Winan

The winan were among the first of the elf races to migrate to Emteria. However, conflict with dragons almost wiped them out before the Unchained Eclipse and while they survived since that time, they are considered by most to be myths or legends. Were are more delicate than their earth-bound cousins, with hollow bones to aid their flight. Back in the days they had pale skin, often porcelain white, but years of mixed relations with other races have resulted in them having various skin tones and looking more like humans in their stature than elves. A winan's wings are usually white, but could be black, brown, or speckled. They are also known to practice the dyeing of wing tips. Their eyes are slightly larger than normal and ranged in color from brilliant blues to green or purple. Winan's are said to have the most beautiful voices of all the races, and their songs were greatly sought after by bards.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Winan society is split into two groups that coexist together, labeled "warlike" and "peaceful". Young winan spend time immersed in both cultures, so that no matter what sect they come from, they have a deep understanding and respect of how the other half live. Winan warriors are geared towards war and power, answering to war chiefs who govern winan society equally with the religious leaders. They live by a complex code of honor and spend their lives defending their race. In combat, these winan show no mercy, often using ranged attacks from above, believing that others should know better than to create an enemy of a superior foe such as themselves. They also view surrender to be dishonorable (for both themselves as well as their enemies), holding the idea that when a warrior draws blood, it's a promise to honor them with their combat skill, and slaying them is fulfilling that promise. To leave a defeated foe alive is to humiliate them. The other side of winan society includ scholars, philosophers, and artists. Intellectuals who believe in solving problems through reason and diplomacy, these winans spend much time researching magic and history, contemplating religion, worshiping Trevanon, and producing art for the sheer joy of creation.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

In addition to speaking elvish, the winan have their own unique form of sign language based around aerial movement. Involving things such as flaps, stalls, and wind dips. It's a less subtle sign language than those of non-flying races, having been developed primarily for communication during flight.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Elf

Lifespan

300 years

Average Height

1.6 - 2.1m