The Gifted Birdfolk
The others of your nest may be members of any of the Awkwana Cultures, but you are of the Gifted because, for reasons known only to the gods, you have been shown special favor. That favor manifests as some form of minor but innate magical ability that you can wield at will.
Gifted within a city may gather together for study or leisure. in such gatherings, they show off their gifts to one another, and discuss among themselves the best ways to use their particular talents. But except for these infrequent meetings, they do not separate themselves from the rest of the prevailing societal culture in the place where they live.
Folk of other Races have learned to read moods and temperaments from body language and facial expression. As an Awkwana, these nonverbal communication methods are not in your repertoire, for both cultural and physiological reasons. Thus others will not be able to read you - and may initially distrust you. Similarly, until you've had the opportunity to practice, their body language and expressions will mean nothing to you.
Cultural History
The Gifted Birdfolk are not a regional culture or a separated enclave of individuals with unique tenets or customs. The Gifted were chosen by the gods from among the other cultures. It is your Gift that makes you a Gifted. It has marked you as different from the Birdfolk around you since the first time your gift manifested. The Gifted are not looked upon with awe or fear, nor are they treated with any special reverence as other races might treat their own "gifted" ones. Th Gifted, like any other Birdfolk, are expected to use their talents, find their place, and be a productive member of society.A Gifted Awkwana with Hand Crossbow
Geographic Distribution
Gifted Awkwana may be found in any Birdfolk settlement or society, as this is "revealed" culture rather than a geography-based one.Role-Playing a Gifted Birdfolk
Interacting with Other Birdfolk
Your relationship with other Birdfolk cultures is fairly straightforward. Typically, there is little or no friction among Birdfolk cultures, and you will not be alone as an unusual one that doesn't fully fit in. Your social and occupational circles will those of the prevailing culture, and may even include Affected or Truthseers. All of you expect the others to respect your independence, but they also expect you to keep the greater good of the community foremost in your mind. As long as these expectations are met, the idiosyncracies of different cultures are ignored.Interacting with Folk of Other Races
The only race the Awkwana have a predisposed wariness of are the Kobolds, but it is merely wariness, not hostility. The Awkwana have known from the time of their Awakening that many other races have been spreading throughout Cartyrion for thousands of years. The world is as much theirs as it is yours. You will be fully tolerant of "foreign" customs, traditions, and worship styles - even if they are at odds with what you were taught was "correct". So as long as another's actions or beliefs are not a direct threat to you or your family and friends, then they are none of your business and will not bother you.Folk of other Races have learned to read moods and temperaments from body language and facial expression. As an Awkwana, these nonverbal communication methods are not in your repertoire, for both cultural and physiological reasons. Thus others will not be able to read you - and may initially distrust you. Similarly, until you've had the opportunity to practice, their body language and expressions will mean nothing to you.
Interacting with Your Adventuring Party
Party members that have not dealt with Birdfolk much will probably be slightly put off by your lack of body language and facial expression, and their inability to read your mood. And if you are not used to interacting with non-Birdfolk, you won't understand their body language or expressions either. Misunderstandings - and some initial distrust - are possible, but this should ease as discussion and demonstrated action become more important in shaping relationships.Traditions and Taboos
You have been given a gift by the gods; it is now your duty to develop and use that gift. That can be done in either of two ways. One option would be for you to seek out a profession in which you can use your special gift to be more useful... more productive. Alternatively, you can devote your life to the pursuit of knowledge and developing your gifts even further.You will never permit written knowledge of any form or source to be destroyed. This includes books, scrolls, and tablets, but it also extends to the inscriptions on buildings, stele, obelisks, etc.
Likely Professions
Gifted Birdfolk may be found in any profession, but those that are actively seeking to improve the understanding and mastery of their "gift" will be attracted to more studious callings. Many become Acolytes and pursue divine studies; others become scholars, and eventually sages. Still others use their gifts as Entertainers, and the unscrupulous few may use as Charlatans.Preferred Gear
Most of your pursuits are likely not combat-related, but if you must wear armor, it will likely be simple leathers or padding.Like all Awkwana, you are already equipped with a sharp beak for a weapon, and you know how to use it. Otherwise, you will prefer the lighter, smaller bladed weapons that take advantage of dexterity as much as strength - as all Awkwana do. Your fascination for mechanical things may make the hand crossbow your favorite weapon.
Oh I like the idea of them using their powers a lot in an attempt to find their place.