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The History of the Sylvan Elves
The Sylvan High Council
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The origins of the sylvan high council passed out of general knowledge
long ago, however some legends support the idea that it was Imaera
who taught sylvans the ability to channel knowledge from one generation
of councilors to the next. Since the ability does not extend throughout
the general population, it is safe to assume that it was god-given
rather than inherent. It is a fairly common belief that a sacred
scroll still exists, bearing the names of every member of the high
council from the first, down through all successive generations.
Within that parchment rests a powerful magic, a force that is kindled
through secret ceremonies to psychically link all whose names are
on it.
During the days of Ithnishmyn and later, in Yuriqen, hierophantic
talent was historically sought among sylvans of early age, from
five to fifteen years being considered optimum. Youths who passed
a demanding battery of tests were observed for a year before being
given instruction that spanned approximately twenty years. Often,
the rare individuals would lose their faculty at the onset of puberty,
and would then be gently released from the demanding regimen of
training. However, in the infrequent instance that a candidate's
ability increased rather than diminished, and the individual's temperament
and judgment were deemed suitable to the task, he then participated
in a ritual of initiation. The ritual, called Arg'Hamim, bestowed
upon the initiate the right to wear the robes of an acolyte, an
ivory tunic with an indigo or green mantle. Green denoted the general
assembly, while the indigo signaled individuals of esteemed rank.
While it was considered a great honor to rise to the rank of acolyte,
few ever ascended to the high council, since only the death of one
of the reigning councilors created a 'chair' for a new member.
Although entry to the high council was so limited, the role of
an acolyte was a full and honored one. While acolytes generally
performed governing or ceremonial functions, they were free to choose
professions of other sorts while waiting for the chance to ascend
to the council. Many took up teaching positions, as their comprehensive
training provided them with the best education available to sylvans.
Many of the greatest sylvan philosophers and historians wore the
'indigo mantle'.
Upon the lamented occasion that a high council member passed out
of life, the beating of a large drum, called Rantylan (or The Summoner)
alerted the sylvan population of the occurrence. The surviving councilors
gathered and spent a three-day period of attending the body. During
this time, ceremonies were conducted that were reputed to include
a rite that suspended the departed member's knowledge within a prepared
amphora. What was done with the councilor's body after that was
unknown.
A high council quorum occurred immediately after the three-day
mourning, and the congregation of councilors did not disband until
a new council member was elected. A three-fourths majority was necessary
to be elected. Once the new councilor was chosen, the high council
called a general meeting open to any sylvan who chose to be present.
There, the identity of the new councilor was announced, followed
by a brief ceremony of welcome that included a presentation of the
departed councilor's mantle to the new recruit.
The following day, a closed ceremony was conducted, suspected to
include the immersion of the waiting 'soul' into its new host, bringing
with it knowledge and wisdom gleaned from the years of past lives.
At dusk, the Mystery was accomplished and a public ceremony followed
it. Stripped of all clothing and possessions, the new councilor
was escorted through the throng of sylvans gathered to witness the
event, attended by two high-ranking indigo-mantled acolytes he had
chosen to stand with him. Fragrant flowers and herbs were showered
over the trio as they processed, carpeting the ground beneath the
candidate's bare feet. Arriving at a semicircle composed of the
reigning high council members, the new councilor repeated a ritualistic
pledge to serve the sylvan people and was robed in the dark green
tunic of the high council. Finally, a heavy mithril chain was placed
around his neck, signifying his link to the sylvan people of the
past, present and future.
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