Nobody knows what the haibane are (if they are human or not). The haibane are not allowed to leave town, it is their most sacred law. Even if their family were somewhere in the world, they wouldn't recognize the. Just as the haibane cannot remember where they came from, no one remembers them.
Rules
- Haibane may not pass beyond the Walls of Glie.
- Haibane may only live in places that have been abandoned after prolonged use.
- Haibane are obligated to work in the town that hosts them.
- Haibane are forbidden from handling actual money; only their notebooks.
- Haibane may only wear used clothing.
Haibane Life Stages
Cocoon
See: Main Article
A cocoon materializes within a haibane nest, the size of a dandelion puff at first, growing to accommodate whomever is inside. When the cocoon is mature, the haibane inside begins to dream. The walls of the cocoon turn gray, and the haibane awakens within and forces their way out.
New Feather
The other members of a nest care for and teach the newborn haibane of their new existence. New feathers are given a name based on their cocoon dream, provided with a halo, and allowed to rest. Shortly after hatching, a high fever will set in and wings (which have been developing sub-dermally) violently break through the skin. During this time, the haibane must be watched carefully, as they are subject to the fever and trauma, and may inadvertently injure themselves or pass out. After the wings breach the skin, they must be cleaned of blood or their light charcoal feathers may become stained. After this time, the Haibane Renmei will provide them with a name plaque and notebook.