Beast Elves (Var Elvhen)

The var elvhen speak Elven like all on the Sunset Isle, however their dialect is one of the most pronounced. They have a tendency to speak with more guttural tones and will hum with their vocal chords rather than pitch sounds.

Himsedil (Stoney Wood) is where various tribes can gather in peace and unity to trade stories, and discuss events and hunts. It is considered a neutral place for other elven visitors, however, few travel there. War drums, bloody rituals, and bestial games are common on the streets. This place is the closest thing the var elvhen have to a society, but it is simply a bloody and unforgiving one.   The beast elves do participate in the Conclave and have a representative who lives permanently in the capital with an entourage. Some consider this to be a punishment or an exile from the clan. However, it is because of this representative the var are able to remain a free people and not the victims of a genocide, which sadly has been discussed behind locked doors.

Among the var elvhen, it is customary to yield subordination to the leader of the group. These groups are organized in such a way that every member understands his or her place in it. A band (8-10) will typically be used for scouting or harassing. A warband (30-40) will conduct raids, ambushes, and reconnaissance-in-force. Finally, the bloodtribe (50-100) will conduct complex coordinated assaults on defended positions. A military-like rank structure is an ingrained part of the culture. While they may look like bloodthirsty monsters under moonlight and blood, they are fiercely loyal and will rarely openly disobey orders from their leaders.

One particular custom of the beast elves is the order in which they eat as a group. It is always the most junior member of a band who will be fed first and given the best cuts of meat. The most senior member will always eat last after ensuring those under his command are well fed.   This creates an intriguing psychological game if they eat at a table with non-beast elves. They will be insulted if served food first but can't be served last regardless of how high ranking the var is, as this would indicate his superiority over others at the table and he who is served last will be seen as the de facto leader of the group, even if it is a simple cook. This has led to some cultural misunderstandings due to beast elves fierce loyalty to their rank structure.

The blood elves dress roughly, with leather hides and furs. They do not regularly wear finished fabrics, though those in high standing will wear fabric capes or cowls. Clothing will emphasize muscular structure and scars usually. Ironically, the higher in status someone is, the more they will clothe themselves. This reverse display is indicative of the adage "the quiet wolf is best feared".

Var elvhen are not well known for their artistic merit. They are capable smiths and craftsmen but their work is not considered particularly high quality. They prefer function over form in most cases. That being said, the innate grace of elven blood is hard to ignore and and var elvhen artistic and architectural style is graceful in it's own bestial way.   Most tribes prefer to stay in light yurts which can be transported quickly if need be. However, there is a permanent city on the southern far side of the Sunset Isle. Himesdil features stone buildings, temples, and other permanent structures.

Children undergo a strange ritual when they enter puberty. Known as the 'first hunt', this is a bloody game of hide and seek. The child or group of children are set free into the woods alone to be hunted down by the oldest members of the tribe or band. The older members will transform into their wolf forms and hunt down the children. The children will then be intentionally bitten and contract the lycanthrope disease. However, it will halted or made dormant before it fully takes, granting the child the racial abilities of the beast elves. Once the child is old and strong enough to fully handle the fury of the curse, they will be hunted again, but as beasts themselves.

Scarification is a common method of demonstrating rank, skills, and feats of individuals. It is considered a sign of great prestige to have many different scars and tattoos on the face, arms, and chest among men and women.