The Hawk Tribe

I promised a Fire Emblem article, so here it is. Before that though I though I would say I am still looking for an agent to represent my book. It will be a bit longer before I have tons of free time . The Hawk tribe is a race of Laguz found in Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn. They come from the mountain islands of Phoenicis, and as their name suggests they are able to transform into large, powerful hawks. Through the two games it is found that the Hawks of Phoenicis and Ravens of Kilvas are bitter enemies, with Phoenicis looking down on Kilvas for their history of thievery. After the Serenes Massacre, the Hawk tribe took the Heron noble Reyson and his father to live as they did. 

There are only three real Hawk characters in both games. Cheap, yes. The first and most important is the Hawk King, Tibarn. Having great strength, hearing, and sight, Tibarn was chosen to lead based on his abilities. He enjoys fighting, and views chaos as a necessary part of life. In addition to this, he is known to eat a lot, which is a common Laguz trait. He has a rough attitude, and will usually go to drastic measures to accomplish a goal. Jannaf is the oldest of the three Hawks. Known as the King’s eyes, he is able to see to great lengths. He has a sarcastic personality, but does as the King says. Ulki, on the other hand, is able to hear “grass growing on the other side of the country” . He enjoys listening to birds, and has a tendency to speak very little. Jannaf an Ulki commonly bicker, but for odd reasons.

As mentioned, Hawks live in the mountains of Phoenicis, and have their homes carved into the very walls of the cliffs. Their diet consists of fish and berries said to be found only in Phoenicis. Tibarn is known to eat fish raw, but if all Hawks eat this way is not said. The Hawks dress in very unusual clothing, most of which appears ripped or torn. They often wear sandals and headbands, and Tibarn is seen to own a knife (Though this is likely used for his food, not his fighting).

 

After the Serenes Massacre, Tibarn took Reyson and his father to live in Phoenicis. After that day, Tibarn swore revenge against the Begnion Empire, and attacked Begnion ships that crossed his land. In Path of Radiance, Tibarn has a chance to attack the Apostle Sanaki, but says he will do it one day with honor. Eventually, Tibarn forgives the Apostle after she swears to restore Serenes Forest. At the end of Radiant Dawn, it is shown that the bird tribes would all live together in Serenes Forest, but food issues remained a problem.

 

Unlike all the other Laguz races, save Wolves, the Hawk tribe doesn’t try too hard to say “Hey, look at me, I’m an animal race.” . They are a simple race, but an interesting one all the same. In future games I would like to see them utilized a bit more, but who can say.

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