The Fall:
Kweevo's story begins in the skies above, where his Aarakocra tribe dwelled on floating islands. As a young hatchling, he was curious and adventurous, always eager to explore the world beyond. One fateful day, a violent storm struck, tearing through the floating islands with unrelenting force. The winds howled and lightning cracked, sending panic through the tribe. In the chaos, Kweevo was swept away by the tempest, plummeting from the skies. The fall was long and terrifying, leaving him with a deep fear of heights that would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Adoption by the Hollowers:
Kweevo's unconscious body was discovered by a tribe of forest-dwelling humans known as the Hollowers. They lived in a secluded village called Greenwood Hollow, a place hidden deep within an ancient forest. The Hollowers were a nurturing and close-knit community, and they took the injured Kweevo in, nursing him back to health. Despite being different from them, the Hollowers treated Kweevo as one of their own, raising him with kindness and care. He grew up learning their ways, becoming skilled in tracking and survival, and forming close bonds with his adoptive family and friends.

Encounter with the Hag:
When Kweevo was 17, his life took another drastic turn. One day, he encountered a being that appeared to be another Aarakocra. This stranger seemed friendly and familiar, sparking a sense of kinship in Kweevo. However, the stranger was actually a hag in disguise. She lured Kweevo deep into the forest, away from the safety of Greenwood Hollow. The hag trapped him in an abandoned elven magic school, a place of silence and decay. There, she cursed him, inflicting him with a dark magic that altered his very being. The curse brought with it voices in his head, each representing different aspects of his personality, and made him violent and unpredictable.

Departure from Greenwood Hollow:
As the curse took its toll, Kweevo became more reckless and unstable. His once close-knit relationship with the Hollowers began to fray, particularly with his best friend and cousin, Foxface. Foxface, seeing the danger Kweevo's presence posed to the village, made the difficult decision to confront him. In a heart-wrenching confrontation, Foxface told Kweevo that he could no longer stay in Greenwood Hollow until he found a way to control or lift the curse. The decision was made out of love and concern, but it left Kweevo feeling betrayed and heartbroken.

Determined to find a cure and prove himself, Kweevo gathered his belongings, including his journal, herbs, and collections, and mounted his pony. With a heavy heart, he left the village that had been his home for most of his life, vowing to return once he had overcome the curse that had brought so much turmoil to his life.

The forest was my world, a verdant cradle where the Hollowers nurtured me. Their hands, rough and kind, shaped my existence. The rhythm of our lives was simple, a dance with the sun and the earth. But that changed when a flash of color pierced the green canopy.

A creature of sky and wind, a being of my kind, soared above the trees. A surge of hope and longing filled me. I was not alone. Without a second thought, I chased after the fleeting vision, my feet pounding against the forest floor. The world blurred into a green tunnel as I pursued the phantom.

Then, the forest turned against me. The trees, once familiar friends, became a labyrinth of shadows. Panic clawed at my mind as I stumbled through the undergrowth. When I finally emerged from the suffocating greenery, the sky was empty, and I was lost.

Alone and disoriented, I wandered, my mind a tempest of fear and confusion. It was then that I noticed the pattern, the incessant scribbling in my notebook. A symbol, repeated endlessly, a meaningless mantra born of desperation.

Days turned into a blur of survival. The forest, once a comforting embrace, became a hostile enemy. When hope dwindled to a flicker, I stumbled upon a place of stone and shadow. A forgotten sanctuary, hidden deep within the woods. As I drew closer, a sense of familiarity washed over me. The symbol I'd been etching into my notebook was etched into the stone above the grand entrance.

A thrill of hope ignited within me. This was a place of power, a refuge for my kind. With cautious steps, I entered. The interior was a testament to forgotten grandeur. Dust-covered books lined the walls, their pages whispering secrets. And then, the darkness fell.

A creature of shadow emerged, its form twisted and inhuman. Fear, cold and primal, consumed me as I fought for survival. When the battle ended, I was alone, injured, and marked. The hag's curse was a brand upon my soul, a constant companion in the shadows of my mind.

The women of greenwood hollow are the lifeblood of the village. Their roles extended far beyong gathering and herbalism. They are the keepers of tradition, healers, teachers, and spiritual guides.

-Cores Roles-

-Gatherer: * primary role * collect food, medicine, herbs, etc.

-Herbalist/Healer: *treat injuries and illnesses

-Shaman: * Royal blood *spiritual leader *communicate w/ spirits, rituals, and guidance

-Educator: *teach young about the forest, herbalism, and traditions.

-Social Leader: *Maintain social cohesion, resolve disputes, and support

Additional Roles

-Wife/Mother: *Raise children, support husbands

-Craftswoman: *pottery, weaving, leatherworking, etc.

-Storyteller: *preserve history and culture


A Day In the Life of a Hollower Woman

Morning

-Collect water, tend to communal hearth, and prepare breakfast.

-Identifying, harvesting, and drying various herbs for herbal preparations.

-Ensure younger generation is fed, clothed, and safe while their parents work.

Mid Morning to Afternoon

-Gather food and herbs with the children. (Talking is required so everyone knows where everyone is)

-Crafting + house care (weaving, preparing meals and taking care of the house)

-Personal reflections and other spiritual practices.

Late Afternoon to Evening

-Community Gathering. (gather in village center to bond and have the last meal of the day)

Primary Roles

-Hunter: *provide meat and protection

-Fishermen: *provide fish

-Traders: *Exchange goods and interact w/ the outside world

-Craftsmen: *craft tools, weapons, etc.

Secondary Roles

-Farmers: *Raise livestock (Chickens, goats, and rabbits)

-Builders: *Construct Buildings and Repair them.

A Day in the life of a Hollower Man

Morning

-Physical Prep (physical exertion)

-Communal tasks like village defenses.

Midmorning to Afternoon

-Specialized Tasks like their jobs or roles.

-Crafting tools, etc.

Late Afternoon to Evening

-Community gathering.

-Training to hone their skills.

Link to More Info

Appearance: Aarakocra are avian humanoids with a distinctive bird-like appearance. They have feathered bodies, a beak, and large, powerful wings. Their feathers vary in color depending on their specific subtypes.

Wings: Natural flight is a defining feature, though Kweevo has a trauma-related aversion to using his wings.

Size: Generally tall and lean, built for both flight and agility

Cultural Background:

Life on Floating Islands: Aarakocra typically live on floating islands high above the ground. Their societies are often organized around communal living, with a focus on harmony with nature and spiritual practices related to the skies and the elements.

Social Structure: They have a structured society with roles assigned based on skill and hierarchy. They value freedom and have a strong connection to their avian heritage.

Traditions: Their traditions include sky rituals, aerial dances, and ceremonies related to flight and the weather. Their culture places great importance on the ability to soar through the skies and maintain a close bond with the elements.

Abilities:

Natural Flight: Aarakocra are born with the ability to fly, which is central to their way of life and survival. This ability is a major aspect of their identity and culture.

Enhanced Senses: They have keen eyesight and hearing, traits essential for navigating their high-altitude homes and hunting.

Adaptations: Their physical form is adapted to life in the air, including strong muscles for flight and agile reflexes.

Link to More Info

Physical Traits:

Appearance: Groove-Billed Anis are medium-sized birds with a robust build, featuring a distinctive groove-shaped bill. They have dark plumage, often with a contrasting lighter belly.

Overall Health: Kweevo is generally in a state of flux, fluctuating between moments of relative stability and periods of significant distress due to his curse. His physical health is impacted by his mental state, which can exacerbate his symptoms and overall well-being.

Physical Traits: He has a tall, cryptid-like appearance, with glowing tattoos and designs that cover his feathers. These tattoos, a result of his curse, glow when he uses magic and add to his eerie, unsettling presence.

2. Injuries

Past Injuries: Kweevo’s past trauma includes injuries sustained during his encounter with the hag in the abandoned elven magic school. These injuries left lasting marks and contribute to his current state of physical and mental distress.
Current Condition: Although not physically debilitated, Kweevo’s curse manifests in ways that affect his daily life. He may experience fatigue, pain, or discomfort related to his curse, especially when using his magic.

3. Disabilities

Flight Trauma: Kweevo has a significant psychological barrier preventing him from using his wings to fly. The trauma from his fall has left him with a fear of heights, making him avoid flying entirely.
Physical Limitations: Due to the curse, Kweevo’s abilities can be unpredictable. He might experience physical limitations related to his magic, such as difficulty controlling spells or occasional physical weakness.

1. Anxiety

Triggers: Kweevo experiences high levels of anxiety, particularly when he is alone or in stressful situations. His fear of heights, curses, and the pressure of his past traumas contribute to his anxiety.
Behavioral Impact: His anxiety often manifests as restlessness, irritability, and withdrawal from social interactions. He may struggle with trusting others and has a tendency to isolate himself when overwhelmed.

2. PTSD

Symptoms: Kweevo shows symptoms consistent with PTSD, including flashbacks, heightened startle responses, and intrusive memories related to his fall and the curse. The trauma of his past often resurfaces in his thoughts and reactions.
Manifestations: He may experience nightmares, severe distress, and emotional numbness related to his past experiences. The voices in his head are a significant aspect of his PTSD, representing various conflicting parts of his psyche.

3. Effects of the Curse

Voices in His Head: The curse manifests as multiple voices in Kweevo’s head, each representing different facets of his inner turmoil. These voices might include:

↟ The Voice of Despair: Tells him he should give up and that he’s failing everyone.

↟ The Voice of Hope: Encourages him to keep searching and fighting for his loved ones.

↟ The Voice of Self-Doubt: Insinuates that he’s not worthy or capable of achieving anything.

Emotional Turmoil: The voices contribute to Kweevo’s sense of isolation and confusion. They make it difficult for him to find inner peace and contribute to his overall mental distress.

1. Daily Habits

Morning: Kweevo starts his day by meticulously checking his collection of bottles, ensuring all herbs and tiny creatures are accounted for. He often spends time in solitude, sketching or observing birds to calm his mind and find inspiration.

Midday: He engages in magical practices, particularly adjuration magic, which helps him manage his curse and stay connected to his power. He may also go foraging or tracking in the forest, honing his survival skills.

Evening: Kweevo usually spends his evenings reviewing his journal and recording his thoughts or observations. He might also practice his flight attempts in secret, driven by his desire to overcome his fear.

2. Rituals

Nightly Ritual: Before sleeping, Kweevo performs a ritual where he carefully arranges his scrolls, journal, and potion bottles. This ritual helps him feel grounded and organized amidst his inner chaos.

Magical Practice: Regularly, he dedicates time to practicing his adjuration magic, which involves specific incantations and gestures. This ritualistic practice is both a way to control his curse and a method of connecting with his magical abilities.

Connection to the Forest: Kweevo occasionally visits a secluded spot in the forest where he feels a connection to his adoptive mother, Mahala. He might leave small offerings of herbs or draw symbols in the dirt as part of this ritual.

1. Specific Behaviors

Fidgeting: Kweevo often fidgets with his feathers or adjusts his belt bag when nervous or deep in thought. This is a subconscious way for him to manage anxiety.

Protective Gestures: He instinctively places a hand over his chest or clutches his journal when feeling threatened or vulnerable, as a protective gesture.

2. Speech Patterns

Gravelly Voice: Kweevo’s voice is low and gravelly, with a tone that reflects his discontent and inner turmoil. It may sound harsh or intimidating to others.

Short and Abrupt: His speech tends to be short and abrupt, often reflecting his grumpy demeanor and reluctance to engage in lengthy conversations.

Mutters to Himself: When stressed or alone, he mutters to himself in a mix of Aarakocra and common languages, expressing frustration or working through his thoughts.

1. Obsession with the Number 4

Symbolic Significance: The number 4 holds significant symbolic meaning for Kweevo. It represents the four days he lost, the four walls in the chamber where he fought, and his obsession with these details helps him cope with his trauma.

Daily Interactions: He might find himself drawn to objects or patterns involving the number 4 and frequently mentions it in conversations or thoughts, reflecting its importance in his life.

2. Specific Fears

Fear of Heights: The trauma from his fall has left him with a profound fear of heights. He avoids flying and has a general anxiety about elevated places.

Fear of Old Women: Kweevo is scared of elderly women, a direct result of his traumatic encounter with the hag. This fear can cause him to act irrationally or avoid situations involving older female figures.

3. Quirks

Collects Shiny Objects and Rocks: Kweevo has a habit of collecting shiny objects and interesting rocks, which he keeps in his bag or displays in his living space. These collections provide him with a sense of comfort and distraction.

Draws and Observes Birds: He keeps a journal filled with sketches and notes about birds, particularly aarakocra. He tries to mimic their behaviors and flight patterns, often practicing in secret.

Exmoor Pony Mount

Worms