - Haw! - Wild Goo-"

Burstrum turned, glared, pointed and spun back round. The Haw!-er shrank in size and silenced.

The inciter adjusted his cravat and plumage. "Anything else, your worship?"

Junther glared, the realisation of weight gathering on his shoulders visible in his eyes. "Ysselde? My closest. My oldest friend."

Everyone turned to look at The Owl. Moments passed before she realised she was being watched. A hand waved hurriedly in the air, still facing away from the commotion.

"Don't get me involved," the prim Scholaress snapped, "I'm just here reading my book.Notes on Inter-species Mating Habits of Birds of Prey 1801-1861. Fascinating Stuff."

The Hawks laughed. Burstrum slapped Junther again. The disheveled Eagle stared out aghast at his scholar, his closest friend. Bloody tears weighed him down as he collapsed to his knees. His two restrainers complained at their sudden task. The one on Junther's right was dragged down with his Lord. The other just swore.

Burstrum drew a blade. "This is the End of Your Dynasty, Eagle..." He murmured half-dreamily, peering at the blade of his sword. The other Hawks gathered.

Junther burst with emotion, all life pouring out him. "Ysselde?" He half croaked again, half-blind with crimson tears.

The Owl put down her book suddenly, and peered over her shoulder. Her huge, round glasses couldn't hide the tear-filled eyes behind. She bit her beak.

"I'm sorry," she mouthed, "It's just politics and power and shit. I'm just so sorry..."

Behind her eyes, something smiled. It was going to work...

"...and you, Junther." finished Burstrum. His small-sword rose-high, then stabbed low into the prone Eagle. Junther didn't flinch, scarlet drops littering his white plumage. The other Hawks roared and joined in.

Junther buckled, the weight of everything bursting from within. Birdsong. "Ysselde!"

The world slowed down around him, the hawks turning grey and insubstantial. Burstrum's manic eyes turning into so many grains of sand in a breeze. The room faded away.

- -

It was just Junther and Ysselde within a swirling mass of emotion. Despair ran deep within it, matching the grey stone work. Ancient Voices rose through the blur as chorus, Grey faces of long dead Raptors, their memories as much part of this place as the "stonework". They sang as one, both enraged at death and enamoured with the emotions springing forth.

She stood up, tears falling onto her velvet dress to confront him. Talons clicked together fervently beneath long sleeves, cuffs tattered and stained.

You know what I want. She lilted at him, half-whispered.

Ysselde! Help Me! Junther roared, clouds of dissolving blood erupting from his pallid form

You know what I can do... A step forward
I am slain without your hand! He beckoned.

You know what I yearn for... Memories of time spent together pushed her onwards.

I will give you anything! He stared longingly, red falling down his beak.
No More Foolish Trinkets... She stroked his gifts of jewelery around her neck.
What I... I do not understand... His Confusion made hesitation roll through his song.

Their voices overlapped and swept over each other. The chorus lifted to a crescendo. She touched his cheek and whispered in his ear.

Your Heart.

Slowly Junther looked up. His blood stained eyes met her cold, tear-stained ones. Slowly, he opened his mouth.

You've had it all along.

- -

Something monstrous within her roared triumph.

Everything was falling into place.

Everything was paying off.

Still in the space between moments, she kissed him gingerly on the cheek, his sanguine tears staining her beak.

The Chorus silenced and waited for her to make her move. The spectral music faded. She stood up straight. Beak parted. Birdsong.

Look I'm Standing Defiant Before You...

But you want far more than my flesh... Added Junther. A sudden blast of pain from material blades came out as a scream.

I can love louder than that last scream... She leaned forward again...
But you can't claim Innocence... Another blast. Another scream. Gryphon! he exclaimed.

Will you be my tether? she asked.

Another blast. Gryphon! Why Do I suffer?

She leaned closer again, arms swept to embrace. If Love is Forever. Your Choice, Now or Never.

He looks into her a last time. I'll be Your Tether.

Arms wrap. Mouths meet, Shadows collide, moving jerkily and freely of their physical anchors.

Something slipped from within her Birdsong into Junther's throat. It slid down all barbs and screams. The Pain was unbearable, but his old friend's tongue was convincing him there were worse things.

She felt the Striikz leave her and enter Junther. Good. It would do him more good than harm. As long as she could keep her Patron pleased. A heart, a soul was needed now. Junther's was out of the question. That was hers.

The Chorus Breaks. The Grey Fades. The World rushes back as the ancestors fade away...

- -

Burstrum hadn't notice her get so close. He exclaimed, shrieking, and drew his blade high.

"Interfering, backstabbing bint! Feel my Wrath"

She looked up, her tongue still in Her Lord's mouth. Terrifying Owl eyes had little on the angered buzzard that was Burstrum's addled rage.

Still, he never saw the Talons.

His body snicker-snacked through the air, collapsing in a bent, red heap against the ancient wooden doors. It rolled around, arms loose and unresponsive, red gushing from it's throat, legs haphazard and wrong-wayed from impact.

The other Hawks stopped and stared. Junther unravelled himself from the ground and Ysselde. Two blades still stuck in him, as inconsequential as buttons on a jacket. He looked the same. Apart from his eyes. Blood red, with the impression of swirling liquid. He lifted his red hand to Ysselde's beak, who started sucking on his talons feverishly.

Burstrum rolled to face his Lord, laughing wetly through his throat. His hipflask had undone, spraying silver fluid, fast evaporating into the room.

"Ad-adventure," he croaked hoarsely, "I'm addicted to it. Got it from a Fa-Fa-Falc-Vulture. Gives you ide-deas. No f-fear. No p-pain. F-fu-fuck Y--"

"Language." Snapped Ysselde, inbetween licking fingers, turning to Junther. The Hawks stared at their risen, should-be-dead Lord with nothing but Terror, "You do not feel complete; Correct?"

When Junther spoke, there were two voices; His Own, proud and strong, and a foul whisper from somewhere very far above, as if it had taken a long time to get there.

"No. There is a void... here..." Junther touched the centre of his chest.

"Good," Ysselde gave one last suck, and let her Lord's fingers drop, "You deal with the upstart junky, I'll sort you out. Go on." she pushed him forward gingerly, briefly revelling in the feeling of his stained plumage beneath her talons.

The Hawks let their Duke pass. They stared dumbfounded, then dropped to their knees, bowing, their faces down. Junther reached Burstrum, and ably lifted his own huge sword from the ground.

"ad-Adventure protects me from your bl-bl-bloo-fuckin' sword" spat Burstrum, pathetic and un-ravelling fast.

"Really?" smiled the new, exhilarated Junther, scarlet eyes flashing, "well, lets see how it protects you..."

The Eagle pressed his thumbs against Burstrum's eyes.

"... from these..."

--

Ysselde ignored the gargled screams, biting her lip and undoing the neck of her dress. She was getting into this. The chamber was hot with violence and anger and blood. Her dress was hot. But things needed to be done before she could sate herself on what she had desired for years...

"You. Stayn." She grabbed the young Hawk by the shoulder and lifted him to his feet easily. He stank of fear, "What did the Duke ask you to do earlier?"

"Err.." The boy hesitated, Ysselde's hand taking his sword from his belt, "...Fall on my Blade, Ma'am?"

"Good. You remember." Ysselde smiled cruelly, turning the small blade around in her hand, "Do So."

With terrifying ease, she placed the blade at his groin, inserted it, and tore upwards. Stayn shook, life falling from him. The Wrath of Gryphon.

The other Falcons shook with Burstrum and Stayn's screams, but kept their low-bows. They knew their place.

Ysselde casually whistled, turning her torture into Birdsong. Lyrics emerged as she casually dropped the blade and started removing Stayn's bones from his gurgling, shrieking form, filleting him on the spot. More of her song.

I could just pretend that you love me
The night would lose all sense of fear
But why do I need you to love me?

Junther turned, red all up his beak, making him appear as some upstart Robin who had dressed in a hurry.

For I can be All that you hold Dear.

Ysselde beamed content, ignoring Stayn's death rattle, tearing his heart and glistening soul freely from his wet chest, dropping him to the floor. She payed no heed that Burstrum had stopped screaming too, replaced with a fading, whining gurgle.

Junther turned and rose, moving towards her. He flicked his wrist in the air. The Hawks rose, assembled as a group, and started chatting jovially, leaving the Chamber as a happy, if not squabbling bustle. They paid little heed to the numerous red stains on their clothes. They marched out, closing the great doors behind them.

Junther took his scholar in his arms, vermilion stains running into her velvet dress. They necked, her hands roaming his torso, leaving lines; his hands tearing her dress from the neck down. Together, they fed on the soul, sharing it between mouths. Ysselde chewed feverishly, Junther with furious great bites.

"How do you feel?" She asked seriously, inbetween kisses.

Junther paused to think, Ysselde leaving kisses down his chest.

"Alive" he said. She jumped at his mouth, leaving nothing between their bodies as she loosened and discarded what was left of her dress onto the floor.

"That Book you had," he broke kissing to address her, "Had you considered applying it's knowledge in physical practice?"

She grinned, a devilish dark smile, and dragged the Duke of Ashe back onto his throne...

--

What was left of Burstrum cried. He could move nothing. He could see little. Something twitched on the floor and went silent. Two figures (Fuckers!) engaged directly with each other. In the candle-light, he could see one had no shadow, and the other had two - one proud and tall, another monstrous and hunched, flickering and torn. The pain was getting too much to see. The Adventure was wearing off. He was sure the shock would eventually kill him. He swore their names in what noise he could make.

From the dark, narrow passage way, a tall hunched figure exited, huge talons scraping at already colossal gouges in the passage left by generations of Secretary wanderers. Grent moved silently despite his ungodly claws, the red around his small eyes making him seem far less awake than he ever was - stains littered his old grey robe-suite, torn and ragged, his hands clutching a small ragged book held close to his face, chuckling at it's pages. No-one had ever pointed out the book was upside-down. Grent knew the Eyrie's every passage and hole, and knew parts of the castle old enough that no-other winged had possibly ever seen them. These parts gave even the fearless old bird chills.

One talon landed on what was left of Burstrum. The hawk winced a burbling cry. the old Secretary looked down, staring pointedly at the mess below him.

"Ah." He enunciated slowly and deeply. "2167 Stained glass Windows Lord Accipter. Everyone accounted for. Just give me a moment to pass this report to..."

The old bird looked up, moments passing as it took in the fire-light scene in front of him, face unmoving.

"Ah. It seems the Duke and Advisor are busy discussing Personal Politic. Well, let's not burden them shall we. You appear as to be needing something of a rest, Lord Accipter. Let's find somewhere nice and secluded in the Catacombs, shall we?"

Burstrum gurgled an argument, but Grent simply took it as acceptance, carefully dragging the torn, twisted form into the caverns with him. Moments passed as they faded into the shadows.

"Oh. One thing, Lord Accipter?"

A groan of affirmation.

"Honk Honk."

Moaning trills faded into the passages. Slow, deep, cruel laughter was drowned out by cries of passion and union.

From it's place in The Eagle's shadow, The Striikz watched, all ragged edges and torn darkness. This was a good start.

- -

Outside the House of Ashe, Thunder Roared overhead. Thunder always roared overhead, outside the House of Ashe.

Possible Raptor: Sparrowhawk

SPARROWHAWK - Red fights Green. Wrath fights Wrath. Predators feed on both.
Their exact relations to the Raptors, Green & Red extremely shady, the Sparrowhawks are big game hunters and opportunistic killers - Hawks, Kites & Kestrels who have been amongst the enemy, living as them, killing as them. Hearts of darkness, bullets of cold indifference, these predators kill for little more than the thrill of death and personal score. Sparrowhawks treat hunting as a game, awarding a single point for a Rabble, an extra ten for an entire gang.
Among the Red, they hunt Green; Among the Green, they hunt Red.
They're not stupid, so hunting their allies within their own territory is always highly unlikely and morally stupid - although an aristocrat's patience with barbarian peasants can only be strained *so* far...
Robins and other Feral look at them with a terrified respect; studied murderers, who could easily turn their indifferent claws on you given half a reason.Their relationship with the Raptors is equally strained; they may be traitors, but at least their guns aren't aimed at *us*. They often serve as ambassadors between both, and promote healthy relations between the Noble Houses and the Forests. However, it is impossible to judge, push comes to shove, where their loyalties truly lie: with their blood, or the forest that enabled them to spill it so easily...

Possible Raptor: ?

<REDACTED> - There will come a time when the catacombs of House Raptor will call out to all those of the True, Noble Blood, and even the <REDACTED> of <REDACTED> will heed the call.
Truly Noble, adventurous, heroic, spirits of youth, the here & now, regarded by some to be the True Princes of The House Of Raptor. Creatures of <REDACTED> as opposed to Nightmare, they are more likely to dive straight into turmoil regardless of the violence, simply knowing the sadness and destruction that would be caused by their inaction. More willing to follow an Osprey than hunt with a Hawk, to listen to a Merlin than an Owl, and aid a Secretary than duel a Buzzard. Eagles see them as honourable and determined, ensuring that these Iconoclasts stay around, even if they are popularly seen as "foreign, distant cousins".
<REDACTED> find, like Secretaries, they have some connection to the very foundations of the House of Raptor, compelled to stoop and dive into the catacombs and uncover their secrets.
Much like their <REDACTED> Compatriots, <REDACTED> still see themselves purely as male, although their new Raptor family are far more likely to make sure these new ladies act lady-like...

Possible Raptor: Eagle Owl

EAGLE OWL - Commonly either the offspring of an Eagle & Owl, or an Owl that has elevated their standing to Full Domination, Eagle Owls are much like the other Kings of the Raptors. Level-headed, armoured swordsmen, with a commanding presence. Unlike Eagles however, these Kings still have their kins' keen eye for mysticism. Omens, portents and auras are likely to change an Eagle Owl's mind on subjects of politics, war, or even fashion & romance. Superstitious is an understatement - to Eagle Owls, the melding of benevolence and mysticism results in a comprehensive care for any supernatural sign, and the luck, good or bad, it will bring to them or their people.
Elevated Owls are more likely to be, well, like Owls: shrewd, manipulative, yet competent and dangerous. The children of these strange pairings are more likely to take after the Eagle: strong, noble, fearless.

Possible Raptor: Merlin

MERLINS - When the <REDACTED> heed the call to come to the House Of Raptor, so will also come The Merlins. Friendly & Earthy (while still knowing their place at the top of the Food Chain), if Owls are looking up at the Stars, Merlins are looking down at The Roots: Hedge Wizards to Owls' Arcanists. Owls practice Alchemy, Merlins Herbalism; Owls Astrology, Merlins Palm Reading; Owls in Curses, Merlins in Remedies. Superstitious like their lofty aquintances, Merlins are far more likely to sprinkle a circle of protection than invoke the power of a dark god.
Never quite as respected as the Owl Scholars, Merlins are more likely to be Nurses, Nannies, Ladies-In-Waiting, Tutors or, in some cases, specifically Seers to counterpoint, or second, the Owls' view.
Benevolent and learned, while still potentially cruel and self-righteous, Merlins are often companions to the "less horrid" side of the Raptor family, along with Ospreys, <REDACTED>, (Some) Secretaries and (Some) Eagles.
Merlins are often placed in charge of less-Regal Raptor ceremonies - Namings, Marriages, etc. They delight in match-making and courtship, enjoying the fluctuations and heart aches almost as much as the young Raptors involved.A

Possible Raptor: Predators

PREDATOR - Sometimes the call of cruelty appeals to a Winged whose domain is uasually calmer. Predatory Winged are those who have fled their homes toi become subservient to the House of Raptor. Although commonly treated as serfs, it is klnown for Raptors to eventually "accept" their cruel bretheren as peers, especially after proving themselves, displaying utmost heartlessness, or passing some clandestine initiation. Predatory Winged often hold a similar position to that which they did in their hoime, but now as a subservient to an Owl or Buzzard.

New Xenos: Harpies

HARPIES - Raptors refuse to accept the truth: Harpies are Eagles, big, proud, ruthless, just, overseeing Eagles. But they are Xenos: Bright, Monochromatic, strange, alien Xenos. So there are far too many questions to be asked, far more questions than simply snubbing them.

Simply put, Harpies are Amazons, big proud unstoppable female warriors and heroic adventurers skilled in axe & bow. Descending from heights, screaming their terrifying warcries and divebombing their prey amid a shower of arrows. To see them in action, you would be forgiven for thinking that they are matriarchal like Moorhens, but it's simply true that their culture is different to ours. Woman are warriors, while men raise the young, teach, record history and cook. Harpies take their gender balance very seriously, with monogamous relationships paired as early as possible: when they reach age, Men must woo their bride with sensitivity and intelligence, while women prove their dexterity strength, stamina & wisdom, usually felling some hideous beast.
Yet still, they are definetly Raptors, Eagles even: they are very fair, charismatic, caring, prone to defending their family & culture with their lives. Whatever links this means, if any, between the Raptors & Xenos can only be speculated...

Cotery: House Of Raptor

The Ancient And Most Noble House Of Raptor claim to be the oldest, if not first Coterie - back when the world was naught but blood and fear. The Birds of Prey are the bitter nobles of the Dreaming - old blood, angry, and close to losing their temperament at any moment. In Ancient times, The Raptors were the law-keepers and rulers of the Winged, making sure each Coterie had it's fair share. Aeons of infighting, back-stabbing, familial disputes, fractured alliances and scattered, un-communicative Eyries have resulted in The Raptors being seen as mostly stuffy, old-accustomed madmen - lethal nigh-uncontrollable madmen, but madmen none-the-less.

An Eyrie takes the form of a twisted castle upon a ruined mountaintop, all thunder and lightning. Eyries are supposedly not simply ancient, but truly primordial - castles and structures whose lower levels and deepest catacombs only scratch the age and monstrosity of these great monuments to Fear. Supposedly ancient things dwell in the deeper levels, tunnels and caves set into the Dream where only the most wayward subconscious may walk. The truths of such rumours are only known by the most stalwart and unyielding of Secretaries, and even they're not talking.

The Raptors succor Fear, human or otherwise, and thrive off it's heady resonance. Rumours abound that Raptors worship old and terrible patrons: The Gryphon, a bloodthirsty abomination of claws and hunger is often whispered in hushed tones after being spotted in Gold on an Eagle's shield.

Following the Second Parliament of The New Age, House Raptor have begun to kindly accept the deceased Lost into their number. Perished Souls who were never sent to their Patron, these Lost have escaped, and some still "live" inside a colossal Gilded Cage at the center of The Dream (previously, within the Abyss). Although many are warlike and hateful of their living descendants, many more simply want to exist outside of confinement, and The House of Raptor have given them that blessing.

5 Principles of The Raptors

• Family 
• Honour 
• Respect 
• History 
• Superiority 

The Raptors are heavily inspired by the nigh-uncontrollable nobles of Austen-era novels, the twisted genealogy of Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast, and Vampires in general.
Raptors can be played as creepy Gothic-Novel Nobles, Barely-restrained monster-savages, Highly-Honourable Knights In Armour or even as a Roman-Style Senate.

Raptor Bird-Song is, in my head, a mix of medieval ballads, Phantom Of The Opera, and Dio-esque Power Metal.

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Information on the many Lost allies of House raptor can be found on their own page.

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Hawks

Hawks are the minor nobles - learned, honorable and gruff, they are still only a hair's breadth from losing their cool at all times. Hawks relieve their anger by taking it out on lower peons, either verbally or beating them about with their swords. Hawks mostly serve as companions, attendants or guards for an Owl or Eagle, although all burn with a need to complete personal quests and fulfillment. Hawks are not evil, but bad-tempered, bureaucratic, officious and callous.
Hawks often wear old suits laden with dubious stains, or ancient military regalia. Hawks often carry swords or rapiers, though some prefer their Raptor Talons.
Hawks carry a grudge, or a friendship, for a long time.

Type: Pawn.
FacePaint: Brown on Nose
Plumage: Brown
Beak: Curved Brown
Emotion: Nightmares

Inspirations: Steerpike (Gormenghast), Brutus (Julius Caesar), Lancelot (Arthurian), the Vampire Lestat, Heathcliff.
Oppurtunities: Duellist, Herald, Professional Antagonist, Panderer, Slave Driver
Qualities: Fearfulism, Armoured, Swordsman

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Kestrels

Kestrels are natural outdoorsmen, hunters and "recreational hikers" with the air and demeanour of a country lord. Level-headed and calm compared to Hawks, Kestrels only lose their temper over territory, something they are very quick to establish off-the-cuff rules and regulations for. It is not uncommon for a Kestrel to name a chair his own or a small area of the room his Cotery's, and instantly start breathing through his nose and grinding his teeth the moment a Rabble or Duck crosses that imaginary line. Kestrels are not necessarily Cruel, but stalk with a lofty air around the Parliament, casually discussing Cotery politics with Hawks or leisurely yet cruelly dissecting a Raven's art piece, all while reloading their Rifle. Kestrels have a love-hate relationship with The Green, especially Robins, who they see as both evident Prey and capable, if not superior rivals.
Kestrels favour sensible outdoors-wear; cloth-caps, tweed-jackets, jhodpurs, hunting-regalia and sensible boots. Although some favour swords, Kestrels are very fond of Rifles, and some "even more traditional" Kestrels favour Bows. Many Kestrels enjoy the feel of a Bugle at their hip.

Type: Pawn.
Plumage: White and Brown
FacePaint: Brown Nose
Beak: Curved Brown or Yellow

Emotion: Nightmares
Oppurtunities: Hunters, Country Nobles, Snipers, Art Critics, Torturers, Chefs
Qualities: Fearfulism, Hardy, Rifleman

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Kites

Kites are much like Kestrels - Proud, Distinguished, Patient, Cynical and Cutting. However, unlike most of the other Raptors, who are born and created within screams of constant, foreboding Terror, Kites are born only when Raptor Coteries stray too close to Green territory, and are thus created within Wrath. Utterly humourless and without pity, Kites are constantly shaking with a cold, underlying hatred rather than simple, haughty contempt - a Kite is easily angered, and will bear a grudge with a lifelong, searing vow to destroy anything in his path to venerating himself. Like Kestrels, Kite prefer ranged weapons, in this case favouring bows. A Kite's lack of humour is often a joke in itself amongst other Raptors, resulting in some Kites being given such ironic jobs as jesters and masters of ceremonies in polite company - Secretaries think it particularly hilarious to watch a Kite go from icy neutrality at the joke's exposition to fuming rage by the punchline.
Kites favour practical clothes, close to their Green origins - Robes, Hoods, Tunics. Some where leathers and chain. They are exceptionally proficient with robins, who respect and hate them for what they are.

Type: Pawn
Plumage: Red / Brown
MakeUp: Brown Nose, Shadows around Eyes
Beak: Curved Brown or Yellow

Emotion: Wrath
Inspirations: Every Stoney-Eyed, Dead-Pan Sniper. Ever.
Oppurtunities: Hunters, Snipers, Torturers, "Jesters", Scouts, Spies
Qualities: Fearfulism, Quick, Bowman

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Ospreys

Osprey are not popular with many Raptors. True, Kites may be as equally outsiders, with their Wrathful Origins, but at least they are not so... inquisitive as Ospreys. Ospreys are much like Hawks, except they were born when the Raptor Cotery strayed close to the proximity of The Tumult, The Sea of Emotion which is the bounty of The WaveFarers. Thus, Ospreys are born full of Adventure, but not in the swashbuckling, name-taking fashion of Hawks or the tireless, hardworking fashion of Cormorants - Ospreys are instead interested in Mysteries. Locating them, decyphering them, fighting them. And when your home is an aeons old Tower built on cthonic catacombs beyond either living memory or written history, that's a lot of Mystery to get involved in.
Unfortunately, when your fellow family are Arcane Scholars, Back-Stabbing Courtiers and Noble Kings, invading their private rooms when you're on the trail of "The Mystery of Where All Those Dreams Of Spiders Are Going" or "The Mystery Of That Horrifying Scream" and trying to get them to join in in your most chirpy, excitable voice may get on their wick slightly. As such, Ospreys are often given either menial tasks or fools errands to keep them occupied. However, Secretaries find Ospreys and their inquisitive minds fascinating, and the two Winged work very well together - investigating and exploring the Cotery's endless ageless Catacombs; standing by their Eagle, and keeping a clear head as he berates the Owls, Hawks and kestrels for their mindless bickering; or maybe just sharing a laugh playing pranks on easily wound-up targets.
Ospreys are youthful, energetic and inquisitive. Young, brash Lords and Ladies determined to get answers and have a good time getting them. They wear similar clothes to Hawks: practical shirts and waistcoats, shifts and skirts, but without the stains and marks of uncaring. An Osprey carries a sword, just in case their latest Mystery ends up being a Thrilling Duel To The Death Instead. They sometimes carry pockets of Interesting Things, taken from previous mysteries - Trophies of their successes.

Type: Pawn
Plumage: White/White+Brown
MakeUp: Yellow Nose
Beak: Curved Yellow

Emotion: Adventure
Inspirations: Young Heroes in Gothic Novels, Young Titus (Gormenghast), Every Narnia Boy or Girl
Oppurtunities: Errand Boy, "Spy", Investigator, Runner, Detective, Interrogator, Liason

Qualities: Stalwart , Quick, Swordsman

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Predators



Sometimes the call of cruelty appeals to a Winged whose domain is usually calmer. Predatory Winged are those who have fled their homes to become subservient to the House of Raptor. Although commonly treated as serfs, it is known for Raptors to eventually "accept" their cruel bretheren as peers, especially after proving themselves, displaying utmost heartlessness, or passing some clandestine initiation. Predatory Winged often hold a similar position to that which they did in their home, but now as a subservient to an Owl or Buzzard.


Type: Pawn
Plumage: (Based on Previous Winged)
MakeUp: (Based on Previous Winged)
Beak: (Based on Previous Winged)
Emotion: Nightmare
Qualities: Swordsman, Fearfulism, One more based on previous Winged

The Phys-repping for Predators is based on the kind of Feral bird you are, and which Coterie you fled from. Please ask and think sensibly about which kind of Predator Winged you can play.


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Secretary Birds


Secretaries are strange, hunched, palid Raptors, with a reputation for skulking, stalking, and generally sneaking around Raptor Eyries with an air of Ancient and Wrong about them. Secretaries are cosnidred strange even by Raptor standards, seen as "old family friends" who no-one has told to "go away" yet. They exhibit very weird behaviour; often skulking in the shadows and walking the labyrinthine, never-explored catacombs and secret passages of the Raptor Eyries, Secretaries seem to very much enjoy not-quite-cruel, totally-immature tricks like stalking behind an unsuspecting Hawk to frighten him or putting things in an Eagle's drink. Eagles find this very endearing and treat the ancient Secretaries with great respect, as they are natural historians and librarians, good at gathering both papers and whispers around them - Owls even tolerate the palid weirdoes, looking down on their childish humour but respecting their great and ancient memories. Eagles often use Secretaries as Valets and Personal Aides, and an upset secretary will fight for an Eagle's life to the death.
Secretaries wear ancient, dusty suits that went out of fashion decades ago, and dresses of unrecognisable style - they are quite oblivious to the fact their fashioon sense is out of date, and often think they are the height of chic. Secretaries sometimes carry old swords or daggers, but most rely on their Raptor Talons.

Type: Knight
Plumage: White with Red or Black "Quills"
FacePaint: Red around Eyes
Beak: Curved White

Emotion: Nightmares
Inspiration: Orlok (Nosferatu), Uncle Fester and Lurch, Igor and Nanny (Duckula)
Oppurtunities: Bodyguard, Steward, Valet, Personal Aide, Overseer, Mobile Terror Monolith, Prankster
Qualities: Talloned, Reaverist, Fearfulism, Hardy, Hardier

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Buzzards




Buzzards are simply the Hawks (and sometimes Ospreys, Kites & Kestrels) who have risen up the ranks and social strata of mediocrity & prejudice to become the Eagle's personal right hand man: Assassins, Duellists, Judicial Champions, Spokespersons. Buzzards are the Eagle's mouthpiece & Sword-hand: less spiritually calculating than The Owls, less personally dependable than The Secretaries, but far, far more importanjt, influential, and deadly than Hawks. Buzzards have tasted Wrath & Violence, and know the heady power it brings: the crimson stain on their sharp lips is permanent.

Type: Knight
FacePaint: Brown on Nose, Red on Lips
Plumage: Brown
Beak: Curved Brown
Emotion: NightmaresInspirations: Steerpike (Gormenghast), Brutus (Julius Caesar), Lancelot (Arthurian), the Vampire Lestat, Heathcliff.
Oppurtunities: Duellist, Herald, Professional Antagonist, Panderer, Slave Driver, Judicial Champion, Executioner.
Qualities: Fearfulism, Armoured, Swordsman, Hardy, Sabruer

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Falcons

There will come a time when the catacombs of House Raptor will call out to all those of the True, Noble Blood, and even the Falcons of The Fading Eye will heed the call.
Truly Noble, adventurous, heroic, spirits of youth, the here & now, regarded by some to be the True Princes of The House Of Raptor. Creatures of Despair as opposed to Nightmare, they are more likely to dive straight into turmoil regardless of the violence, simply knowing the sadness and destruction that would be caused by their inaction. More willing to follow an Osprey than hunt with a Hawk, to listen to a Merlin than an Owl, and aid a Secretary than duel a Buzzard. Eagles see them as honourable and determined, ensuring that these Iconoclasts stay around, even if they are popularly seen as "foreign, distant cousins".
Falcons find, like Secretaries, they have some connection to the very foundations of the House of Raptor, compelled to stoop and dive into the catacombs and uncover their secrets.
Much like their Fading Eye Compatriots, Falcons still see themselves purely as male, although their new Raptor family are far more likely to make sure these new ladies act lady-like...

Type: Knight
Plumage: White or Brown
FacePaint: Blue Flames around eyes. Heavy eye make-up.
Beak: Curved White

Emotion: Despair
Inspirations: Horus (Duh), Imhotep (The Mummy), Arab Princes, Mowgli (The Jungle Book), Darth Vader
Oppurtunities: Paladin, Blackguard, Weapon of Divine Wrath, Child-Like Saviour
Qualities: Swordsman, Duellist, Fancy, Fancier, Hardy

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Owls

Owls are true monsters - visibly monstrous and ever-watching, superfluously scholarly and hard-studying. Owls are famous for critiquing and preying on lesser beings to fulfil their own needs for superiority. An angered owl is a site to behold, or flee from - all claws, ruffled feathers, spitting bile and rhetoric. Owls have a reputation for studying deeper and harder than most - rumours of knowledges never-meant-to-be-learned are not uncommon. Owls are trusted deeply by their Eagles, despite what others think of them - no-one is sure if this some sinister grip the Owls have over their Lords, or some long blood bond of trust between them
Owls often wear old, fancy suits, long since forgotten to be cared for, or tattered academic robes. Owls carry small knives for letting of blood, as well as their Raptor Talons.

Type: Bishop
Plumage: Brown or White
FacePaint: Brown or White around Eyes
Beak: Small

Emotion: Nightmares
Inspirations: The Mad Arab (Cthulu) , Moriarty, Uriah Heep (David Copperfield), Elsbeth Batthory
Oppurtunities: Scholar, Personal Priest, Alchemist, Metaphysical Cartographer, All Powerful Sorceror, Supervillain
Qualities: Knifesman, Fearfulism

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Merlins

When the Falcons heed the call to come to the House Of Raptor, so will also come The Merlins. Friendly & Earthy (while still knowing their place at the top of the Food Chain), if Owls are looking up at the Stars, Merlins are looking down at The Roots: Hedge Wizards to Owls' Arcanists. Owls practice Alchemy, Merlins Herbalism; Owls Astrology, Merlins Palm Reading; Owls in Curses, Merlins in Remedies. Superstitious like their lofty aquintances, Merlins are far more likely to sprinkle a circle of protection than invoke the power of a dark god.
Never quite as respected as the Owl Scholars, Merlins are more likely to be Nurses, Nannies, Ladies-In-Waiting, Tutors or, in some cases, specifically Seers to counterpoint, or second, the Owls' view.
Benevolent and learned, while still potentially cruel and self-righteous, Merlins are often companions to the "less horrid" side of the Raptor family, along with Ospreys, Falcons, (Some) Secretaries and (Some) Eagles.
Merlins are often placed in charge of less-Regal Raptor ceremonies - Namings, Marriages, etc. They delight in match-making and courtship, enjoying the fluctuations and heart aches almost as much as the young Raptors involved.

Type: Knight
Plumage: White or Brown
FacePaint: Brown speckles around eyes and cheeks
Beak: Curved White
Emotion: Despair
Oppurtunities: Witches, Hedge Magicians, Apothecaries, Ladies In Waiting
Qualities: Barbrisier, Emotionallist

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Eagles

Eagles are the Kings of The Raptors. Strong, resolute, calm and inspiring, Eagles throw the other Raptors into sharp relief. Often seen in armour wielding huge family swords, Eagles can often end an argument simply by attending. When an Eagle speaks, it is commanding, measured, elegant and powerful. When they sing, even more so. Rumours of Older, ancient Eagles, lost to their inner-rage, all gore-stained, feral and without language, are used to keep chicks in cots at night, although no source has ever proved these tales right. And if any source were to appear, it would surely be denied by the Most Noble And Ancient House, no?
Eagles often wear fancy military regalia, complete with weaponry, or full, old armour, well cared for and perfect. Eagles often carry sword and shield, but some favour huge zweihander swords or battleaxes, along with their Raptor Talons.

Type: King
Plumage: Brown / White
FacePaint: White on Forehead, Yellow on Nose
Beak: Large Curved Yellow

Emotion: Nightmares
Inspirations: Julius Caesar, King Arthur, Dracula, Vlad The Impaler, Genghis Khan
Oppurtunities: Politician, Warleader, Paladin, Divine Champion, Berserker, Savage Noble, Blackguard
Qualities: Fearfulism, Armoured , Swordsman

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Eagle Owl



Commonly either the offspring of an Eagle & Owl, or an Owl that has elevated their standing to Full Domination, Eagle Owls are much like the other Kings of the Raptors. Level-headed, armoured swordsmen, with a commanding presence. Unlike Eagles however, these Kings still have their kins' keen eye for mysticism. Omens, portents and auras are likely to change an Eagle Owl's mind on subjects of politics, war, or even fashion & romance. Superstitious is an understatement - to Eagle Owls, the melding of benevolence and mysticism results in a comprehensive care for any supernatural sign, and the luck, good or bad, it will bring to them or their people.
Elevated Owls are more likely to be, well, like Owls: shrewd, manipulative, yet competent and dangerous. The children of these strange pairings are more likely to take after the Eagle: strong, noble, fearless.

Type: King
Plumage: Brown / White
FacePaint: White&Brown on Forehead, Yellow&Brown around eyes.
Beak: Large Curved Yellow

Emotion: Nightmares
Qualities: Fearfulism, Armoured , Swordsman