Firebird

Firebirds look much like humans in their humanoid forms and are often mistaken for phoenix in their bird form. This can be quite insulting to them as phoenix are birds of animal intelligence that the firebirds keep as pets, and referring to a firebird in this manner is basically calling them stupid. In humanoid form they have blue or gold eyes and blonde or red hair. Darker red hair that is getting close to brown is considered undesirable. Their culture has put a lot of emphasis on racial purity and strict rules. This eventually led to an overthrow of their government and the destruction of their ancestral home. They were traditionally ruled by a council of noble houses. The noble houses are Helios, del Sol , Soleil , Phoebus , Svarog , Surya , and Niyambi. Firebenders exist among them as a sort of military secret society. They do not speak of this to outsiders and will often try to masquerade as arcane casters which is quite believable since there are many sorcerers and bards among the firebirds. Music is also considered a vitally important part of firebird life, and bards are highly respected.

Firebirds cannot eat water-based food without becoming sick. Their diet consists of waxes, oils, and burnt foods. Firebirds age as humans for the first twenty years of their life. After that they do not visibly age, although some use illusions to appear old. They have a life span similar to elves. Firebirds can interbreed with other species, but it is considered taboo in their culture. A firebird pregnancy lasts for 5 months, at which point the female lays the egg. The egg then incubates for another five months before the baby firebird hatches.