Sylvari

Sylvari are bipedal, medium sized pseudo-plants with humanoid features. Much of Sylvari appearance appears to most closely resemble that of an Elf as they skew taller and have similarly pointed ears, but other differences set Sylvari apart as unique from their geographical cousins.

Sylvari skintones have a wide range from greens and browns to purples to black (in the case of Umbral Sylvari). Skin texture can also vary from an almost waxy smoothness, to rough and bark-like, to velvety soft, like Milkweed. Regardless of color or texture, all Sylvari possess a unique form of bioluminescence through their skin. This color appears to vary depending explicitly on the time of day which the Sylvari was born and is something the Sylvari has explicit control over.

Sylvari 'hair' leaves are similarly varied to skin tone. While green is most common for color, more exotic colors such as red, orange, white, and even blue/purple have been recorded. Leaf shape, texture, and arrangement (whether or not they come with separate hair stalks) also seems to vary. While skin color and luminescence appears to be tied to time of birth, leafage attributes seem to be influenced by other environmental factors during gestation such as soil and air quality, water and light conditions, and overall temperature. A Sylvari's hair also tends to be a reasonable indicator of their health with the leaves reacting to whether or not the Sylvari is getting enough nutrients, adequate hydration, and proper rest.

Sylvari anatomy also resembles humanoid anatomy on an internal level, while still being notably distinct. Like other humanoids, Sylvari have a series of internal organs resembling a heart, stomach, lungs, and intestines for the purposes of waste management. Overall, Sylvari actually have fewer organs by purpose, but with improved redundancy to other humanoids. Sylvari also have a nervous and circulatory system but it should be noted that Sylvari blood is not compatible in transfusions to other humanoid blood types.

Sylvari are most unique in their reproductive cycle compared to the humanoids which they resemble. First, Sylvari are capable of accepting and storing genetic material from a wide variety of partners across many species. Sylvari are capable of storing this genetic material in a specialized organ which lasts for approximately one year before degrading. When a Sylvari wishes to reproduce, their body goes through a specialized cycle that allows them to produce an onion-sized bulb. This bulb must then be planted deep within soil and tended to over the course of six months, at which point the Infant Sylvari (often resembling a Mandrake) will emerge.

While Sylvari are capable of accepting genetic material from almost any race, Sylvari babies are never genetic or biological hybrids, but always Sylvari on biological examination. Some traits, such as Genasi affinity for a particular element or Elvish connection to magic are latently present, but there are never guarantees. Sylvari will, however, more often take facial features (eye color/nose shape) from a genetically diverse parentage.

Sylvari begin life as Infant Sproutlings, resembling Mandrake roots. During this period, the infant Sylvari are completely helpless, relying on caretakers for everything. During this period, Sylvari are still highly susceptible to their environment which will continue to influence their appearance as they grow.

Sylvari grow and age at roughly the same rate as Humans, with the Infancy period lasting until about three years of age and developmental adulthood being reached at about Twenty Five years. Unlike humans, Sylvari have a lifespan more akin to Dragons, living well into hundreds of years provided the right conditions. Because of this, Sylvari aging slows significantly upon reaching adulthood.

While the upper lifespan of Sylvari is debated, what is clear is that at about 200 years old Sylvari environmental sensitivity starts to increase making them more susceptible to issues such as illness from pollutive sources. These illnesses are the leading cause of death among older Sylvari. It is speculated, if left in a perfectly controlled and sterile environment that a Sylvari could live forever.

The original Sylvari were created at the heart of what is now Torzma, in the grove of the Great Tree from which Aevitas is said to have emerged. Since then, they have spread outward to a variety of environs and locals, each generation adapting to new environments. Still, most Sylvari seem to prefer temperate areas with moderate rainfall.

Sylvari are omnivorous, capable of consuming just about any organic material so long as it hasn't gone rotten; Sylvari digestive systems are thrown out of balance when the bacteria of rotten organic matter is introduced.

Despite this, food sensitivities are not uncommon among Sylvari with acidic foods as being a particular issue for many.

Many Sylvari have been noted to become sluggish when the weather gets too cold.

Sylvari are most similar to Humans in terms of sensory perception. Their sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste appear to be fairly average. Unlike other humanoids, however, Sylvari appear to be particularly sensitive to other aspects of their environment such as air quality and barometric pressure.

Sylvari, unlike other species, do not appear to have their own language instead speaking a particular dialect of Sylvan, the language of the Fair Folk.

Origin Story

It is said that the first Sylvari were constructed by Aevitas on her observations of the local humanoids living in what are now the forest of Torzma. Enamored by their form and community, she is said to have used the plant-life around her sacred grove to construct the very first Sylvari granting them life, form, and the ability to grow and change with the world around them. It is from these original Sylvari that all other Sylvari would come to be.

The Eldest Survivor

It is said that one of the original Sylvari of Aevitas' creation still lives. Before the Calamity, when the Fae Wild was said to have been sealed off from the rest of Diyon, this founder allegedly slipped off into the Fae Wild before the door closed. Safe from the pollution and plagues of the material plane, this founder is believed to have achieved immortality.

Sylvari tend to view other races with respect and interest. If their origins are true, they were designed to have an interest in learning and growing from others, and that seems to hold for the most part.

Other races views on Sylvari are mixed. Some view them as overly friendly while still too 'detached' for their liking. Genasi often view them as something of a natural elemental extension, similar to themselves. Elves and Dragons view them as something like siblings.