Elves of Flanaess | Calenor - Heritage: Sylvan

-->> DRAFT: only when this sentence is no longer here is it TGL LORE. ---

This is 'TGL Lore' NOT Greyhawk Canon!

Note from Oronir:

I’ve always felt that Greyhawk carries a distinctly Tolkienesque essence. However, it stands apart with its deeply involved gods and entities, its array of peculiar monsters, and its abundance of priests and magic users. That said, the elves of Greyhawk often feel too much like typical D&D elves, missing the timeless and otherworldly qualities that Tolkien envisioned. All too often, elves are played as humans with low-light vision, which makes me question—why bother? Elves should feel like a distinct species, not just humans with a few extra traits. To address this, I’ll be creating a series of articles exploring the elves of Greyhawk as I imagine them. Take from these ideas whatever inspires you!

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Daerandir (Art by Nick Keller)

The elves of the following two realms are Sylvan elves, and while they share many common traits, there are distinct differences between their respective lands.

After describing Gorthalareth elves in detail, I will add a note where Erynduial elves are different.

Gorthalareth Name Giving | Dreadwood

The name "Dreadwood" originates from the Oeridian and Suel cultures, dating back to -301 CY when the Aberrations left in House Malhel's wake spread despair across the neighbouring lands. Before that, the early Flan referred to the area as The Wild Woods due to its many hidden dangers, such as hordes of evil humanoids, a great Green Wyrm, portals to the Fey realm and the natural environment itself.

The Sylvan elves originally named it Ortalareth [OR-thahl-ah-reth], meaning Wood of Elevated Platforms (from or meaning high, tala meaning platform, and reth meaning wood). This name reflects the elven poetic tradition, symbolizing the woods where elves live high in the trees. However, as evil took root in the forest—still lingering to this day—the elves altered the name to Gorthalareth [GOR-thahl-ah-reth], which translates to Fearful Wood (from gor, meaning fearful). This change was a response to the growing malevolent presence within the forest, a stark reminder of the dangers lurking within.

Erynduial name giving | Dim Forest

In the northern Sheldomar Basin, there used to be a vast forest, now fragmented into three distinct woodlands: Hornwood, Oytwood, and the Dim Forest. These are human names however, the elves refer to the entire region as Erynduial [EH-rin-DOO-yahl], meaning Forest of the Twilight Trees (from eryn, meaning tree, and aduial, referring to the second twilight, the period of dusk when the last light fades).

Though the forest evoked fear in other cultures due to its dim nature, the elves recognized its splendour and hidden beauty. The trees in this forest held unique qualities, with some still possessing magical properties to this day. While the forest is not without danger—evil has seeped in and made the elves more cautious—theirs remains a land of beauty and ancient mysteries.

Sylvan Description

The Sylvan elves possess the typical elven appearance, characterized by an innate, unearthly grace and fine features that many humans find striking. Slightly shorter and more slender than humans, they generally weigh between 50 to 70 kg. Males and females are about the same height, with males being only marginally heavier than females.

Elves of this culture lack facial hair, with minimal body hair. Their skin colour ranges from pale to brown, and in the case of those with Flan blood in their heritage, it may even be dark brown. However, the colour of their skin bears no significance—what matters is that they are Sylvan elves, regardless of how they look. Their eyes are one of their most distinctive features, typically a beautiful and unique hazel, blending brown, green, and gold.

Their hair can be golden or auburn, but more commonly, Sylvan elves have brown or black hair, which is typically straight. During formal events or celebrations, they may wear their hair loosely on their shoulders, but in everyday life, it is often tied up, braided, or styled in any practical way.

Erynduial Description: The elves of Erynduial physically resemble their Sylvan counterparts, sharing the same graceful features and characteristics.

Dress

The clothing of Sylvan elves is a reflection of their environment and their deep appreciation for craftsmanship, blending practicality for life in the forest with artistic details that showcase their elven sophistication.

Their garments are primarily made from materials sourced directly from the natural world around them. These include finely woven plant fibers, supple leathers, and, on rare occasions, silks spun from forest plants or creatures. These materials not only provide comfort and utility but also serve as a testament to the elves' resourcefulness and their harmonious relationship with nature.

Sylvan elves favour earthy colours that mirror their connection to the forest. Their attire predominantly consists of muted greens, browns, and greys, with occasional accents of silvery or autumnal tones to reflect the changing seasons. When they venture into the forest to combat evil or participate in the Daerandir (Dreadwalkers), they often wear darker shades of these colours for stealth and blending with their surroundings.

Elven design is centered around layering, allowing flexibility and adaptability in their clothing. While in their settlements, they may wear flowing fabrics that evoke the grace of leaves, these garments can be quickly adjusted or layered over with tunics or leathers when the need arises. The elves of Gorthalareth, in particular, must be ready to spring into action at a moment's notice, so their clothing is designed for quiet movement and stealth. The fabrics they use reflect this necessity for silence, with designs that help them remain unseen by enemies.

Their clothing often features embroidery or cut designs that resemble leaves, vines, and trees, subtly blending into the natural surroundings. For ceremonial occasions, Sylvan elves don more elaborate garments, showcasing richer details and finer craftsmanship, honouring the importance of their culture’s traditions and rituals.

Erynduial Dress: They wear less bright colours and more light to dark grey clothing to better blend in with the gloom of the forest. Only for special occasions or within their underground settlements do they wear more bright colours such as white, silver and gold.

Body ornaments

Sylvan elves often adorn themselves with natural ornaments that emphasize their profound connection to the natural world. These adornments are crafted from materials they find around them and, in many cases, are imbued with primal magic to ensure their longevity.

• Vines and flowers braided into their hair are common ornaments, often made imperishable through primal magic, symbolizing their deep bond with the forest.

• Twig circlets are worn by community leaders and elders, symbolizing wisdom and a direct connection to the forest spirits.

• Wooden beads are crafted into necklaces, typically left raw but intricately designed with runes or other symbolic carvings.

• Bark-Inlaid clasps, sometimes made from the bark of sacred trees, often hold spiritual significance and are worn by those in positions of authority or honour.

• Ankle charms, typically made from small shells or seeds, are worn by both males and females as they move about their community settlement, adding to their connection with the earth.

Beyond these common adornments, Sylvan elves are renowned for their skill in body painting, a tradition that adds a layer of mystical meaning to their personal appearance.

• They use natural dyes, derived from berries, flowers, or mineral pigments, to create intricate body art for ceremonies, special occasions, or when preparing for battle.

• Some of these temporary body paintings are imbued with primal magic, providing the wearer with magical benefits to aid in the task or event at hand.

Erynduial Body Ornaments: In contrast the elves of Erynduial do not practice body painting. Instead, they have perfected a special ritual of tattooing, which is said to imbue the wearer with magical powers. These tattoos are granted only to a select few individuals, often to those who have earned great honour or are destined to face significant adversity. A tattoo is seen as a mark of distinction, empowering the wearer in ways that are as much spiritual as they are magical.

Lifestyle

We are referring to the elves who inhabit the deeper reaches of the ancient forest, which spans approximately 250 miles, stretching from the southern Good Hills in the west to the coast of the Azure Sea in the east. These elves are distinct from those encountered in human settlements nearby, such as Silglin in the Barony of Grayhill. While these humans refer to them as High-elves, they are in fact Sylvan Elves, though they have adopted a lifestyle that differs somewhat from those who reside within the borders of Gorthalareth.

The elves we speak of live in a network of smaller settlements scattered throughout the forest, as opposed to one or two large forest cities. These settlements are typically organized into one or two Torath—a term akin to tribes—reflecting their profound connection to nature, their preference for a decentralized society, and their need for unity in the wilderness. This organization mirrors their deep-rooted traditions of communal living and mutual support within the vast, untamed forest.

Erynduial Lifestyle: While the elves of Gorthalareth predominantly reside in the trees, the Sylvan elves of Erynduial are more grounded in their way of life. The entire region is quite hilly, with the landscape hugging the edges of mountains, which has greatly influenced the Sylvan elves' architecture and lifestyle. They have settlements on the forest floors and they have established several settlements nestled into the rocky hills and mountains, built to harmonize with the natural terrain. These settlements are always in use, though they are most active when danger or disaster threatens the surrounding lands. Their strategic placement among the hills allows for better defense and concealment, making these settlements key strongholds in times of peril. The elves here are adept at adapting to their environment, utilizing the rocky landscape to their advantage, ensuring both safety and sustainability for their people.

Personality

The Sylvan elves of Gorthalareth have long faced and continue to contend with various evils that plague their forest. Over the centuries, this constant battle has led them to become more reclusive and wary of outsiders. They rarely involve themselves in the events unfolding beyond the borders of their realm, making it clear that only those who are accepted may enter their domain. This is not born from spite or anger but from a deep-seated desire to protect the cultures of the Sheldomar Basin. The elves understand the dangers that lurk within their forest and feel it is their sacred duty to stand vigilant and shield others from these threats.

Their ongoing struggles with the perils of the forest have instilled in them a strong sense of self-sufficiency. This trait extends beyond the individual to encompass the entire clan. Every member of the clan is expected to not only survive the harsh conditions of forest life but also contribute to the overall well-being and survivability of the clan as a whole. This focus on survivability remains at the forefront of their minds, even when they are far from their forest home.

While the free expression of sorrow or joy is a trait common to all elves, the Sylvan elves take this to a higher level, celebrating wholeheartedly whatever is worth celebrating. There is no room for timidity in their culture—joys are meant to be embraced when they appear. If you are fortunate enough to befriend a Sylvan elf, you can expect a celebration that is both passionate and spirited.

While humans often describe the Sylvan elves as chaotic, this is a simplistic view. Sylvan elves do not possess a chaotic personality; rather, they reflect the ways of nature itself. They do not feel the need to "clean up" the forest floor or maintain clear paths, as humans might expect. Similarly, they can change their minds as easily as the wind shifts when new revelations come to light, embodying the fluidity and unpredictability of nature itself.

Erynduial Personality: There is no change from what is described above for Sylvan elves.

Profession

Survival is ingrained in every aspect of their lives, and it remains a top priority for every elf. Regardless of their chosen profession, each elf is expected to integrate martial training into their daily existence. From a young age, elves are taught to anticipate and endure violence, learning the skills necessary to defend both themselves and their Torath (tribe).

The Sylvan elves organize their martial forces into specialized units to maintain the safety of their settlements. These include scouts who patrol the borders, rangers who make up the elite Daerandir (Dreadwalkers) tasked with guarding deeper areas of the forests, and warriors who wear medium armor, wield large shields, and carry strong elven swords. These warriors serve as the backbone of the Gorthalareth army, assembling when their homeland is under threat.

In addition to their martial roles, the hunters, gatherers, and herbalists play an integral part in maintaining the balance of the Sylvan elves’ lifestyle. They hunt with reverence, using every part of the animal and always offering a prayer to guide its soul to the next life. The elves speak of local wildlife as if they were members of the community, with some animals even being revered as sacred figures. A cleric among the Sylvan elves is rare, most are druids who practice the deep connection between nature and the divine.

Food is another central aspect of Sylvan elf life, and while they hunt and forage, they also practice agriculture in a manner that does not harm the forest. They grow crops in harmony with their environment, planting shade-loving plants in the underbrush and cultivating fruit-bearing trees and other edible plants above. Their hanging gardens in the treetops are sustained by the rainfall and carefully tended by the elves, often reinforced with the primal power of local druids.

The Sylvan elves' culinary skills are vital, with cooking being an essential profession. Those who are trained to recognize and prepare otherwise dangerous foods can make inedible mushrooms, roots, and fruits into nourishing dishes. The role of the cook is highly regarded as it is fundamental to the survival of the community.

Builders also hold great esteem, as their creations blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Rather than constructing towering structures, the Sylvan elves have perfected the art of crafting their homes within the forest itself. Most homes are built into the trees, while others are nestled into the forest floor. Their craftsmanship is unmatched, with each home reflecting the beauty and intricacy of the natural world.

Erynduial elves: 

While the general traits of professions remain similar, the martial profession of the Erynduial elves differs significantly due to their less dangerous environment. Instead of focusing on survival and defense as their southern kin do, the Erynduial elves have honed their skills in woodcraft. They are unparalleled in scouting and spying, capable of bending light to render themselves almost invisible. Their mastery of archery is legendary, and the Hornwood elves are especially known for crafting exceptionally powerful bows from the sacred Hornwood tree.

The builders of the Erynduial region focus less on constructing elevated dwellings and more on underground settlements. Though influenced by dwarven traditions, the Erynduial elves do not dig deep into the earth but instead carve out impressive dwellings within large rocky hills or mountainsides, blending their homes into the natural landscape with great care. These subterranean settlements are extensive but remain open to the environment, designed with harmony in mind.

Pastime

Sylvan elves of Gorthalareth have a deep and abiding fascination with art. Their long lives and patience allow them to appreciate intricate craftsmanship, and their bond with nature shines through in all their creations. The elves' connection to the natural world influences the themes and styles of their artistic endeavours. They pour immense care into their works, whether they are drawing, painting, sculpting with clay, or carving with wood. This passion for art extends beyond the visual; it reflects the elves' desire to immortalize the beauty and spirit of their environment.

Music holds a special place in the hearts of the Gorthalareth elves. It is a source of great enjoyment and a means of preserving history, as they have mastered the art of creating powerful melodies that convey stories without needing words. The music serves as both a source of solace during difficult times and a way to relive cherished memories. The power of music helps maintain their hope during dark days, as it carries the emotions and wisdom of generations past.

The art of storytelling is another beloved pastime, especially since many Sylvan elf communities rely on oral traditions to pass down knowledge. Storytelling has evolved into a form of entertainment, a friendly competition to craft the most exciting, amusing, or even entirely made-up tales. These stories are often shared with an understanding that they may not be entirely factual, but they hold meaning and joy for those who listen.

Sports in Gorthalareth are practical yet enjoyable, focusing on skills that hone survival and physical ability. Foot races, tree climbing, jumping, and archery are especially popular, as they all serve to strengthen the elves' survival instincts. These activities are seen as both a form of competition and a necessary preparation for the dangers of their environment.

Bathing is a serene and spiritual practice among the Sylvan elves, often done in the many rivers and ponds scattered throughout the forest. While swimming is not viewed as a sport, bathing is a quiet time for reflection and reconnection with nature, typically performed in small groups. The experience is deeply calming and almost meditative, offering a moment of peace in an otherwise tumultuous world.

Games are another way the elves pass the time during travel or leisure, with simple, portable games that can be easily carried in a pouch or small bag. These games provide entertainment and companionship but are never used for gambling. The elves of Gorthalareth avoid such activities, focusing instead on joy and camaraderie when they come together for these small competitions.

Erynduial Pastimes: 

These pastimes remain mostly unchanged from their southern kin. However, the physical competitions may differ slightly in focus due to their less dangerous environment. While still enjoying foot races, archery, and storytelling, the Erynduial elves are particularly adept at woodcraft and scouting, which might influence the kinds of games or challenges they engage in. Their communities also appreciate art, especially craftsmanship and carving, though the emphasis is often on intricate designs in wood or stone rather than the painted works of their southern relatives. The practice of bathing and games remains largely the same.

Language

When the elves first arrived on Oerth, they brought with them three distinct cultures and languages, each shaped by their relationship to the natural world. The Grugach elves, who lived nomadically and were one with the wild, spoke a language that reflected their free-spirited lifestyle. The Sylvan elves, who lived in smaller, more settled communities within nature, spoke Sylvin, a language that was more melodic and flowing than the common elven tongue. Lastly, the elves who established large cities within the forests spoke their own variant of elven, which evolved into a more structured and urban dialect.

Sylvin is a direct descendant of the ancient elven language but has diverged in its own unique direction. It retains the same roots as the common elven tongue, making it intelligible to other elves. However, Sylvin is characterized by its melodic quality, using a rhythm and cadence that makes it especially pleasing to the ear. This language is rich in expressions and vocabulary that are deeply connected to nature, often drawing from the forest and natural world in ways that other elven dialects do not. These nature-based terms and phrases make Sylvin distinct and give it a flowing, almost song-like quality. A non-Sylvin speaker must tread carefully when conversing in Sylvin, as certain words or expressions may be misunderstood if not used correctly.

While there are subtle variations in the way Sylvin is spoken across different regions, these differences are more akin to accents or slight regional dialects rather than significant changes in the language itself. Overall, Sylvin remains a language of beauty, intricacy, and nature, reflecting the deep connection the Sylvan elves have with the world around them.

Erynduial Language: No changes.

Believe

The Sylvan elves of Gorthalareth, while sharing a reverence for the entire Elven Pantheon like their kin, hold certain taboos and beliefs that are unique to their culture, reflecting their deep connection to nature and their community’s values. These taboos guide their actions and interactions, emphasizing respect, harmony, and the preservation of their forested home. Some of the more important customs and taboos include:

• Refusing a gift from another Sylvan elf: To refuse a gift is considered a grave dishonour among the Sylvan elves, as it signifies a rejection of the bond and respect between individuals. Gifts are seen as a symbol of goodwill and solidarity within the community, and turning one down is perceived as a sign of discord.

• Desecrating the forest: The forest is sacred to the Sylvan elves, and any act that damages or disrespects it is a serious transgression. This includes unnecessary cutting down of trees, littering, polluting water sources, or anything that disturbs the natural balance. The forest is a living entity to them, and harming it is seen as an affront to both the physical and spiritual world.

• Hunting animals merely for sport or ritual: Hunting is done with reverence, and every kill is respected. Hunting purely for the thrill or as an empty ritual is forbidden. The Sylvan elves view animals as part of the cycle of life and death, and they honour them in their rituals and daily lives.

• Disrespecting spirits of the forest: The spirits of the forest, whether they be fey or ancestral, hold great power and significance. Any act that disrespects these spirits, whether through careless behaviour or disregard for their wishes, is considered a severe transgression. This includes actions that might anger or harm fey beings, nature spirits, or sacred places.

• Only wearing uncut gemstones: Sylvan elves believe that the natural beauty of a gemstone should remain intact. They value the purity of uncut stones, seeing them as representations of nature's unrefined elegance. Cutting gemstones is seen as diminishing their inherent power and beauty.

• Only Grey (Sylvan) elves, or the elders, may speak for a whole settlement: The right to represent the settlement in speech and decisions is reserved for the Grey elves, who have earned respect and authority through age and wisdom, or for the eldest among them. This taboo underscores the importance of experience and age in leadership.

• Interrupting a Sylvan woman when she is speaking (from adulthood): In Sylvan society, a woman's voice, especially in adulthood, is treated with utmost respect. Interrupting a woman when she speaks is seen as a severe breach of etiquette, as it reflects a lack of respect for her wisdom and insight.

• Speaking without the speaker rod in the meeting circle: The speaker rod is a symbolic item used in council meetings or gatherings, granting the speaker the right to speak uninterrupted. It is a tool of order and respect during discussions. Without it, one cannot speak in the circle, ensuring that each voice is heard in a proper and structured manner.

• Respect for Grugach elves: Despite the differences in lifestyle and tradition, Sylvan elves hold a deep respect for the Grugach elves, understanding their connection to nature in a more primal and untamed way as well as their connection to the 'Spirit Spark' or Faegildin. The Sylvan elves acknowledge the importance of the Grugach's role in the larger elven culture and honour them as fellow guardians of nature.

Note on Daerandirs

There is only one 'foreign' group allowed in the Gorthalareth and that are the Daerandir (Dreadwalkers). They were founded over 900 years ago by House Lizhal and the Sylvan elves to fight against the foul and dark magics of House Malhel. Over the centuries, the Daerandir's mission has changed to become more in line with the vision of the Sylvan elves and, today, they protect the entire forest against all its enemies. We make a note here because even today the Daerandir can be sylvan elves but also humans (especially from House Lizhal) and even some courageous good aligned humanoid ancestries (such as Gnomes). They always keep the Dreadwood Road safe for travel.

Erynduial elves: They do not have Daerandir.