Slyph
The Slyph of Kryllos
Believe themselves sprouted from an acorn fallen from Yggdrasil
Originally lived in a beautiful paradise they called the Garden, now lost.
The Slyph are considered immortal by humans, because they do not die of aging. They can, though rarely, die of disease and are susceptible to death by injury. It takes them a very long time to reach maturity. 20-30 years would still be a toddler of small child size.
These humanoids are strikingly alien in appearance, with large, protruding, lidless eyes that dominate their thin, angular faces. Their bodies are lithe and unnaturally elongated, with narrow torsos and impossibly long, slender arms that enhance their graceful, almost otherworldly movements. Instead of ears, they possess narrow, adjustable slits on the sides of their heads, capable of opening or closing to filter sound, granting them hyperacute hearing. Completely hairless, their skin possesses a chameleon-like quality, shifting to match the colors and textures of their surroundings, offering them unparalleled camouflage. Standing between 6 to 8 feet tall, their towering frames are as lean as they are elegant. Primarily nocturnal, their oversized eyes grant exceptional vision in darkness but leave them sensitive to bright light.
There are several castes that make up their ranks, which they call Branches, organized in a hierarchical system.
The Slyph are known for cultivating Thronewood Trees - trees of black iron with metallic lanceolate-shaped leaves (Steelbloom / Elunium, which the Slyph use for forging tools and weapons.) These weapons are greatly coveted across Kryllos for their durability, unparalleled ability to maintain a razor-sharp edge, and their innate resistance to wear and corrosion.
Slyph are also known for growing Slyphian Bioships - marvels of living craftsmanship, bioships are small, agile airships, uniquely alive and intimately bound to their masters. Each vessel is grown and shaped over the span of more than a century—115 years or more—nurtured and guided by a dedicated caretaker who will be the only one able to pilot it. Through an extraordinary bond of telepathic symbiosis, the Gardener and their Bioship are as one, the ship responding to the Gardener’s will with precision. Each Bioship is tailored to its Gardener, reflecting their unique connection and shared growth. While elegant and swift, Bioships are modest in their capacity, designed for solo journeys rather than large-scale transport. They can carry a single pilot and a small amount of cargo, or a pilot accompanied by one or two passengers. These living vessels are a testament to the art of growing the extraordinary.
They are governed by deep traditions they call Roots:
In Slyphian law, there are eight recognized witnesses, and the weight of any accusation is determined by the witness's standing within a nuanced hierarchy, which ranges from highborn to lowborn based on Branch (caste.) These witnesses in descending order of credibility or importance are:
When Slyph speak of the Garden, they can be referring to several different things:
1. The lost Garden of their origin story, from which they emerged from an acorn fallen from Yggdrasil
2. Branch Helaku - Agricultural plots, commonly tending to Thronewood trees.
3. Branch Dichali - the Garden is a synonym for the Spirit World, a realm separate from the Mortal lands, though it resembles it even down to geography, but with myriad subtle differences - colors are more vibrant. Magic is common, it is where heroes spend eternity, where spirits abound. However, the Spirit World is not without peril; prolonged exposure can drive mortals to madness. Among the few who can traverse this enigmatic realm are druids, who possess the ability to dreamwalk within this mystical world within a world.
Believe themselves sprouted from an acorn fallen from Yggdrasil
Originally lived in a beautiful paradise they called the Garden, now lost.
The Slyph are considered immortal by humans, because they do not die of aging. They can, though rarely, die of disease and are susceptible to death by injury. It takes them a very long time to reach maturity. 20-30 years would still be a toddler of small child size.
These humanoids are strikingly alien in appearance, with large, protruding, lidless eyes that dominate their thin, angular faces. Their bodies are lithe and unnaturally elongated, with narrow torsos and impossibly long, slender arms that enhance their graceful, almost otherworldly movements. Instead of ears, they possess narrow, adjustable slits on the sides of their heads, capable of opening or closing to filter sound, granting them hyperacute hearing. Completely hairless, their skin possesses a chameleon-like quality, shifting to match the colors and textures of their surroundings, offering them unparalleled camouflage. Standing between 6 to 8 feet tall, their towering frames are as lean as they are elegant. Primarily nocturnal, their oversized eyes grant exceptional vision in darkness but leave them sensitive to bright light.
There are several castes that make up their ranks, which they call Branches, organized in a hierarchical system.
- Branch Dichali (druidic speakers, leaders)
- Branch Kaniya (Geisha-like feminine arts - dance, conversation, song)
- Branch Helaku (priests and gardeners)
- Branch Akecheta (warriors)
- Branch Yiqyaa (lowest ranked formal caste - shepherds, herders)
- Góshé - slaves, laborers
The Slyph are known for cultivating Thronewood Trees - trees of black iron with metallic lanceolate-shaped leaves (Steelbloom / Elunium, which the Slyph use for forging tools and weapons.) These weapons are greatly coveted across Kryllos for their durability, unparalleled ability to maintain a razor-sharp edge, and their innate resistance to wear and corrosion.
Slyph are also known for growing Slyphian Bioships - marvels of living craftsmanship, bioships are small, agile airships, uniquely alive and intimately bound to their masters. Each vessel is grown and shaped over the span of more than a century—115 years or more—nurtured and guided by a dedicated caretaker who will be the only one able to pilot it. Through an extraordinary bond of telepathic symbiosis, the Gardener and their Bioship are as one, the ship responding to the Gardener’s will with precision. Each Bioship is tailored to its Gardener, reflecting their unique connection and shared growth. While elegant and swift, Bioships are modest in their capacity, designed for solo journeys rather than large-scale transport. They can carry a single pilot and a small amount of cargo, or a pilot accompanied by one or two passengers. These living vessels are a testament to the art of growing the extraordinary.
They are governed by deep traditions they call Roots:
- A deep reverence for nature and respect for all living things. To harm nature is to harm oneself.
- Balance - live in harmony and balance with the land and one another. Balance is the foundation of peace and prosperity.
- Courage and conviction to face fear and adversity. Live freely and with conviction.
- Respect for elders and one another. Honor the wisdom of the elders and treat all as you wish to be treated. Place the needs of the Branch—the community—above personal desires, for its strength ensures the survival of all.
- Integrity - live with honesty and authenticity. Know your heart and embrace your true self, for only through integrity can you walk the path of harmony.
In Slyphian law, there are eight recognized witnesses, and the weight of any accusation is determined by the witness's standing within a nuanced hierarchy, which ranges from highborn to lowborn based on Branch (caste.) These witnesses in descending order of credibility or importance are:
- A Branch/Caste head
- A druid or a gardner, speaking of their garden
- A Maiden speaking of, or for, her purity
- A Priest
- A Parent Speaking for a Child
- A Gift Giver speaking of, or for, her gift
- A Herder speaking of, or for, her animals
- A Condemned man speaking his last words
When Slyph speak of the Garden, they can be referring to several different things:
1. The lost Garden of their origin story, from which they emerged from an acorn fallen from Yggdrasil
2. Branch Helaku - Agricultural plots, commonly tending to Thronewood trees.
3. Branch Dichali - the Garden is a synonym for the Spirit World, a realm separate from the Mortal lands, though it resembles it even down to geography, but with myriad subtle differences - colors are more vibrant. Magic is common, it is where heroes spend eternity, where spirits abound. However, the Spirit World is not without peril; prolonged exposure can drive mortals to madness. Among the few who can traverse this enigmatic realm are druids, who possess the ability to dreamwalk within this mystical world within a world.
Inspiration: A Kryllos-unique race replacing traditional fantasy elves, a hybridized Native American Indian & Feudal Japanese culture, with a hint of Celtic.
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