Tlalli Tepanecatl
Not many people wish to venture into the Ixchel Wilds, but then again not many things who reside within the jungles depths seek to leave it either. One such race are the Etapalli. A sub-species of the harpy, this tropical variant are bright in their plumage and thus stand out outside of the jungles bright ecosystem.
Their home lies deep in the heart of the Ixchel Wilds. Their wings and talons make them fierce predators and whilst they possess some bloodlust, they tend to be a peaceful kind more interested in their own peoples than those outside.
It was from this home that Tlalli, Princess of their kind, was forced into exile at the birth of her baby brother.
Appearance
Etapalli, much like their cousins the Harpy, are part bird and part human. They have large wings which, unlike harpies, are separate appendages to their arms and sprout of their back. Feathers stand in place of hair and coat their arms and legs, before turning into sharp taloned feet. These are a lot slimmer and more suited to flight and attack in deep forested areas rather than mountainous ranges like the harpies.
Tlalli's feathers are bright oranges and greens, setting off against her bright turquoise eyes. Whilst appearing slim she is incredibly muscular owing to the muscles she uses for flight and strong despite her height and stature. Her talons and claws, much like a bird of preys, are large and extremely sharp.
Tlalli's feathers are bright oranges and greens, setting off against her bright turquoise eyes. Whilst appearing slim she is incredibly muscular owing to the muscles she uses for flight and strong despite her height and stature. Her talons and claws, much like a bird of preys, are large and extremely sharp.
Skills and Abilities
Flight: Like all Etapalli, Tlalli can fly using her wings. Being quite young still and having not built up muscles for long periods of flight however, she is limited to how much ground she can cover in one go.
Regeneration: Much like harpies, Etapalli can only be killed by fire. Other injuries heal quickly depending on their age - youngsters take longer to heal and might be scarred, whilst older Etapalli can regrow whole limbs within days.
Strength: the Etapalli are known to be stronger than the average human and can lift a grown man over twice their size with ease.
Regeneration: Much like harpies, Etapalli can only be killed by fire. Other injuries heal quickly depending on their age - youngsters take longer to heal and might be scarred, whilst older Etapalli can regrow whole limbs within days.
Strength: the Etapalli are known to be stronger than the average human and can lift a grown man over twice their size with ease.
Personality
Tlalli is quite a nervous and shy girl who has learnt to trust nobody. Despite that she still holds a high opinion of herself due to her rank and considers herself as superior to many others of her own kind especially. This combination can often make her come across as spoilt and arrogant. She has an abundance of confidence in her own abilities which is at times unwarranted, leading to her often appearing quite childish and petty when she insists on doing things herself, or proud when she refuses help.
Tlalli is very young and comes across as such in naivety about the world and also her tantrums when she doesn't get what she wants or finds something to be a challenge.
Tlalli is very young and comes across as such in naivety about the world and also her tantrums when she doesn't get what she wants or finds something to be a challenge.
Biography & Lore
Tlalli Tepanecatl, Daughter of Queen Nekowhum and King T'chuitka, Third of her name and current Heiress to the Throne of Tōtōtl-Calii, had a relatively normal childhood. She grew up with a silver spoon in her mouth, learning the ways of her people. She was the third child of the King and Queen and as such she led the life of a spare heir; getting to enjoy things like play and less about politics. Her mother doted on her and spent most of her time with her youngest child, whilst her elder two learnt from their father.
When she was thirteen tragedy struck and the Queen passed away from a sudden disease. The King went into a state of shock and rage and refused to spend any time with his children who reminded him too vividly of his parted soulmate. His courtiers, who plotted behind his back, quickly arranged a new marriage to the Queen Metzili, a woman of noble birth whose family had higher dreams.
The new Queen paid little attention to the children of the last Queen until Tlalli's older brother, Uko, came of age. Popular with the younger courtiers and growing in his prowess on the field, he was beloved by the people. Just before his 21st birthday, Uko became gravely ill with the same symptoms as his mother had on her death bed. He died quickly and painfully. Tlalli's older sister, grief stricken over the death of her twin brother, threw the blame at the feet of the new Queen.
Who had her promptly incarcerated. Ajelo died in shackles months later.
Tlalli was in a precarious position. Her older siblings had tarnished her in the Queens eyes and when she gave birth to the Kings child, a son, her life appeared to be in danger. Loyalists to the old Queen smuggled Tlalli out of the city and set her into the world with nowt but her mothers old armour, bow, and the instructions to never return if she valued her life.
When she was thirteen tragedy struck and the Queen passed away from a sudden disease. The King went into a state of shock and rage and refused to spend any time with his children who reminded him too vividly of his parted soulmate. His courtiers, who plotted behind his back, quickly arranged a new marriage to the Queen Metzili, a woman of noble birth whose family had higher dreams.
The new Queen paid little attention to the children of the last Queen until Tlalli's older brother, Uko, came of age. Popular with the younger courtiers and growing in his prowess on the field, he was beloved by the people. Just before his 21st birthday, Uko became gravely ill with the same symptoms as his mother had on her death bed. He died quickly and painfully. Tlalli's older sister, grief stricken over the death of her twin brother, threw the blame at the feet of the new Queen.
Who had her promptly incarcerated. Ajelo died in shackles months later.
Tlalli was in a precarious position. Her older siblings had tarnished her in the Queens eyes and when she gave birth to the Kings child, a son, her life appeared to be in danger. Loyalists to the old Queen smuggled Tlalli out of the city and set her into the world with nowt but her mothers old armour, bow, and the instructions to never return if she valued her life.