The existence of the Tzeporem can be traced back to 9 major birds of arcane origins, these birds serve as the symbols for each of the 9 tribes and as a group are referred to as the Grand Murmuration.

Ashet

Standing at 7 feet tall, the Ashet are physically most similar to Harriers. These birds are known for being very prideful and very violent. To have a tamed Ashet is a symbol of prestige among the Tzeporem. If one is tamed they will follow orders to the letter, but one must be careful as once given an order it can not be revoked.

The name Ashet is believed to be a shortening of “Ash Eater” which originates from a story of an Ashet who decided to kill a phoenix. To stop the phoenix from reforming it ate its ashes so that every time it was rebirthed it would die again inside the Ashet.

Dahm

The second smallest of the Grand Murmuration, the Dahm resembles a bleeding-heart dove, though is two to three times the size of a regular dove. The name Dahm, meaning blood, comes from its ability to absorb the injury and sickness of others and as it does its white feathers turn red. At this point it flies away to release the injury and sickness it has stored into the snowy wastes of the east. After this it finds a place to roost, at which point its red feathers transition back to white. The K’Phor tribe have records of settlements being built around the rooting place of these birds. This is because, as they rest, the Dahm releases heat into the surroundings, acting as a hearth.

Eroka

With a name meaning to shine, the Eroka serve as embodiments of the stars, the moons, and the sun. The birds most closely related to them are herons, though the Eroka’s plumage varies greatly in color from deep blues to vibrant yellows and oranges, they glow with a brilliance like no other. They also stand up to 20 feet tall.

Firewalker

The smallest of the Grand Murmuration at only 2 feet tall, Firewalkers have the build of water rails but with a key difference. Their wings are made of a shimmering black and red metal that when it rubs against itself it creates sparks thus the name firewalker. Their beaks are made of a similar metal. Firewalkers generally preen in bodies of water to avoid causing fires in the grass. While they often hunt in the water, they have also been known to use their wings and beak to set fire to smoke out prey.

Folk tales tell of the group of Tzeporem on a cold night, their fire wouldn’t start. A firewalker came and used its feathers to create the sparks needed to set the campfire alight.

Holeh

Holeh are birds of legend that, unlike the other birds in the Grand Murmuration, can change their size freely, usually alternating between their natural 10 foot tall form and a secondary size less than a foot tall. Holeh resemble scops owls, and when at a smaller size may even be mistaken for one, but the distinction is important. When a Holeh lands on someone it means they will die soon, though whether it be because of the Holeh or if this bird simply knows is unknown. Once it lands on a person it will stick nearby until said person eventually dies upon which it will grow to its full height and devour the body.

Phoenix

Representing the tribe of life, naturally, is the phoenix, known for its eternally cycle of life and death. Phoenix never stop growing, eventually though they reach a size that is unsustainable and undergo rebirth.

Pitterpa

At 5 feet tall the Pitterpa are the third smallest of the Grand Murmuration. Closely related to hummingbirds, Pitterpa gather water in pouches on their backs, and with their fast wings they can produce small showers of rain over where they fly. This isn’t of course to mention the actual rains they can bring with them wherever they go via magic. The Pitterpa are named for the pitter patter sound of rain as it lands.

Strumta

Resembling a lyrebird, the Strumta are 10 foot tall birds whose tails, when extended, resemble strings on a lyre. The Strumta can vibrate these string-like tails to create music wherever they go. Those who hear it will be overcome with an emotion, which emotion usually depends on the song played. Legends speak of a town watched over by a Strumta. One night an enemy army marched into town and razed it to the ground, the only survivor being a young woman who ran to tell the Strumta of what occurred. The Strumta played its music for the lady and calmed her down and let her rest while it walked to the enemy encampment and played a song of war, causing the soldiers to fight each other to the death.

Thunderbird

If one was to apply a hierarchy to the Grand Murmuration, then the thunderbirds would be the kings, standing at a height of 15 feet, the thunderbirds are the rulers of the heavens, with magic able to bring great storms, most prey can not stand up to their might. Thunderbirds do not stay in any one place for long, in fact most legends state that they are always moving, only standing on the ground two times in their lives, at birth, and at death.