The Falconer’s Creed
Never selfish,
Always selfless,
Ever vigilant,
Never lax,
Careful,
Always kind,
Together,
Never blind
For centuries, the Order of Falconers has been working in harmony with the rare and ancient race called the Bitterwing Falcon, a keen eyed, sharp witted creature indigenous to the region of Ravenwood. It is said that the relationship between the falconer and his/her bird goes beyond a mere partnership. In fact, legend has it that those who possess a strong connection to their falcon can see through the bird’s eyes if need be. The Order has long guarded the world’s forests with their small, strangely magical companions. Bitterwing Falcons are a little smaller than common falcons, steely grey, with flecks of black and white along their slender backs. They have an innate magic about them, which enables them to become powerful allies, granting their human partners almost supernatural abilities. The birds have been described as strangely cunning, and some swear they can talk, though they never use any common speech. They’re stubborn and their affection and loyalty is not easily won, even by an experienced warrior.
Long ago, before the Order was established, the Bitterwing Falcons lurked in legends as beings of hostile and malicious intent. Every few years, the birds would choose their humans and disappear, leaving nothing but an empty home behind. Those that were chosen were rarely seen again, and tales sprang up in the wake of these disappearances, tales full of fear and mistrust. No one knew for what purpose the people were taken. Many believed the falcons to have bewitched their victims for some unknown and nefarious purpose.
During the Artaku’rak war, that began to change.
Brinbal and his Bitterwing, Ethridge, appeared on the eve of battle, leading thirty warriors and their falcons against the fell hordes of Nycticorax, the Wrath-King. Those who saw them marked how fast and fluid were their movements, how they fought together as one, as if they were involved in some intricate dance. The Bitterwings and their human warriors were fierce and deadly, fighting with an almost supernatural speed and strength. Together, they helped tip the battle in favor against the Wrath-King and his evil forces.
The truth came at last from the shadows. The Bitterwing’s choice was not intended to harm. They were the silent guardians of the forests, choosing warriors they deemed worthy to aid them in their battle against injustice. Countless people had been drafted into the Bitterwing’s guardianship, dedicating their lives to the protecting the innocent. After the fall of the Wrath-King, the remaining falconers elected to form an order to better organize against such evil should it rise again. It was then that the Order of Falconers was born.
For many years, the Order grew in power and influence, earning the trust and admiration from the lands about. But things that start with the best of intentions all too often go astray. Years stretched into decades and a few twisted falconers and their birds rose up to slur the Order’s impeccable reputation. An uprising, spurned by greed and ambition, led to a civil war amongst the council, and though they recovered, the damage was already done. People grew more distrustful of the once so revered Order, and the Bitterwings and their companions withdrew once again into shadow.
Bitterwings and their falconers safeguard the forests to this day. The falcons choose their partners or are assigned one by the Order’s council. It is not an easy path to take. Those chosen must learn to bond with their falcon, to fight as one, and to live a life of solitude and danger. Though falconers are still revered by those who believe the older stories, many consider them untrustworthy and Falconers are often faced with opposition and distrust.
Winning the respect and love of a falcon is a trial in and of itself. Bitterwings are temperamental, proud, and stubborn. Even those who chose their own partner do not give their friendship easily. But those who pass the trials become warriors to be reckoned with and their falcons fiercely loyal and close friends. Their paths are full of danger and adventure, their lives are never dull.
Falcon and warrior have long since protected this ancient realm and so they will continue to defend it, fighting the unseen battles to protect the innocent, so long as there are those strong of heart to join them.