the Askavir
Askavir is an immense raptor that haunts the skies above Ulmira’s Step. Its silhouette casts a vast shadow over the landscape and is a prominent feature of the region. Recognized for its formidable presence, Askavir possesses an extraordinary wingspan of nearly ninety feet and talons that mark it as a being of divine origin. Intertwined with the local lore and cultural identity of the community, Askavir has a purpose to find and deliver specific individuals, showcasing an intelligence and agency that surpasses typical animal behavior.
The Askavir is singular — an order of magnitude larger than any ordinary mountain roc, and, so far as anyone knows, the only one of its kind. Sylvie recognizes it only by analogy to the birds of her childhood in the Stoneheart Peaks. There a select order — the riders of the Eyrie — kept and rode far smaller great birds: children were “marked for the Eyrie” at eleven or twelve, split off from the community to live higher in the mountains under an old woman’s mentorship, and trained as riders, carrying messages swiftly across the umbral region and reaching places otherwise cut off. The training was perilous, and now and then, even for one who completed it, a bad pairing ended in death. The Askavir is no bird of the Eyrie; but when the party first saw it cross the sky on the road to Ulmira’s Step, Sylvie reasoned about it as she would one of theirs and read it as merely patrolling, not yet hunting.
The presence of Askavir is felt throughout the town, influencing the atmosphere and local narratives regarding the creature's role in the challenges and mysteries surrounding Ulmira’s Step. During a notable encounter, Askavir captured Jamal and Draz, lifting them into the sky and dropping them onto separate mountain peaks. This display of its supernatural capabilities created unique survival challenges for each individual. The creature conveys messages through nature's tongue, indicating it operates under divine mandates connected to greater cosmic forces.
Recently, Askavir's return to the area caused immediate danger, shaking the rope bridge that Sylvie and Heyou were crossing with its powerful wing beats. Its size and force create a palpable sense of supernatural influence in the environment, contributing to the treacherous nature of the mountain paths. As the party approached their destination, Askavir's presence was felt rather than seen, as it was not directly engaged in the subsequent conflict. Tension heightened with the arrival of Ygva, a witch who disrupted any potential for diplomacy. While Askavir did not actively participate in the combat, its presence loomed over the events, creating an atmosphere charged with danger.
In an earlier confrontation, Askavir displayed aggressive behavior, swooping down to capture refugees and causing significant casualties. It was initially tethered by Sylvie, causing it to crash onto a lower ledge; however, it freed itself to attack again. Draz shot it in the eye, leading to its eventual downfall. The creature bit a refugee in half and dropped another to their death before being set ablaze by Sylvie's Fireball. It ultimately crashed into the plaza, thrashing in its death throes. After the battle, the party discovered an aura of Splendor magic emanating from its heart, which radiated a feeling akin to distant sacred pyre light and safety. Sylvie attempted to siphon essence from it but found the power overwhelming. The remains of Askavir were deemed significant, and plans were made for Draz's kinfolk to tend to its bones upon the party's return.
In addition to its fearsome reputation, Askavir is sought after for its eggs, which hold significant market value in Ulmira’s Step. The party has contemplated tracking Askavir to find the witch and recover Sylvie's heart. Heyou suggested that locating Askavir could lead them to the witch, although Sylvie fears further deaths might ensue. Draz has reflected on "soul-blighted" beings, indicating the complexity of Sylvie's situation. The group has decided to travel southwest, avoiding direct confrontation with the witch and potentially approaching areas associated with Askavir.
Borek, a dwarf Dimmers operator, made a bargain involving Askavir eggs in exchange for information regarding Heyou’s missing limbs.
In a recent encounter, Askavir engaged in a confrontation with Sylvie, attempting to assert dominance by forcing her to the ground. This struggle escalated when a witch sought Askavir's essence, leading to a chaotic battle where Sylvie and her allies worked to prevent the witch from obtaining it. The party utilized a fake heart as bait to lure the witch, while Draz consulted Tamber, who provided insight into Ygva, the witch, confirming that Draz’s amulet was meant to protect against godly powers, specifically against entities like Askavir.
The remains of Askavir are located near Verrow's Span, where the party intends to harvest valuable parts, including claws, beak, and select feathers. Sylvie plans to take Askavir's eyes to use as a motif on her bag. The group organized efforts around the remains, ensuring they remained undisturbed for examination and confirming with locals that it was kept safe until their return for processing. Heyou focused on the claws and beak for crafting and study, successfully forging a dagger from one of Askavir's claws. Askavir's influence loomed over the party's plans as they navigated treacherous mountain terrain and faced various threats, including gremlins and giant mantises. The party’s strategies involved careful coordination and the use of magical artifacts, with Askavir's power remaining a significant factor in their encounters.
Status: Cautious.