Moontide Islanders

Being typically of Sylvan Elf or Dhaoinesìth origins, most family names within the Moontide Isles are Wood Elven, Stone Elven, or Sylvan in nature, featuring some kind of reference to an aspect of the natural world. Dhaoinesìth surnames may also utilise the Paternal Line conventions, with surnames having "Mac" (sometimes shortened to "Mc") or "O'" prefixes.

Both Elven and Sylvan surnames can be complex in their spellings and pronunciations. They are typically recorded only in their Origin form, and their "Common Form" or "Easy Name" (Enwhawdd in Elvish, Ainm Furasta in Fey Sylvan, Ainm Éasca in Border Sylvan) is rarely used on the Isles.

Surnames (and their typical Enwhawdd form) of Elven origin include: Afonarian (Silverriver), Braenaryndda (Fallowwell), Coedderwen (Oakwood), Deilenwerdd (Greenleaf), Heulwen (Brightsun), Môrnos (Nightsea), Oleunicoedwig (Forestlight), Sylfaranth (Forestbloom), and Torrwrllanau (Tidebreaker).

Surnames (and their typical Common Form variants) from Dhaoinesìth families include: Breathnach (Elvenborn), Coisichecoille (Forestman), Gallchobhair (Gallovair), Kerr, MacIntyre, MacNeill, Ó Ceallaigh (O'Kelly), Ó Súilleabháin (O'Sullivan), and Uiseagspeur (Skylark).

Child Names

Child names, as with other Elven Cultures, are typically short and gender neutral, though some exceptions do occur. The names are normally two syllables maximum, though most are a single syllable. It is common to give names with a pleasant sound, rather than a meaning, and as such, some Child Names mean nothing in the Elvish tongue, though some shorter, more "adult" names can also be used.

Dhaoinesìth do not typically take Child Names, though some will use a shortened form of their real name as a nickname as a child.

Child Names can include: Aryn, Afen, Blaidd, Dai, Ina, Leigh, Melys, Ollie, Pwyll, Rhos, and Sen.

Elven Adult Names

Elves are given an "adult name" when they reach 100 years of age, which they are either gifted or choose themselves. Many Elven names are neutral names used by all genders, so it is common to meet Elves of different genders bearing the same name. However, some names are more often associated with the masculine or feminine, and incorrectly gendering these names can awkward interactions, such as the use of the term "princess" in a name for an Elf who identifies as male. Like surnames, Elven names can be incredibly complex, especially if they are stringing together multiple thoughts and concepts. For this reason, most Elven names have a traditional Elven variant, which uses the Elven language, spelling and pronunciations, and a Common variant, which offers an alternative spelling and/or pronunciation for non-native speakers. Within the Moontide Isles, names are often related to the natural world, refer to acts of Deities, or reflect on the innate nature or Path of the Elf.

Examples of Elven names (and their Common variants, if any) include: Aderynrhudd (Aderynruth), Bedwyn (Bedwin), Derwen, Erwain, Ffion (Fhion), Iefan (Ethan/Evan), Madyn (Madin), Neifion (Neyvion), Plentyncallach (Plentincasha), Rhyfelwyrgwyn (Rhyvelwirgwyn), Saethlys, Serenybore (Serenyboreh) and Tânbach (Tanbar)

Dhaoinesìth Names

Dhaoinesìth members of the community often get given a first and middle name by their parents, then use a nickname during their childhood. These names are often Sylvan in origin, though some Dhaoinesìth families use Elven, Celestial, or Old A'arden Names. These names often appear more gendered than Elven names, and some can trace their origins back to the Sluagh Àrsaidh, the beings that came from other Fey Realms before A'arde's Tìr na Sìthe was fully formed.

Dhaoinesìth names can include: Bevyn (Male, Old Sylvan), Buaidheach (Female, Fey Sylvan, Boudicca), Cadhla (Unisex, Border Sylvan, Kyla), Caoilainn (Female, Border Sylvan, Caela/Kayla), Euan (Male, Fey Sylvan), Iden (Male, Old Sylvan), Kayne (Male, Border Sylvan), Muireall (Female, Fey Sylvan, Marion/Muriel), and Sloan (Unisex, Sylvan).

Name Pattern

Moontidean names are usually presented in official documentation as Adult Name - Child/Second Name - Surname, though Moontiders are legally allowed to choose which of their names they wish to be called in day to day conversation. It is considered offensive to refer to a Moontider by a name that they do not wish to be known by, unless the reference is part of an official proceeding, such as stating a full legal name in a trial.

Nicknames amongst Elves and Dhaoinesìth are common, and many Moontiders gain nicknames from others in their community from a young age. Often, these nicknames hold special meaning or significance to a Moontider, and it is considered a great offense to insult or belittle a nickname. Moontiders are particularly precious about nicknames given by their brethren if they are outside of the Isles, as it is a sentimental link to home.

The First Language of Moontide Islanders is typically Elvish, and this is the primary language spoken about the Isle.

Secondary Languages taught as standard upon the Isles are Common, Common Sign Language, Fey Sylvan, and Border Sylvan. Practitioners of certain Vocations may also learn Druidic, Ogham, Runic, Military Sign Language or one of the many dialects of Cant.

Moontiders are oriented toward a love of the natural world and the balance of all things. They tend to despise rampant deforestation and urbanisation, though accept that it is sometimes necessary to rein in nature lest it destroy itself. Moontiders are taught to respect nature in all its forms, from the nourishing and healing, to the destructive and violent.

Their sense of community is strong with a desire to look out for those around them, but with the pragmatic view that the overall whole is more important than the benefit of a singular individual.

Moontiders often prefer natural materials in the colours of the forest within which they live. They are particularly fond of light cottons and linens in shades of white, brown, and green. It is rare that they will wear bold colours except for formal ceremonies, such as weddings, Coming of Age rituals, and Naming Ceremonies. Black is reserved for funerals and is never worn outside of them.

Moontiders do not tend to have piercings or tattoos, but may wear cuff jewellery, ear wraps or clips, or decorate themselves with henna during celebrations. Jewellery and accessories are normally made of natural materials such as bone or wood, threaded onto leather, cotton cord, or flax string where applicable. The use of gemstones is uncommon except powdered as colours in paints.

Moontide Islanders are known to be very suspicious of Undeath and are careful to ensure that their dead do not fall foul to such fates. When someone dies on the island, their body is never left alone once discovered, with members of the family taking turns standing vigil while investigations are completed and funeral arrangements are made.

During this period, known as Gwylnos, the body is laid in the Community Sanctum dressed in greys and white, covered with a sheer black shroud. Salt is sprinkled over the body, while bundles of sage, rosemary, chamomile, and nettle are laid around it. Rowan, valerian and vervain are hung above the door, and those who are standing vigil (Noswyliwr) will wear black, while bearing a silver dagger at their hip and a veil across their lower face. Visitors may come and pay their respects to the deceased during this time, but they too must wear a lower face veil and are not allowed to speak within the Sanctum (as it is believed their voices will disturb the peace of the dead).

Once preparations are complete, a funeral pyre is built in the Village Green, and as the sun sets, the Mourning Bell is rung. Mourners can then gather around the built pyre, with all mourners wearing black clothing and lower face veils. The body is then escorted to the pyre, carried on a litter, preceded by a Druid or Priest burning incense of sage and rosemary in a censer and the Mourning Bell being rung every five seconds by a second Druid or Priest. The litter is carried to the pyre and placed upon it, at which point the appointed member of the family will take a torch and light the pyre. Nobody is allowed to speak until the pyre is lit.

Once the pyre is lit, memorial speeches can then commence, with the funeral ending once the last non-vigil mourner leaves the Green, with family members taking it in turns to act as Noswyliwr of the pyre. If the body is not completely consumed by the pyre, their Souls are thought to be cursed to torment, so every care is taken to ensure that the pyre does not go out too early or burn too cold. Once the pyre is out, a handful of the ashes are collected into a Memorial Pouch, which is then sealed inside a small wooden box with sprigs of dried rosemary, sage and chamomile, and silver locks on the outside. These boxes are often kept by family members or placed within the Memorial Vault.

Moontiders that die outside of the Isles will always request that their remains are burned as soon as possible after death, and a small pouch of the pyre ash is send back to the Isles for their family. If a Moontider hears that one of their own was not given the proper funerary procedures, they will immediately notify the Isle and a small party will often be sent out to try and recover the body for proper rites.

Moontiders tend to value natural beauty over falsely emphasised assets, and therefore often shun make-up and perfumes, except for ceremonial purposes. They are also more likely to refrain from colouring their hair, piercing, or permanently tattooing their bodies, instead choosing henna body art and cuff-like jewellery for special occasions.

Moontiders prefer to keep their hair long, being at least to shoulder length, and often having it tied into simple ponytails or braids.

Gender plays little role within Moontidean culture, and is only considered relevant to childbearing. Their beliefs state that anyone should be given a chance to prove themselves capable in a position or role, and that gender plays no part in the selection processes or divisions of labour.

The concept of "courtship" is reserved for those who intend to pursue a monogamous marriage, and it often follows a "relationship" phase where the individuals involved get to know each other. The "Intent to Court" is usually expressed by the couple at a public gathering, where they exchange tokens in front of their parents and friends as a symbol of their intent to dedicate their lives to each other. This is then followed by the "Courtship Term", which generally lasts at least a year, during which the couple live together and practice monogamy with each other to prepare them for married life.

Family Relations

Families within the Moontide culture are seen as smaller offshoots of the greater whole, so while loyalty to ones family is encouraged, the survival and wellbeing of the community is considered more important than any singular family unit. Children within the Isles are often raised as a group of similarly aged individuals with parents taking turns to watch the group, and these groups often end up seeing themselves as extended family units. It is common for these children to refer to their non-blood guardians as "Rhieni-Rhodd", or "Gift Parents", and to the other children as "Cefndryd-Rhodd", which means "Gift Cousins", even though they may not be related by blood. Moontiders will protect a Rhiant-Rhodd or Cefnder-Rhodd as fiercely as they would their blood family.

Friendships

Moontide Islanders value friendships very highly and place great emphasis on loyalty, trust and honesty. It is common for Moontiders to have a few Cyfeillion, which translates roughly into Common as "bosom friends", who are considered amongst the closest relationships Moontiders can have outside of family and marriage. It is not uncommon for Moontiders to show their affection for their friends physically, often through embraces or kisses on the forehead or cheek.

Romantic Relations

Moontiders are open to the idea of polyamory, but the choice to marry is seen as a promise toward monogamy. Young Moontiders will often have many romantic partners prior to marriage, and it is not seen as unclean or promiscuous. Marriage can be pursued between couples of any gender.

Moontiders generally approve of public displays of affection, such as holding hands, touching faces, or kissing of the hands, cheeks and lips, though they shy away from actions that could be considered overtly sexual in public. Sex is seen as a private matter not to be shared outside those within the relationship, though discussion of sexual matters is openly encouraged.