The First Bird

Overview

The First Bird is a bird deity or originator figure in avian theology, referenced as a female entity who is "always hungry." She represents a potentially dangerous but knowledgeable source of information about the Song of Beginnings and ancient cosmic matters.

Discovery in Session 3

Song Sparrow's Direction: During Session 3, a song sparrow discussing the Song of Beginnings directed the Fellowship to seek out The First Bird for deeper knowledge.

Primary Warning: When Ale-ore asked about the dangers of seeking The First Bird, the response was clear: getting eaten is the main concern because "she's always hungry."

Gender Identified: The First Bird is referred to as "she," establishing her as a female deity or primordial being.

Nature and Role

Bird Deity/Originator: The First Bird appears to be either:

• The original bird from which all others descended
• A deity worshipped or acknowledged by avian species
• A primordial entity connected to the world's creation

Keeper of Ancient Knowledge: Her connection to the Song of Beginnings suggests she possesses knowledge about the world's sonic creation.

Always Hungry: This defining characteristic serves as both warning and possibly metaphor:

• Literal interpretation: She will attempt to eat visitors
• Metaphorical interpretation: Insatiable hunger for something beyond food
• Practical warning: Approaching her is extremely dangerous

Bird Religion and Theology

Subject of Worship/Acknowledgment: The First Bird is recognized across avian species, suggesting a unified or at least widespread bird theology.

Controversial Elements: Bird religion includes some uncomfortable truths for non-avian species:

• Some bird theology suggests "monkeys that walk around on two feet should perish and disappear from the planet"
• This apocalyptic faction view creates tension between bird religious beliefs and mammalian existence

Song Sparrows' Connection: Song sparrows, with their natural affinity for songs and music, seem particularly knowledgeable about The First Bird and the Song of Beginnings.

The Hunger

Defining Characteristic: "Always hungry" is repeatedly emphasized as The First Bird's primary trait.

Primary Danger: Getting eaten is explicitly stated as the main risk of seeking her out.

Unknown Appetite: What The First Bird hungers for remains unclear:

• Does she eat any creature that approaches?
• Is she hungry for specific types of beings?
• Does she consume something beyond physical sustenance (stories, memories, songs)?

Connection to Song of Beginnings

Knowledge Source: The First Bird is presented as someone who can provide information about the Song of Beginnings.

Potential Originator: As a primordial bird entity, she may have been present at or involved in the world's creation.

Musical Connection: Birds and songs are naturally linked, making The First Bird a logical keeper of knowledge about creation-through-music.

Quest Implications

Seek the First Bird: The song sparrow's direction created an informal quest to find and speak with The First Bird about the Song of Beginnings.

High Risk: The "always hungry" warning indicates this will be a dangerous encounter requiring preparation.

Necessary Risk: Multiple sources pointing to The First Bird suggests she holds crucial information for countering The Entropy Shepherd.

Unknown Details

Location: Where The First Bird can be found remains unknown - possibly in a specific location, possibly accessible through ritual or specific conditions.

Form: What The First Bird looks like is unclear - giant bird, cosmic entity, abstract force?

Communication: How one communicates with The First Bird without being immediately eaten needs to be determined.

Allegiance: Whether The First Bird opposes, supports, or is indifferent to The Entropy Shepherd is unknown.

Ale-ore's Learning

Bird Communication: Ale-ore received a magical primer ("My First Bird Talk") from Ulion to learn basic bird communication, partly in preparation for eventual contact with The First Bird.

Theological Discomfort: Ale-ore's conversations with birds about their theology included learning uncomfortable truths about avian religious beliefs regarding non-birds.

Bracelet Aid: Nyx enchanted a bracelet made by Ale-ore to assist with animal communication, another preparation for dealing with The First Bird.

Thematic Significance

The First Bird represents the alien nature of non-humanoid intelligences and theologies. Her hunger and the controversial elements of bird religion remind the Fellowship that not all potential allies or sources of knowledge operate from familiar moral frameworks. She embodies the dangerous nature of seeking ancient, primal knowledge - it may require approaching beings who see humanoids as food rather than worthy conversationalists.

Comic Relief Element

Bird Theology Controversy: The revelation that bird religion includes anti-biped sentiments provides comic relief while also introducing legitimate threat.

Dwarf Learning Bird-Speak: The image of underground-dwelling Ale-ore learning to communicate with sky creatures adds humor to the situation.

"Of Course I Should Be Part of This": The song sparrow's insistence on being included in discussions about songs captures avian perspective delightfully.

Campaign Questions

• Where is The First Bird located?
• What must the Fellowship bring or do to avoid being eaten?
• Does she actually have knowledge about the Song of Beginnings, or will seeking her be a dangerous distraction?
• Is her hunger literal, metaphorical, or both?
• What role did she play in the world's creation?
• Can she be reasoned with, or must she be dealt with through trickery or force?