Syl
Those that walk the woods
A shy and retiring folk by nature, the Syl dwell in the plains and thick forests, though some few in the less-inhabited mountain peaks. They are the first of the Daiduna, and remember the time of the Faen and the first men in their songs.
Syl are humanoids, with skin coloration much like a deer or faun, ranging from mahogany to black, though white individuals are also known. Syl’s hands and feet are black, and their hair color is usually a darker shade of their skin tone. Some syl have spirals of feathers that hang in their hair, or patches of feathers growing on their forearms, legs, or backs. They do not possess wings.
Others, especially males, often grow small antlers that shed velvet like a buck. Syl take on the characteristics of the cervines to be found in their native homelands, ranging from antelope-like forms in warm climates, to whitetail deer appearances in temperate climes, to elk or reindeer in taigas. Additionally, any feathers a Syl may have are often similar to local birds. Not all Syl manifest the vestige-feathers, but female Syl appear to more often.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Syl are at a glance very similar to humans in appearance, being approximately the same height and weight, though they tend to be taller and thinner than the average human.
Distinct morphological characteristics include the wide-set eyes of the Syl, considered somewhat uncanny by humans. Syl also commonly have a black marking running down their philtrum, and the natural color of a Syl's lips is black. Adjacently, Syl nails are naturally black, and their skin tone is often "speckled" with patches of low-melalin spotting similar to the markings on a deer (though regional variance is not unheard of).
Biological Traits
Although Syl reach physical maturity at about the same age as humans, the Syl understanding of adulthood goes beyond physical growth to encompass worldly experience. A Syl typically claims adulthood around the age of 70 and can live to be 300 years old, though there are precious few of these Elders in Thamrysis.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Syl tend to be semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers, moving in large extended family units known as "Rove." These roves may have be part of larger cultral unit, often made of up many Roves who living in a similar area or with similar conditions.
Not all Syl remain nomadic. Since the Dark Age, many have settled in the more tolerant human settlements, such as Dayne-on-the-Loch and Weinwyr. Here, they tend to observe human social practices, though Syl who have small or no social group to align with often present indications of intense psychological stress.
Facial characteristics
All syl have spotting of white or tan coloration around their brows, cheeks, necks and backs with lighter coloration along the front of their body.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Throughout Thamrysis.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Accustomed to twilit forests and the night sky, Syl have superior vision in dark and dim light.
Civilization and Culture
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The long-lived Syl are deeply connected to the natural world, bridging the space between mortal and fey. Syl live in balance with the wild and understand it better than most other mortals, especially as they are capable of spending centuries observing it. This long lifespan has helped Syl to understand that they must maintain sustainable lifestyles, which is most easily done when nature is in balance with its inhabitants. Syl prefer bountiful lands where resources are plentiful, but still thrive in harsher regions.
Syl artistry, especially when working in wood, bone, or leather, is well known for its quality. Syl often prefer these materials to mineral or “unnatural” materials.
Syl also have an appreciation for the written word, magic, and painstaking research. In the modern era, many settled into great human cities, especially Dayne-on-the-Loch, to study and teach amongst humans.
Syl artistry, especially when working in wood, bone, or leather, is well known for its quality. Syl often prefer these materials to mineral or “unnatural” materials.
Syl also have an appreciation for the written word, magic, and painstaking research. In the modern era, many settled into great human cities, especially Dayne-on-the-Loch, to study and teach amongst humans.
History
Pre-History
The history of the Syl predates any human history, as they appear to be one of the native people of this continent. In the primordial dawn of Thamrysis, when the world was still young and wild, the Faen appeared, wielding magic of profound power. Their very presence suffused the land with arcane energy. The Faen’s arrival marked the beginning of a transformative era, known as among the Syl as the Age of Awakening.
The Faen’s magic did more than merely touch the land; it awakened latent potential within certain animals. Among these creatures were those destined to become the Daiduna. The process was both mystical and enigmatic, as the Faen's magic imbued these animals with sentience and a deeper connection to the world's magical currents. This transformation was not universal; many creatures remained as they were, untouched by the Faen’s influence.
From the serene forests and meadows emerged the Syl, beings born from the bodies of deer and similar cervids. The Faen’s influence granted them grace, wisdom, and a profound bond with the natural world. The Syl remained nomadic for eons, following game for seasons then settling in permanent structures for the winters when they could not reach warmer climes in winter.
Common Myths and Legends
Religion
Syl venerate the balance of natural forces and the beauty of the natural world. Most believe that is the the condition of mortals to care for and tend the natural world, as it provides life like a mother to a child to its mortal inhabitants. The Druii, a caste of priests, make up the bulk of Syl religious officiants, and guide the community by interpreting the will of Nature and the spirits that inhabit the Wyrd - a mirror world of our own where men are as to spirits as spirits are to men. Syl believe they can hear the voices of this world, and this idea remains prevelant to even those who do not honor the religion of their forebearers.
Some Syl worship the Senden, suggesting they had extensive contact with the Faen. This practice was almost wiped out in the Dark Ages, when Octani Inquisitors saw both Syl worship of the Senden as worship of the Forbade. Groups that still worship the Senden are often seen as archaic or out of touch, though it’s rumored that members of the Crow’s Oath worship the Senden as a way to connect to their once-mighty fore-bearers.
Origin/Ancestry
Daiduna
Lifespan
250
Average Height
Syl range from under 5 to over 6 feet tall.
Average Weight
100-130 lbs
Average Physique
Slender.
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