Guild Wars 2 beta: Who are the Sylvari?

If you played the original Guild Wars, you probably know the Asura, a “short, big-eared subterranean race” who are the inventors and controllers of Golems and the Asura Gates. But who are the Sylvari?

The Sylvari, along with the Humans, Charr, Asura and Norn, are one of the five playable races in Guild Wars 2.They’re not elves.

“Sylvari are not born. They awaken beneath the Pale Tree with knowledge gleaned in their pre-life Dream. These noble beings travel, seeking adventure and pursuing quests. They struggle to balance curiosity with duty, eagerness with chivalry, and warfare with honor. Magic and mystery entwine to shape the future of this race that has so recently appeared.” – The Guild Wars 2 wiki

Ree Soesbee, Guild Wars 2 game designer, introduces you to the Sylvari and explains their evolution from basically a wood elf to a completely different race.