The Vaelandrii are a proud people that trace their lineage back to the
remnants of the Ancients who managed to survive the cataclysm that all but
wiped them out so very long ago. While many civilizations claim the
Ryn'Vrydarii as mythical progenitors, the Vaelandrii link to them is far
more tangible. They hail from Vaelandris, their ancestral sanctuary that
floats in the clouds by some miracle of Old Magic. Being separated from
other people and places has given them a certain aloofness and insularity
that frames their society.

At the same time, the Keldari Exile has made the descendants of the
Vaelandrii an inseparable part of the world below. The tales of the tragic
events that led to the Keldarii departing Vaelandris differ wildly depending
on which stories one chooses to believe. Some claim they were expelled,
while others claim that they chose to leave, forging their own path. But
what is known is that no Vaelandri can be born outside of Vaelandris; any
child of Vaelandrii parentage that is not born on the floating island is
always Keldari. These children, and their Keldari progeny, lack the vital
connection to the weave that the Vaelandrii hold so dear. Why this is, no
one truly knows, but speculation over the centuries has ranged from a
disease to some quirk of Old Magic to a curse from the Ancients themselves.
Some have even claimed that it is a form a divine punishment.

Most Vaelandrii living outside of Vaelandris either left with their parents
when very young, or have spent a long time among other societies, enough to
become a part of it. But very few Vaelandrians ever leave the floating
island, although their fabled wingships were occasionally seen conducting
trade, especially with the peoples of Shimmerhaven and Deepmountain, or the
various Tzizal hives. Vaelandrii mages were more often encountered
researching fallen Ancient citadels or Artifacts, one of which eventually
led to the rediscovery of Sending.

Vaelandrii are generally quite tall and slender of build with delicate
features, pointed ears, and slightly longer limbs compared to the Keldarii.
Their close connection to the Aether, however, is what distinguishes them
most from all other peoples; few are so deeply sensitive to the weave, or so
strongly bound to its flow. They are typically known to be quite intelligent
and quick on their feet. Like the Thrae, Vaelandrii are essentially ageless,
with some known to have lived for millennia. Though effectively, those that
choose to leave the floating island generally average a lifespan of about a
thousand years. It is difficult to accurately guess the age of a Vaelandri,
even for other Vaelandrii. Skin tone, hair, and eye color vary considerably.

See also:
ancients, keldar, vaelandris, wingships, artifacts, magic

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