Sylvan Elves

The sylvan elves, who call themselves Trewi, are now known to be far more widespread than originally thought. Though their power is undoubtedly centred on Wyscan, there are many different tribes and cultures of faerie folk found across the forests and jungles of the world, and it is unclear to what extent they are connected. It is theorised that they can travel great distances by magic linking these woodland realms. Many are the tales of a terrible mist that appears from nowhere, often leaving death in its wake - or vanished children and livestock. Those to whom I spoke could offer no explanation except that the spirit of the forest had a vengeful lust. Other stories feature corpses peppered with arrows of unknown provenance, be they beast, orc, dwarf or human, but always the same look of confused fear on their faces.

We do have some sources of information about the Trewi, including the ancient knowledge of the Highborn, or the testimony of those who have survived captivity, as in the celebrated case of Thomas the Bard. We know that they have a rudimentary economy based not on money or barter, but gifting. They live as closely with nature as possible, and demonstrate no social distinction between genders. They have a highly developed calendar quite alien to our own. Within Wyscan, we also know of a class system, ranked as nobles, scholars and commoners.

Some groups, such as the fearsome Blade Dancers and Wild Huntsmen operate outside of this system. By all accounts, the sylvan elves are also unique architects, building their homes for function, beauty, and defence. Called groves, they are woven from trees and clinging plants. Druids and others from the scholarly class patiently encourage the boughs and branches to develop into the forms they desire. These “buildings” move and grow with nature; the grandest constructs, normally occupied by the elite or set aside for ceremonial purposes, are also the oldest.