Avariel

The Avariel are a winged race of Elves. Hailing originally from Faerun, they are a rare sight even in their original homeland.

Biology
The first thing most people notice regarding the Avariel are their wings. Soft and feathered, usually white, but sometimes gray, black, or alternating between the colors. Their bodies are born ready to accommodate flight, with hollow, birdlike bones, and thin, willowy features.

Most Avariel are pale, sometimes with silver or blue tints to their skin. They have some of the same features as high or gray elves, but tend to be a little taller. Their hair is often either white or black, and their features tend to be more chiseled. Muscles are a must for any flight born species, so there are very few physically weak Avariel.

Culture and Personality
The worst fate an Avariel can suffer is loss of their wings. Every moment trapped on the ground without the ability to simply step off is a personal hell. Avariel who lose their ability to fly often simply just leave their communities to start a new life.

There are two sects to Avariel communities, a warlike one and a peaceful one. The warrior half of the community is responsible for defense and protection, serving as soldiers, warriors, and when they get too old to fight, advisors and strategists. The peaceful part of the community is responsible for the upkeep of the civilization, anything from religious duties to tending to farms. This section of society focuses heavily upon the arts, and handles the glass blowing.

Avariel are known for their glasswork skills. Much of what some civilizations do with metal, Avariel society does with glass. This is because feathers are easily damaged with flames, so traditional forging isn't a pursuit any Avariel take lightly. The smiths of Avariel kind forge weapons out of a super hard glass that they have invented known as Glassteel.

Despite the split down the center in Avariel society, the two almost never come to blows. The young of the culture often spend time as adolescents within both subcultures, learning about both to decide their future within the civilization. This leads to understanding within both sectors of society, and most Avariel have friends and family on both sides.

Behind The Scenes
Avariel are a recognized Elven sub-race in Mystara. As a rare species, they must be applied for to be played. The Avariel come originally from the Forgotten Realms D&D setting.