Avallies

Avallies are guardian beings in speculative fiction and folklore, associated with valleys. They are bound to a geographic feature called an avall, a valley or hollow, and protect the flora, fauna, and nearby communities. Avallies are typically depicted as benevolent, though some traditions portray them as stern custodians capable of testing travelers.

The word avallie is a modern coinage formed from the root avall, with the suffix -ies to indicate beings or manifestations. Its usage varies by author and setting, and there is no single canonical definition across works. In settings, avallies are semi-corporeal spirits; others appear as motes of light, cloud-shapes, or animal forms.

They are said to inhabit or guard valleys with ecological or cultural significance, often marked by springs, groves, or rock formations. They may interact with people by guiding travelers, offering omens, or summoning weather phenomena such as rain or fog to protect or warn depending on behavior toward the valley.

In fiction and games, avallies serve as plot devices to emphasize harmony with the land, moral testing, or the preservation of heritage sites. They are frequently associated with rituals that honor landscapes, such as valley festivals or rites of passage. Variants differ in appearance and power, reflecting the needs of the story or game world.