Elven Fertility

Among the Elfkin fertility can be complicated to achieve. In their native plane the elves and their faerie kin reproduce very infrequently and are effectively immortal. For female Elves on Lorgaire ovulation can only be stimulated naturally through consumption of a family of herbs brought by their ancestors from Fae'erie to the first world. These herbaceous plants contain compounds that have made it possible for the elves to continue to procreate after being outcast from the realm of shadows, and have been cultivated for generations to survive and thrive in many climates on Lorgaire inhabited by elfkin.   Used as a symbol for many things in elven art and culture, Pinpranale leaves appear in many physical artworks, and descriptions of their scent and flavor can be heard in oral pieces. Trade of seed and seedlings between tribes of elfkin is a strong diplomatic gesture, and likewise attacking and destroying feral plots of the plants in an enemies territory is one of the most symbolically vicious assaults. During the sharing style of casual meal common among elfkin, a female elf offering Pinpranale is seen as a strong gesture of fellowship and trust, while a male making a similar offer is perceived as an intimate proposal.   In traditional elven bonding a female will consume small amounts of Pinpranale continuously for multiple days, often presented to her by the agreed upon mate. During the ceremony binding two tribes or families the female relatives of the bride will select from freshly picked herbs presented by the male relatives of the bridegroom. In rare cases where the herbs are unavailable for a bonding, or when the bride has been unable to conceive due to infertility, ritual magic may be used in place of Pinpranale to induce ovulation.   While all the tissues of Pinpranale plants carry some amount of the fertility inducing compounds, the more subtle flavors of of the leaves and tender stems are preferred for most applications. Among the trolls the more potent mesocarp of developing seeds is favored for the feasts that precede their often violent mating rituals. Many tribes of orcs and the wood elves, or low elves who adopt the living styles of other races, it is common to regularly consume teas or other foods that contain these herbs to maintain near constant fertility. Only the vampires among the elfkin are able to reproduce their kind without the aid of Pinpranale herbs by passing on their curse to other elfkin, however, they still often play a symbolic role in their cultures.