Avariel
| Avariel | |
|---|---|
 A winged elf illustrated in The Complete Book of Elves by Terry Dykstra | |
| General information | |
| Alignment: | Neutral or Chaotic Good |
| Type: | Humanoid |
| Subtype: | Elf |
| First appearance: | "The Winged Folk", Dragon #51, 1981 |
Avariel, or winged elves, live high in the temperate to subtropical mountains or forests of the Flanaess, in bands far from other civilizations.
Description
More delicate than their landbound cousins, with angular features, the most obvious feature that sets avariel apart from other elves are the feathery birdlike wings which sprout from their backs. Their wings are most often white but can range in hue to black. They have larger eyes than other elves, tend toward white or black hair, and tend toward a far-off expression when their attention is not required.
Avariel have long torsos and considerable upper body strength in comparison to other elves.
Personality
Avariel are proud folk—they take great pride in their wings, and pity those who lose them, but since they will not suffer the pity of others wingless avariel usually leave their communities altogether. They prefer the outdoors, appearing somewhat clumsy on the ground.[1]. Avarial are often uncomfortable indoors and close spaces frequently make them suffer from claustrophobia, especially underground.[2][3]
Many among the winged elves follow a warrior code that encourages them to seek personal glory and to visit destruction without mercy upon their enemies. In combat avariel use tactics that utilize three dimensions rather than two, making them unsettling opponents. They prefer to fight with light weapons such as the lasso, bola, and short sword; notably, they have difficulty with bows.
However, the other half of the avariel community focuses on the peaceful arts and philosophy, considering reason and diplomacy to be their primary virtues. Yet this difference in outlook does not cause friction between the two factions.
Their comparatively shorter mortality—on average they live for 300 years—gives avariel a passion for meaningful experiences that leave elves with the impression that they behave most like humans out of all olvenfolk.
Abilities
Winged elves possess darkvision like other elves. When flying, they can carry up to the equivalent of their own body weight.
Possessions
Avariel clothing wraps around their bodies while leaving their wings unrestricted, appearing much like a toga.
When they forge weapons, winged elves prefer to work with glass or obsidian, rather than metal whose open forges which can singe their feathers. Most avariel weapons are made of glass which is stronger than normal glass and is amongst the finest glass in the world, only rarely breaking. However, the best avariel items are made of glass as resilient and serviceable as steel, though these are incredibly expensive[4]
Activities
Winged elves' hollow bones allow them to enjoy the ability of flight, but their more fragile builds mean extended flight is uncomfortable for them. Nonetheless, they exult in the experience.
While uninterested in proselytization, the avariel are notably religious folk, considering Aerdrie Faenya their patron goddess.
Relationships
Avariel communities tend toward isolationism. They maintain some contact with other elves—favoring grey elves—but remain aloof from political affairs of outsiders, seeing themselves as literally above such things.
History
Some avariel call themselves "Al Karak Elam"[5] and tell tales of a hero-king named Hawkwing who aided the king of a city-state in overthrowing a demon-worshiping "high king" who had made sacrifice of several avariel. However, Hawkwing was ultimately betrayed by the victorious king who feared the winged elves might eventually usurp his own rulership. These tales conclude with Hawkwing charging his successors to sever all contact with humans and demi-humans, thus explaining their long self-imposed isolation.[6]
One of the oldest occupied avariel cities is called Myrravin.
Rumors and legends
Some believe the avariel are the result of powerful magic rather than elves; others claim the elves are an offshoot of avariel.
Avariel wings are sought by mages and evil giants; the former for spell components, the latter for decoration.
Publication history
The avariel first appeared in Dragon magazine #51 (July 1981)[6] as the "Winged Elves" also called the "Al Karak Elam". Later, the avariel was revised and included in the second edition PHBR8 The Complete Book of Elves (1992). They received quite a bit more detail in "On the Wings of Eagles" in Dragon magazine #233 (1996).
References
Citations
- ↑ Dragon #233 (Sep 1996), p.15.
- ↑ Dragon #233 (Sep 1996), p.16, 19, 20.
- ↑ PHBR8 The Complete Book of Elves (1992), p.116, "They are very much at home in the outdoors, and they appear out of place indoors or underground.".
- ↑ Dragon #233 (Sep 1996), p.18.
- ↑ PHBR8 The Complete Book of Elves (1992), p.117, "In some areas, the avariel are known as "Al Karak Elam" .... The Avariel originally appeared in DRAGON® Magazine, issue #51, as "The Winged Folk.".
- ↑ a b Dragon #51 (Jul 1981), p.19-20.
Bibliography
- Lenox, William. "The Winged Folk". Dragon #51. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, Jul 1981.
- McComb, Colin. PHBR8 The Complete Book of Elves. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992. Item code TSR2131.
- James, Estes. "On Wings of Eagles". Dragon #233. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, Sep 1996.
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winged Folk {Al Karak Elam} | Monster | Native of: Material Plane, | Dragon magazine #051 |