sylph

Magical winged humanoids who reside in the floating cities of Sylphia.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Humanoid with bilateral symmetry: two legs, two arms, two eyes, a single nose with bifurcated nostrils, etc. Two wings which attach to deltoid muscles appear to be feathered at a distance but prove to be metaphysical in nature up close, more a manifestation of inner essence than a physical structure. Wings' bone structure is physical and spirit-elemental feathers sprout to cover the skin and flesh. Hands have long, semi-retractable claws on each of five fingers. Dentition is primarily humanoid, though sharp elongated canines are apparent during mating and hunting. These teeth can be retracted behind the regular omnivore teeth.

Biological Traits

Most sylphs can pass for human, if their wings are covered and their elongated canines and claws are retracted. While they are platinum white in coloration, their skin tones, hair and feathers all change color based on hormonal and emotional fluctuations, forming a secondary language.

Genetics and Reproduction

Comprable to humans, sylphs are fertile all year without breeding seasons. Females can willngly activate ovulation in order to optimize chances of conception, eliminating random menstruation cycles and reducing unwanted pregnancies. They give live birth to helpless offspring after nine months of gestation. Offspring born to mated pairs are more likely to survive to adulthood, though it is unclear if this is because two partners are required for rearing offspring or if there is a genetic component in unmated copulation that damages viability.

Growth Rate & Stages

Sylphs move from infant to mobile stages at approximately two years of age. At 10, they are considered fully conscious and aware. They pass into socially responsible adulthood at 18 and are fully sexually mature at 25. They remain sexually viable until sometime in their third century of life, at which point sexually active genders pass into a form of hormonal menopause. Most publicly oriented sylphs will leave public life at this stage, entering into a retirement phase of life. The oldest known sylph died at 759 years of age.

Ecology and Habitats

Sylphs prefer cooler temperatures and open air, primarily staying in the aerial landmass above Elven Reach. Sometimes they are also found in the mountains of both Elven Reach and Westerheim.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Omniverous, with high protein and iron requirements. Known to actively hunt land-based livestock, killing for meat or merely wounding for blood.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Clan-based with an elder system; head of clan is "King."

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Possess excellent long-distance vision, more limited in close-range. Color sense ranges from ultraviolet to infrared spectra. Sense of smell is acute, though not as sharp as many ground-based mammals; roughly equivilent to a hyper-sensitive human. Excellent auditory processing, especially in higher frequency ranges; struggle with low frequencies. Profess to be able to "smell" magic, though this has been unconfirmed by human or elven scientists in a laboratory setting.
Known to form extrasensory pair-bonds between mated pairs. This allows empathic communication between mated individuals, limited sense sharing (mostly touch), and location/direction sense, allowing for mated individuals to locate each other in space at great distance. They also appear to share a life-sense: if one is hurt or killed, the other feels it acutely.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Sylphian 
Also communicate through emotional and hormonal visual displays on wings and skin.

Common Etiquette Rules

Very rigid social codes regarding propriety, politeness and social regulation.

Common Dress Code

Commonly dress in white or neutral colors, loose clothing and silks.

Common Taboos

Nudity is unacceptible in public. Loud talking is frowned upon, but permitted.

Common Myths and Legends

Flight of Silver Tears

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Elves are traditional enemies, having been at war with sylphs for generations. Most sylphs regard them as "tree-hugging narcissists."
Humans are considered lesser species, often considered barbaric or stupid.

Scientific Name

Natura aereus

Lifespan

700 years

Average Height

Males: 5'11"-6'6" Females: 5'6"-6'2"

Average Weight

Males: 120-250 lbs Females: 90-180 lbs

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

skin: platinum white
hair: platinum to silver
feathers: platinum white
eyes: ice green to blue-green

Geographic Distribution

• Sylphia