Sharian Bryralei Forest

Whispering Glade and Wary Kin

Griffons! The pointy-ears fly griffons!

Nestled within the vast expanse of the Aerithian continent lies the Sharian Bryralei Forest, a realm of towering oaks, emerald glades, and dappled sunlight. This ancient woodland serves as the heartland of the Sharian Wood Elves, a reclusive and nature-attuned people.

Untamed Beauty: The Sharian Bryralei is a tapestry of diverse ecosystems. Towering redwoods pierce the sky, their branches forming a verdant canopy. Crystal-clear streams wind through moss-carpeted valleys teeming with life. Hidden waterfalls cascade into secluded grottoes, and vibrant wildflowers bloom in sun-dappled clearings. This is a place where nature reigns supreme, with ancient magic pulsing through every living thing.

Wood Elf Culture: The Sharian Wood Elves are a stubbornly independent people, living in harmony with the forest. They dwell in intricately carved wooden villages nestled high in the trees, their homes blending seamlessly with the natural world. Hunters, gatherers, and skilled artisans, the Wood Elves revere the forest as a sacred place, its preservation their utmost duty. Their society is steeped in tradition, with druidic rituals and storytelling holding a central place in their lives.

Wary of Outsiders: The Wood Elves have a long history of isolation, viewing outsiders with suspicion. The scars of past conflicts with humans and other races have fostered a deep distrust, leading them to keep to themselves. However, they have formed a cautious alliance with nearby New Aerith, recognizing the mutual benefit of cooperation against potential threats.

Distrustful of High Elf Kin: The Sharian Wood Elves hold a particular animosity towards their High Elf cousins, The Assarall. The Sundering, a cataclysmic event caused by the arrogance of the High Elves, is a painful memory for the Wood Elves who see The Assarall as reckless and destructive. While some interactions may occur, diplomacy is often strained, and tensions simmer beneath the surface.

Woodland Magic: The Sharian Wood Elves possess a deep understanding of the natural world, allowing them to wield a subtle form of woodland magic. They can manipulate plant life, commune with animals, and cast spells that draw upon the power of the forest itself. This magic is not flashy or destructive, but a harmonious dance with the life force of the forest.

The forest itself protects the Wood Elves. If you harm it, the trees will fight back, and the wild things will hunt you down.

Teaching the Worthy: While fiercely protective of their traditions, the Wood Elves occasionally take a small number of outsiders under their wing. These chosen few, often humans from New Aerith or those with a deep affinity for nature, are painstakingly trained in the secrets of woodland magic. This is a rare honor, bestowed only upon those who demonstrate respect for the forest and possess the potential to become guardians of nature themselves.

The Future of the Sharian Bryralei: The Sharian Bryralei Forest faces challenges. The ever-expanding human presence and the potential for renewed conflict with The Assarall or other races threaten the delicate balance of the forest. The Wood Elves must navigate these challenges while preserving their way of life and the magic that binds them to their ancient home.

Formation: (unknown) Pre-Sundering
Government Type: Monarchy
Imports: metal goods, books and scrolls
Exports: The elves are wary of outsiders and limit exports to preserve the forest's resources and their magical secrets.
Regional Dialect: Elven language is often described as melodic, so their Common is accented with a lilting quality, emphasizing the musicality of vowels and flowing pronunciation. The forest elves, however, add to this with a unique speech pattern. They flip the order of words in their sentences (like saying "There, hello" instead of "Hello, there"), keeping them short and sweet, and use uncommon vocabulary.