Sydroan Ælf

These are a black skinned people who dwell in the northern parts of the Still Forest and into the southern Great Rages. As they live in hostile territory, they have developed a highly skilled warrior caste, who indicate rank by number and colour of beads worn on a single lock down one side of their heads. These warriors are trained in many weapons as well as hand-to-hand and acrobatic combat. All are also trained to be stealthy, set ambushes, track, climb and repair their bows and fletch their own arrows. They are known to employ Kalgran trackers and scouts to assist in their hunting parties (usually hunting Gnar or worse). Most of their trade is with the Kalgrans, but they also trade with Bakkussans, Humans from Prestania and Datova, and, rarely, with the Jarai to their north.
While most of these people have black skin and eyes, one of every thousand will have pure white skin, but black hair and eyes. These are said to be the blessed of Pappol, and usually serve as priests or priestesses. The Sydroan claim to be Pappol’s chosen people and their society is much formed around the teachings of this being. Pappol is never referred to as a god or deity, but rather as “The Teacher”. Sydroans believe that Pappol is one of an older race of beings who are immortal, and very powerful. Pappol is said to be the lover of Atrethia by many, and some Sydroans revere these two side-by-side. Never is Pappol’s gender mentioned by the Sydroan; although other Ælfs and humans will refer to Pappol as male.
Sydroans typically live south of the Great Rages along the southern border of the mountain range and as far south as the lower boundaries of the great swamp, and slightly into the Baksu Forest.