Avvar: Relationships with Animals

Rangers and animal companions
The Avvar do not befriend creatures in the same way as say - the Dalish. They revere the animals of the mountain and some of these creatures are believed to be their animal deities. They have a balanced relationship with their environment and though they do not connect with animals on specific or personal level (no animal companions) they do seek their guidance and help and respect their home. As Rangers the Avvar are expert trackers and brilliant readers of their environment. Sky Guardians tend to be Rangers but this is not exclusive to them. Some Stone Guardians learn these skills as well. The Avvar will only hunt a certain game depending on the wisdom of the shaman and they put a lot of importance in the formations of birds, the roaming packs, the stampede of herds, anything and everything has a meaning and though they hunt to eat they also do not want to displease the gods by killing the wrong animal. It's a fine balance and the Avvar have been keeping that balance for thousands of years. Thus they do not "befriend" creatures but they have a very close relationship with them as a whole.

Aeries and use of birds
Birds are the agents of the Lady and an integral part of Avvar culture. They are messengers of the gods, they warn of enemies and lead warriors to safe passes and herders to where there is food for their goats. They are revered and Runic Scribes in the aeries are an important part of Avvar communities.

Ancient aeries are found all throughout the Frostbacks but the most elaborate are in the Holds. Beacon fires are used to call the Avvar to war, but birds are used for long distance, quick communication. Hawks, crows, pigeons, kestrels, all trained and kept in these aeries. The use of runes and runic symbols is their main form of written language, thus anyone intercepting messages must be fluent in Avvar rune script to be able to read it.

Runic Scribes
Runic Scribes are rare in Avvar culture and valued. They are often Shaman, but not always. The Runic Scribe is a revered position in the Holds - though the Scribes are not only found in Holds, there are aeries scattered throughout the Frostbacks. The aeries outside the Holds are well defended and used by villages to send urgent messages to the Holds and to other aeries throughout the Frostbacks. Birds are the agents of the Lady, bringers of omens and foretellers of woe, thus Runic Scribes have the Lady as their patron goddess and are thought to be blessed by her and protected by her.