Post by PyrasTerran on Dec 12, 2006 3:06:52 GMT -5
Description
Rito are the bird people of Dragon Roost Island of the Tetra Isles. Normally, they look just like regular human beings except for a few distinct differences. They have stylized eyebrows and retain pointed ears similar to Hylians. Their eyes have bright red irises, and their hair usually consists of shades of white, grey and reddish-brown. What truly distinguishes them from other races are their noses, which are shaped like beaks from a variety of birds, from hawks to parrots to ducks, any shape that can resemble a nose. They wear clothing very similar to South American Andean culture, and the elder Rito are likened to condors.
When a Rito takes flight, their transformation is as magical as it is physiological. Their arms, no matter what they are wearing or if they have sleeves on, completely morph into a pair of capable wings as their shoulders broaden and expand and their legs shrink very slightly. Their feet also take on the shape of bird feet, and even the sandals they wear will morph along with them. The colors of the wings and style of the legs are dependant on the nose, and what bird it resembles.
Although all Rito have a bit of a greyish tan even if light-skinned, males are usually darker skinned and more likely to have patches of white/grey hair, or having their hair entirely colorless, while females tend to be much lighter in skin tone and favor the reddish-brown-colored hair.
History
When the civilization that once ruled over the Tetra Isles sank beneath the waves many ages ago, it was, according to the Rito, the great red dragon Valoo, Lord of the Skies, that granted the Rito the gift of flight to escape the Great Flood to Dragon Roost Island. They have since developed their entire society around honoring the sky dragon, their considered god. They developed a peaceful and friendly relationship with the human races of the Tetra Isles and are actually in charge of the Tetran postal service, as their wings are more reliable than any ship in an ocean filled with pirates and monsters.
Culture
It is important to note that a Rito cannot gain the ability to fly without Valoo; as a right of passage into adulthood, a young Rito must make the trek on foot up the largest mountain of Dragon Roost and confront Valoo alone. Only after being given one of Valoo's scales can the Rito gain the ability of flight like his older brethren, and fly down the mountain victorious. Therefore if a Rito is ever born anywhere other than Dragon Roost, they may never get the chance to earn their wings.
The Rito culture can be likened to South American principles. There is heavy emphasis on family, music and food, and the Rito treat each other like family members even if they are unrelated. Their society is ruled by a sole chief, male or female, as well as a council of elder advisors. A chief who renounces his/her position usually becomes an elder advisor. There is also a tender, usually female, who is in charge of watching over Valoo and tending to his needs. The tender usually develops a strong bond with the dragon and is regarded very highly amongst the tribe.
Because the Rito tribe is such a close-nit community, crime is practically non-existant, as most trouble comes outsiders. Usually only a Rito who was raised outside Dragon Roost Island could grow to be a bad seed.
It is important to note that while a Rito may be birdlike, it will still reproduce and give birth to babies in the same manner as a regular human mammal. Is it because of this that Rito are considered a human race, as they are capable of procreation with other human races as well, giving birth to Rito offspring (as the Rito gene is dominant).
Abilities
A Rito's capabilities are very similar to those of an Ordonian. They don't have much in the means of magical talent, and are quite average despite their appearances. They do, however, have incredible vision, the best of all races, and can read small text from miles away.
However, they are granted as the only race other than the Twili and the Deku Scrubs with the gift of flight, and unlike either, the Rito are free to fly in the sun to their heart's content without tiring at all from the process of flight. Rito often resort to weapons that they can use with both their hands and their bird feet, such as bows, crossbows, pikes and sometimes even their own talons. Rito are also able to grow and strengthen the nails on their fingers to use as slashing weapons.
Their flight capabilities are more advanced than the hovering skills of the Twili, and they can fly over great distances at great speeds with brilliant agility and finesse in their control, making them a handy warrior when battling enemies of any kind.