Highly adaptable, the gelfling can thrive in almost any environment and rapidly adopt new traits better suited to their surroundings, with examples including the amphibious Drenchen, who evolved gills in order to live in the swamps of Sog, the Grottans who developed night vision in their cavernous home, and the Firelings, whose biology permits them to live comfortably in the volcanic realm of Mithra.

Females differ from males in having a pair of diaphanous wings which emerged upon reaching early adulthood, allowing them to fly, glide, and hover, as well as aid in swimming and have a flying speed of 30ft.

Dreamfasting

Gelfling are the closest creatures to Thra, and as such have a direct link to the Dream Space, which grants them several special abilities. Dreamfasting allows two or more gelfling to meld their consciousness and pass on memories to each other, an ability which proved invaluable for learning and storytelling throughout the race's history.

Another ability granted by the Dream Space was Dream etching, an ability similar to writing which permits gelfling to leave messages on physical objects or surfaces. These etchings, when used for making rock carvings, are achieved by applying intense heat to the object's surface.

Gelfling Culture

Gelfling are a sentient species native to Thra. They are the closest race to Thra, and are by far the planet's most widespread race. They are a peaceful people who live in harmony with the natural world and have a rich culture which values song, dance and storytelling. They mostly live in tribal or clan-based societies which are dominated by females, who differ from their male counterparts by having wings. Gelfling have the ability to share memories with each other through Dreamfasting

Although differing in traditions and specific beliefs, all gelfling share the same basic tenets, valuing above all the virtues of peace, harmony and unity.

Throughout most of their history, gelfling societies have been matriarchal.

All gelfling cultures are essentially peaceful, hardworking and playful, and know how to cultivate crops and tame animals. They always strive to live in harmony with the natural world, and their greatest joys lie in song, dance and stories. Most gelfling are illiterate, thus they placed great value on orally transmitted generational knowledge.

Festivities celebrated by all gelfling include Name Day, the Day of the Great Sun, the Celebration of the Sister Moons, and the Spring Festival.

Gelfling Names

Besta, Enmuhl, Bhel, Bhildi, Olehn, Mumdo, Ril, Snir, Otjint, Jaud, Gen, Lod, Gan, Snonsheg, Leeshihr, Smihl, Snig, Jet, Vomdihn, Bhunsa