Vol'antim

Vol'antim is an aarakocra civilization located within the cliffs and caves of the Cyrios Mountains. It is well-hidden from outsiders and cannot be reached except by flight.

Description
Vol'antim is within the borders of the Dwendalian Empire, but thanks to its remote nature has not been reached by agents of the Empire and is self-governed. It is an ancient aarakocra settlement located under an overhanging mountain peak such that even skilled mountain climbers cannot safely reach it, which protects it from outsiders. The people of the Vol'antim live in a series of caves, the entrances of which are often marked with signs made of brightly-colored cloth or thatch. Larger caverns include bridges and ropes for ease of accessibility within the town.

Some people of the surrounding Truscan Vale see the aarakocra of Vol'antim as protectors and divine agents of Erathis, even more so if the aarakocra has reason to land within their village rather than merely fly over. Those of Vol'antim do not cultivate this reputation, and find it somewhat awkward.

Vol'antim's greatest threat is a nearby clan of gorefeather harpies, which has grown in recent years.

Points of Interest
There are temples to Melora and Erathis built into the cliffs and caves of the mountains of Vol'antim, as befits their religion. Additionally, the cave network of Vol'antim is structured around a gigantic pillar within the caverns where a stalactite and stalagmite have met and joined together. So large is this pillar that it contains its own small caves.

Society
The people of Vol'antim worship Melora and are guided by her respect for nature, as well as the balance with civilization signified by her love for Erathis. This informs their principles and laws.

A council of elders known as the Horizon governs the settlement. Elders name their successors shortly before they die; if they are unable to do so, the others of the council name their replacement instead. The eldest member of the council is empowered to have final say on disagreements within the Horizon should they arise.

Crime is exceedingly rare in Vol'antim, as duty to one's community is a core value. When it occurs, the punishment is typically exile. Criminal behavior from infrequent visitors from outside the society has contributed to Vol'antim's preference for isolation and mistrust of uninvited outsiders.

Demographics
As of late 835 or early 836 PD, Vol'antim had a population of 3,890. Nearly all of the residents (96%) are aarakocra, with the remaining 4% made of various other races.