|  Sylvankind
spring from the same roots as the Elves, but they chose
a different path. As the Elves moved from their forests
to build the Seven Cities, some stayed behind. These
are the Sylvans. The Sylvankind care little for the
world outside their forests. For them, the forests are
the world. They retain a love and closeness to the land
that approaches unity.
Having a hierophant governing system, it is natural
that the Sylvans would utilize a diplomatic system to
designate divisions, or groups, among their populace.
Their "D'ahranals" can be compared to Guilds
elsewhere.
It should be noted that many Sylvans not only are great
archers and warriors, but fine artisans and civic leaders
as well. The decision of which D'ahranal a child is
invited to join falls to the child and his/her patron.
Generally, the child will join the D'ahranal of her
patron, and in fact the patron is found based on the
child's foremost interest. However, as a child grows,
interests sometimes change; in that case, the Patron
(pronounced pae-TRON) helps the youth choose the appropriate
D'ahranal and usually also finds a mature guide within
it to direct the youth's development. On a youth's 'coming
of age' day, a ceremony is held to induct them into
their new D'ahranal. They remain a part of it for the
rest of their life, and the membership bonds are held
to be as important as that of family.
There are four known D'ahranals:
Kytawa (KEE-ta-wa) D'ahranal
This is a group of Sylvans whose talents suit them
for leadership or public service roles. Most of the
population's leaders, called Councilors, are numbered
among this group, however the governing body does number
some Artisans among them as well, mostly in an Advisory
role. The symbol of this group is a pelican.
Fresiawn (FREE-si-awn) D'ahranal
This is a group that includes architects, artisans,
craftsmen, musicians and artists, as well as cooks,
brewers and anything that pertains to the creation of
something. At the top of this group are those associated
with Arts & Sciences, a calling much esteemed among
the Sylvans. Their symbol is a doe.
Tyesteron (ty-ESS-ter-on) D'ahranal
This group includes all those who specialize in physical
and magical martial arts. It includes the great number
of superb archers among the Sylvans, as well as warriors
and magic-users. The group serves as protectors of the
homeland as well as hunters who bring in game to feed
the tree-cities. They are known for the mithril or silver
linked belt and armband they wear, rather than a particular
symbol. Additionally, the archers among the group form
a subgroup called Ki'Tyesterons (pronounced KEE), and
will have the image of an arrow incised upon the armband.
This group might also wear other arrow-themed ornaments.
It is not uncommon for a particularly gifted weapon/armor
maker or fletcher to be made an honorary Tyesteron,
even though the artisan is also a member of the Fresiawns.
Lassaran (LAS-sa-ran) D'ahranal
The last group is really a conglomerate group of all
three of the others. The main distinction of these Sylvans
is that they have gone against normal tendencies and
left the Homeland, to wander the world among other races,
beyond the protection of the great trees. The symbol
of these Sylvans is a hawk.
See also: Sylvan
Guide, History
of Elanthia |
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