Master Strigidae
Feb 17, 2019 5:55:52 GMT -4
Post by sesh on Feb 17, 2019 5:55:52 GMT -4
Name: Master Strigidae Frostnest Breezefather; "Striggy"; The North Wind
Species: Rito
Age: Ancient
Gender: Male
Physical Appearance:
The Master Rito greatly resembles a Great Horned Owl. He is not imposing physically, standing at just above a meter tall but appearing even shorter with a hunched posture. His wings are typically folded behind his back, resembling a hunchback in this form, though his wingspan is nearly twice is own height once they're spread. Much of the feathers on his body are a frosted chestnut color, with the plumage turning whiter the closer it reaches his scalp. His face is flushed with shorter, amber down, and a long, snowy mustache drapes a foot down either side of his jet black beak. Ruby red eyes of a bird of prey nest menacingly beneath his brow, constantly darting to and fro with unsettling awareness. Strigidae's hands and feet are adorned with bestial talons, which can be mostly retracted when the master wishes.
Striggy's clothing largely consists of flowing robes that brush the ground as he walks, often in hues of crimson, gold, and copper. Ancient runes are stitched as emblems into many such robes, though their meaning is known by few to none. An ornamental dagger dangles at the master's side, its purpose more ceremonial than anything else. Perhaps most noticeable is the walking staff always in hand: a twisted branch of the Deku tree that bears an opalescent glass as its crown. Any who catch sight of their reflection in the glass instantly suffer a powerful dose of deja vu, believing whatever they're doing to have happened a hundred times before. Worn charms are tied about the neck of the staff, their decrepit runes somewhat resembling those on Striggy's clothing.
Background:
It is said that in the beginning, when the three goddesses established the land, law, and life of Hyrule, the wise Nayru offered her breath unto the realm. She called this breath wind, and formed four brother birds as caretakers of her gift. Each was tasked to a cardinal direction, quartering Hyrule into their given territory. Many moons passed and each brother did their job perfectly, maintaining balance throughout the world. However, the South Wind was not content with what he had, and proclaimed he was the greatest of the four. He subjugated the West Wind through deception, and dealt war to the East. The North Wind turned a blind eye to his brothers' feuds, and before long the South was ravaged by ceaseless tempests. The South pushed the unconquered plane, and found it still and lifeless. From south, west, and east, the three brothers fought back and overtook their ambition sibling. With the South Wind slain, the North claimed the upper half of Hyrule's map, and the other two brothers shared the South. Hence, stronger, colder winds forever originated deep in the north of Hyrule, and the calm, warm breezes settled low in the south.
This was a tale often told to Rito chicks as a bedtime story. The Brother Winds shared a moral of taming impulses, keeping responsibilities, and respecting one's family; these values had always been important to the Rito. A story nearly as old as the Rito itself, its antiquity was a shared quality with one particular member of the species. High upon the frigid mountain ranges of northern Hyrule roosted a figure named Master Strigidae. He was a being shrouded in legend, rumor, folklore, and myth. Some said he was hatched from the very first Rito egg in all of Hyrule. Other believed that he wept the coldest tears in the land over a long lost love, and his tears turned to snowflakes and blanketed all of Tabantha. Still others figured him to be the husband of Hylia herself, and father of the three sister goddesses as well.
The most agreed upon theory among the Rito was that Strigidae was the North Wind himself. Known to be cool, calculating, and wise beyond age, it was a thought that had become fact in Rito lore over the years. Reality has a funny habit of becoming skewed over the course of millenia, however, and only those that live long enough for land and life to shift with era changes begin to the truth of the universe. Who is to say whether Master Strigidae is really such a creature of realized legend? With many of his long years spend in solitude upon the icy crags of Hebra Mountains, little of the talk has been confirmed or denied.
However, potential could be witnessed from afar. A Rito named Rukaal possessed an inner power that Strigidae could feel from high upon his eyrie. He whispered message upon a gust of wind and sent it forth as his messenger, beckoning for the young Rito to join him as an apprentice. The Rito would need a Champion, after all, and Striggy had much to teach.
Relevance:
Striggy has taken it upon himself to train the Rito Champion of Hyrule.
Skill Set:
The Origin Storm
In many ways, the winds and storms of Hyrule are just siblings to Striggy. He bears a magical influence over the workings of weather, with the talent of conjuring up wind fronts at a whim. With concentration and verbal conjuring, he can build the strength of such winds until become violent tempests. As he can also gradually control the temperature of the air, he can make two opposing fronts clash and summon mighty storms against his foes. Powerful breezes to topple army, heavy downpours to quench spreading flames, or brutal lightning to punish an enemy might all be called upon, under the condition Striggy is given time to summon such things. This skill also makes the master an expert in flight, as he bends the air around his wings to his will. With this, he can attain speeds in the air far greater than the ground, and can carry up to two adult-sized figures when doing so.
Martial Creator
Over the course of many generations, Master Strigidae has witnessed the rise and fall of many fighting styles across Hyrule and even in lands beyond. He is very keen at recognizing the specifics of a martial art, and with this can either dissect its fundamentals to teach others or quickly devise effective countermeasures (which may also be taught). Much of this knowledge extends to armed melee combat, though such styles take longer to analyze the more exotic the weapon used. With such a vast arsenal of techniques, Striggy can also formulate brand new martial arts in a matter of hours which can grant unique physical boons to his allies in dire situations. Additionally, this expertise (mixed with natural flight) lets the old Rito dodge with frightening aptitude in close combat.
The First Rito
Though many doubt Master Strigidae is as old as Hyrule itself, reality isn't so far from this myth. Having witnessed most of the greatest events of the realm since its inception (or studied those missed), Striggy wields a massive codex stockpile of Hyrulean lore. He is thoroughly knowledgeable about all of the major races and their respective journeys through the ages, as well as all major figures both heroic and villainous. He is also familiar with any species that have had influence in Hyrule over the centuries, and can recognize patterns of world-changing events through past repetition. The master's mind is an invaluable codex of near limitless information. Unfortunately, the erosion of age has made much of the knowledge practically inaccessible. The right answer might be within Striggy's possession, but he might not know this until the need for the answer has passed.
Goliath's Hubris
The elder Rito's small size is often assumed to be his greatest burden, but countless hours of training has forged it into a mighty asset. Strigidae's strength comes from battling against large foes, and he gains advantage in direct proportion to his foe's mass. With dizzying agility, sharp wit, and swift flight, the Master uses his opponent's size to deceive and obscure. He becomes incredibly difficult to hit for giant enemies, and his flanking ability skyrockets. Having a rival whose head is closer to the sky also amplifies his weather magic, offering more surface area for his savage winds and a closer route for lightning bolts from above.
Weaknesses:
End of an Aged
Though it is miraculous that Strigidae has managed to live for innumerable lifetimes, it was not without cost. His mind and body have slowly decayed over many centuries, and such gradual reduction has reached devastating levels. His flesh is thin, his bones are brittle, and his muscles are stringy. Though he trains his body daily, its capacity for strength is remarkably low. Though his mind is saturated with all manners of history and lore, it is riddled with the curses of senility and dementia. Though he often brushes off comments on his forgetfulness, the disability demands a heavy toll on his psyche.
Size Sometimes Matters
Even if the Master might turn his short stature to his advantage, it still comes with its natural share of burdens. He is nearly useless when it comes to physical prowess, and most swipes of his staff/claws leave light injuries at best. Defensively, he relies heavily on dodging to remain in combat as attacks that make contact affect the Rito nearly two fold. When his wings are extended, he becomes an easier target for projectiles which can also be very dangerous if they manage to connect. Even regular labor can be an intimidating trial of strength for Striggy, leading him to defer to others for such tasks.
Fantastical Fever
Being a creature of ancient times, Master Strigidae holds onto a good deal of conservative and traditional principles. He is a staunch believer in the tenet that men should never strike women unless the life on an innocent is threatened. He opts to bow out of any confrontation against a female opponent and berates his allies that give in to such folly barring significant provocation. A less virtuous reason for this belief system is that Master Strigidae has a huge soft spot for young, attractive women. Intertwined in the Rito rumors of his mythical status is Striggy's persona as a lecherous, old coot. He is easily tempted by the seductions and flirtations of a beautiful woman, often leading him to vastly underestimate attractive foes looking to deceive him.
Species: Rito
Age: Ancient
Gender: Male
Physical Appearance:
The Master Rito greatly resembles a Great Horned Owl. He is not imposing physically, standing at just above a meter tall but appearing even shorter with a hunched posture. His wings are typically folded behind his back, resembling a hunchback in this form, though his wingspan is nearly twice is own height once they're spread. Much of the feathers on his body are a frosted chestnut color, with the plumage turning whiter the closer it reaches his scalp. His face is flushed with shorter, amber down, and a long, snowy mustache drapes a foot down either side of his jet black beak. Ruby red eyes of a bird of prey nest menacingly beneath his brow, constantly darting to and fro with unsettling awareness. Strigidae's hands and feet are adorned with bestial talons, which can be mostly retracted when the master wishes.
Striggy's clothing largely consists of flowing robes that brush the ground as he walks, often in hues of crimson, gold, and copper. Ancient runes are stitched as emblems into many such robes, though their meaning is known by few to none. An ornamental dagger dangles at the master's side, its purpose more ceremonial than anything else. Perhaps most noticeable is the walking staff always in hand: a twisted branch of the Deku tree that bears an opalescent glass as its crown. Any who catch sight of their reflection in the glass instantly suffer a powerful dose of deja vu, believing whatever they're doing to have happened a hundred times before. Worn charms are tied about the neck of the staff, their decrepit runes somewhat resembling those on Striggy's clothing.
Background:
It is said that in the beginning, when the three goddesses established the land, law, and life of Hyrule, the wise Nayru offered her breath unto the realm. She called this breath wind, and formed four brother birds as caretakers of her gift. Each was tasked to a cardinal direction, quartering Hyrule into their given territory. Many moons passed and each brother did their job perfectly, maintaining balance throughout the world. However, the South Wind was not content with what he had, and proclaimed he was the greatest of the four. He subjugated the West Wind through deception, and dealt war to the East. The North Wind turned a blind eye to his brothers' feuds, and before long the South was ravaged by ceaseless tempests. The South pushed the unconquered plane, and found it still and lifeless. From south, west, and east, the three brothers fought back and overtook their ambition sibling. With the South Wind slain, the North claimed the upper half of Hyrule's map, and the other two brothers shared the South. Hence, stronger, colder winds forever originated deep in the north of Hyrule, and the calm, warm breezes settled low in the south.
This was a tale often told to Rito chicks as a bedtime story. The Brother Winds shared a moral of taming impulses, keeping responsibilities, and respecting one's family; these values had always been important to the Rito. A story nearly as old as the Rito itself, its antiquity was a shared quality with one particular member of the species. High upon the frigid mountain ranges of northern Hyrule roosted a figure named Master Strigidae. He was a being shrouded in legend, rumor, folklore, and myth. Some said he was hatched from the very first Rito egg in all of Hyrule. Other believed that he wept the coldest tears in the land over a long lost love, and his tears turned to snowflakes and blanketed all of Tabantha. Still others figured him to be the husband of Hylia herself, and father of the three sister goddesses as well.
The most agreed upon theory among the Rito was that Strigidae was the North Wind himself. Known to be cool, calculating, and wise beyond age, it was a thought that had become fact in Rito lore over the years. Reality has a funny habit of becoming skewed over the course of millenia, however, and only those that live long enough for land and life to shift with era changes begin to the truth of the universe. Who is to say whether Master Strigidae is really such a creature of realized legend? With many of his long years spend in solitude upon the icy crags of Hebra Mountains, little of the talk has been confirmed or denied.
However, potential could be witnessed from afar. A Rito named Rukaal possessed an inner power that Strigidae could feel from high upon his eyrie. He whispered message upon a gust of wind and sent it forth as his messenger, beckoning for the young Rito to join him as an apprentice. The Rito would need a Champion, after all, and Striggy had much to teach.
Relevance:
Striggy has taken it upon himself to train the Rito Champion of Hyrule.
Skill Set:
The Origin Storm
In many ways, the winds and storms of Hyrule are just siblings to Striggy. He bears a magical influence over the workings of weather, with the talent of conjuring up wind fronts at a whim. With concentration and verbal conjuring, he can build the strength of such winds until become violent tempests. As he can also gradually control the temperature of the air, he can make two opposing fronts clash and summon mighty storms against his foes. Powerful breezes to topple army, heavy downpours to quench spreading flames, or brutal lightning to punish an enemy might all be called upon, under the condition Striggy is given time to summon such things. This skill also makes the master an expert in flight, as he bends the air around his wings to his will. With this, he can attain speeds in the air far greater than the ground, and can carry up to two adult-sized figures when doing so.
Martial Creator
Over the course of many generations, Master Strigidae has witnessed the rise and fall of many fighting styles across Hyrule and even in lands beyond. He is very keen at recognizing the specifics of a martial art, and with this can either dissect its fundamentals to teach others or quickly devise effective countermeasures (which may also be taught). Much of this knowledge extends to armed melee combat, though such styles take longer to analyze the more exotic the weapon used. With such a vast arsenal of techniques, Striggy can also formulate brand new martial arts in a matter of hours which can grant unique physical boons to his allies in dire situations. Additionally, this expertise (mixed with natural flight) lets the old Rito dodge with frightening aptitude in close combat.
The First Rito
Though many doubt Master Strigidae is as old as Hyrule itself, reality isn't so far from this myth. Having witnessed most of the greatest events of the realm since its inception (or studied those missed), Striggy wields a massive codex stockpile of Hyrulean lore. He is thoroughly knowledgeable about all of the major races and their respective journeys through the ages, as well as all major figures both heroic and villainous. He is also familiar with any species that have had influence in Hyrule over the centuries, and can recognize patterns of world-changing events through past repetition. The master's mind is an invaluable codex of near limitless information. Unfortunately, the erosion of age has made much of the knowledge practically inaccessible. The right answer might be within Striggy's possession, but he might not know this until the need for the answer has passed.
Goliath's Hubris
The elder Rito's small size is often assumed to be his greatest burden, but countless hours of training has forged it into a mighty asset. Strigidae's strength comes from battling against large foes, and he gains advantage in direct proportion to his foe's mass. With dizzying agility, sharp wit, and swift flight, the Master uses his opponent's size to deceive and obscure. He becomes incredibly difficult to hit for giant enemies, and his flanking ability skyrockets. Having a rival whose head is closer to the sky also amplifies his weather magic, offering more surface area for his savage winds and a closer route for lightning bolts from above.
Weaknesses:
End of an Aged
Though it is miraculous that Strigidae has managed to live for innumerable lifetimes, it was not without cost. His mind and body have slowly decayed over many centuries, and such gradual reduction has reached devastating levels. His flesh is thin, his bones are brittle, and his muscles are stringy. Though he trains his body daily, its capacity for strength is remarkably low. Though his mind is saturated with all manners of history and lore, it is riddled with the curses of senility and dementia. Though he often brushes off comments on his forgetfulness, the disability demands a heavy toll on his psyche.
Size Sometimes Matters
Even if the Master might turn his short stature to his advantage, it still comes with its natural share of burdens. He is nearly useless when it comes to physical prowess, and most swipes of his staff/claws leave light injuries at best. Defensively, he relies heavily on dodging to remain in combat as attacks that make contact affect the Rito nearly two fold. When his wings are extended, he becomes an easier target for projectiles which can also be very dangerous if they manage to connect. Even regular labor can be an intimidating trial of strength for Striggy, leading him to defer to others for such tasks.
Fantastical Fever
Being a creature of ancient times, Master Strigidae holds onto a good deal of conservative and traditional principles. He is a staunch believer in the tenet that men should never strike women unless the life on an innocent is threatened. He opts to bow out of any confrontation against a female opponent and berates his allies that give in to such folly barring significant provocation. A less virtuous reason for this belief system is that Master Strigidae has a huge soft spot for young, attractive women. Intertwined in the Rito rumors of his mythical status is Striggy's persona as a lecherous, old coot. He is easily tempted by the seductions and flirtations of a beautiful woman, often leading him to vastly underestimate attractive foes looking to deceive him.
