SarElfs

The SarElf is a small, elf‑like creature that originates from the folklore of the northern valleys of the fictional continent of Arathor. According to tradition, SarElfs are believed to be descendants of the ancient forest spirits that once guarded the Greatwood. Legends describe them as possessing translucent, silvery skin that shimmers with a faint green hue when they are near bodies of water.

Physical characteristics of SarElfs include short, twig‑like limbs, elongated ears that flex in response to sound, and eyes that change color with mood. Their lifespan is estimated at 50–70 years, during which they develop a reputation for incredible patience and quiet observance of human activity. SarElf society is organized around communal firelit gatherings where knowledge of herb lore, weather patterns, and arcane runes is passed down orally. Healers and seers are highly regarded roles within their communities.

In the wider cultural sphere of Arathor, SarElfs are often depicted as protectors of wetlands and waterways. They are believed to possess a subtle influence over the flow of local rivers, and local myths suggest that they can become visible during heavy fog, guiding lost travelers back to safety. While not often seen in daylight, they are occasionally encountered at twilight by those who linger by riverside dunes or ancient stone circles, usually offering cryptic warnings about approaching storms.

Modern folklore scholars view SarElfs as a symbolic representation of the natural world’s guardianship role. Their presence in stories may reflect an environmental ethic that values the quiet, unseen stewardship of ecosystems. The species continues to be a subject of research in comparative mythology courses and a popular figure in several contemporary fantasy campaigns.