Sammotad

Arattan first arrived on the shores of Sammotad they set up a village on the coast. After several generations people started exploring further up the island (height wise) and in those very misty peaks discovered the {name here} (A species of huge birds).

The people eventually began to worship these birds and the matriarch of the birds above all else (seeing her as a goddess). The coastal town was eventually left behind as they moved higher up to be closer to the birds.

Coming of age -

When the young reached the Age of 15 they were sent on a quest. This was a dangerous process that saw them climbing high into the mountains to the Matriarch's nesting grounds and returning with one of her feathers (she was a different colour to the others). The way was full of dangerous lands, rock falls, and animals that would happily feed upon them. Not all of the quest takers returned, some returned empty handed.

Those who returned with the feathers were held in high regard. In the early days they would have their skin painted to note their standing...after the Keepers began interacting with the Sammotad people they learned of tattooing and so tattoos would be given instead.

These people would become priests of sky riders, an elite group who learn to tame the children of the Matriarch and ride on their back in the skies above the island. Sky riding is very difficult so there is only a small group of these.

Those who bring a feather back often have it crafted into a necklace worn around their neck, some from their hips or wrists).

Those who fail are not shunned.. they become farmers or craftspeople (regular jobs in a sense).

Outsiders cannot take the quest, even the Keepers who are friendly with this culture are not permitted as such the true task involved is unknown as quest takers do not speak of it.

Food - where do they get it? Some still remain in coast, they fish and sometimes the bird folk trade with them?

Dress - Priests have feathered cloaks bird shaped masks. Owl like faces or longer beaks?

Destablization - Bridges broken/damaged, pillars everywhere. Minimal damage?