Author Note: I was maybe 12 or 13 reading my beloved Dragon magazine. There was a in magazine adventure and introduction of a wing raced of humanoids and I was mesmerized by the idea of such.

I assume the writer of the article was also influenced (as I was) by the recently released and completely underrated Flash Gordon movie that also featured a race of winged humanoids, known appropriately as the Hawkmen, led by the bombastic Brian Blessed.

“Oh well, who wants to live forever?” he would ask as he leads his Hawkmen in battle against Emperor Ming’s armada. I would go to repeat that line a thousand times over.

I played the characters several times, but when I saw nothing else about them, I went back to my human and dwarf warriors and their battle axes.

This is my attempt to pay homage to that Dragon article, the amazing Hawkmen, and an idea that never left me.

Table of Contents

Aerani: The Skyborn

Origin: Aerani are said to be born from the breath of the sky god, infused with the essence of the wind. They dwell on high mountain peaks and in secluded cliffside sanctuaries, rarely descending to the lower realms except in times of great need or curiosity.

Appearance: Aerani are slender and graceful, with elongated limbs and sharp, elegant features. Their most distinguishing trait is their large, feathered wings, which span twice their body height. The colors of their wings range from the purest whites and silvers to the darkest grays and midnight blues, often reflecting the skies of their homeland.

Culture: Aerani society is built around the concept of freedom and individuality, with a strong emphasis on aerial feats and mastery of the skies. They are ruled by a council of elders known as the “Windlords,” who are respected both for their wisdom and their prowess in flight. Aerani are also known for their sky dances and elaborate aerial rituals, which are both a form of worship and a celebration of their heritage.

Abilities:

• Flight: Aerani are naturally capable of flight thanks to their wings.
• Wind Manipulation: They can manipulate air currents around them, allowing for sudden gusts, buffering winds, or even temporary calm.
• Eagle-Eyed Vision: Their vision is exceptionally acute, particularly at great distances.
• Lightness of Being: Aerani have a natural ability to reduce their body density, making them incredibly agile both in the air and on the ground.

Interactions with Other Races: Aerani are generally peaceful but are wary of those who threaten their skies, and tend to avoid interacting with the humanoid races, finding them to be dangerous and unpredictable.

They have natural alliances with creatures and races that respect the air and freedom, such as griffins and air elementals. They can be fierce protectors against airborne threats, making them invaluable allies in battles against flying monsters or air-borne invasions.

Role in Adventures: Aerani can be noble allies, mysterious guides, or elusive quest givers in adventures. Their unique abilities make them excellent scouts or spies in campaigns that involve large-scale battles or exploration of vast, uncharted territories.

Island of Celestis: The Aerani Homeland

Location: Celestis is very mountainous island, located to the far north of the Arcane Islands archipelago and is often overlooked by the sailing ships as the sea currents steer the ships away from it. Its altitude and the mists that often shroud it make it a mysterious and elusive place for ground-bound races.

Geography: The island itself would be mountainous, with peaks that pierce the clouds and steep cliffs that are perfect for taking flight. The landscape is dotted with crystalline lakes and meandering streams that reflect the ever-changing sky above. Sparse forests of tall, slender trees sway in the constant breezes and serve as home to a variety of airborne creatures.

Features:

• Sky Temples: Ancient temples dedicated to the worship of air deities and celestial phenomena dot the landscape, serving as places of gathering and celebration for the Aerani.
• Wind Gardens: These are botanical gardens where the plants are cultivated not just for their beauty or scent, but for their ability to interact with the wind—creating natural symphonies of sound as the breezes pass through.
• Cloud Harbors: Safe havens where Aerani can land, rest, or socialize. These platforms float just above the island, tethered securely to the rocky outcrops.

Culture: Celestis would be the heart of Aerani civilization, reflecting their values of freedom, individuality, and mastery over the air. The architecture would be open and airy, with homes built to accommodate flight access and to hold up against the strong winds. Education and arts here would focus heavily on the mastery of aerial skills and the magical manipulation of air.

Economy: The economy might revolve around the trade of lightweight, high-value goods that can be easily transported by air, such as rare feathers, lightweight metals, or magical artifacts designed to control or harness the wind. They could also trade in knowledge and services related to airship construction and aerial navigation.

Governance: Governed by the Windlords, as previously mentioned, the island would operate under a council whose members are chosen based on their wisdom, experience, and ability to lead both in the skies and on the ground.

More to Follow…

Now sit back, relax and let your imagination run free…