Kuthawa

Kuthawa (singular: Kuthawa) are a race of humanoid creatures that primarily inhabit the south-central reaches of Tsominku. Their most notable magical traits are their affinity for air and associated elemental magic, as well as their inherent ability to transform into birds, avians, and other such airborne creatures. While they have taken on the form of reptilian winged creatures before, they much more commonly transform into birds or avaians, which has earned them the nickname "avians". Like other shapeshifting races of Mencu, Kuthawa are a Vartiz Race.

Origins
The Kuthawa descended from the Vartiz, a wild but proud race of people who took great pride in their different shapeshifting abilities. While none of them had power to the extent of the Jalenga, each of them possessed an inherent affinity for one of the six Mencuan Elements and an associated range of creatures into which they could transform at will. Gradually, the Vartiz divided into different clans based on elemental affinity, and those closely associated with the element air were the first Kuthawa. Not by chance, they were also the first ones to transform into birds, bats, and other flying creatures of the sky.

181st Age (Jalenga Wars)
The Kuthawa spent most of their time as mercenaries or raiders, and so found their way into neighboring regions such as Tazuké or the Aurum Forest, where they have been met with mixed reception. Despite this reputation many of them have managed to assimilate without problem into other cultures, and so there are healthy populations of Kuthawa among many nations, particularly East Aurum, West Aurum, and Korziña.