Fieli

Fieli (/fiˈɛli/), known as Fiends in Low Vostinian, are a race of humanoids found within the Storynth.

The skin tone and hair color of Fieli is determined by their genetic background, with certain Clans possessing a greater number of individuals with specific traits (e.g. grey skin within Clan Bloodmorse). Like humans, the appearance of a Fieli is largely dictated by traits inherited from their parents and other ancestors.

All Fieli are capable of spellcasting, regardless of their level of training; as such, the species is regarded as inherently magical. Fieli bodies naturally produce more mana than those of humans, though this does not necessarily affect how much of their mana is available for use in producing magic.

Physiology
Fieli are bipedal and generally stand between 5’5” and 6’8” in height. Their skin can range from dark grey to stark white, and their hair is often a naturally vibrant color. Fieli eye colors are varied, and even include shades that are not naturally found in humans (e.g. red). Fieli have long, pointed ears, prominent fangs, long tails, and nails that grow to be pointed and sharp.

Generally, Fieli lifespans range between 200 to 250 years, though some Fieli have been observed to live as long as 300. Fieli are considered to be adults around the age of 30. Compared to humans, the Fieli aging process is more subtle. While their hair may lose some or all of its pigment and they may have minor changes in their skin, the Fieli generally experience fewer physical effects of aging—in both aesthetics and functionality.

Some Fieli experience a decrease in visual acuity related to age, though this is most common in those with only one eye (such as Mylor). This section contains story spoilers. In the ancient past, humans and Fieli were a singular people. These people had pointed ears and could have vibrantly colored hair, making them appear somewhat similar to modern Fieli. However, they lacked tails and possessed a range of skin tones closer to that of modern humans.

Society and Culture
Historically, Fieli categorized themselves based upon their Clan of birth. Following the dispersal of both the Chillwhisper and Stormhowl Clans from their ancestral homelands, the importance of one’s Clan has diminished, especially as the overall population of Fieli has dwindled in recent generations.

All Fieli are taught Sraharl as their first language, though many also learn Low Vostinian due to the rarity of humans proficient in Sraharl. Depending on their age when learning Low Vostinian and overall use of the language, Fieli may possess certain patterns of speech not commonly observed in those who speak Low Vostinian as their first language.

If a Fieli chooses to partake in religious practices, they will typically call upon Solurec rather than Cerulos. This is not due to some bias against the latter; Fieli are simply more compatible with Solurecian magic. Fieli devotees of Cerulos who are capable of using Cerulosian magic do exist, however, and can use said magic without the need of a Seal.

Ferali
The Ferali, called Feral Fiends in Low Vostinian, are Fieli who have become corrupted and aggressive. Due to their ability to bypass the Final Gate, humans in Wrytoll sometimes encounter Ferali, who are usually misidentified simply as “Fiends.” As a result, most humans regard the Ferali as being representative of all Fieli—reducing them to berserk, destructive monsters.

Hrekoseriat’s journal reveals information about the presentation of the Ferali curse in adults, with its onset akin to a severe illness. The condition is typically incurable, and Fieli who become Ferali are typically left to wander unoccupied areas of the Storynth.

Zirali
Zirali are extremely rare Fieli who were afflicted with the Ferali curse in childhood, but whose corruption could be suppressed before they became Ferali. The child is permanently exiled from their Clan and given to an adult Zirali, who acts as a mentor until they master their Feral Form and reach adulthood.

Zirali are often reviled by other Fieli due to a perceived weakness in the Zirali becoming corrupted, though this response is sometimes based out of fear that Zirali could pose a threat to safety.

There is only one known case of a Fieli successfully becoming a Zirali in adulthood.