Syl'wren

## Common Knowledge

Syl’wren are a largely unknown race as they are very rare and secretive. They are often mistaken for Sirens due to their appearance and abilities. They are also associated with Fae because of their unnatural beauty. Their rarity only reinforces the idea of their relations to other planar beings.

## Biology

Syl’wren look like an unnaturally beautiful Merfolk but do not have a false face like their close cousin the Siren, though their jaw can unhinge if needed. Syl’wren follow the common sex binary but do have a larger percentage of intersex persons being born, though not to the extent of true Sirens.

The song of a Syl’wren is similar to a Siren but less potent on sapient races, though it is extremely effective on water-dwelling creatures because of how the sound carries underwater. Syl’wren are omnivores that can eat almost anything but focus on bigger, water-dwelling prey and occasionally a sapient race will get ensnared by their song. There are some Syl’wren who choose to not eat meat and the like but they are not common as a diverse, plant-based diet is harder to find.

Syl’wren have the same aging and lifespan as their ancestors, the Merfolk, and reproduce in the same manner as well. Syl’wren can reproduce with Merfolk as they are closely related enough to not develop complications though it is common for the children to be Merfolk rather than Syl’wren. A Syl’wren child from such a union is uncommon.

## Culture/Religion

There is a strong bond between partners and family units, children are almost sacred because of the small Syl’wren population. Their small population also strongly influenced their culture and so they hold secrecy and protection in high regard. They jealously guard their existence which is why there are so many rumors about them but little actual information.

While family and children are very important to Syl’wren there are some cases where a Syl’wren will bond with another of a different race. The most common occurrence of this is with Merfolk but rarely it is with another race. In this rare case, that Syl’wren will often leave their family unit because they can not produce a Syl’wren child. They do not leave because of negative feelings or banishment, but to protect the family unit from potential discovery and so they can focus on their bonded completely. It is a bittersweet separation and the bonding is celebrated just as any other is.

They worship the Old Binturian Pantheon as they did when they first emerged before the Old Binturian Kingdom fell. They learned quickly to not say the names and so created monikers to refer to the gods safely just as those on the surface did.

## History

They watched as the Old Binturian Kingdom fell and as knowledge of their race was lost they became the unfortunate, commonly innocent, victims of many Siren-hunts over the years which led the entire race to be even more removed from other civilizations.

## Known Locations

They are located very far from the coastline of Orelisle and most gather in small groups beyond Paradyse Island in the Burya Ocean, though there are a few who have spread up into the northern Frosís Ocean.

## Notable Individuals

### Serena and Amaria

Two Syl’wren the Binturian Party met when Amaria was kidnapped by a town mayor and nearly sold. Serena started to kidnap people of the town to try and get her wife, Amaria, returned. The Binturian Party brought Amaria back to Serena and they were reunited successfully, the mayor of the town was justice and the two Syl’wren left to return to their home in peace.

## Sub-races

There are no true subraces of Syl’wren but they are closely related to Merfolk, Sirens, and Qalupalik.

## Further Information

* Merfolk
* Siren
* Qalupalik