- The Elves -
Government: Elusive Tribes, each led by a Thexx. Though many tribes remain in contact via messengers, just as many wage battles on each other or strangers too close to their homes.. More still prefer to live as nomads or hunters. It is very uncommon for an Elf to side with other species over their own, yet even when this does occur the individual is treated with respect if not entirely approval.
Primary Language: Idrili is the name of the language, though dialects can vary depending on the tribe/location. ( Often referred to as 'Elvish' by other peoples, few realize the Elves consider this crude ignorance.Details found Here )
Native Lands Data: Though as diverse and numerous as Humans at this time the Elves were believed to originate in the deep forests of Lavinan, children of the wilds that reflected the savage beauty of their home and the serene elegance of their believed God-Mother Raulin.
Physiology: The average height in adult males and females would be roughly 5' 8" - 6' 7 ". Prone to lithe body structures and the defining pointed ears that visibly separate Elves from other species, few realize they have internal differences as well. Though they posses the same organs as their cousins, namely the humans, they do have a few unique traits that have helped them survive in the wilds; A few good examples are their flexible backs, inherited allergy to the metal Iron, and defensive hypersensitivity. ( D. H. Represents acute senses of smell, hearing, taste, touch, and sight. ) Though very fast, perhaps one of the swiftest species known as of yet, they are not overly strong in a physical sense. They have amazing regenerative and magical abilities yet lack any real strength beyond that of a mortal, their life spans greatly enhanced by their natural healing. Like the Silurin their natural existence ranges from 530-550 years with a pregnancy length of 24 months.
Society: Regardless of area or origin, upbringing or training, an Elf will always be recognized as an Elf by their kin. All are considered one of the people if they know it or not and as such they are often treated much more warmly than other species upon meetings. Silurins are typically welcomed much the same way, though with equal measures of respect and caution.
Though the governing system may vary greatly depending on the tribe, from monarchy to republic behaviors, a few notably constant traits are as follows: Elders are respected, nature and animals are sacred, and all young are offered teaching freely. If a hunter decides he or she wants to become a tailor it is a simple matter to find a teacher to learn from, there is no set cast system even amongst the royal bloodlines. The people may follow the nobility of their tribe, but said nobles are free to be whatever they wish in their society. Healers, warriors, scribes, as long as it helps the tribe it does not impact their leadership. Most tribes are warm, tightly knit family structures that are hesitant towards outsiders.. but once they consider them one of the peoples they extend their warmth in unreserved support and kinship.
Additional Customs:
Marriage- A sacred concept in Elven culture, it is uncommon but treasured when such an event comes about. As such it is typically a grand event for the entire tribe, each member throwing in aid to make it a truly precious memory. Most Elves swear to the purity of their union before a symbol of Raulin and her beloved husband Bjormat.. Though admittedly few follow the faith anymore, they still celebrate the sacred bond of their Lady to her Shadowed Lord. They also swear to each other and their peers to forever bind their fate to their mate's, thus it is not a union to enter into without deep reflection and commitment. The 'rules' of their Marriage greatly depend on the couple, some chose monogamy while others value polygamy, and it is taboo to break such vows once given as they do not believe in 'divorce'.
Beliefs- The most obvious belief for any Elf is that of the world being a living thing, the cradle of their Creator's love. They value nature and the animals that roam about as equal life forms, yet at the same time they believe a part of everything continues on after their 'deaths'. A skewed notion of reincarnation, most Elven people think that they will spend a few years after death on a spiritual journey known as 'The Eternal Twilight' with their goddess which takes place in the reflection of the living world. This time is meant to give their souls a reprieve, joining their ancestors and kin while sharing and hearing the vast knowledge collected by their peoples since the start of their kind. When their time comes to be reborn into the world the Elf bids farewell to the Eternal Twilight and returns to their living kin as an animal or plant, if not born again as a Elfling. In a physical sense, once an Elf has passed away, their tribe will typically plant a tree seedling over their grave as part of the funeral rites. This is meant to show growth beyond death and the link one shares with nature, if the sapling fails to grow it means the soul of the departed has chosen to remain in the Eternal Twilight at Lady Raulin's side. Mirrors, and the reflections in the water, hold a mysterious charm to the Elven people.. At times they believe they can glimpse into the Eternal Hunting Grounds through them. The practice of planting a tree over their dead was inspired by the Death of one of their Queens long ago. When she was struck down in defense of her beloved every tribe mourned the loss, but none quite so deeply as her children. The youngest child, pure in heart, approached the place of her demise years after the event had taken place and.. as witnessed by the youngling's tribe.. pushed a beautiful seed into the dirt as the child sang a hauntingly sweet Eulogy. The Seed grew quickly in the sacred soil, and to this day the site and the resulting tree remains a place of reverence to the Elven people. Their Divine Pantheon resembles that of the Silurin Culture a great deal.
The Name- Upon birth a Elven child will be named by his or her mother, the name that called them back from the Twilight Grounds, and as such it is said to be the essence of their being. Among the tribe it is natural to go by this name but not mandatory, when a young Elf reaches puberty they are given the right to take a second name or title as they see fit. On rare occasions the tribe will give titles beforehand, typically due to the Elfling performing some sort of miraculous deed or impressive task. They do not share their birth names lightly with strangers, as they believe it has power over them.
Magic- Children born of the wilds they have a natural aptitude for 'wild magic'. This is a raw primal force typically found in the elements, unique to each child's nature. Even in the long life of an Elf it is rare that one individual ever bonds with more than three elemental types of magic and, unlike other species, they use their power with instinct and focus rather than spells or the like. It takes extreme self control to use this magic with any real sort of precision. Sub-types of wild magic are typically found as Animal, Stone, Plant, Fire, Wind, and Water.
Common Foods: Meat. Though omnivores with a keen knowledge on the edible plants in their home forests they are still very much predators born to the wilds; When they hunt they use every piece of their prey to show their respect at the animal's sacrifice.
Common Drinks: Fresh Water, or just about any other beverage they stumble across. A cultural drink is actually fermented sap-wine, each type of tree and unique recipe giving off heavenly tastes and surprising potency for non-Elven drinkers. Sap Wines can rarely be found beyond the Elven People's establishments, as they guard their secrets carefully.
Tairau is the name of the sacred, ceremonial, wine created from the sap of the late Queen's rebirth tree. It is not given out lightly, typically only served at times of great historic importance to the Elven Race.
