The Peoples of the Wall

Sprellen are the most common folk on the Wall, and most of Briar is Sprellen. Their skin runs from dusty blue to lavender. Their long, fine antennae feel the world around them and show feelings too, pressing flat in fear and curling when content. Their large eyes catch every shift of light and shadow. Sprellen children are usually named for herbs, as Fen was.

Murren are smaller, furred, and quick. They have whiskers, keen ears, long tails for balance, and teeth tough enough to gnaw through cord. Most have some small streak or patch of contrasting fur. Sorrel is Murren.

Bogrel are rare, and bigger than any of the others here. A Bogrel has a round shell across the back, four arms, three fingers to a hand, and a face that is hard to read until you learn how. Every Bogrel shell carries a bright marking all its own, and Bogrel are named for roots. Mallow is Bogrel.

Velouri are tall and slender, with great moth wings worn folded behind them like a cloak. No two pairs of wings share the same colors. Their antennae are broad and feathery, hung with fine jewelry, and their large eyes catch the light like glass. Nearly all Velouri live in Highwall, where they rule. They live on nectar from their gardens, and most have long since stopped bothering to fly.

Skein live at the dark end of the Wall, beneath the deepest trees. They are lean and crow-like, with hard beaks, taloned feet, and feathers of midnight blue-black that shine blue in the light. Under each eye is a patch of bright feathers the same color as the eye itself. They are strong fliers, and they love to wear things: belts, chains, wrapped cloth, metal along the edges of their wings. The Rooks are Skein. Most Skein are not Rooks.

Other folk live along the Wall too. You will meet some of them on the road.