Nomadic Elves
The nomadic elves that travel the northern kingdoms originally came from those who escaped Udynean enslavement and fled into Tirglasian territory over the once makeshift bridge now known as Freedom's Leap. Spread thin across the northern kingdoms, they aren't the largest population of elves, but they are collectively the biggest group of free elves beyond the walls of Heimat.
Preferring to travel in small groups, called caravans, they've spent centuries travelling back and forth from the Heimatian border to the original landing point of their ancestors on the shores of what is now Obuzan, which includes traipsing over Freedom's Leap, magically maintaining the bridge between Obuzan and Tirglas. This is all largely in an ancestral quest for a place where they can be free.
Several kingdoms have offered land for them to settle, but they continue to refuse human aid in their endeavour.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Whilst the nomadic elves take great pride in their native tongue, most speak more than one language. This varies throughout the travelling groups.
Their native tongue is the same as the elves of Heimat, albeit, considered a softer and lighter version than the fast and harsh dialect of Heimatian elves. However, when the nomads mimic other languages, their accent tends to lend a curt, singsong quality to the words.
Culture and cultural heritage
The people as a whole are fiercely protective and passionate about their origins, being quick to teach any elf who joins their caravans. Whilst many humans who have interacted with a passing group of caravans are more likely to remember their pride, this can also manifest as a degree of disgust for elves who know the truth and choose to live alongside humans.
An outsider might expect them to hold a reverence for the mystical Oracle leaders they once followed, but very few have anything beyond a veneer of respect for the old ways. Most will admit they've lost a great deal of what tied them to their kin in Heimat. Whatever their original backgrounds, they've become proficient hunters and warriors, putting their skills to use on the occasional slaver group.
Shared customary codes and values
Family and children are the two core beliefs found amongst all nomadic caravans. This is unsurprising, as their tales speak of rebelling against the prophets for the sake of a single child. It is widely known that a caravan won't refuse to take in an elven child (and the parent, if at all possible) and raise them as if they'd always been nomadic. This has led to some groups caring for dozens of foundlings at a time, a task largely undertaken by the elders if a family unit isn't able to take in another. This is also why, whilst family units of a mother, father, and child are a common sight, same-sex couples who take in a foundling are also seen as contributing to the caravans' future.
Foods & Cuisine
The nomadic elves prefer to forage for their food and, due to the generational trauma that led to their formation, leave little evidence of their passing whilst doing so. That being said, as all elves, they do require a great deal of meat in their diet, making what they call Game Stew a common meal at the end of the day. Other foods, such as Root Cut-up and Sour Soup, are prepared with the herbs and vegetables their caravans have been adapted to carry. And of course, they are the ones who made the tangy beverage known as Fuzzy Pine.
Coming of Age Rites
When a child is considered competent in hunting/foraging without supervision, their ears are pierced with two small hoops of gold, which they wear until death or need. This is a pragmatic choice, allowing a lost member to effectively buy their way back to safety if they encounter a village. However, it also makes them a target for slavers, who strip their captives of all precious materials.
Those who reach adulthood are tattooed with the markings of their ancestors, with further pieces added for milestones such as marriage or children. Whilst the designs vary from one group of caravans to another, the tattoo often takes the form of the mechanical equipment their exodus ships were made from.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Those within the caravans do not cut their hair, wearing it in elaborate braids. During festivals, these designs will be further embellished with ribbons or jewels.
Courtship Ideals
In many nomadic caravans, relationships are taken rather seriously and courtships are a matter the elders are heavily involved with. Most unions are made at annual festivals, where all the groups come together to exchange knowledge, skills and people. If two souls feel a connection, the first thing done is to ask the elders for their opinion. Partners from two different caravans are preferred to maintain healthy bloodlines. These relationships are meant to last and couples are expected to join the smaller of the two groups, where they'll build both a caravan and a life together.
Encompassed species
"their tales speak of rebelling against the prophets for the sake of a single child" I like them. Good attitude.
Too low they build who build beneath the stars - Edward Young