Aviar
| Aviar | |
|---|---|
| |
| Abilities | Aviar talents |
| World of Origin | First of the Sun |
| Universe | Cosmere |
Aviar are birds that have gained magical powers, or "talents", on the island of Patji on First of the Sun. They are capable of sharing their powers with humans. Aviar were long thought to be exclusively native to the Pantheon archipelago, but in fact other birds can become Aviar if they visit the island and ingest the fruit of Patji's Fingers.[1]
Appearance and Anatomy
Aviar are relatively large birds, approximately three fists tall.[1] Their appearance varies between species, with colors including red, green, black, and white, sometimes in combination.[1][2] Some Aviar have sharp raptor-like talons and beaks.[2] Juvenile Aviar are barely able to fly, but healthy adults are typically good fliers unless their wings are clipped.[1]
Behavior
Aviar are more intelligent than ordinary animals.[3] Wild Aviar exhibit behaviors similar to other birds. They live in flocks, roost in trees, and build nests where they lay eggs to raise their young. Although their powers give them some protection from predators, they will quickly flee if startled.[1]
Source of Abilities
The birds gain magical powers, or "talents", by consuming worms native to the island of Patji while they are very young. In particular, the worms feed off the fruits fallen from the Patji's Fingers that grow next to Patji's Eye.[1] Aviar from the various islands of the Pantheon go to Patji to gain their talent. Birds that are not native to the Pantheon usually do not develop these unique powers. However, Sixth of the Dusk raised a non-native bird on the isles, Sak, and found that she also developed a unique talent.[1]
The abilities of the Aviar stem from a symbiosis with the worms that they eat. The Aviar can then serve as an intermediary to allow humans to use certain powers granted by the Invested worms.[4] Aviar are able to share these powers with humans through a Spiritual Connection similar to the Nahel bond. Their bond is not as powerful as the Nahel bond, but because of that it can be shifted between people at its owner's will.[5] Aviar do not seem to have to continue eating worms to allow their powers to function, as they are often exported from the Pantheon to the distant mainland.[1]
A human cannot eat the worms or an Aviar in order to gain powers.[6][7] A kandra in the form of an Aviar would not be able to gain their powers, even if they ate the worms.[8]
Abilities
The power obtained is different for each species of bird. There are Physical, Cognitive, and Spiritual powers.[9] For example, Kokerlii has the Cognitive ability to conceal his mind and those of others around him from beasts that hunt by seeking out minds. Aviar are able to sense the location of those they have bonded with.[2][10]
Ecology
Many species of birds in the Pantheon can become Aviar; neither trappers nor scholars are familiar with every species. Each species is typically found on a specific island. They can be sent to live in the homeisles or even the mainland without issue, but wild Aviar are only found in the Pantheon.[1]
Domestication
When Aviar are raised by humans from birth, they form a bond with them and prefer to stay nearby, treating them as part of their flock; Aviar that are raised by the same trapper usually get along. They often enjoy being scratched affectionately, and may show displeasure by lightly biting. They do well living in nesting boxes in safecamps; trappers can allow them to come and go freely with no concern that they will not return. They display distinct personalities; for example, Kokerlii is oblivious and happy, while Sak is far more reserved. They seem to understand some human speech, as they can follow commands from their master, sometimes even using their talents on demand.[1] They can also be trained to perform specific behaviors, such as returning to their master if they whistle,[1] or even to attack other animals.[2]
History
Aviar is presumably an Eelakin term, and throughout First of the Sun's history they were found only in the Pantheon. The magical abilities/species of birds has been well documented by the mainlanders and there has not been a new type of Aviar discovered for over 100 years. Sak, a bird that belongs to Sixth of the Dusk, is the first known bird not native to the Pantheon that was able to become an Aviar.[1]
Known Varieties
- Streamers are Aviars found on the isles that have the ability to conceal their mind and those of others around them from beasts that hunt by seeking out minds.[1] This is similar to Allomantic copper.[11] This can also block an Awakener's lifesense,[12] and can hide the pulses from nearby Allomancers so they cannot be detected by most Seekers.[13] They also prevent secretspren from sensing the use of Investiture.[14] The Aviar must remain close to others to keep them protected.[1] Streamers are not raised on Patji.
- Some non-native birds raised on the isles can have the Spiritual power to show people places they might die.[1] These warnings manifest as illusions of their dead bodies. The illusions are not highly detailed, and only give vague warnings. This is similar to Allomantic electrum.[11]
Notable Aviar
Notes
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Sixth of the Dusk#
- ↑ a b c d Rhythm of War interlude I-5#
- ↑ YouTube Livestream 2
— Arcanum - 2020-01-20# - ↑ Orem Signing
— Arcanum - 2019-03-16# - ↑ Skyward release party
— Arcanum - 2018-11-06# - ↑ Oathbringer Newcastle signing
— Arcanum - 2017-12-01# - ↑ Skyward release party
— Arcanum - 2018-11-06# - ↑ Orem Signing
— Arcanum - 2019-03-16# - ↑ Oathbringer Chicago signing
— Arcanum - 2017-11-21# - ↑ Rhythm of War chapter 77#
- ↑ a b Arcanum Unbounded Chicago signing
— Arcanum - 2016-12-06# - ↑ Calamity Philadelphia signing
— Arcanum - 2016-02-20# - ↑ Orem signing
— Arcanum - 2018-03-10# - ↑ Orem signing
— Arcanum - 2017-12-21#