Elf, Avariel
PC Statistics
Base Race: Elf
Ability Score Adjustments: +2 Dex -2 Con
Favored Class: Wizard
Feats:
Weapon Proficiency: Elf
Special Abilities:
Sleeplessness
Hardiness vs. Enchantments
Skill Affinity: Listen
Skill Affinity: Search
Skill Affinity: Spot
Keen Senses
Lowlight Vision
History and overview:
The Avariel were almost completely wiped out by the Drangonari during a war that occurred between 200 to 225 years ago (adding in current time). Toostan-of-the-Clouds, the city-state of the Avariel, was destroyed in that war. Tootstan-of-the-Clouds was a beautiful city that was actually in the nation of Drotid, near what is now Grantir. (only scholars and the Queen and her court know the exact location of this now ruined city). It was accessible largely from the air, and featured a unique and flowing architectural style not much like anything else in Avlis. Some Avariel survived the sacking of the city and fled. A small population, led by Queen Adathi, retreated into the mountains, and hid themselves away in small isolated villages, struggling to survive, with the largest collection of them living in a succession of small treetop villages in Galdos and Deglos. Because some survived, Angadar took further measures. The Avariel were the subject of a terrible double curse, one that sapped their strength, making it extremely difficult to fly, and flying long distances were out of the question. The curse also rendered the Avariel infertile, and so the population kept dwindling after the war. (Most Avariel realize the tie between the drangonari, Angadar, and the curse’s origins coming from Angadar). The Avariel tried everything they could to lift the curse, but to no avail. Finally, Queen Adathi realized that if something drastic wasn't done, the Avariel would disappear forever. She heard of a new God, one of Healing, and hoped that that diety would be able to help the Avariel. So she traveled south herself, with two companions, in secret, to Zvidureth, to speak to the Healers of Cha’reth to appeal to them for help.
Adathi told the Healers about the curses and that they needed outside help to remove them, as everything they (the Avariel) had tried failed. The Healers agreed to try to remove the curse, and do everything they could to save the race. Because of the dire threat to the race, they agreed to keep the information secret.
High priestess Eldraea, Michel, Rika Vandor, Divinia Cecil, and Ere’n’dhl were the Healers that at various stages helping to solve this dilemma to heal the Avariel, though Eldraea and Rika were the two at the end that made a sacrifice that undid the final part of the dual curse. Part of the price for the Avariel was the loss of the ability of fly—this put them on par with the drangonari who also lost this ability. Though the curse was considerably more involved, the specific details are only known to Queen Adathi, her advisors, and the Healers, and certain others who were involved. In homage to Cha’reth, who made the lifting of the curse possible, many of the Avariel, including the Queen, began worshipping Cha’reth, and although there are other deities worshipped or paid respect to among the Avariel, Cha’reth is their primary god. It would be a safe bet to say no Avariel worship Angadar.
After the curses were lifted, Avariel started being seen in Visimontium. Some time later, the Avariel started getting pregnant, and bearing children again. Queen Adathi herself gave birth to twin girls. This was a cause for great celebration among the Avariel. After this event, Avariel started traveling the lands of Negaria again, especially southern Avlis. While Avariel are still fairly rare, they are being seen in greater numbers as time goes on.
NOTES:
Avariel are mechanically identical to Avlissian High Elves, except for the (now nonfunctional) wings. No Avariel can fly (nor can any Drangonari), though all Avariel have wings. The wings do not convey any benefits or detriments.
Avariel discussion on Avlis forums
Additional information on the Avariel