Thyselie (ˈθaɪ.sɛl.i)
History
The Thyselie are a species with a rich history and a vibrant culture. They were once renowned for their longevity, with some individuals living to be over a thousand years old. However, since the beginning of the technological era, the Thyselie's lifespans have decreased dramatically, edging closer to that of humans. Despite this, they remain a strong, resilient species with a profound connection to their heritage and culture.
There are two main subspecies of Thyselie: Edhelleri and Nerthach. The Edhelleri are desert Thyselie who left on an exploration mission centuries ago and discovered something in the desert that compelled them to remain there permanently. They are distinguished by their sun-kissed appearance, even with their myriad of skin tones, and their ability to adapt to the harsh desert environment. In contrast, the Nerthach are dark Thyselie who were forced to flee Linve when disease and famine struck their homeland in 56 NE. They rapidly evolved into a new subspecies with distinct physical traits, including silver hair and dark bluish-black skin.
In addition to these two races, there exists a third, smaller race known as the Shalaevar or 'pure-blooded' Thyselie. These individuals with extremely pale skin, white hair, and light-colored eyes are more of a symbolic group than a subspecies. They are frequently regarded as the embodiment of the traditional Thyselie, and their presence serves as a reminder of the species' ancient and pure origins.
The sudden decline in longevity at the beginning of the Nuceda Era had a profound effect on the Thyselie and their culture. The royal bloodline of the Linvean Kingdom was irreparably broken, causing the kingdom to convert to a magocracy. This event significantly altered the political and social structure of Thyselie, and its effects can still be felt today.
Modern Life
Although they may not live as long as they used to, modern-day Thyselie are still capable of achieving great things in their shortened lifespans. They possess an insatiable curiosity for knowledge, which leads them to pursue many different endeavors such as medicine, engineering, and business, often surpassing many other sapients in these areas. They are especially skilled at magic, and many Thyselie can be found working as magical consultants or researchers in a variety of magical fields. As a result of their knowledge and expertise in this area, they are respected and sought after by other sapients. Thyselie now live primarily in urban areas, with many residing in large cities or towns with easy access to modern amenities such as shopping malls, libraries, schools, and hospitals. Many Thyselie communities also have members of other sapient species living with them.
Anatomy
Adult Thyselie are slightly taller than humans on average (approximately 190 cm) and typically more lightly built (i.e., thinner, with an average weight of 72 kg), giving them narrower frames than humans, which is especially noticeable in their narrow facial features. Despite having comparable muscles, tendons, and bones, Thyselie physique is leaner and lighter than that of humans. Their skin color ranges from pale to dark, similar to that of humans, and their ears have a prominent tip. Thyselie body hair is sparse, and in some cases non-existent. Head hair, on the other hand, is thicker than Human hair, despite the fact that the hair follicles are much finer, giving the hair a "silky" texture. Most Thyselie have straight or slightly wavy hair, but some have very tight curls. Thyselie typically have an eyelid crease, giving their eyes an almond shape. Thyselie, like Krudh, have more and more sensitive rod cells in their eyes, allowing them to perform adequately with a sixth of the amount of light that a human would require, if not sufficient color perception. The eyes are often prominent, especially in dark-skinned elves.
Ideals
They take great pride in their physical appearance and are known for spending a significant amount of time and resources on grooming and adornment. This vanity is not limited to their own appearance but also extends to their surroundings and possessions. They are known for creating beautiful and elaborate gardens, and for decorating their homes and clothing with intricate patterns and designs. While this vanity is a part of their culture, it can also be a weakness as it can lead to a lack of humility and self-obsession.
The Thyselie view gender as a fluid concept and do not place as much importance on traditional gender roles as other cultures. They believe that individuals should be free to express themselves and pursue their passions, regardless of their gender.
Thyselie courtship is a sacred and formal process. It usually starts with a formal introduction and then progresses through a series of rituals and ceremonies. These rituals are intended to strengthen the couple's bond and ensure their compatibility. Thyselie marriages or similar unions are not limited to male and female partners, and anyone can be a part of one. However, it is acknowledged that if they are to reproduce, they will require outside assistance. It's possible that the Thyselie came to accept and adopt polyamory as part of their culture because it provides more chances for procreation.
Mutual respect, trust, and a deep understanding of one another underpin Thyselie relationships. They believe that love and attraction are not limited by gender or sexual orientation. While polyamory may not be the norm, it is widely practiced and not looked down upon in Thyselie society. It is simply a matter of personal preference. Relationships among friends and family members are valued just as highly as romantic partnerships.
Culture and Customs
The Thyselie culture is deeply spiritual, with a strong emphasis on living in harmony with nature and a belief in the interconnectedness of all living things. Despite facing the challenges of modern times, the Thyselie have managed to maintain much of their ancient culture. They are highly skilled researchers, particularly in the field of agriculture, and often use advanced magical equipment found only in certain areas of the Linvean Kingdom.
The Linvean Kingdom is well-known for its agricultural research and the intricate artwork of Thyselie artisans. However, as technology has advanced, the Thyselie population has begun to decline due to difficulties in finding suitable mates. To preserve their bloodline, the Linvean royalty has attempted to encourage intermarriage with the other Thyselie races, but this has been met with limited success due to the Thyselie's historical aversion to traveling outside of their kingdom.
The Thyselie culture has many unique customs, including the ancient card game of Daelisavir, a strong tradition of gardening and cooking, and a deep reverence for nature. Thyselie society values respect and humility, and it is considered rude to boast or speak loudly. They greet each new day with a prayer to the natural world and consider harming or destroying nature, especially Elder trees, to be sacrilegious. Additionally, the Thyselie have a strong tradition of preserving their bloodline, viewing intermarriage with other species as a threat.
Inter-species Relations
The Thyselie are known for their positive attitude and open-minded tolerance, which has allowed them to maintain positive relationships with many other species around the world. Despite being frequently misunderstood by humans due to their enigmatic nature, they can coexist peacefully with other sapients if mutual respect is maintained. The Thyselie hold a high social status among other cultures, who admire their vast knowledge amassed when their average life expectancy was much higher. This knowledge covers fields as diverse as science and philosophy, making them powerful members of society, able to offer insightful opinions on a wide range of issues, particularly those pertaining to politics and the economy.
However, recently, their relationship with humans has become strained due to increased tensions between the two species over land disputes in certain parts of the world. This has made some Thyselie distrustful of humans. It's important to note that this does not mean that all Thyselie are hostile to humans; despite these tensions, many Thyselie appreciate human culture and technology.
The Thyselie tend to keep a certain distance from other sapients, a trait that may have been ingrained in them during the time of longer life expectancy. Because of this, most Thyselie relationships are usually temporary. They are naturally more reserved than the average person, but this in no way indicates that they are hostile or difficult to talk to. Visitors to Thyselie communities can expect friendly treatment as long as they respect Thyselie customs.
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