Among the Avodai, there are people who are either humans that turn into birds or birds that turn into humans. It cannot be decided which is correct. Some are said to live among the birds.

They are said to drink the blood of children, pregnant people, and goats. If you tie back their hair, they cannot fly or change form. Their feathers are raven-black. The Light of the House of Prayer reflects brilliantly in the undercolor of their feathers, bringing out greens and turquoise.

When they die, you should fill their mouth with dirt, so they can not continue to feed for the year following their death.

Commentary #

Among more enlightened folks, it is known that Estries just need to eat blood-soaked flesh, which is against our laws. The Rebas debate whether they can truly be Avodai. When we welcome such creatures into the Light and into our communities, we sponsor them and personal responsibility for harm they may cause.–Rosh Rafa Malki 

How are Estries different than Wolfolk? Like Wolfolk, they may eat meat. But we protect Wolfolk and let them purify themselves if they succumb. –Rosh Shai

A Wolfolk transforms humans into beasts and back, they can resist their wild temptations and survive without flesh and blood. An Estrie is an Estrie to their core, and without flesh they will die. As a Rafa it is our duty to care for all people, including Estries and keep their confidence. We should not cast our neighbors’ fear against them. –Rosh Rafa Malki 

But does it not say all laws may be forsaken for the sake of a life? Surely no taboo takes precedence. –Rafa Shai