The Ohrinthi are a race that originally inhabited Vesta, known for their speed, climbing prowess, and flight capabilities.
The Ohrinthi are reptilian-avian humanoids, possessing four digits and scaled skin that transitions into feathers. They have scaled crests on their heads with feathers sprouting from the back, giving the appearance of hair.
Their wings sprout from their upper backs and rest just above their large, feathered tails. These wings are large and powerful, spanning up to twice their body length when fully extended. The wing membranes are covered in small scales and feathers. Large talons extend from the ends of each wing, which they can use for gripping and climbing when not in flight.
Their forms are typically lean and muscular with strong legs, making them swift and agile on land and in the air. Their vibrant, iridescent plumage can range from deep blues and greens to fiery reds and golds. Their scales, which cover most of their body, have a sheen that complements their feathers. This race is known for its keen eyesight and flight ability.
Their eyes are large and expressive, with vertical slit pupils. They also have small, flexible ear openings that can rotate to pinpoint sounds.
The Ohrinthi can adapt to various climates by regulating their temperature. This physiological trait helps them maintain optimal body temperature across diverse environments.
The Ohrinthi benefit greatly from their reptilian-avian physiology. Their wings grant them flight, allowing them to soar through the skies with grace and agility. Their keen eyesight provides exceptional visual acuity, making them formidable hunters and scouts. Additionally, their scaled skin offers natural protection against minor injuries and environmental hazards.
The Ohrinthi also possess a unique ability to regulate their body temperature, allowing them to adapt to various climates with ease. This adaptation, combined with their flight capabilities, lets them thrive in diverse environments across different planets. Their heightened senses, particularly their acute hearing, make them excellent at detecting potential threats or prey from great distances.
Ohrinthine society is highly driven by a pursuit of freedom and a deep-seated curiosity for their environment. They are not often abstinent like with most Azal'qan societies or slow-living like the Hyot'tohr. Instead, freedom for the Ohrinthi means active engagement with the world and constant exploration. They express their liberty through flight, soaring through the skies, and adapting to the hardship of diverse environments.
They appreciate the interconnectedness of all things. Often the Ohrinthi will create structures or settlements that allow them to maximize their connection with both the earth and sky. Their settlements often feature elaborate networks of bridges, platforms, and aerial pathways that connect various levels, allowing them to move freely between different elevations. The city of Ilipth exemplifies this architectural philosophy, with its towering spires built into mountainsides and intricate aerial pathways that create a harmonious blend of natural and constructed elements.
The Ohrinthi have “sky clans”, each led by a respected elder who has demonstrated wisdom both in flight and on the ground.
Traditional attire is lightweight and aerodynamic. Garments often feature open backs or slits to accommodate their wings.
One notable cultural preservation is the tradition of Dawnriding, which originated on Vesta. Originally developed for navigation among the floating islands using magnetic winds, it has evolved into a competitive sport on Tempus using anti-gravity technology to recreate similar conditions.
A significant cultural tradition among the Ohrinthi is the Naming Ceremony. During this sacred ritual, clan elders carefully observe a newly hatched child, looking for distinctive physical traits, behavioral patterns, and potential abilities. Based on these observations, the elder determines what characteristics might define the child's future and selects a name that reflects these traits.
While the names are chosen to reflect potential characteristics, the naming system allows for flexibility to avoid repetition within clans. This creates a rich variety of unique names while maintaining the cultural significance of the naming tradition. The ceremony is seen as the first step in recognizing an individual's place within Ohrinthine society. For naming conventions, see Language.