Elvarii

Name:

Elvarri

Alternate Names:

Kin, Elves, Biters

Description:

Elvarri are by far the most common species on Dia, and it's rumored in the Iastrus Collective. They stand anywhere from four to five feet in height, have pointed ears with a limited ability to swivel, and small noses. Their teeth are almost all pointed, as befits their obligate carnivore diet.

Most types of sentients are compared to Elvarri first, creating the accidental impression that they are simply average in everything besides their diet, but the truth is that Elvarri have a rich diversity and culture outside that of the general collective.

History:

The Elvarii are possibly the oldest race of the collective and definitly the widest ranging. There are no stories about joining the collective or encoutnering the machine-gods. Their history starts with the founding of the great houses - fourteen houses lead by fourteen great matriarchs who then gifted their people with hundreds of oral parables and proverbs to guide them across the stars.

Elvarii were part of the first settlers on Dia and many of its first heros were drawn from their ranks. Even Suno Kel-Rios, the leader of the first great City-State was Elvarri and led the entire ealry community forward despite being denied by his own Matrirarch. His example led other males to also seek independence from their matriarchs and even other matriarchs to practice more independence from their elders. This means that Elvarri from Dia are more indepdent overall than many of their interplantary peers.

Culture:

Elvarii culture is based around the Matriarchs, or female Elvarii adults. Each family is led by the mother, who in turn is led by Grandmothers and Great Grandmothers who serve in a network of elders across the great families. Men and unmarried women are expected to serve at the needs of their Matriarch (Usually their wife or mother) until they become part of a new family. This often leads to older sons being groomed as spouses for other families while younger sons serve in the family's business or in politically useful roles. Women are almost universally expected to be married, but it is her right to leave the house and try to make it on her own.

It should be noted that most urban culture is descended from Elvarii influence. Elvarii language is the linga franca of Dia and most written notation is from their cutlure as well. While most races have stayed patriarchial and kept to their own traditions, the communal focus and hierarchal structure has deeply influenced the city life of Dia.