Sonri (s-AA-n-r-ee)

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The Sonri are a race of sentient creatures who live in the Koyari Forest. They are known by humans as Elves, but feel no attatchment to the term, beliveing it to be a human term, and thus ignorant of their culture and its heritage.    

Nature's Children

The Sonri share a deep connection with nature, and feel themselves to be closer to plants than humans, despite their biology and evolutionary history. Their connection to nature is manifest in the way they Express their Sarik. The Sonri can change the growth rate of plant, move them with their will, or send communications via Kayotoki (k-AA-y-oe-t-OE-k-ee), a special language which they can use to talk to plants. Due to their bond with the natural world, they feel very protective of plants, and will often defend even the smallest of ferns from being damaged.

Living Conditions

The Sonri live in the Koyari Forest, south of the Saldak Lake. They protect it from all creatures who might wish to harm it, including humans. They live in structures called tomariin (t-oe-m-aa-r-EE-ih-n), which are blue and yellow huts built off of the ground, around the trunk of a tree. The tomariin are built off the ground because of the Sonri's desire not to hurt the grass. The Sonri eat from the fruit and vegetables that grow in their forest, and drink from the Dalkug River, which runs through the northeastern part of the forest.

Culture

The Sonri are mostly peaceful, but are feircely protective of their plants. They are led by the Norakiyach (n-oe-r-AA-k-ee-aa-ch), a king-like position which is passed down through bloodlines. The Norakiyach has the ability to declare any law, and to judge anybody they want. They are advised by the Tonasi (t-oe-n-aa-s-EE) Council, which is made up of nine advisors, voted into the position by the rest of the Sonri. The tomarii of the Norakiyach spans two trees, and has room for all of the normal parts of a tomarii, such as bedrooms, living areas, and eating areas, along with areas to judge over cases, have an audience with the rest of the Sonri, and meet with the Tonasi Council. After the death of the Norakiyach, their spouse takes the position. If their spouse is dead, then the position goes to their oldest sibling, followed by their children. If a Norakiyach dies without spouse, siblings, or children, then their bloodline is traced back up to their closest living relative. The Sonri belive that death brings one closer to nature. When a Sonri dies, they are buried at the foot of their tomarii-chiyak (t-oe-m-aa-r-EE-ch-EE-AA-k), the tree upon which their tomarii is built, and their Sarik is said to fertilize the ground and make the tomarii-chiyak grow strong.