Species: Buceros tricornis (Tricorn Gliders)

The Tricorn Glider is a species of shortwinged glider hailing from the tropical rainforests of the eastern continent, with a few distinct cultures of note. Woodspreyar is home to the most concentrated population of Tricorn Gliders, with other dense populations to the north in Lordspire and further inland to the east, past the Eyepits. Tricorn Gliders are known to be intensely gregarious, even in comparison to other social sapients, with individuals maintaining tightly knit friend groups of upwards of 10 others.

While it may be inferred from the name 'Tricorn Glider' that this species has three horns, the title is technically a misnomer; all three 'horns' (two from the back of the cranium and one from the forehead) are rather specialized, hollow resonant chambers designed to amplify sound. The species exhibits no sexual dimorphism, and no uninfluenced culture maintains or utilizes constructs of gender or gender roles. Parents take care of their offspring equally, but given the social nature of the species, other relatives and close friends will often help to take care of the children.

The various, disparate populations have equally varied cultures separate from one another. Despite this, they each tend to place similar emphasis on the value of interpersonal relationships, and tend to observe generally similar customs regarding these relationships.

Physiology

Though short and tightly-built relative to longwinged and plague-eating gliders, Tricorn Gliders are the larger member of the genus Buceros, with B. pteroglossus having somewhat smaller average dimensions. Tricorn Gliders are most well-known for their large casques, a feature unique to the species, as well as their large, long beaks, a trait shared with B. pteroglossus.

Almost every feature and quirk of the anatomy of Tricorn Gliders is directly adapted to the tightly forested jungles that they call home. Their wings are short and thick, an elliptical shape allowing for quick maneuvers, rapid take-offs, and the agility required to evade predators in difficult to navigate environments. They have anisodactyl-formatted feet, with their front toes having fused bases, allowing for comfortable perching, but this format is better suited to hopping rather than walking. The forelimbs of Tricorn Gliders are built for grasping, and are ideal for hanging onto branches: muscular, but thin, with sturdy fingers and thumbs.

Young of this species hatch from eggs laid one at a time, and hatch helpless and naked. Physical development is fairly rapid, with children of 5 years or older appearing remarkably similar to adults, though their casques and horns have yet to completely develop until later. Mental development is another beast entirely, and is only complete at 25 years or older.

Cultures

There are multiple recognizable cultures of Tricorn Glider extant, with a few now-extinct as well:

Southern Woodspreyari Mountainous Woodspreyari Lordspirytes