| Name | Illyrian |
|---|---|
| Species | Lesser fae |
| Court | Night Court |
| Eye Color | Usually hazel |
| Hair Color | Usually dark |
| Appears In | A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, A Court of Silver Flames |
Contents
Biography / History
The Illyrians were originally created and bred by the Daglan, later migrating from the Myrmidons to form their own warrior society.
Culture
Illyrians organize themselves into various war-camps, each shaped by its own customs, though most share a warrior-based culture rich in ritual and tradition. Despite their unmatched combat skill, Illyrian society is notoriously harsh and regressive, especially toward females. Training is traditionally reserved for males, and many camps still practice Clipping, the brutal mutilation of female wings to prevent flight and confine them to domestic and breeding roles.
Tattoos hold deep cultural significance within Illyrian ranks. Newly initiated warriors receive ink meant to bring luck and honor in battle. To earn the title of true warrior, an Illyrian must survive the Blood Rite, an unforgiving trial in which participants are sent unarmed into the mountains without magic or supplies, their wings bound.
Many High Fae look down on them, viewing them as expendable soldiers rather than equals. Proud and insular, Illyrians typically distrust outsiders and place great value on lineage, maintaining their own internal hierarchy of lords and princes.
Their disciplinary practices are notoriously brutal. As Amren once explained, lashings are mild compared to the worst punishments, repeated bone breaking over the course of weeks for truly severe offenses.
Appearance
Illyrians have rounded ears, unlike the High Fae. They typically possess dark hair and tan to golden-brown skin, along with a pair of powerful, bat-like wings that they are trained from youth to safeguard fiercely. Though some in the Night Court consider Illyrians lesser faeries, their largely humanlike appearance fuels their own belief that this judgment is unfounded.
