Sylvani

Description

Elves are average human height and of slender build. They are home to the great forests, where they make their homes in the tops of the massive Ark trees. Food is plentiful in the forest, but so are predators. Although the elves manage to escape most of the larger predators by making their homes in the tree tops, life in the elven homeland is a constant struggle to remain unseen and off the dinner menu.

Because elven life often comes to a brutal and unexpected end, elves enjoy the life they are given. They are very fond of artistic pursuits including music and poetry especially; but sculpture, cooking, and weaving are also very popular.

Elves were given the power of life from the ancient Ilthids and they use this power to nurture the land. They have a magical sense of the living things around them and, it is said, can communicate with almost any creature.

Habitat

Elves make their homes in forest cottages and tree-houses high in the massive Ark trees of the forests. Settlements tend to be small and scattered, generally providing for between one and two hundred elves at most and not less that a few miles apart. These villages are well hidden, an unwary traveler could search for months and never know of the elves living just overhead.

Diet

Food in the Western forest is plentiful, even in winter. Elves prefer fresh fruits and nuts, and savory meats and sweet breads as well. Elves are excellent cooks, in general, and are particularly fond of sweets.

Demeanor

Elves society is full of joy and laughter. It seems elves are always celebrating something with song and art. But elves are also very thoughtful and adventurous, though not as deep-thinking as the dwarves nor as foolhardy as humans; yet even as they enjoy themselves they are always aware of their role in the circle of life.

Although elves memories are just as long as the dwarves, they forgive more easily. Long ago they had blamed the dwarves for the rise of the goblins but early in the fourth age they holding a grudge server no purpose.

Appearance

Light brown to dark brown skin is common, with light brown or greenish blond hair. Elves often have eyes of blue, brown, or green. They are almost as tall as humans, but far more slender, like a child stretched tall. Elves prefer sparse, tight fitting clothing of natural colors.

Fighting Style

Elven fighting style takes advantage of their keen senses and quiet agility. They prefer to use bows and slings to attack unnoticed from a distance; and when they must small swords and large knives up close. Especially if they can attack with surprise or from behind.

Homeland Government

Elven settlements are usually fairly small, such that everyone knows everyone else and they all have an interest in their individual success. Decisions are made by group discussion and finalized by a vote of everybody present. There is no tribal leader, and the role of moderator is decided by lot at the beginning of the decision making process; the process is very informal by the standards of other races. Usually a consensus can be reached within a few hours, or days for very contentious problems.

Names

Elf names are often long and multi-syllabic but they are almost always shortened to a nickname by other races. Elven names are similar to Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) names.

Example: Syphallyonoubaes, aka Syph.