Kestrels are an elite class of soldier in the Carja and Shadow Carja military in Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West.
History[]
During the early reign of Sun-King Jiran, one season brought harsh sandstorms to Sandwhisper Valley. In response, Jiran ordered that the strongest among his guard would be trained there, rechristened as Kestrels. The training was brutal, and many recruits did not survive. The first and most infamous was Helis, who would eventually become Jiran's champion.
Current Status[]
Most Kestrels were unwaveringly devout to Jiran. As a result, the majority of them fled to Sunfall following the Liberation of Meridian,[1] while some were captured and imprisoned at Sunstone Rock.[2] While some Kestrals remain among the Sun Carja, their function has largely been usurped by the Vanguard.[1]
Appearance[]
Unlike the heavy and fixed design of Carja soldiers, Kestrel armor is much lighter and customizable. The typical kestrel armor consists of a metal helmet with leather straps around the eyes, shoulder and upper plating, gauntlets, shin guards, shoes with single talon-like extensions, and red feather accents. While some Kestrels wear chest armor, others have bare chests and torsos, painted with dark ink.
As is normal in Carja style, the armor is heavily inspired by Stormbirds.
Carja Kestrels are dressed similarly to regular Carja soldiers, though they often do not wear helmets.
Combat[]
Most Kestrels are encountered wielding the Firestriker with only a couple wielding Hunter Bows in combat.
Sun Carja Kestrels are seen wielding bows and swords, like their Shadow Carja counterparts.
Trivia[]
- The name "kestrel" comes from a subcategory of falcons.
- Kestrels are seen using swords in the comics, yet never wield them in Horizon Zero Dawn. Helis is the only exception.
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Page 619 of the Horizon Zero Dawn Collector's Edition Guide.
- ↑ Dialogue with Janeva during Sunstone Rock