Lythari Elves

Basic Information

Anatomy

Lythari possess the graceful build of High Elves but with subtle differences. Their muscles are more defined, built for both elven grace and animal strength. Their eyes often have a wild, shifting quality, reflecting their dual nature. In their elven form, they might have slightly more pronounced canines and nails that are a bit thicker and sharper than those of other elves.

Biological Traits

Shapeshifting
Lythari can transform into a single animal form. This transformation is smooth and natural, not painful or forced. In their animal form, they retain their elven intelligence and some of their elven features, such as eye color.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Lythari are omnivorous, with a preference for fresh, raw foods. They can subsist on a typical elven diet but often crave meat, especially when frequently using their shapeshifting abilities.

Behaviour

Lythari are deeply connected to nature and often act as its protectors. They tend to be more instinctual and emotive than other High Elves, embracing both their elven intellect and their wild animal spirit. They value freedom and often struggle with the constraints of civilized society.
Lythari have a strong sense of pack mentality, forming deep, loyal bonds with their chosen companions. They are often drawn to druidic practices, seeing themselves as mediators between the civilized and natural worlds.
Their dual nature can sometimes lead to internal conflict, as they balance their elven heritage with their wild instincts. This often results in a unique perspective that blends refined elven wisdom with raw, natural intuition.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Even in elven form, Lythari have heightened senses, particularly smell and hearing. They have an innate connection to nature, able to sense disturbances in the natural order.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

1. Compound Names. Like High Elves, Lythari names often combine two or three elements, each with a distinct meaning.
2. Nature and Beast Themes. While retaining some High Elven elements, Lythari names incorporate more references to animals, forests, and natural phenomena.
3. Shapeshifter Suffixes. Names often end with suffixes that denote their shapeshifting ability, such as "-rhua" (changer) or "-fael" (spirit).
4. Pack-Inspired Second Names. Many Lythari adopt a second name related to their pack or the area they protect.
5. Soft Consonants with Occasional Growls. Names maintain the musical quality of High Elven names but may incorporate subtle animal sounds.

Elements commonly used in Lythari names:

• High Elven elements. Cal- (light), El- (star), Ithil- (moon), Taur- (forest)
• Beast elements. Rhua- (change), Fael- (spirit), Dae- (shadow), Garm- (wolf)
• Nature elements. Ava- (leaf), Arn- (tree), Lom- (echo), Ras- (horn)

Example of names ( male ):

• Calanrhua (Light-Changer)
• Taurgarm (Forest-Wolf)
• Ithilfael (Moon-Spirit)

Example of names ( female ):

• Elavarhua (Star-Leaf-Changer)
• Lomiëfael (Echo-Spirit)
• Daenirn (Shadow-Howl)

History

The Lythari emerged from the High Elves as a subgroup dedicated to nature magic and druidism. Their extensive experiments with shapeshifting magic granted them the ability to change forms, primarily into wolves, owls and fish. This unique ability set them apart from other elven subraces.
The course of Lythari history changed dramatically when the nature god Sylvanus revealed to them the full power of animal wildness and fury. This divine intervention caused a schism among the Lythari, with some choosing to follow Sylvanus while others remained devoted to Selune, the moon goddess.
This ideological split escalated into the Second Elven War, pitting Sylvanus-following Lythari against those loyal to Selune. The conflict ended with the defeat of the Lythari, forcing them to scatter across the continent. The Selune-worshipping Lythari eventually merged with the Moon Elves , effectively disappearing as a distinct group.
In the aftermath of the war, Selune granted her followers the ability to recognize those who had "betrayed" her for Sylvanus. This divine gift became a curse for the Sylvanus-following Lythari, making them vulnerable to moonlight - a trait that would later characterize all lycanthropes.
Desperate to counteract this vulnerability, some Lythari attempted to steal an artifact of Selune. This act led to further fragmentation among the Lythari based on their moral choices regarding the artifact. Those who sought to misuse it became wolves and boars, losing much of their humanity in the process. Those who rejected its misuse and sought peace became tigers and bears, retaining more of their elven nature. A third group, choosing neutrality, transformed into ravens.
As time passed and elven blood mingled with other races, the blessing of Sylvanus and the curse of Selune spread beyond the Lythari. This intermingling of divine influence and racial heritage gave rise to what became known as Lycanthropy, affecting various races across the world.
The legacy of the Lythari lives on in the phenomenon of Lycanthropy, a testament to their pivotal role in shaping the magical and natural forces of the world. Their history serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of divine favor and the power of transformation, both literal and metaphorical.

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Lythari Elves

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• High Elves

Scientific Name

Rhua'quessir ( Beast-Changers )

Origin/Ancestry

Magical alternations

Lifespan

700 - 1000 years

Average Height

5'5" - 5'8"

Average Weight

100 - 120 pounds