Jade Elf Culture
Way of Life for the Fair Folk of Magic
In the deepest part of the Elven Forest live those who revel in the magic that was granted to them by Lycana, using the web of power within the forest to create things beyond belief. Those who choose the depths over the thinner areas of the fringes dabble in art and magic, philanthropy and wealth in a way that those who choose lives of stewardship of the land do not. These people are stewards in their own way, keeping the magic of the ancient forest alive and thriving. They prune those branches that have begun to wither and die, so the whole system flourishes like burgeoning flowers.
Jade Elves are quite different from their kin, who call the fringes of the Elven Forest home. These people dabble in magic and oddities, keeping alive their roots tied to the Ancient Fey in the ever-changing Wandering Forest. Even so, some tenets of belief are shared among all Elves, no matter their homeland, as it is these beliefs that tie the two brethren together under their love for Lycana, the Goddess of Nature, but also one of life and the arcane.
As one of the longer-lived races, certain things become ingrained, be it a tradition, a belief, certain rituals, or even thoughts. The traditions of Elves have existed for millennia, rarely wavering, but sometimes changed to handle the worst part of Isekai's history. The Jade Elves of the Elven Forest are more open to change than their Emerald Elf brethren, but even they do not change quickly. Their traditions are tied to the land and the magic of their homeland. This is Lycana's blessing, something that they do not take lightly, for it defines everything they are and everything their way of life will become.
Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
While Elven society in general rarely welcomes outsiders, the Jade Elves sometimes do, but often only those of academic pursuits who can benefit the Unending Scroll and the studies accomplished throughout the Elven Forest. These people are proud of what has been accomplished by their people in terms of magic and study, showcasing this in museum settings and the creations of the Academy of the Scroll. Using Lycana's greatest gift, they are fulfilled through accomplishment and the enrichment of the forest's magic.
Jade Elves most commonly make their homes in the Deep Forest and the Elderwood, but no matter their home, all Elves fall under the rule of the Elven Kingdom. The Elven King is seen as a divine appointment, something that all Elves believe in, no matter where they call home.
These beliefs drive the Jade Elves and their way of life as they move through their long lives and fulfill the need of stewards and teachers of magic that are necessary in the vast forest. Even Jade Elves, who have left their homeland, rarely deviate from these beliefs, as their magic and the Elven Forest are a divine gift from Lycana.
Beliefs
All races in Isekai have a set of beliefs that they consider their law. Jade Elves follow the same beliefs as all Elves, but tend to place a greater emphasis on those that deal with safeguarding the magic of the forest.- All animals are to be respected. Even when hunted, there shall be no cruel treatment of any creature.
- Orcs have no place in any Elven settlement; they are never to be allowed past any border.
- Káto is dangerous. New entrances are to be safeguarded and shrouded with powerful magic to avoid discovery from either side when encountered.
- Outsiders are cautiously welcomed.
Family
Family is important to the Elves, especially the Jade Elves, as magical prowess is often determined by lineage. Certain family names in the Elven Kingdom bring with them great power and renown, even outside of the family's originating area. Names such as Cystenn, Stormbow, and Xiloscient command respect for their magical abilities throughout the Elven Forest and beyond. Jade Elf families are called houses. In these houses, elders and their knowledge of magic, history, and other topics are seen as integral to the house's identity, meaning the preservation of histories and oral traditions is just as much a part of the lives of Jade Elves as it is of Emerald Elves. Because of this, connections to powerful or noble families are
rather helpful in this society, but not to the same extent as in Silver Elf society.
Jade Elf Culinary Arts
Food is often an important part of many Elven traditions. From feasts to festivals to celebrations, elaborate food and drink are staples of the culture. While each area of the Elven Kingdom has its own culinary specialties, areas where Jade Elves live are known for intricate and oftentimes ostentatious food presentations. These people enjoy a variety of food but enjoy creating beautiful plates that are almost too alluring to eat.Property & Ownership
Property and ownership are rather simple in Elven society. Amongst the Jade Elves, houses often own a great deal of property with no restrictions other than that no one owns the land. Houses, buildings, and other spaces may be owned by families or individuals, but the land itself is seen as the collective property of all Elves. Even so, it is not uncommon for Jade Elves to own a large amount of materialistic goods.Taboos & Insults
Nothing is considered taboo to the Elves as they often fully embrace their fey heritage, especially Jade Elves. While they are somewhat wary of outsiders, they do not believe in censoring themselves in any way, often making those of other races uncomfortable. Jade Elves are known for their oblivious insults that have caused brawls and small battles throughout the world. The greatest insult to these people is to insult their long ears, fey heritage, or their magical ability.
Delectable Desserts
Jade Elves are known for their dishes that defy reason and gravity. Partaking in a variety of cuisines from across the world, these people prefer to elevate dishes with spices and decorations instead of creating their own signatures dishes.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Magic is the largest influence in the lives of Jade Elves, as their livelihoods are often dictated by how they put their magical gifts to use. Some become academics and researchers, while others may become Mages, Clerics, or take on other magical professions. Their traditions and rituals are steeped in magic and their vast knowledge, without forgetting the nature that was granted to them that fuels their magical prowess. The gifts of Lycana are at the center of their lives, much like their Emerald Elfbrethren, even if the two peoples vary widely.
Topaz Robes
Topaz Robes
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Image via Midjourney, created by Riverfang
Topaz Robes are an extremely rare masterpiece created by the Unending Scroll. The magic held within these garments is not fully known to outsiders and is considered one of the best-kept secrets of the Bauxatehn.
Clothing & Textiles
Clothing made from a variety of materials and fibers is common amongst the Jade Elves, as most often, their clothes are imbued with some type of enchantment. Slightly magical clothing is so commonplace in Jade Elf cities that not having any is seen as an affront to their society, and anyone without will be led to the nearest clothing shop to remedy the issue. It is also common for clothing to be brightly colored, reminiscent of the Wandering Forest and the Ancient Fey that call those woods home. As part of embracing their fey heritage, they embrace color and outlandish clothing, but still attempt to be somewhat practical so as not to hinder their spellcasting.History & Their Role
Since the earliest days of the Elder Races, the Jade Elves honed their magic while the Emerald Elves served as stewards of the forest. While their brethren protected the forest, stopping enemies and nature from encroaching on the Deep Forest and Elderwood, the Jade Elves threw themselves into study, learning more about the deep magic of the forest granted to them by Lycana, finding its secrets, and creating things beyond dreams. The Elderwood and Deep Forest became the homes of most Jade Elves in the areas where the trees were oldest and reached their tallest. Here, modern civilization reigned, with museums, monuments, and shrines encapsulating all that these people had accomplished. Along with magic, Jade Elves coveted history and music, storing tomes and ballads about their discoveries over the millennia.
Insignia of the Elves
Elven King Insignia
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RiverFang
The symbol of the Elves is a musical note only found in their culture dating back to before the formation of the Kingdom. Long has fascination with magic and music existed in their culture. These two things are often synonymous as interests and pursuits for Elves and serve as a unifying interest among their peoples. For that reason, the Elven Nobility have always been trained to become masterful composers. Music holds great importance to them as a means of tradition, communication, magic, and even education. The meaning of this particular note is to hold a note for 6 counts in a four-beat set of sheet music with an understanding to strike the same note in a higher octave on count 3 of a four-beat count.
Interesting culture. Wonder what happened with the orcs for them to be part of a core tenet.
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