Avariel

The Avariel (Aril-tel-quessir in elven or "winged folk") were amongst the first of the elven races to migrate to Faerûn. However, conflict with Dragons almost wiped them out before the First Flowering and while they have survived since that time, they are considered by most to be myths or legends.

Physical Description
Avariel are more delicate than their earth-bound cousins, with hollow bones to aid their flight. They have pale skin, often porcelain white. An avariel's wings are usually white, but can be black, brown or speckled. Avariel are also known to practice the dyeing of wing tips. Their eyes are slightly larger than normal and range in color from brilliant blues to green or purple. Their hair color normally is a silver-white or black.

Avariel are said to have the most beautiful voices of all the Tel'Quessir, and their songs are greatly sought after by bards of other races.

Society
The avariels' society is split into two groups which coexist together:


 * Warlike : Avariel warriors are geared towards war and power, answering to war chiefs who govern avariel society equally with the religious leaders. They live by a complex code of honor and spend their lives defending their race. In combat, these avariel show no mercy, often using ranged attacks from above and believing that others should know better than to create an enemy of a superior foe, such as themselves. They also view surrender to be dishonorable (for both themselves as well as their enemies), holding the idea that when a warrior draws blood, it is a promise of battle.


 * Peaceful : The other side of the avariel society includes scholars, philosophers and artists. Intellectuals who believe in solving problems through reason and diplomacy, these avariels spend much time researching magic and history, contemplating religion and worshiping Aerdrie Faenya, and producing art for the sheer joy of creation.

Young avariel spend time immersed in both cultures (this can last over a decade), so that no matter what sect they come from, they have a deep understanding and respect of how the other half lives.

Notable avariel

 * Aerie
 * Taegan Nightwind

Novels

 * Evermeet: Island of Elves

In computer games

 * Baldur's Gate series - Aerie, one of the characters is an avariel
 * Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark - In a side adventure the player rescues a group of avariel