Here follow various customs existing within the day-to-day life of the various kindred.

Sylvan elves are dwellers of the deepest most virginal forests. According to varied accountings and first-hand experience, they lead a relatively quiet, serene life devoid of the daily worries of mankind. They have fair skin with hair color ranging from coppery red to blonde, and eyes of brown, green, or hazel. They are very reserved about other races, even other kindred, and are usually wary of outsiders. They speak several languages, including woodland animal tongues. It is said by other elves that the Sylvan bond to the forests exceeds that of others.

The Sylvan Folk tend to array themselves in forest colors, with the brighter colors of springtime flowers and plants reserved for their private gatherings and festivals. They are primarily vegetarians, but occasionally hunt for game for special celebrations or feasts. They customarily dwell deep in the woodland where the trees are the tallest and hardiest, usually far from other enclaves of elves. They are often referred to as Tree Elves for they do dwell in trees. Constructed of wood and vines, their "talans," which basically are large wooden platforms connected by vine bridges, range in size from those large enough to hold a single, small hut, to talans large enough to hold and entire clan or tribe depending on the culture. There are tales aplenty of virtual tree cities spanning miles.

Life within these communities is more male-oriented than that of other elven cultures. This is not to say that females are put into any lesser stature than males, as my own experiences prove, but as a society where hunting and foraging are the primary food sources, the males are much less likely to allow their life-mates and daughters to scamper about unescorted in the woods. (This proved true as well!) Having a slightly lower birth rate than other elves, they consequently value their offspring and childbearing all the more highly. Sylvan elves usually mate for life, remaining with their chosen until death. It is a sad custom, but it would seem that should one of a mated couple die before the other, if there are no children to care for, the survivor will bundle up a few belongings and depart for the deepest part of the woodlands, usually never to be seen again. The Sylvan Folk refer to this as Shi'no'syt or "the Living Grief."

There is one custom which must be mentioned, since it is documented and most definitely experienced by myself! Unattached male and female Sylvan elves, if there should be a stranger in one of the talans, will go to great lengths to assure their guests comfort and happiness. This custom extends, as I know, even to the offering of a night of mutually shared pleasure. Lest the foregoing seem too ambiguous, this humble bard refers to a male offering his "company" to a female of adult age, or a female of acceptable (and childbearing) age offering her "company" to a male. This old custom, given the Sylvan Folk's usual reputation of wariness, cannot be easily explained. One would, or could, suppose that this reflects back on their predilection for courtesy. Or it may be their way of assuring new bloodlines within their community. In any case, reports rarely give an account of refusal (except for mine!). And yes, this courtesy has even been extended toward humans as well as elves. Those Sylvan Folk having dealings with mankind on a regular basis usually use a half-elf for their spokesperson, seemingly bridging the racial barrier between them in this manner.

The Sylvan Folk seem to favor the worship of Rillifane Ralathil, who is called by most "the Leaf Lord," over other elven deities. Other elven deities are worshipped, though the Sylvan elf in general favors deities involved directly with the forests and things of nature.

Author's Note: This series of articles shares vintage gaming aspects from the mid- 1970's, predating current TSR product lines.

More Melody's Magic Chest

Introduction
Sylvan Elves
Grey Elves
Magic Items