Satyr

"You humans put heads on walls and call it 'sport.' You wear fur and call it 'fashion.' Do not ask me why I live in the thorns. The thorns do not hunt me. The thorns listen to my flute and let me pass. You? You only listen when you want something."

— Koran, The Last Piper of the Whisper-Wood

Origins: The Trophy Era

• The Great Thinning: Two centuries ago, Satyrs were common in the open woodlands. But the human nobility of Cruinlagh developed a macabre trend: Satyr horns were considered a sign of wealth, and their hides were prized for luxury rugs. They were hunted almost to extinction by "lousy rich humans" on horseback.
• The Retreat: The survivors fled into the most inhospitable, secluded terrain. High crags, dense brambles, and haunted fens.
• Current Status: They are now an "Endangered Species." To see a Satyr is rare; to be trusted by one is a miracle. They view civilization (specifically Human aristocracy) as a death machine.

Cultural Values: The Solitary Song

• Music as Language: Satyrs love music, but they don't play for crowds. They use their pipes and flutes to communicate across valleys. A specific melody might mean "Hunters nearby," while another means "Safe to drink here." It is a secret code hidden in art.
• The Hermit's Code: They value Privacy above all else. A Satyr’s camp is their fortress. They are self-sufficient, relying on nobody. If a Satyr shares their fire with you, they are putting their life in your hands.
• Memory: Because there are so few of them left, they feel a crushing responsibility to remember the names of the dead. Their songs are often oral histories or eulogies for the families they lost.