A strong, but spiritual group of individuals which find their home among their treetop town of Tyrvik; a series of winding tree houses within Earea of Praeth. Silvis have a high respect for nature and worship the trees, known for their skills in stealth, bow wielding and healing. Rumors say they can even communicate with trees.

• Homeland: Wistman Woods
• Capital: Tyrvik

“The forest cradles my shadow as hers”

The Silvis present a striking and diverse physical appearance, befitting their deep bond with nature and their unique cultural heritage. They exhibit:

1. Skin and Hair Variety

• Skin Tones: Silvis come in a wide range of skin tones, from earthy browns and tans that blend seamlessly with the forest, to deep mahogany and even fair tones reminiscent of sunlight through leaves. A few rare individuals may exhibit skin that seems to shimmer with a faint green or golden hue, reflecting their connection to nature.
• Hair Colors: Their hair reflects nature's palette, ranging from earthy browns, golden blonds, and deep blacks to more unique shades like leaf-green, coppery red, and even streaks of silver resembling moonlight on water. It’s common for Silvis to adorn their hair with vines, leaves, and carved wooden beads, woven in elaborate braids or left flowing.

2. Pointed, Elvish Ears The Silvis' pointed, elvish ears are often adorned with piercings of natural materials such as carved wood, woven plant fibers, and polished stones. The ears are not only a mark of their heritage but are also seen as a symbol of their attunement to the whispers of the trees and the spirits of nature.

3. Eye Colors

• Most Common: Vibrant shades of green, reminiscent of fresh leaves or emeralds, are the most notable and common among the Silvis, often sparkling with an inner light.
• Other Colors: Their eyes can come in any color, ranging from earthy browns, sky blues, and amber yellows to rarer shades like silver or deep violet. The intensity and uniqueness of a Silvis’ eye color are sometimes believed to reflect their spiritual connection with nature.

4. Clothing and Accessories

• Attire: Silvis attire is primarily wood elf-like, reflecting their woodland environment and cultural values. They wear clothing in earthy tones—rich greens, browns, and muted golds—that blend seamlessly into the forest. Their clothing is made from plant fibers, leather, and other natural materials, often decorated with intricate leaf and vine patterns.

• Common Clothing Elements: Tunics, leggings, and lightweight armor made from woven bark or reinforced leather are popular. Cloaks are a common accessory, providing camouflage and protection against the elements. These cloaks are often enchanted with magick to enhance stealth or provide warmth.

• Natural Accessories: The Silvis use natural accessories such as carved wooden pendants, woven bracelets, and crowns of leaves or flowers. They never use bones or fur from dead animals (with the exception of leather, which is respectfully sourced and treated). Accessories often carry personal or spiritual significance, symbolizing important life events, roles, or bonds.

5. Weapons and Tools

• Bows: The bow is the most notable and common accessory among the Silvis. Each bow is crafted with care, often from a specific tree chosen in a ritualistic process. Silvis bows are works of art, carved with intricate symbols and adorned with natural materials. Bows are both a tool of survival and a symbol of their culture.
• Additional Weapons: While the bow is predominant, many Silvis carry small knives, daggers, or staves. Weapons are often inscribed with protective runes or personalized with carvings.

• Disrespecting nature is a criminal act
• Disrespecting elders is frowned upon
• Elders are held to a high standard ensures they are well taken care of, as the Silvis know these are the next to become the trees.

• Dual of honor: duels of honor are not to be entered into lightly. Before entering a duel one should be certain the offense was great enough to warrant it. Typically the duel is set for the next day. The reason for this is to allow both parties involved time to put all their affairs into order. At the given time both parties arrive at the assigned location and bring a trusted friend to act as a witness to ensure things are fair and to defend against any lies that may be spread after by the winning party. In addition, if a neutral party can be found, there will be one extra person to serve as an official referee.

High Elder (The Heart of Tyrvik)

• Role: The supreme leader and spiritual guide of the Silvis.
• Description: The High Elder is seen as the living embodiment of the Silvis' bond with nature and the trees. They possess strong divination and a deep understanding of the trees' “whispers.” This leader is chosen by the ancient trees themselves, typically through signs, visions, or a sacred rite witnessed by other leaders.
• Duties: Guiding spiritual matters, maintaining alliances, overseeing major decisions regarding Tyrvik's protection, and leading important rituals.

Role: Advisors and leaders representing different aspects of Silvis life, forming a council around the High Elder.

Description:

• Guardian of Roots: Responsible for defense and military matters, including training archers and scouts.
• Keeper of Leaves: Focuses on healing, wellness, and the health of the Silvis people.
• Whisperer of the Grove: Acts as a mediator and chief interpreter of the trees' messages, serving as the voice between the Silvis and nature.
• Master of the Hunt: Oversees food gathering, hunting practices, and ensures the balance between taking from nature and giving back.
• Artisan of Growth: Manages crafting, building, and preserving Tyrvik’s structures, ensuring sustainable resource use.

• Role: Leaders of smaller community groups or specialized guilds.
• Description: Each treetop community or guild within Tyrvik is overseen by an Elder, who reports to the Council of Branches. Community Elders handle local disputes, organize gatherings, and ensure the well-being of their members.

• Role: Individuals gifted in communicating with trees and interpreting their messages.

Description: Whisperers hold significant respect and are trained from a young age if they show aptitude. They assist in rituals, provide spiritual guidance, and often serve as advisors or mediators in internal matters.

• Role: Warriors, archers, and scouts who protect Tyrvik and the Earea region.

Description: Highly skilled in stealth, bow-wielding, and natural combat tactics. They undergo rigorous training and often work in small, highly mobile units.

• Role: Individuals skilled in healing arts, using both magick and natural remedies.

Description: Healers often work closely with the Keeper of Leaves and are revered for their ability to mend not only the Silvis but also wounded plants and animals.

• Role: Crafters who create the tools, homes, and goods necessary for Silvis life.

Description: They specialize in woodwork, weaving, and creating magick-infused tattoos or items. Their work reflects their respect for nature, always ensuring sustainability.

• Role: Provide food and resources for the community.

Description: Skilled in tracking, gathering, and maintaining balance with nature. They work closely with the Master of the Hunt to prevent overuse of resources.

• Role: Young Silvis undergoing training in various crafts, skills, or leadership roles.

Description: Apprentices are chosen based on their interests or aptitudes and are mentored by experienced individuals in their field.

• Role: General community members who contribute in various ways, such as caretaking, trade, and daily tasks.

Description: Though they hold no official title, they are considered the lifeblood of the Silvis society, essential for maintaining their culture.

• Role: Individuals who have broken sacred laws or violated nature's balance.

Description: Rare but present, these Silvis live on the fringes and seek redemption or exile. They are sometimes seen as potential allies of other factions due to their unique knowledge.

Religion of the Silvis: The Verdant Path

Core Beliefs

The World Tree (Silvae): At the heart of Silvis religion is the belief in the World Tree, known as Silvae, which is seen as the source of all life, wisdom, and magick. Every tree in Tyrvik and beyond is considered a “child” or “branch” of Silvae.

Spirits of the Forest (Sylvani): The Silvis believe in nature spirits, known as Sylvani, which inhabit trees, rivers, and stones. These spirits are seen as guides, protectors, and sometimes tricksters. Honoring the Sylvani is essential to maintaining balance and harmony.

Cycles of Growth and Decay: The Silvis believe life is a cycle of growth, death, and renewal. Death is not feared but seen as a return to the earth, feeding the roots of the next generation. This belief influences their rituals, practices, and respect for natural balance.

• Sindarin: The birth of the forest & the Silvis culture, this historic event takes place on ??? (details unknown)
• Lornatála: The sleeping; when the trees go into hibernation for winter. (details unknown)

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• Extended Families: Silvis families are typically extended, often including not just parents and children but also grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close friends who are considered kin. The community-oriented nature of the Silvis means they often live in clusters of connected homes or platforms.
• Bonded Partnerships: Silvis form deep, lifelong partnerships, often marked by a Leaf-Binding Pact ritual. Bonded partners are expected to support each other physically, emotionally, and spiritually. While monogamous relationships are the norm, polyamorous bonds may exist as long as they respect mutual consent and balance.
• Communal Child-Rearing: Children are raised not just by their parents but by the broader community. Elders, Whisperers, and other adults play active roles in teaching children skills, traditions, and the ways of nature. This communal approach fosters strong connections and a shared sense of responsibility.

• Connection through Nature: Courtship often involves rituals tied to nature, such as planting a sapling together, journeying into the forest for spiritual guidance, or crafting items that symbolize their bond. Gifts exchanged during courtship are usually handmade, reflecting the giver's care and devotion.
• Leaf-Binding Ceremonies: When Silvis choose to bond formally, they participate in the Leaf-Binding Pact, where they select a leaf from a tree that resonates with their bond. These leaves are ceremonially joined and planted together, symbolizing their unity and growth. It’s a sacred and celebrated event, often attended by the entire community.

• Parental Guidance: Silvis parents are deeply involved in their children’s upbringing, teaching respect for nature, community values, and spiritual practices. Children are encouraged to spend time in the forest, learning to listen to its rhythms and connect with its spirits.
• Teaching by Elders: Elders play a significant role in a child's life. They pass down stories, traditions, and wisdom. Children often apprentice under elders or skilled adults to learn their crafts or skills.
• Respect and Independence: While respect for elders and traditions is paramount, Silvis parents encourage independence, self-discovery, and growth. Children are taught to listen to the trees, reflect on their actions, and find their unique place in the world.

• Supportive Bonds: Silvis society is based on mutual respect and cooperation. Neighbors help one another with daily tasks, raise children together, and share resources. Festivals, ceremonies, and communal meals strengthen bonds among community members.
• Dispute Resolution: Disagreements are addressed through community mediation led by Elders or Whisperers. Conflict resolution focuses on restoring balance and harmony rather than assigning blame or punishment.
• Open Hospitality: The Silvis are known for their welcoming attitude toward respectful outsiders, extending hospitality and sometimes inviting other species to join their community if they show respect for Silvis values.

• Mutual Respect: Relationships with other species living in Tyrvik are founded on mutual respect for Silvis customs and the balance of nature. Non-Silvis must adhere to Silvis norms, such as offering thanks for nature’s bounty and respecting sacred spaces.
• Integration through Rituals: Non-Silvis who wish to become part of the community are often required to participate in rituals or undergo a period of learning and integration, guided by Silvis elders.

• Soul-Bonds: In addition to partnerships, Silvis may form soul-bonds—deep, lifelong friendships that are spiritually significant. Soul-bonds can occur between two or more individuals and may involve special rituals to mark the bond, such as carving matching symbols or sharing in significant spiritual experiences.
• Ceremonial Support Circles: During major life events, Silvis form support circles, including friends, family, and mentors. These circles provide guidance, emotional strength, and celebration for milestones such as coming-of-age, marriage, or significant achievements.

• Reverence for Ancestors: Silvis believe the spirits of their ancestors guide and protect them. Families honor their ancestors through offerings, storytelling, and maintaining ancestral spaces within their homes.
• Role of Elders: Elders hold significant respect and are often looked to for wisdom in matters of family and community. Disrespecting an elder, even within a family, is seen as a serious breach of conduct.

The Silvis see separation, such as death or departure from the community, as a natural part of life’s cycle. Mourning is balanced with celebration of life and legacy. Rituals of remembrance are conducted regularly, where loved ones gather around special trees planted or marked for the departed.

For family members or friends who have grown apart or experienced conflict, reconciliation is often sought through rituals that involve symbolic acts of planting new life or creating art that represents renewal.

Silvae the Great Tree: The primordial deity, representing all life and interconnectedness.

Virdan, the Protector: A warrior-spirit who defends nature's balance and is invoked during battles and times of strife.

Elara, the Healer: A nurturing spirit who aids in mending wounds and illnesses, both physical and spiritual.

Kareth, the Whisperer: The guide to interpreting the trees' messages and understanding nature’s signs.

Aris, the Trickster: A playful yet cautionary figure symbolizing the unpredictability of nature.

• Player aistiva created this on 2021/10/12 20:25.

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