Eirvogr

Feared and mistrusted by many across the mainland, eirvogr are an unusual sight beyond the shores of Olheiv. Though they shun the idea of officially claiming domains of their own, they have long been an integral part of the Earldom and are valued members of its society.

## Description

The grey-skinned eirvogr are unnaturally tall humanoids with elongated limbs and digits. Their faces often bear strange resemblance to the creatures of the forest— particularly owls, bats, and ruminants— with broad, flat noses and elongated ears. These animal resemblances are often vague, although some eirvogr have been known to develop more drastic characteristics such as cloven hooves, talons, antlers, or even wings. Their most noted feature among other races aside from their impressive height is the covering of small feathers and brambles that grow from their forearms and lower legs.

Eirvogr are more carnivorous than humans and possess one fewer set of molars as a result, with an extra set of cuspid teeth in their place. Their long limbs are well suited to scampering on all fours, which many elect to do when mobility and speed are required.

## Personality

Although they are natural hunters, eirvogr are generally peaceful, having come into contact with the human settlers of Olheiv generations ago and formed tight-knit communities alongside them in the subsequent years. Despite their unnerving appearance, they are generally known to be patient and understanding, traits that put them at odds with many of the continent's more headstrong inhabitants.

## Abilities

Their long limbs and innate hunting instincts lend themselves well to feats of agility and stealth, which come naturally to even the clumsiest eirvogr and allow them to stalk the forests with ease. This reliance on stealth is also a matter of necessity, as their hollow bones are more fragile than those of other races and heal more slowly when broken.

Eirvogr are also supernaturally perceptive as a result of their fae ancestry, being able to see through minor illusions or low light with ease. However, their familiarity with the dense woods of Olheiv does not translate to the harsher climates of the northern or western regions of the continent for which they often find themselves ill-equipped.

## Society

There is little warmth in eirvogr communities despite their close structure. They place little emphasis on family ties and eschew the use of surnames as a result. Instead, each individual is defined by their own accomplishments, the most notable of which is appended to the end of their name as a measure of status. Although they have long recognized the value of living and working together, eirvogr are solitary by nature and often prefer to be left to their own devices once the needs of the community have been met.

## History

The eirvogr are the descendants of the fae who were trapped on the continent after First Crossing. These fae diverged into two groups: The progenitors of the eirvogr who ventured to the secluded island of Olheiv and the ancestors of the elves who disappeared into the ancient cave systems of Leastrune.

Over generations, the eirvogr and their fae forefathers established secluded villages across Olheiv, showing little interest in exploring beyond the island's shores. Content to hunt, boast, and plumb the depths of natural magic, the eirvogr disavowed the idea of establishing a traditional kingdom. And so they remained hidden within the deep woods until the Host of Olen arrived in the mid-first century PC seeking to expand their territory. With increasingly few places to hide and seeking to continue their peaceful way of life, the eirvogr sent envoys to confer with the rapidly-expanding human settlements in the Shadewoods Summit. Miraculously, an accord was reached and the two races agreed to inhabit the island together in harmony.

Eirvogr have slowly integrated into human society in the time since the Summit, all but abandoning the deep forest dwellings that their ancestors once called home. Although they remain relatively few in number and rarely venture far beyond the shores of Olheiv, it is not unheard of for small groups to be seen in other regions as they sate their curiosity by journeying across the mainland before returning home.