Long ago, when the storm god Vulg was shaping the sky, The first Mire Umbra, a chaotic and violent beast was wreaking havoc upon the material plane. Vulg, who was unable to interfere at the time, formed a weapon from a strand of his hair. This hair was transformed into the world's first feather. Vulg then infused the feather with the very essence of the skies and commanded it to take form as the god's champion.

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The feathers began multiplying while swirling into the mist and wind, eventually taking the shape of a giant bird. This bird now known as Zhashi was the new embodiment of the winds, freedom and flying creature. Zhashi's form and dominion of the skies became the perfect counter to the Mire Umbra. With wings so vast they could forever evade their foe's reach, and a beak strong enough to shatter their armor, Zhashi drove the Umbra Mantle deep underground, saving the material realm from certain destruction.

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Vulg, with great thanks, granted Zhashi dominion over the winds but warned that by their nature the winds were a tricky force to master. Zhashi would be bound to an endless journey of circling the material plane. For if Zhashi ever ceased their flight around the world the winds of Crius would falter.

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In the modern time, Zhashi has gathered a following of those who seek freedom and a connection to the skies. The worshipers choose to build temples atop mountain peaks or within towering trees, hoping to spot the god as they soar through the skies. However, seeing Zhashi is no simple task. They fly high above the clouds at blinding speeds, sometimes even taking the form of vast flocks of birds, making their presence difficult to discern. Followers leave offerings of birdseed in hopes of gaining favor with the god, although Zhashi remains largely neutral on the workings of mortals. Instead they stay ever vigilant and devoted to their task of maintaining the winds.‍

Despite this detachment, Zhashi does bestow gifts upon a select few, granting them the power to sprout wings or command the wind. In fact the first birdfolk of Crius are believed to have been Zhashi's first followers, transformed by Zhashi themselves. Zhashi possesses the unique ability to inhabit and control any bird on the material plane, allowing them to commune with mortals. Despite themselves being unable to stop and land. The type of bird Zhashi inhabits usually reflects their mood and goals. Worshippers can identify Zhashi’s presence by a distinct golden feature sprouting from the bird’s head. No matter the exact species of bird the god inhabits this trait is ever present.