Elv'rani'Orus "Elvs" ("elv-rah-nee-oh-ruus")

Elvs are tall and slender humanoids, allowing for them to maneuver rugged terrain and dense foliage swiftly. The bones of elvs are unique from all other races, having large pockets of air and cerulean colored marrow within. This skeletal composition is often credited to the lightweight of elvs, who often weigh considerably less to other humanoids.

Elvs are distingushed by their long limbs, pointed ears, sharp and narrow facial features, and the varying foliar and arborial patterns upon their skin. These dermal patterns are invisible on infants but begin to form throughout the first decades of their childhood. The design can be predicted by the envrionment that an Elv spends most of their time living in during their adolescent stage. There is no difference in average height or weight between the sexes, often standing at similar stature six to seven feet tall when fully matured. With the unique composition of their skeletal structure, elvs are surprisingly light, weighing an average 125 pounds. However, there is much mystery around the aging of elvs throughout their lifespan; even more so that there seems to be no knowledge of elvs dying of old age. Though there is no known reason for the extended lifespans, most deaths in their race are from disease, death in combat, or ritual suicide known as Uros'mair. Uros'mair is commonplace in their society, which most individuals make the crossing into the afterlife in their late 300's.

Elvs reproduce sexually with female pregnancy lasting up to 10 years. This long gestation period is prone to multiple complications from both internal and external elements. Along with the rugged lifestyle and living conditions that Elvin societies dwell, elvin pregnancies require a considerable influx of Sil'Mair to help sustain both the mother and child. This in turn makes reproduction as a massive investment in elvin families, where the privilege to not work and consistent access to Sil'Mair is required.

It is possible for Elvs to reproduce with other races of Hindria, though it is extremely difficult. Access to Sil'Mair for female Elv pregnancies are still needed, however, as other species are unable to ingest the element, non-Elvin females are susceptible to far more dangerous labors. Traits relating to their perception and senses are superior, though are often muted when paired with another species. Their development into maturity is half-lifed as well, their infancy and adolescence stages being closer to the other race's stages of growth.

Elvs mature much slower than other races, having their infancy developing over the first 25 years of their lives. Adolescence takes the next 70 to 80 years and they reach early adulthood in their early 100s. Elvin babies look very similar to humans, as most of their development with their limbs and dermal patterns develop through their adolescence. By their first centennial, most of their growth is complete with any additonal aging being the slow molding of their dermal patterns creating deeper lineations.

Elvs prefer to live within cool or warm climates and settle in densely forested areas. On Londuror, they are able to craft abodes within the thick trunks of the Silverwood trees while those surviving in other parts of Hindria build makeshift cabins from fallen trees or earth shelters in colder regions. A significant abundance of flora and fauna is a high necessity, where they can use their main method of hunting and gathering, as well as fungal farming using compost decaying organics to create mushroom farms.

Elvs are omnivorous but mainly vegetarian with most of their diet being mushroom, berries, and fruits. Individuals often fend for themselvs, building small gardens and hunting game such as deer, rabbit, and other small animals. They hunt using bow and sling depending on the size of game and are highly resourceful, using as much of an animal as possible for materials and food. If needed, they will salt game and store vegetables in underground shelters.

With the uniquely extensive aging process, Elvs mature at a slower rate. Their features become sharper as they grow older, their skin patterns finalize by the time they reach adulthood. The complexion of their patterns can tell how old an elf is, the depth of the lining and sharper detailing develpoing with age.

Elvin culture highly values accolades of bloodlines, which in turn governs many parts of their society. Head of households are determined by the degree of the grandest act a member of the family has achieved. These feats of success are measured by the honor which the specific deed has brought to the household's reputation. This can be from slaying great beasts, to becoming a renowned healer or entertainer. Commonly these are the eldest members, though it has become more common for aspiring generations to venture off and return with grandious titles and trophies to win their right as head of house. These adventures have acquired the term Ganaltas as they grew in occurrence since the exposure to the rest of the world. The head of the family leads in spiritual practices, traditions, political representations, and has the final say in any decisions pertaining to where the family lives.

All elvins cities within Londuror's borders are ruled by a congregation of all the heads of house. In turn, this is led by a Chairo, which again is determined by family renown. Primarily they act as the mediators in discussions and the judge in any trials pertaining to the city. When it comes to representation, the Chairo is responsible to attending any assemblies called by the king of Londuror.

The Oruschairos is the highest title of elvin society. This is the head of the family with the grandest reputation amongst all cities of Londuror. Though well respected, often an Oruschairos' delegations are to foreign diplomacy and moderation between Chairos when it comes to negotiations amongst territory. Unlike other leadership positions within their culture, an individual can challenge for the position of Oruschairos. This challenge is known as Anatrama'Orus. When a new Oruschairos is declared, the capital of Londuror then shifts to the city which the new ruler resides.

Elvin faces are often defined as sharp or "dagger-like". Their eyes are narrow with brows placed close to them. Most elvs have round pupils, often colored hazelnut or moss green and take up the majority of their eye. Noses are narrow and flat and rarely have a slight concave curve at the bridge. Thin lips sit upon sharp chins and defined cheekbones tighten the skin around their face, with pointy ears finishing their complexions.

The majority of elvs live upon the continent of Londuror, rarely leaving its shores to other parts of the world. Often individuals travel Hindria on journeys of self-accomplishment or Ganaltas, searching for successes to bring back home. However, sometimes entire families depart from their homeland's shores, the origin being decision by the head of the family or social exile decreed by the King of Londuror. These emigrations have planted elvin populations across the forests of Nakrazhul and Thyrina.

Elvs are famous for their superior sight and hearing amongst the races, making them excellent archers and hunters. Their vision gives them advantage over great distances, as well as the capability to distinguish fauna amongst dense terrain. Additionally, they can also see within the dark in hues of grays. Elvs auditory senses are the highest amongst the races of Hindria, allowing them to pinpoint sounds four times farther than that of a human. Their ability to hear higher frequencies matches that of some Pamyrans, allowing them to notice shifts within nature.

Elvin names are a combination of an individual name attached to the end of their family name. Family names derive from the land that their origins are from. This can vary from weather, terrain, animals, and so on. Individual names aren't declared until one has developed into their adolescence. On their 50th birthday the family will host a naming ceremony in where the head of the family will then choose a name for them. These names are often inspired by a personality trait that comes to the forefront of their identity in their early years.

Elvin society's idealizations on beauty for both male and females share many similarities as they are a hyper-androgynous culture. They value presenting accomplishments through either adornments or physical features. Hair that is maintained and well-adorned with floral decor and ear piercings of both bone and crystals help present such titles to others. Muscular physiques with low body fat to show off dermal patterns with tanned, olive skin can mark those who are well-ventured. Displaying abdominals or wearing clothing that hugs the body are common methods for individuals to flaunt their figure.

Many of the roles and behaviors within elvin society is shared between the genders. Both men and women are taught to be straightforward with their communication, often to the dismay of other races coining them as 'blunt' or 'harsh'. Honesty, self-sufficiency, and competitiveness are all taught to be highly valued.

Although elvin culture raises their children to achieve self-reliance and to build the legacy of their bloodlines, the evolution of their society after being connected with the rest of the world has steered its men and women into varying career ideologies. Where both originally idolized the pursuit of physical tokens and trophies, elvin men are the majority holders. This can range from hunting large beasts for their skulls as trophies, to fabricating the next fashionable dress to allure the eyes of royal courts. Women, on the other hand, have pivoted to commercial and scientific endeavors. Mercantilism and the studies of alchemy and medicine has become the focus of improving the renown of their lineage.

There is no marriage within elvin society as elvs see the blending of families as corruption of their legacies. Courting is often the precursor to child-rearing within elvin society when a man or woman decides to develop the next generation within the family. During the period they are looking for a mate, elvs will adorn circlets made from Re'tefel branches and paint their neckline with the sigil of their family. They will then approach possible suitors, which are often from a solidified relationship they have made over their lifetime and can vary widely on personal preference.

Once they have found a consenting partner, the couple will depart on a pilgrimage to the nearest temple upon one of the mountain ranges on Londuror. Once there, the pair will live together within the temple grounds and drink an aphrodisiac of herbs in a broth of Sil'Mair which awakens their reproductive organs and amplifies the carnal desires within them. These pilgrimages are both extensive and costly, often taking six months to a year, and the couple are only allowed to return home once the female is with child. Although, elvs require the male sex for procreation, the offspring will be regarded as part of the elv's bloodline who had initiated the courtship.

Elvs see relationships as a collaboration towards one another's aspirations. In turn this causes friendships to be hard-earned, often with showing prowess in achievements to a standard of one's own discretion. Once these bonds are made, they seldom break. Around family and closely bonded friendships, elvs are more open to the expressing of emotions and affection. Their ancestral connection to working towards improving the family's legacy, makes the struggle communal within bloodlines. When it comes to the responsibilities around raising children, the family shares in duties. Allowing parents to refocus back on their daily life and to promote an environment of togetherness for all members of the family.

Elvs had mastered the production of bronze tools and written language before their inclusion to the rest of Hindria's peoples. Since then, they have caught up to the rest of the world and have even improved upon some methods. Sharing their knowledge of recycling compost for more nutritious soil for farming and improving upon the durability of weapons through smithing practices have left elvin marks on societies across the globe.

Relationship with Sil'Mair

Elvs are unique as they are the only intelligent species that can physically interact with Sil'Mair in its liquid state. This capability, along with their perspective of it as a spiritual medium, has made their relationship with it as an enhancer of one's abilities. Elvs will ingest a small dosage daily as part of meditation in their culture's faith. Additionally, ingesting the liquid provides them with supernatural stamina, perception, and strength. This surpassing of their raw capacity could last for only a short time and is commonly used during hunts against large game.

However, the withdrawals after consuming Sil'Mair can have detrimental effects. These harmful repercussions are taught as a sacred lesson and warning amongst their culture: that help from their mother, Ael'Maiora, comes at a cost. This has made the over-consumption Sil'Mair as a taboo amongst their society, though their dependance for it as a catalyst for fertility and spirituality in communities has kept its place amongst the religious sects.

Elvish language consists of a 20 letter alphabet and relies heavily on vowels for inflection when it comes to wording. Though terms and naming can vary depending on the region of Londuror an Elv has grown up, their written language stems from Northern Londuror. When Miraros united the continent into the Kingdom of Londuror, he standardized written speech to his home region. Thus, elvin script often consists of many apostrophes for spacing and the composition of words into larger, more precise terminologies.

Etiquette amongst elvish society is built upon the respect towards elvish hierarchy and the representation of one's family. These values promote correctness within relationships, sincerity, cleanliness, and then pursuit of justice and betterment in personal dealings. Throughout their history, elvish codes of ethics and etiquette have stayed stagnant and unaltered by the influence of other cultures.

Bowing

Bowing is an act of greeting and is used as a sign of respect towards a peer. There are two types of bowing, formal and informal. Informal consists of bowing through the bending of the waist with a straight back and neck, hands clasped together behind one's back, and eyes closed. These bows are used in situations of family members and solidified relationships, showing respect to a peer.

Formal bows are used to address an individual of astounding renown or higher social ranking such as a Chairo or Oruschairos. The act is then performed to include resting on both knees and placing the palms open and face up in one's lap to express stronger sentiments of respect. When dealing with other races or strangers, Elvs will often give a slight nod of the head and neck while keeping their eyes locked with the other's gaze.

Bathing

Bathing is an essential part of Elvin daily routines. The body is doused with a bucket of hot water and is scrubbed with a bar of soap consisting of a mixture of plant and fruit oils. A brush of Silverwood pine is used for tending to the tidying of hair with a sponge to exfoliate any remaining dead skin before rinsing once more with water. Elvs avoid bathing in spas and hot springs as they are seen as a means for relaxation.

Eating and Drinking

Meals are often begun with a prayer worshipping those that had participated in providing the food, along with a plea for Ael'Maiora's blessing, who's presence is within all living things. It is promoted to completely finish one's meal and to ask for additional servings. However, leaving leftovers is seen as wasteful and those who do not clean their plates are pressured to donate their food to those who are still hungry. Once the meal is finished, the prayer will be recited once more before they tidy up from the feast.

Elvish cutlery consists of a knife, skewer, and ladle. The first two are used to cut food into smaller portions to which they then rack up onto the skewer and eat off of, while the ladle is used for any soups or broth. Food is often served in communal portions and are passed on plates or in bowls that rest on a low wooden or stone table that is sat around.

Respectful Language

There is a difference in Elvin lanuage when addressing superiors, family, friends, and others. The attachment of end terms such as -hai or -han in naming is used to refer to someone who is of a higher or lower social class relative to the speaker. First names are also only used by family and friends between one another, noting the individual as being a part of the family lineage, and only when trust is earned do they open to diversity of the selves in conversation.

The most important piece of any Elv's outfit is their head dressing. They style their hair by weaving pieces of tree phloem and flowers from the forests, putting their hair into braids, buns, or straightened out. Family crests of an Elv will be embellished as an end piece of a bronze hair needle, which they will place within their stylized manes.

Elvin attire does not change between the sexes, rather some slight distinctions amongst the differing hierarchies of elvish society. Often these contrasts are dyed fabrics, jeweled accessories, and facial make up. Access to higher quality materials is given to those within higher sects of class and rank. Common pieces of clothing include pants, vests, cloaks, skirts, and jackets. These are made usually by animal leathers, furs, or plant fibers. Elvs rarely wear shoes, citing in their beliefs that they must be connected physically to the earth to reap its full beauty. A thick layer of skin also lines the soles of their feet and provides enough durability to traverse the wilds of Hindria unhindered. However, Elvs will wear fur boots in snowy regions of the world to avoid potential frostbite.

Formal dresses are worn for occasion of political courts, holidays, and foreign parties. These robes are the most elegant of any elv's wardrobe, usually made of fine silks and ornate cloth. Though both sexes don dresses for such occasions, design varies, as women express their bust with a low-cut ending at their mid-section while men cover their chests and leave a diamond window for their abdomen to be exposed.

Elvs value you their heritage as part of their own lives in the present. Much of their history and culture is preserved in family traditions passed down by the head of houses in an ever-expanding tome known as an Itl'aei. These ancestral tomes keep family histories, spiritual practices, and other knowledge pertaining to the legacies of those in the past. These help prove validity of the deeds by a family in case of enacting justice on crimes or tribunals. Itl'aei pertaining to highly renowned families or the social elite are copied and kept in libraries across Londuror for public access.

Elvin families stay within their ancestral homes with multiple generations living within the same abodes. The home also acts as a museum as well, where they hold ancestral artifacts and memorabilia. On a grander scale, the continent of Londuror is seen to be the motherland of all Elvinkind. Hundreds of sites spot the countryside, ranging from natural landscapes to elvin ruins. Above all is the Lake of Ele'sun, which has healing waters and is claimed to be where the Elvin ancestors made their first steps to civilization.

Common customs amongst elvin culture are respecting those with high prestige of title and renown, humming when there is good food, contributing to the family, and bathing before relaxing in a hot spring or spa. Although elvin families are with their own unique customs, all elvs believe in Ael'Maiora, the Mother Spirit of Londuror. Celebrations around the turn of each season and weeklong festivals of the winter and summer solstices are observed within every city.

Elvin society shuns any desecration of graves or disturbing their resting places. With the duty of extending the family legacy, elvs act respectfully to others in public and avoid talking loudly. The over-consumption of Sil'Mair has become shunned upon. Use of the element is communally regulated, often with a Chairos making a public statement to restrict and shun the individual. However, many of the upper echelons of society and those deciding to enter the criminal underworlds still pursue in the voracious use and dealing in the substance.

Elvin society throughout history had consisted of secluded villages that dotted the landscape of Londuror. Often opposing tribes would clash over hunting grounds and resources, leading to disputes and bloodshed. Though some banded together in temporary pacts to gain advantage over stronger adversaries, there wasn't any major movement to unite all of elvinkind until Miraros, head of the Orian family, successfully banded together the hamlets within the Auryn Forest and founded the first city of Oriantha. Over the next 50 years he campaigned across the continent until all elvin tribes were united under one banner. Achieving his dream, the Kingdom of Londuror was founded and Miraros was proclaimed as the first Oruschairos of Londuror.

Contradictory to the longevity of the elvin race, they are the most recent newcomers to the international theater of Hindria. Elvs would threaten explorers of other races off of their homeland's shores up until the forming of the Kingdom of Londuror. Since then, elvin society has flourished, with an influx of technology improving the quality of everyday life and generating a surge of elvs leaving their homelands to explore the world beyond.

Elvish mythos is composed around the origin that Elvs were the blessed children of Ael'Maiora, the Mother Spirit of Londuror. Her soul is within the cycle of nature upon the continent, the land as her body, providing a bountiful home for them to flourish. However, the Mother Spirit had seen the Elvs grow lazy and fat over the centuries as all of their needs and desires were granted. They would not thank her for the utopia and became unmindful of her solemnity, inevitably leading to her retribution.

Thus, the Ael'Maiora rumbled with a rage that would come to be known as The Fury. The ground quaked and churned, causing floods and landslides, forcing elvs to flee into the safety of the forest canopies. This catastrophe almost wiped out the Elvin race and desecrated the land, leaving those surviving to fight over scraps. Elvs struggled to repopulate, discovering the Mother Spirit's fertility had abandoned them. Since then, The Fury taught them never to betray Ael'Maiora's love ever again and instilled the Elvs with a warning: Never forget where you came from.

Elvs rarely adopt new customs or traditions and will refuse to participate in other religious beliefs. Their relations with Humans and Thyrals are argued to be the most positive amongst their foreign associations. Having been the first races to come in to contact with them since the formation of the Londurian Kingdom, much of the respect between them had been rooted within the praise of Miraros' words, claiming them as honorable and noble people. Although most Elvs are still hesitant to agree with their customs and refuse to cohabitate within their cities, the three races travel, trade and socialize openly with one another.

Interactions between Elvs and Saarans have only been in times of conflict, when Miraros sent companies of Elvish warriors to help with the security of fleeing human refugees into Nakrazhul and Londuror. For those who returned, they described them as being born from evil spirits and the manifestation of greed and violence. If given the chance, an Elv would choose to subdue a Saaran before it has the chance to confront them.

Even though many of the traditions of their cultures have startling similarities, Elvs see many Pamyrans as hot-tempered and barbaric. They keep their interactions short and blunt when dealing with them, keeping only to trade or collaboration when there is no other option. Elvs have coined the term Phiran'Saaran or "Unshaved Saaran" as a slur towards Pamyrans. Pamyrans are barred from entering the lands of Londuror, unless on extremely unique occasions.