Sylven

—Unknown Human commander during the First Woodland War

The **Sylven** are one of the five major races in Archaeus. They consist of a wide array of subraces, most of which resemble Humans with characteristics of other animals. Aligned with the Natus realm of magic, the Sylven are known for their connection to nature.

## History

The Sylven emerged in Archaeus as one of the first four major races in Å-0 with some accounts claiming they sprung up from the Earth. Their appearance, like the other major races, is believed to have been caused by their corresponding realm of magic. Their territory since has primarily been within the forests and jungles of the world, arranged in small tribes (usually of a single subrace) represented by an Arvenan, who communicate with each other and the four ruling tree-men ancients (Collddail, Bythol, Angios, and Gymnos) to form the Sylven Empire, a decentralised political entity claiming to represent all Sylven tribes.

A small number of Sylven set out into the world and mingled with the other races during this time, though there were also conflicts between individual tribes and settlers of other races, often over perceived attacks on nature.

The Sylven Empire united with polities of other races during the Great War with the Ninkilim, displaying an unprecedented level of co-ordination. The Sylven took advantage of their affinity for nature with hit-and-run tactics, weakening Ninkilim forces while suffering minimal casualties; Ninkilim would-be conquerors often found Sylven villages abandoned, containing nothing of value, before being forced to retreat by constant attacks from the underbrush.

After the Great War, the Sylven Empire forged a peace with the other races that has led to more co-operation and exchange of culture and people. A new subrace of Sylven, the Almiraj or Rabbitfolk, also emerged, believed by some to have been descended from Aea in her rabbit form.

## Culture

The Sylven have a deep affinity with nature, even those raised in urban environments, often with a preference for agrarian or nomadic living and clothing or accessories formed from flowers, leather, reeds, or wool. Their culture involves a great respect for nature and all its creatures, as well as for age (such as the tree-men ancients).

Cultures of individual tribes and subraces often vary; some have a strong martial tradition stemming from hunting culture, while others revere invention, diplomacy, knowledge, or justice.

Sylven is the native language of the Sylven, from which elements have been incorporated into Archaen'glish, or Common. Tribes have various mutually intelligible dialects of Sylven, and most Sylven outside of tribal villages speak Common.

Aea is the most worshipped deity by Sylven, especially the Almiraj, as she stands for life of all kinds; however, some may worship Yu'Yama, understanding the renewing effect that death (such as wildfires and volcanoes) can achieve. Errak is worshipped by some Sylven who revere the hunt, while more minor religions, such as animism, are often followed by individual tribes.

Some Sylven, especially the descendants of long-ago explorers and adventurers, have partially or wholly assimilated to other cultures. One notable example is Mister Bailey, Reeve of Viscount Edrich von Gutenheim, who proudly wears his earned title of 'Mister' as part of the Human culture he inhabits.

Conversely, a more recent subculture of Sylven is those who were not born Sylven but became so, through a Spirit Wash ritual or predecessor thereto. They may still have links to the culture in which they were raised, or feel disconnected from other Sylven because of a lack of shared experience. Two notable such Sylven are Breadán Casta and Sana-Rae Wyldwood

## Biology

Sylven life expectancy varies based on subrace, from around 40 years to centuries. They have a unique connection with the Natus realm of magic, able to more easily manipulate the flow of life energy around them with proper training. Sylven souls possess a unique property: the first time a Sylven would die, their soul, instead of leaving their body, re-enters it with such force that they are revived and fully healed.

Subraces of the Sylven include, but are not limited to:

* Rabbitfolk (Common)/Almiraj (Sylven)
* Foxfolk (Common)/Kitsune (Sylven)
* Catfolk (Common)/Tabaxi (Sylven)
* Tree-men/Treants/Ents (Common)/Dryads (Sylven)
* Elephantfolk (Common)/Loxodon (Sylven)
* Harpies
* Fauns
* Fae
* Fairies
* Sprites/Pixies
* Minotaurs
* Nymphs
* Shifters

Some subraces of Sylven are aquatic or avian, possessing the abilities of flight or water breathing. The most significant biological differences between Sylven and the other races are their animal-like qualities, including unusual ears, noses, tails, horns, and trunks.