Elenalindë

Commander Falenas Wyngella, the leader of the Songbirds of the Stars in the late Third Era.

## Faction Information

### Location

Thorland

The **Elenalindë**, also known as **Songbirds of the Stars** in Common, are a type of military unit used by the Kingdom of Thorland during the Third Era. Consisting entirely of elves, the elenalindë use artificial wings made by skilled artificers that allow them to fly. This opens up numerous tactics to the elenalindë to use in combat, often acting as light infantry that flies over and flanks opponents to pick them off. The elenalindë are skilled soldiers, handpicked by only the most elite Thorland soldiers.

## Tactics and Training

The elenalindë are hand-picked by the commander of the unit from the most elite soldiers in the Thorland infantry. Soldiers who distinguish themselves through bravery, combat, and sheer skill are often picked, however it is not uncommon for nepotism and bribery to occur - sometimes children of nobles are elected into the elenalindë by right of their birth. These soldiers are then trained for two years in how to use the magical wings, known as *elernaim*, and in small unit and flanking tactics. This breeds soldiers who are extremely skilled and capable of taking flight with lances.

Some elenalindë are trained as spellcasters, usually one per unit who shows talent. These elenalindë are called *ishthrimlindë* and usually utilize basic cantrips in combat, however it is not uncommon for veterans to become more proficient mages as time goes on. These ishthrimlindë are often seen as wise and help maintain the unit morale, on top of their combat abilities.

In combat, the elenalindë are usually used to flank enemy units in mass battles and attack the ones that are weakened in an attempt to finish them off. Their charges from the air are known to appear both mystical and terrifying, inspiring their allies and inflicting chaos and fear among their opponents.

## Organization

The elenalindë usually have numbers ranging between 500-1,000 members, depending on the time period and how many threats there are to the Kingdom of Thorland. Each individual unit of elenalindë is usually made up of 100 members, and spend nearly all of their time together - they eat, train, patrol, and sleep among their units. Each unit is lead by a captain, and the entirety of the elenalindë is lead by a commander. The commander is typically the most well-versed and experienced elenalindë and are responsible for hand-picking soldiers to fill their ranks.

When Thorland is not at war, but other nations are, the elenalindë are not unknown to offer their services as mercenaries to the highest bidder. During these periods, the elenalindë will offer about three-quarters of the earnings from their battles to the Kingdom of Thorland, as they are loyal first and foremost to their nation. However, the other quarter is often spread equally among all participating elenalindë.

## Equipment

Elenalindë are equipped with lances and magically-infused wings made by artificers, known as *elernaim*. These wings are made of long eagle feathers, colored to appear like stars and nebula, and attached to a frame of Focus-conductive metals and embossed with gemstones. These magical items allow its wearer to fly, given enough practice and training. As well, these wings can fold behind them when they are not flying, allowing them to walk normally.

In terms of protection, elenalindë wear light leather armor covered by thick, purple felt robes. Anything heavier would weigh them down too much, preventing them from flying.