Avoral

From PathfinderWiki
Avoral
A statue of Talmandor, patron avoral of Andoran.
(Creature)

Type
Outsider
(agathion, extraplanar, good)
CR
9
Environment
Any (Nirvana)
Alignment
Source: Bestiary 2, pg(s). 16

Avoral (pronounced ah-VOR-al)1 are avian agathions native to the plane of Nirvana.2

Appearance

Avorals are humanoid in form, but their arms feature great wings that spread beyond where a human's arm would end. They have humanoid hands and can manipulate objects like a human can without difficulty. An avoral's head does not have hair, but instead features a mane of feathers that flows down into their wings. Their facial features are also noticeably avian with beak-like noses and the eyes of a predatory bird.3[citation needed]

Habitat and ecology

Avorals, like all agathions, dwell on the plane of Nirvana in the Great Beyond where they soar amongst the highest peaks and challenge each other to diving contests. When summoned to other planes or during times of war, avorals serve agathions as scouts, a role for which they are perfectly suited. Avorals can not only fly but also possess hawk-like eyesight that can see for many miles.

They can also be very stealthy and possess a magical ability to speak with animals, which is useful to gather information during war. When all else fails, they can also teleport themselves out of trouble. During wartime, avorals also launch deadly hit-and-run attacks against their enemies, shredding them with their razor-sharp talons.3[citation needed]

On Golarion

Andoran

Avorals are seen as a living embodiment of freedom by the people of Andoran. These creatures are held in high regard within the nation. A story commonly told by the nation's inhabitants, The River Bird Catcher, describes the meeting of one of these outsiders and Duke Lapist, leader of a Chelaxian encampment.4

The avoral Talmandor is the celestial patron of Andoran, and popular history suggests Talmandor dictated the text of the seminal tract On Government to Darl Jubannich.5

Known avorals

See also: Category:Avoral/Inhabitants

Some of the most famous avorals include:

  • Nightspear, a divine servant of the goddess Desna known for his jet-black wings and his habit of making up beautiful songs mid-battle.6
  • Talmandor, the celestial patron of the nation of Andoran, who has had a huge impact on their culture in the wake of the People's Revolt.5

References

  1. Erik Mona, et al. “Appendices” in Campaign Setting, 246. Paizo Inc., 2008
  2. Amber Stewart. “The Outer Sphere” in The Great Beyond, A Guide to the Multiverse, 47. Paizo Inc., 2009
  3. 3.0 3.1 Jason Bulmahn, et al. “Monsters A to Z” in Bestiary 2, 16. Paizo Inc., 2010
  4. Erik Mona, et al. “Chapter 2: The Inner Sea” in Campaign Setting, 60–63. Paizo Inc., 2008
  5. 5.0 5.1 Jonathan H. Keith, et al. “Faith: Worship in Andoran” in Andoran, Spirit of Liberty, 25. Paizo Inc., 2010
  6. Sean K Reynolds, et al. Inner Sea Gods, 51. Paizo Inc., 2014