Elf
The elves of Cisum are are almost as common as humans. The high elves and wood elves are most common among the mainland continents, but a few small elfhames are present among the islands of the Acapellago and beyond. Mostly, the elves of the island nations are island elves. Elves maintain their own towns and cities, but many among the islands live amongst their island neighbors. They enjoy a variety of work and often excel as artists in one form or another. Elves are one of, if not the, longest-lived races on Cisum. This longevity often means an elf is slow to make friends and enemies alike. It also means they are slow to forget them. Elves often favor diplomacy over violence, but do not mistake that for ineptitued in combat.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Elves are considered children until they declare themselves adults, some time after the hundredth birthday, and before this period are called by child names. On declaring adulthood, an elf selects an adult name, although those who knew him or her as a youngster might continue to use the child name. Each elf's adult name is a unique creation, though it might reflect the names of respected individuals or other family members. Little distinction exists between male and female names; the groupings here reflect only general tendancies. In addition, every elf bears a family name, typically a combination of other Elvish words. Some elves traveling among humans translate their family names into Common, but others retain the Elvish version.
Child Names: Ara, Bryn, Del, Eryn, Faen, Innil, Lael, Mella, Naill, Naeris, Phann, Rael, Rinn, Sai, Syllin, Thia, Vall
Male Adult Names: Adran, Aelar, Aramil, Arannis, Aust, Beiro, Berrian, Carric, Enialis, Erdan, Erevan, Galinndan, Hadarai, Heian, Himo, Immeral, Ivellios, Laucian, Mindartis, Paelias, Peren, Quarrion, Riardon, Rolen, Soveliss, Thamior, Tharivol, Theren, Varis.
Female Adult Names: Adrie, Althaea, Anastrianna, Andraste, Antinua, Bethrynna, Birel, Caelynn, Drusilia, Enna, Felosial, Ielenia, Jelenneth, Keyleth, Leshanna, Lia, Meriele, Mialee, Naivara, Quelenna, Quillathe, Sarial, Shanairra, Shava, Silaqui, Theirastra, Thia, Vadania, Valanthe, Xanaphia
Family Names (Common Translations): Amakiir (Gemflower), Amastacia (Starflower), Galanodel (Moonwhisper), Holimion (Diamonddew), Ilphelkiir (Oakenheel), Naïlo (Nightbreeze), Siannodel (Moonbrook), Xiloscient (Goldpetal)
Culture and Cultural Heritage
High and wood elves are most often found on among the continents, but do occasionally visit locations like the Acapellago. They typically live in more secluded villages and towns. Most high elves are rather haughty and cold to outsiders. Wood elves are usually more cordial, but can be equally cold to non-elves. Island elves often have the warmest disposition towards non-elves. They might live among other races is larger villages and cities, or have their own small towns near the coast or a river that empties to the sea.
The drow, by contrast to their surface-dwelling cousins, are typically the most hostile. Most passages to their home, the Land Down Under, are found on the continents, but one or two reach the Acapellago. The combative and hostile nature of most drow, combined with their aversion to sunlight, means only a precious few venture to the surface. Most who do are outcasts among their people and adventure to find purpose out among the world.
Regardless of where the elves dwell, they are, on the whole, fantastic artisans. Elf-crafted artwork, furniture, weapons, and armor are renowned the world over for the quality and attention to detail. Perfecting a craft comes easily for the elves with their long lives. Likewise, this longevity makes the pursuit of any goal a life-long endeavor.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Although they can be haughty, elves are generally gracious even to those who fall short of their high expectations - which is most non-elves. Still, they can find good in just about anyone.
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