Information
Anatomy
Lifecycle
Vitality
Culture
Magic & Careers
Information
What's an Elyvian?
Elyvians are a proud and inventive species, always pushing themselves to higher heights. As a society they are both collaborative and viciously competitive, willing to engage and lift up others if it betters their community or furthers their own goals. Despite this, most elyvians are prone to vanity, and will seek to outperform their peers. To be the best at something is to be remembered, after all.
Because of their focus on their own betterment, elyvians have long enjoyed advances in all aspects of life that the other species could only dream of. Used to a life of extravagance and plenty, they were hit particularly hard by the war and subsequent Fog. As diplomacy, trade routes and memories dried up, the progress of their species swiftly ceased. |
Now, years after the Fog first strangled the world, their society is on the brink of collapse. With fewer young born every year and the walls closing in around them, the elyvians are doing all they can to simply survive.
Desperate, still, to clutch onto their lost renaissance, they are ruled by a monarchy of elyvians that has remained unbroken for centuries. This family holds steadfastly to their crumbling city, stubbornly upholding the pillars that once made them something special.
Due to their dwindling population, most elyvians live in or around Velourose or stationed in Brouzet, focused on resolving the problems that now plague their species.
Desperate, still, to clutch onto their lost renaissance, they are ruled by a monarchy of elyvians that has remained unbroken for centuries. This family holds steadfastly to their crumbling city, stubbornly upholding the pillars that once made them something special.
Due to their dwindling population, most elyvians live in or around Velourose or stationed in Brouzet, focused on resolving the problems that now plague their species.
Diet
Elyvians are opportunistic feeders, eating almost anything they can get their claws on. Because the dunes of Brouzet are so harsh, they will try nearly anything at least once. However, they have a preference for meat and fish. The ocean is the most reliable source of food for many elyvians, who have over time cultivated ways to fish with magic, nets, hooks, beaks and claws. Some elyvians even raise fish in tanks of glass as a means to bring food production into their own homes.
Despite the easier access to fish, many elyvians are unable to shake the instinct to hunt. Hunting parties routinely comb the desert, and they aren’t picky. Anything that moves is fair game. As one might imagine, that has led to the occasional mishap… or missing explorer. While most are too proud to scavenge, some elyvians will even indulge in carrion, when they can find it.
While swept up in the hunt, some elyvians will consume their meat and fish raw– some even prefer it that way! Most will bring their prey home, however, cooking it with a variety of oils and spices until it's seared to perfection.
Elyvians will also eat fruit, chilis and seeds, though they struggle to digest fibrous vegetables and processed grains. Nevertheless, a hungry elyvian will rarely turn down food wherever it can be found. They are particularly adept at fermenting fruit into various liquors and wines.
Peskitts, while difficult to catch and contain, are considered a delicacy. Their diet of raw magic makes them a delectable and powerful treat, supercharging the elyvian’s own magical abilities for days, sometimes weeks at a time!
Despite the easier access to fish, many elyvians are unable to shake the instinct to hunt. Hunting parties routinely comb the desert, and they aren’t picky. Anything that moves is fair game. As one might imagine, that has led to the occasional mishap… or missing explorer. While most are too proud to scavenge, some elyvians will even indulge in carrion, when they can find it.
While swept up in the hunt, some elyvians will consume their meat and fish raw– some even prefer it that way! Most will bring their prey home, however, cooking it with a variety of oils and spices until it's seared to perfection.
Elyvians will also eat fruit, chilis and seeds, though they struggle to digest fibrous vegetables and processed grains. Nevertheless, a hungry elyvian will rarely turn down food wherever it can be found. They are particularly adept at fermenting fruit into various liquors and wines.
Peskitts, while difficult to catch and contain, are considered a delicacy. Their diet of raw magic makes them a delectable and powerful treat, supercharging the elyvian’s own magical abilities for days, sometimes weeks at a time!
Magic
Elyvians hold magic in the palms of their hands– literally! Their runic magic pools in their talons and paws, giving them an unrivaled mastery over infusing everything they touch with power. While the scope of their magic can feel limited to the uninitiated and unpracticed mage, with enough time and resources, an elyvian can make just about anything.
Elyvians specialize in enchantment and artificery, giving old objects new purpose by imbuing them with their magic. These spells can be as simple as charging a net with the power to deliver fish or a broom to sweep sand from the path, but elyvians are clever and curious creatures, always pushing their abilities to the limit. Most quickly learn not only how to enchant objects, but create new ones from materials collected with their own claws. From handcrafted wings to telescopes that can see into the depths of the unknown, the only limit is an elyvian’s imagination and the energy they can muster.
Chronicles of elyvian history suggest that they once had an unrivaled mastery over sound magic, knowledge that was stolen from them. Most regard these as legends, and the interpretation of “stolen” has been heavily debated over the years. While many assume that whatever proficiency they once had was stolen by time alone, others stalwartly believe that someone took it from them.
Elyvians specialize in enchantment and artificery, giving old objects new purpose by imbuing them with their magic. These spells can be as simple as charging a net with the power to deliver fish or a broom to sweep sand from the path, but elyvians are clever and curious creatures, always pushing their abilities to the limit. Most quickly learn not only how to enchant objects, but create new ones from materials collected with their own claws. From handcrafted wings to telescopes that can see into the depths of the unknown, the only limit is an elyvian’s imagination and the energy they can muster.
Chronicles of elyvian history suggest that they once had an unrivaled mastery over sound magic, knowledge that was stolen from them. Most regard these as legends, and the interpretation of “stolen” has been heavily debated over the years. While many assume that whatever proficiency they once had was stolen by time alone, others stalwartly believe that someone took it from them.
Anatomy
Body Types
Elyvians have three common body types– Chirp, Chime and Crescendo.
As with all runic species, Elyvians can have features from any of their body types, including combining all three in new and interesting ways! Each type is just as common as the others– though you may find more of a particular body type in certain regions.
All three common body types possess the ability to interchangeably stand on all four legs or completely upright on their hind legs.
As with all runic species, Elyvians can have features from any of their body types, including combining all three in new and interesting ways! Each type is just as common as the others– though you may find more of a particular body type in certain regions.
All three common body types possess the ability to interchangeably stand on all four legs or completely upright on their hind legs.
Chirp elyvians are small and stout, tending towards round, cherubic shapes. Nimble and precise, their attention to detail makes them a valuable asset to their community.
Chime elyvians are long and elegant. Their sleek bodies make them particularly adept at diving and reaching breakneck speeds. Keen-eyed and soft-stepped, the Chime elyvian is a fearsome sight indeed! Crescendo elyvians are bulky and powerful. Their beaks have enormous crushing power and they are able to open nuts and crack bones with ease. Their large wingspans make them particularly efficient flyers. |
Anatomy Guidelines
Elyvian anatomy is closest to the anatomy of various birds and cats, big or small. Because their features are so varied, this guide is far from comprehensive– we encourage you to research and reference different species in our natural world in addition to following this guide! The drawing on the right is of your typical chirp elyvian– the other two body types have different proportions, pictured above.
Important points of note:
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Head
Elyvian skull structure is most similar to that of birds, though not all elyvians have complete beaks, so there is some variation between individuals. Most elyvians have a sloping brow and sleek facial features.
All elyvians eyes can adjust to the light, alternating between round and slit pupils depending on how bright it is. They also have a nictitating membrane– or third eyelid– that protects their eyes during aerial and oceanic dives. |
Wings
Elyvians are born without wings and are completely flightless until they craft their first pair. Although they are naturally grounded, most elyvians pick up flight quickly and become quite proficient at it, able to perform aerial dives and quick-turns with relative ease. Because of their unique magic, elyvians are able to place their wings along several different points of their bodies based on personal preference. Most elyvians do not settle forever on any one pair of wings, choosing to recreate and reposition them throughout their lives.
All elyvians have the ability to withdraw their wings using magic. When this happens, a little puff of magic dust appears in their fur and feathers, and they’re left with tufts of fur or feathers wherever their wings once were. Whether an elyvian keeps their wings withdrawn or proudly shows them off is up to their own preference, but they can switch between the two options at any time. |
Paws & Claws
Elyvians can have bird-like talons, cat-like paws with retractable claws, or a combination of both. While our examples mostly depict elyvians with talons in the front and paws in the back, elyvians are incredibly diverse! There is no universal layout. While most elyvians have matching pairs, some may only have one foot of a specific type… or even four completely different feet!
Aside from a couple outliers (webbed feet, primal claws), elyvian feet can present like any bird or cat in the animal kingdom! Paws must, however, always have paw pads. Most elyvians will have a dewclaw or grasping thumb on all of their feet, making them particularly adept at manipulating objects without the use of magic. |
Runic Colors
An elyvian’s runic color is the shared color on the bottoms of their feet and paw pads. While not as common, some elyvians also display their runic color in their eyes, mouth, claws, wings and tail tips. An elyvian’s blood and bones are usually their runic color as well.
Runic colors are as individual as elyvians themselves and can vary greatly from their parents. While sharing a runic color with another elyvian is possible, it does not necessarily mean the two are related. A runic can be any color under the rainbow, including white or black. An elyvian’s skin under their fur and feathers is a slightly lighter tint of their runic color. Any scars an elyvian might acquire would share this lighter runic color. Mandatory runic color locations are paw pads and the bottoms of taloned feet. Optional runic color locations include eyes, mouth, claws, wingtips and tail tips. An elyvian’s runic color can appear elsewhere on the body, though it’s less common. |
Lifecycle
Plume
Eider
Quill
Plume
Plume
Plumes are baby elyvians! Plumes are the result of not just a successful love spell, but an arduous and perilous journey across the Glass River to safety. Plumes are born with full control of their senses and are able to run, hide, bite and claw. However, they are completely flightless, lacking any wings at all. This makes their trek across Brouzet particularly dangerous, as they must make the journey by foot– at least until an adult locates them. Many plumes are lost to the dangers of the desert before they’re able to be found.
Plumes that survive tend to be stubborn but capable. They pick up on their magic quicker than other species, as the ability to create and manifest their handcrafted wings is paramount to their continued survival. Because they must mature so quickly, many plumes are able to fly by 6 months of age. |
A baby elyvian will usually follow either of the body types of their parents, but this is not always the case– sometimes a plume will be born with a completely different body type, or a mixture of their parent’s body types.
Plumes are generally born with soft downy feathers and limited, sandy colors that allow them to blend into their surroundings. They molt these feathers multiple times as they grow, growing in new colors and markings. Their adult plumage is nearly always a surprise– and shockingly different from their original down! The only color that generally does not change as they grow older is their runic.
Plumes are not currently available to create in-game, but will be later as we progress the story.
Plumes are generally born with soft downy feathers and limited, sandy colors that allow them to blend into their surroundings. They molt these feathers multiple times as they grow, growing in new colors and markings. Their adult plumage is nearly always a surprise– and shockingly different from their original down! The only color that generally does not change as they grow older is their runic.
Plumes are not currently available to create in-game, but will be later as we progress the story.
Eider
Eider
An elyvian becomes completely mature after molting their last baby plumage, generally around the age of 15 years, though some elyvians will retain downy feathers their entire lives. Many elyvians become proficient in magic long before this final shed, their natural curiosity driving them. Their general independence and mental acuity marks their transition into adulthood as more of a formality than anything– many eiders will thoughtfully regard their final youthful feathers before moving on with their days.
Regardless of their indifference, a yearly ceremony is held during the Asterarche to mark the coming of age of a fledgling generation of elyvians. While their growth may be uninteresting to the individual outside of the shiny new presentation of their feathers, each adult elyvian is a treasure worth celebrating.
Regardless of their indifference, a yearly ceremony is held during the Asterarche to mark the coming of age of a fledgling generation of elyvians. While their growth may be uninteresting to the individual outside of the shiny new presentation of their feathers, each adult elyvian is a treasure worth celebrating.
Quill
Quill
Despite the struggles young elyvians face, once they reach adulthood they have exceptionally long lifespans, barring illness or injury. The average elyvian lives to around 200 years of age, though they are considered elderly after 150. Quills are highly regarded as living, breathing history, meaning a glimpse into the past couple of centuries is not only available via historic texts, but could be walking amongst the general population.
Historically, when an accomplished elyvian reaches the end of their life and passes away, their deeds are inscribed upon their shard of the Glass River, forever engraved on the living chronicle of their people. The storm has made this more difficult in recent times and fewer elyvians are willing to risk their own lives to transcribe the feats of those that came before them on the River.
Historically, when an accomplished elyvian reaches the end of their life and passes away, their deeds are inscribed upon their shard of the Glass River, forever engraved on the living chronicle of their people. The storm has made this more difficult in recent times and fewer elyvians are willing to risk their own lives to transcribe the feats of those that came before them on the River.
When Love Strikes
When two or more elyvians have successfully courted one another and are determined to raise a child, they channel their wills in an ancient, mercurial ritual– a love spell. Each parent becomes a conduit for the spell, energy lancing from their bodies into the sky, where it inevitably joins the great storm now shrouding most of Brouzet. The energy builds within the ley storm, their will manifesting as a bolt of lighting that, if they’re lucky, will strike the winding Glass River– the elyvian’s birthplace. However, the spell itself is volatile, and with the current instability of the ley storm, very few love spells end with success. Strikes outside the Glass River are failures at best– and result in fulgulisks, at worst.
Performing a love spell takes a lot of energy and is rarely attempted frivolously, though accidental strikes have been known to happen. Regardless of if it took a hundred attempts or only one, each newborn elyvian is cherished. A successful spell is not all it takes– once the magic takes hold, manifesting a new plume, the newborn is flightless, nearly defenseless, and amidst the raging storm. While there are encampments along the Glass River, fewer are manned as the elyvian population crumbles. Being born is not enough– newborn elyvians must fight to escape the river and make it to the safety of the shores. Many dangers await, from the storm itself to opportunistic peskitts and the ever-expanding fulgulisk threat. Only the strongest or luckiest survive– and regardless of parentage, each is lauded and raised communally to create a stronger whole.
Performing a love spell takes a lot of energy and is rarely attempted frivolously, though accidental strikes have been known to happen. Regardless of if it took a hundred attempts or only one, each newborn elyvian is cherished. A successful spell is not all it takes– once the magic takes hold, manifesting a new plume, the newborn is flightless, nearly defenseless, and amidst the raging storm. While there are encampments along the Glass River, fewer are manned as the elyvian population crumbles. Being born is not enough– newborn elyvians must fight to escape the river and make it to the safety of the shores. Many dangers await, from the storm itself to opportunistic peskitts and the ever-expanding fulgulisk threat. Only the strongest or luckiest survive– and regardless of parentage, each is lauded and raised communally to create a stronger whole.
Any Port in a Storm
Long ago, at the height of their success, elyvians reached into the very fabric of Brouzet, pulling from the ley lines below the surface. The ley storm, the heart of their people, had become too weak to answer the growing demands of their population. Tying the tempest to magic’s very source, the squall grew, a feat they celebrated. This manipulation of their world was their crowning achievement. Young and brave elyvians would test their mettle against the gale, breaking off pieces to study and further manipulate. The pride before the fall.
Once tied to the ley lines, the storm never stopped growing. It was slow at first, an insidious and ponderous swell that passed beneath their notice until it was far too late. When lightning began to strike outside of the Glass River it created monsters beyond their imagining. The elyvians were not prepared for the wild, untameable nature of the beast they created and all attempts to undo the spells that fueled the roiling tempest failed. The ley lines fed into the storm, and the storm back to the ley lines. The bond became unbreakable.
Forced back to Velourose as the storm– their monster, their undoing– lashed Brouzet, all efforts turned to reinforcing their home. Through the combined power of the entire population, a runic bubble encased the city. Protected from the storm and the serpents it created, Velourose became the last bastion of safety in Brouzet.
Once tied to the ley lines, the storm never stopped growing. It was slow at first, an insidious and ponderous swell that passed beneath their notice until it was far too late. When lightning began to strike outside of the Glass River it created monsters beyond their imagining. The elyvians were not prepared for the wild, untameable nature of the beast they created and all attempts to undo the spells that fueled the roiling tempest failed. The ley lines fed into the storm, and the storm back to the ley lines. The bond became unbreakable.
Forced back to Velourose as the storm– their monster, their undoing– lashed Brouzet, all efforts turned to reinforcing their home. Through the combined power of the entire population, a runic bubble encased the city. Protected from the storm and the serpents it created, Velourose became the last bastion of safety in Brouzet.
A Plague of Fugilisks
When a love spell channeled through the ley storm strikes anywhere but the Glass River, it risks creating a fulgulisk. Years of unsuccessful spells have created a compounding problem around the Glass River and the greater expanse of Brouzet– with each new fulgulisk, it becomes more difficult for newborn plumes to be safely extracted. Fulgulisks hunt and consume anything with a runic signature, making even the smallest fulgulisk a viable threat to plumes.
Worse still, large fulgulisks act as lightning rods, attracting electricity as it discharges from the ley storm. As more spells hit them, new runic material laces their bodies, making them hardier and more difficult to defeat. At the brink of societal collapse, elyvians have no choice but to continue trying– unfortunately making their greatest enemy stronger with each and every fresh failure.
Lacking the manpower to overcome this obstacle, Brouzet is now riddled with predatory, single-minded fulgulisk seeking out runic magic wherever it exists.
Worse still, large fulgulisks act as lightning rods, attracting electricity as it discharges from the ley storm. As more spells hit them, new runic material laces their bodies, making them hardier and more difficult to defeat. At the brink of societal collapse, elyvians have no choice but to continue trying– unfortunately making their greatest enemy stronger with each and every fresh failure.
Lacking the manpower to overcome this obstacle, Brouzet is now riddled with predatory, single-minded fulgulisk seeking out runic magic wherever it exists.
Vitality
Body Language
Elyvians communicate primarily by word, both written and spoken. Their bodies are extremely expressive, however, and sometimes communicate a clear message that their words might not. Always pay attention to an elyvian’s body language when engaging with one!
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- Agitated: Be wary of elyvians whose tails are flicking back and forth– often misinterpreted as a friendly gesture, it’s anything but! Agitated or irritated elyvians carry tension in their bodies, often rippling through their pelts and down into their switching tails. Annoyed elyvians may also lay their ears flat, but not completely pinned. They may sometimes fluff their feathers, raise their crests or sharply flap their wings. Elyvians warn others to stay away by clicking their beak, hissing or growling.
- Intimidation: Much like agitated and angry elyvians, elyvians that are trying to intimidate a target will make themselves appear as big as possible. When hissing and spitting doesn’t do the trick, whistling sometimes does! A piercing, lonely whistle does little to intimidate their foes, but when a hunting party descends on a target it’s more of a cacophony of sound that would intimidate all but the most stalwart of prey. Some elyvians have been known to weave hollow objects into their fur, feathers and wings, creating a discordant and fearsome sound as they fly through the air.
- Anger: Angry elyvians will scratch the ground, fur and feathers puffing and wings unfurling to make them seem as large as possible. They will sometimes approach their opponent with their backs arched, creeping sideways to intimidate their foe. Fully pinned ears and outstretched claws are signs of imminent attack. Fury is expressed with a number of sounds, including hissing, clattering of beaks, roaring and yowling.
- Sadness: A saddened or grieving elyvian will often become listless and unfocused. Their feathers and posture droop and they move around slowly and without direction. Capable of crying, most view it as deeply personal and choose not to share it with anyone else.
- Stress: Stressed or frustrated elyvians have been known to pace for hours or lunge without warning at their peers. Prolonged periods of stress are particularly dangerous for elyvians, causing them to over-groom, pulling out their feathers or even molting their entire coats. Distressed elyvians become withdrawn and hostile, often too proud to reach out for help.
- Affection: Elyvians exhibit affection by sharing their space and food with those they like! Elyvians will slow blink at those they’re comfortable with, displaying without doubt that they trust the other not to harm them. Particularly affectionate elyvians may preen and groom their peers.
- Courtship: Love is taken very seriously by elyvians! The first step of courtship is usually creating something for the object of an elyvian’s desire. What is created is individual to the elyvians involved and is meant to be meaningful to the one who receives it. The creation is presented to the one they’re courting with pomp and circumstance, often accompanied by rich displays of their plumage, strutting dances and cajoling love songs.
- Happiness: Content elyvians will gleefully whistle and sing while they preen their feathers. Those with tails flexible enough will arch them lazily over their backs. Particularly happy elyvians may even purr, causing their entire bodies to rumble!
- Fear: Fearful elyvians try to make themselves as small as possible, pulling their fur, feathers and wings close to their bodies. They will crouch, tuck their ears and tails and may even rock back and forth or purr quietly to comfort themselves. If confronted, they may arch their backs and hiss, eyes wide and pupils dilated.
Hygiene
Elyvians are fastidiously clean, loathing mess in their personal spaces. Clutter is different from mess– as most are quick to remind any nitpickers! Everything has its place and every elyvian has their own system that determines which space is the right one. Who is anyone else to judge? Grooming is no less important, and some elyvians will groom multiple times a day to ensure that their fur and feathers are polished and healthy.
Most elyvians will groom themselves via preening and dust baths, rolling in fine sand until it permeates their fur and feathers. The sand absorbs the excess oil from their skin while scrubbing dirt from their bodies. Once the elyvian is satisfied, they simply shake the sand out and go about their days.
Some elyvians enjoy bathing in the sea as well, fluffing their water-resistant feathers in calm inlets so the water can flow past. Most do not bathe in the ocean as a daily ritual, instead reserving it for rare occasions when the crisp bite of the water is exactly what they need.
Elyvians enjoy fragrant herbs and spices, sometimes wearing full sprigs or adding grounds to their dust baths to keep themselves smelling fresh and unique.
Most elyvians will groom themselves via preening and dust baths, rolling in fine sand until it permeates their fur and feathers. The sand absorbs the excess oil from their skin while scrubbing dirt from their bodies. Once the elyvian is satisfied, they simply shake the sand out and go about their days.
Some elyvians enjoy bathing in the sea as well, fluffing their water-resistant feathers in calm inlets so the water can flow past. Most do not bathe in the ocean as a daily ritual, instead reserving it for rare occasions when the crisp bite of the water is exactly what they need.
Elyvians enjoy fragrant herbs and spices, sometimes wearing full sprigs or adding grounds to their dust baths to keep themselves smelling fresh and unique.
Culture
Festivals
Elyvians are known to indulge themselves during all holidays, though they don’t particularly care for the tomfoolery of the Wild Hunt, preferring more structure and civility for their revelries. Elyvians have two significant holidays of their own that you can learn about here.
Culture
We Can Do Better
A Life of Extravagance
For Fame, For Infamy
When Stars Speak
We Can Do Better
Nature did a good job, but elyvians always believe they can do better. Enhancing weather patterns, enchanting their cities, even augmenting their own bodies… what can’t be improved upon by their clever claws? Elyvians are naturally inclined to compete, both with others and themselves. Often not satisfied with their first attempts at wings, determined or vain elyvians will dismantle and reconstruct their own enchantments again and again for their entire lives.
Particularly driven elyvians will stop at nothing to obtain the best materials for their spells, searching far and wide for the keenest, most valuable, magically potent ingredients they can find. Elyvians with particularly wondrous feats over nature are highly valued in their society. Curiosity and daring are lauded– after all, if they can improve upon nature, why shouldn’t they try to improve life itself?
Elyvians are experts at weaving the unnatural into their natural world, melding the seams until they’re impossible for the untrained eye to spot.
The ursuki claim that long ago, Brouzet was a verdant and fertile place. Before the elyvians tested their might against the land, before they began drawing upon a wellspring that once seemed endless… perhaps it was lush and full of life. But the truth of the matter has long since been lost… or buried.
Particularly driven elyvians will stop at nothing to obtain the best materials for their spells, searching far and wide for the keenest, most valuable, magically potent ingredients they can find. Elyvians with particularly wondrous feats over nature are highly valued in their society. Curiosity and daring are lauded– after all, if they can improve upon nature, why shouldn’t they try to improve life itself?
Elyvians are experts at weaving the unnatural into their natural world, melding the seams until they’re impossible for the untrained eye to spot.
The ursuki claim that long ago, Brouzet was a verdant and fertile place. Before the elyvians tested their might against the land, before they began drawing upon a wellspring that once seemed endless… perhaps it was lush and full of life. But the truth of the matter has long since been lost… or buried.
A Life of Extravagance
With such a strong magical ability to change the world around them, elyvians have become accustomed to extravagance. All but the most recent generations of elyvians have only known a life of excess, enjoying the fruits of all those that came before them. Velourose is a reminder of what once was– soaring structures of white marble, heavily laden vines, flaking gold leaf betraying a certain proclivity for art that shines. Wisened quills remember the glorious and lavish life that came before the famine, though few accept that this downfall may be, in part, of their own doing.
Relics of the not-so-distant past litter Velourose, a walled garden amongst the ruins sown by those that flew too close to the sun. Much diminished from the golden years, its columns crumbling, elyvian culture has stubbornly persisted despite the wealth of resources drying up. A haven for the creative, artists, writers, inventors and philosophers are still able to scratch out a life in Brouzet– though a more humble one than the days of yore.
Golems of various shapes and casings service the city, serving as guardians, servants and even decoration.
Relics of the not-so-distant past litter Velourose, a walled garden amongst the ruins sown by those that flew too close to the sun. Much diminished from the golden years, its columns crumbling, elyvian culture has stubbornly persisted despite the wealth of resources drying up. A haven for the creative, artists, writers, inventors and philosophers are still able to scratch out a life in Brouzet– though a more humble one than the days of yore.
Golems of various shapes and casings service the city, serving as guardians, servants and even decoration.
For Fame, For Infamy
The desire to be remembered is integral to the elyvian psyche. Creating or orchestrating something worth being remembered for is so paramount that many spend their lives working towards this single-minded goal. Despite their collaborative natures, most elyvians will embark on this task alone, selfishly guarding their greatest works until they deem them ready to be revealed to society.
To perish without contributing something worth inscribing on their glass shard is considered worse than their death itself. To pass away without leaving a legacy is to die the second death– the one that comes when nobody living remembers you. Some elyvians will go to great lengths to be remembered, preferring to do something great– or terrible– over being forgotten.
Many elyvians view the Fog as a divine punishment. They curse the spellwork, claiming it not only caused the world to forget them, but has prevented them from carrying out the great works that would give them a legacy worth singing about.
To perish without contributing something worth inscribing on their glass shard is considered worse than their death itself. To pass away without leaving a legacy is to die the second death– the one that comes when nobody living remembers you. Some elyvians will go to great lengths to be remembered, preferring to do something great– or terrible– over being forgotten.
Many elyvians view the Fog as a divine punishment. They curse the spellwork, claiming it not only caused the world to forget them, but has prevented them from carrying out the great works that would give them a legacy worth singing about.
When Stars Speak
Flying towards the sun rarely hurts until the wax of your wings starts to melt. But… if they were crafted from a more rugged material, couldn’t they fly further still? Philosophers amongst the Elyvians have debated for years over the greatest question of them all; if you were to soar high enough to reach for the stars, would they reach back for you?
What if there was a better way? Elyvians have been studying the sky for generations, each improving upon the methods of the one that came before. It is widely believed that there is a certain energy to be found amongst the stars– and if anyone can harness it, it should be them.
Anyone can look to the sky and marvel over how the stars glow, but elyvians push it ever further. The space yawning between those effervescent celestial wonders holds untapped potential. Scholars argue– what if all that nothing really was something?
What if there was a better way? Elyvians have been studying the sky for generations, each improving upon the methods of the one that came before. It is widely believed that there is a certain energy to be found amongst the stars– and if anyone can harness it, it should be them.
Anyone can look to the sky and marvel over how the stars glow, but elyvians push it ever further. The space yawning between those effervescent celestial wonders holds untapped potential. Scholars argue– what if all that nothing really was something?
Magic & Careers
Magic
Careers
Magic
An Artificer's Art
Elyvians have an unparalleled ability to enchant existing objects or manipulate a series of materials to create something new. An elyvian’s very first major act of spellwork is creating their own wings, a task as individual as the elyvian themselves. Their creations are only limited by their energy, materials available, and their ability to imagine the outcome. While not every elyvian winds up being a proficient mage, most quickly pick up the skills required to do sorcery that would take other species years of their lives to learn.
Through study and ingenuity, elyvians are able to create not only simple spells that compel objects to do simple tasks, but great and sometimes incomprehensible feats of magecraft. While most of their technology is created by several cleverly engineered and magicked parts, particularly powerful elyvians might be able to create something vast and impressive merely from an idea and the appropriate materials.
While their magic is limited in that they have no way of performing offensive and defensive spells or even manipulating objects as pouflons so readily do, they far outpace their peers in their ability to enchant objects to do all those things for them. While a pouflon can manipulate a broom to sweep the stoop, an elyvian might enchant a broom to sweep the whole neighborhood without further direction or thought from the elyvian themselves.
Most enchanted objects no longer draw from the elyvian’s power once the spell is complete, though particularly strong, large or complex enchantments sometimes require their spellwork to be refreshed or maintained by the artificer that created it or those they imparted the skill to. Occasionally, a feat of magic like the one that empowered the ley storm or the one that encased Velourose will require a great number of elyvians working together to perform and maintain the spell.
Through study and ingenuity, elyvians are able to create not only simple spells that compel objects to do simple tasks, but great and sometimes incomprehensible feats of magecraft. While most of their technology is created by several cleverly engineered and magicked parts, particularly powerful elyvians might be able to create something vast and impressive merely from an idea and the appropriate materials.
While their magic is limited in that they have no way of performing offensive and defensive spells or even manipulating objects as pouflons so readily do, they far outpace their peers in their ability to enchant objects to do all those things for them. While a pouflon can manipulate a broom to sweep the stoop, an elyvian might enchant a broom to sweep the whole neighborhood without further direction or thought from the elyvian themselves.
Most enchanted objects no longer draw from the elyvian’s power once the spell is complete, though particularly strong, large or complex enchantments sometimes require their spellwork to be refreshed or maintained by the artificer that created it or those they imparted the skill to. Occasionally, a feat of magic like the one that empowered the ley storm or the one that encased Velourose will require a great number of elyvians working together to perform and maintain the spell.
The Right Wand
Young elyvians are taught early to outsource some of the effort of their daily lives by enchanting a wand with their will. While they lack the innate ability to cast simple spells that manipulate, hold, or call objects to them, most enchant their wand with the ability to enact these commands for them. Commands made using a wand will carry on until asked to stop– for example, if an elyvian requests that a book float in front of them, it will continue to float until told to return to its place.
Wands are chosen early but are often swapped out throughout an elyvian’s life to an object more uniquely personal to them. While starter wands are usually made of wood or stone, a wand can be any object. Sentimental objects or something the bearer wears are popular choices, but the shape a wand takes is completely up to an elyvian’s personal preference.
Wands will only obey the commands of the elyvian that makes them– despite this, most elyvians are hesitant to divulge the identity of their wand to others, much less allow them to handle it.
Wands are chosen early but are often swapped out throughout an elyvian’s life to an object more uniquely personal to them. While starter wands are usually made of wood or stone, a wand can be any object. Sentimental objects or something the bearer wears are popular choices, but the shape a wand takes is completely up to an elyvian’s personal preference.
Wands will only obey the commands of the elyvian that makes them– despite this, most elyvians are hesitant to divulge the identity of their wand to others, much less allow them to handle it.
Marker's Mark
Each elyvian has a unique mark that their magic imparts to any object they enchant or create. A maker’s mark is distinct– like a fingerprint, each elyvian’s mark is different from the next. While some marks run in families, no mark is exactly the same as another. For example, two brothers may both have marks that appear like feathers, but one frays at the end while the other does not.
A mark is a symbol of an elyvian’s pride, loudly declaring a creation as their own. Unsavory individuals have tried to plagiarize marks in the past, attempting to pass off shoddy recreations as the original works of elyvian masters. Most of these attempts are met with failure among elyvians, whose discerning eyes can spot a fake from miles away. Where their eyes fail, their magic always knows– as well as being a unique visual identifier, each mark has a spell signature that can be detected and traced to the elyvian that manifested it.
A mark is a symbol of an elyvian’s pride, loudly declaring a creation as their own. Unsavory individuals have tried to plagiarize marks in the past, attempting to pass off shoddy recreations as the original works of elyvian masters. Most of these attempts are met with failure among elyvians, whose discerning eyes can spot a fake from miles away. Where their eyes fail, their magic always knows– as well as being a unique visual identifier, each mark has a spell signature that can be detected and traced to the elyvian that manifested it.
What the Desert Gives Us
While elyvians can enchant existing objects, their true power lies in artificery. Creating something from the sum of its parts and their willpower alone instills a sense of satisfaction that little else does. Elyvians will search far and wide for the best ingredients for their next spellwork. In the past, they were able to secure unusual materials from diplomatic relations and trade. Now, unique materials are harder to find, and it can take months or years of scavenging to create what once might have taken a matter of weeks.
Elyvians discovered their ability to manipulate runic material the same as any other object long ago. Fallen fulgulisks, shed horns and the bones of ill-fated adventurers were their first forays into an art they’ve long since mastered– the creation of runic cores. Uniquely able to infuse the material with renewed life once placed in a suitable container, their tinkering created the first golem. The first was followed by hundreds more.
Many elyvians believe that deadfall becomes fair game. Brouzet is a harsh land where the finders become keepers with the power of kings, and so they plunder the dunes without shame. The invention of golems was deemed a new stage in their own development, raising their society to an entirely new echelon. That their creations had thoughts of their own– much less memories of their past lives– simply never occurred to them. They were objects like any other, created to perform a task.
It was only until after their creations drew King Vieux’s attention– then the war and subsequent Fog that followed– that they learned just how wrong they truly were.
Elyvians discovered their ability to manipulate runic material the same as any other object long ago. Fallen fulgulisks, shed horns and the bones of ill-fated adventurers were their first forays into an art they’ve long since mastered– the creation of runic cores. Uniquely able to infuse the material with renewed life once placed in a suitable container, their tinkering created the first golem. The first was followed by hundreds more.
Many elyvians believe that deadfall becomes fair game. Brouzet is a harsh land where the finders become keepers with the power of kings, and so they plunder the dunes without shame. The invention of golems was deemed a new stage in their own development, raising their society to an entirely new echelon. That their creations had thoughts of their own– much less memories of their past lives– simply never occurred to them. They were objects like any other, created to perform a task.
It was only until after their creations drew King Vieux’s attention– then the war and subsequent Fog that followed– that they learned just how wrong they truly were.
Careers
Career Paths
Elyvians can choose from a wide range of professions, but most choose one that not only fits their interests but makes some manner of impact on their society. While an elyvian can choose to be anything, some career paths are more common that others.
- Seeker Mage: Elyvians make extremely adept seeker mages, using their people’s knowledge of the stars and the heavens that contain them to their advantage.
- Knight Scout: Scouting the desert is what keeps Velourose safe. Whether they’re hunting, on a ranger patrol or simply exploring for exploration’s sake, elyvians make great knight scouts.
- Astronomer: The study of space is valued very highly in elyvian culture, and with the use of their powerful telescope, they’re closer than ever to making the next big discovery.
- Fisher: Everybody has to eat! Whether they’re diving into the sea, sweeping it with nets, or maintaining expansive aquariums, elyvians who focus on fishing ensure the rest are fed.
- Vintner: Elyvians love their fine wines and liquors. The ones that make the tasty libations make a fine bit of coin doing it, too. Most take a great deal of pride in their work– plus, they’re fun at parties!
- Artist: Be it drawing, painting, sculpting or even architecture, elyvians value all kinds of art. While one artist might focus on unusual golems, another could specialize in making enchanted board games. Some choose to open up shops to sell their creations– others simply make art for art’s sake.
- Poet: Writing is valued just as highly as all kinds of art in elyvian society. Whether it’s recording history, penning novels or creating short but sweet to the ears poems, great writers are admired and remembered.
- Philosopher: What’s more important than asking the big questions? Some elyvians spend their lives doing just that– coming together with like-minded individuals to discuss life and the meaning to be found therein.