#thought id throw that little tidbit too c:]

[chartedworlds-blog]

HC: HEBOG RHYFELW

The hebog rhyfelw, or falcon warriors, were a group of soldiers of Aedd Gynvael, and their their name can be taken quite literally: they were falconers and also warriors. 

Able to tame birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, kites, or owls, they were then trained and used for a multitude of purposes such as hunting--the main method of obtaining food in their cold climate--communication such as the passing of messages; scouting the land as a sort of border control, locating possible enemies; and, lastly, warfare. In the old wars between dwarves and elves, the hebog rhyfelw were indispensable for Aedd Gynvael. Their birds, sent soaring through the sky, would be able to spot dwarves and return to their masters, relaying their enemy’s location. They were also used to disorient and disorganize the opposing force, swooping low among them in combat, and if large and powerful enough, were even commanded to attack. 

Many times, the hebog rhyfelw tended to their own specific bird, highly bonded. However, they were not limited to one. The falcon warriors were also birdcallers and, be it the nature of elves, had a special affinity for animals. When making a bird call, many of these winged creatures would flock to them from the trees or mountains awaiting a message or command. Many times, the one bird the soldier had specifically bonded with lived nearby among the wild, too, where it is said it would call upon others of its kind should its “master” (though it should be noted they were regarded as something of equals, and it was not a mere owner-pet relationship) call for them. 

Some even believed all the birds near Aedd Gynvael were working with the Aen Seidhe there, as though all spies. Enemies thought none could be trusted. 

Valathaan hails, from his father’s side, from a line of hebog rhyfelw and was taught by his father how to birdcall and use birds to hunt and communicate. He, however, is not a falcon warrior and, though able to wield a bow, is far from a soldier.