Snow Elves

Self mutilation plays a large role in Snow Elven culture; their people are numbed to pain and heal quickly. Thus, it's very common for them to etch a cut or brand into their skin whenever they rise victorious in a battle. This allows them to bear proof of their hardship; it is also a means of showing respect towards the enemy that held the courage to face them in battle.   This isn't exclusively relegated to battle; it's common practice for fascinating moments to be etched into their bodies as careful, precise scars to mark moments in their long life. Snow Elves see their bodies as story books; with every scar a page in their life.   Memories are thus very important to Snow Elves; they're very earnest in recording memorable moments.

Common Etiquette

Snow Elves are a practical people that speak little but act a lot; this makes them somewhat difficult to speak or hold meaningful conversations with.   A common form of etiquette is understanding that silence is respect among their kind. If they do not speak or voice concern towards you, then they likely appreciate you enough to stand beside you. A silent nod is often given as a casual greeting; no hi's or hellos.   They are infamously stone-faced; if a Snow Elf is neutral or frowning, it is a common state of being. However, a smile or raised eyebrow is seen as an exceptionally intimate gesture.

Conflict & Disputes

Elves are rare to ever raise their voice or grow angry; less so out of etiquette, and more out of their practical nature. If they have a problem, they will simply speak it as bluntly as possible -- or solve it with an axe.   Arguments are however, kept very quiet if they are had. It's seen as a grave humiliation to bring an argument out into the public eye, enough so to warrant a scarring to settle a dispute.  

Muffling

It is very common for Snow Elves to muffle their own breathe when in observation of a sacred rite or ritual. This is because their breathe is very audible to them thanks to their sensitive ears. Specially crafted, thick scarves are made to muffle mouths for these rituals.

Snow Elves are notably much more behind the rest of the world when it comes to their technology, but their adaptability and perseverence has certainly allowed for them to flourish in their own way. In recent times, their closer relations with the Huntsman's Court has lead to unique cultural exchanges between them and the Villish people.   They are most famous for their creation of Cold Iron; metal that is forged without fire.

Cold Iron Clockwork

Due to their sensitivity to sound, Snow Elves hold a very deep aversion towards louder technology; such as combustion engines and the like. They have, however, famously invented clockwork mechanisms that can be made functional through hand cranks and treadles. These mechanisms are seen as a work of art in their own right, maintained by complex cogs and gears that are generously slathered with frost resistant greases to ensure they stay functional within the cold.

Weaponry & Warfare

Snow Elves never utilise firearms or loud weapons; they strictly rely on bows or crossbows if they are to use anything ranged, but generally prefer to meet their enemies in battle with heavy weapons.

Bone, pelts, and densely packed snow to create igloos; Snow Elven architecture is very simple and crafted from the environment they were given to live in. Trees are often not used in building; they prefer using bones and pelts on account of wood being valuable for fuel or charcoal production.  

Sculpting

Large sculptures of ice are a hallmark of Snow Elven civilization; they're often etched together in grand displays to record moments that are left permanently standing within the frost. Ice does not melt in Eastern Vilstrung, which allows their sculptures to last forever.   Snow Elven artists will craft an entire field of standing sculptures to tell their tale through walls of ice.   Bones, while typically used for building, are often etched or decorated with patterns for personal taste.

Snow Elven foods are remarkably viewed as inedible by other races. This is because their adaptation has not just numbed their touch, but also their sense of taste -- likely as a means to tolerate anything they can eat in the cold. Despite that, due to peace times, it has lead to many Snow Elves finding themselves fond of seasoning their meals with a litany of spices that can taste like a confusing mess at the very best, and inedible at the very worst.   Snow Elves are, for example, fond of carrying cubes of salt to lick as a treat.   They are also uniquely strong in the jaw and generally snap open bones to reach the marrow of their meals.

Dining Etiquette

Snow Elves don't have etiquette when it comes to dining. This is a common sentiment that every race has; if a Snow Elf is using any utensil, it is likely a dagger that they use to carve a piece off whatever they're eating at the time.   The only organised form of eating the Snow Elves carry is at family gatherings or organised feasts; which are held on a single, ceremonial platter that is placed at the center of their dining table. Hosts of a feast also notably hand pick the seating arrangement based upon their tastes; the closer one's seating to the host, the closer their respect for you.

The First Bite

The First Bite is seen as a form of insult; but is a standard tradition for Snow Elven tribes. They select the weakest person at the table to take the first bite of the feast. After they're given the first bite, the meal becomes a free for all in who can get their teeth onto a morsel of meat next; Snow Elves will use their hands, knives, or whatever utensil they have at their disposal to carve and messily devour whatever was placed on their platter.   Selfishness serves you best as a Snow Elf; you're expected to gorge yourself full with little care for whether others can get their fill next.

Sharing Food

Outside of survival situations or living on the field, sharing food during an organised meal is tantamount with a wedding proposal to Snow Elven society.

Athleticism, hardship, and strength are the focuses of Snow Elven beauty. Scars are seen as a sign of hardship to be respected, while flawless skin is seen as a sign of weakness or a lack of battlefield experience; even children are expected to be scarred.   Hair is often kept long, braided, and tight. Bones are carefully carved and used as decoration for them.

Clothing Standards & Dress Code

Snow Elves often wear the kind of clothing that's expected for their cold environment; fur coats so thick that they look larger than they actually are. They're fond of using bones or trophies from hunted prey as decorations to their clothing, but typically wrap themselves tightly thick padding that protects them both from the cold and from the creatures wandering Eastern Vilstrung.   Snow Elves are fond of using the color white for heavier jackets to match with their environment.

Branding & Marks

The Snow Elves aren't too fond of tattoos; they view them as a nuisance due to their tendency to hide scars. As a result, they're much more fond of using brands, cuts, or marks to etch decorations into their skin. Their high pain tolerance allows them to withstand

War Paint & Dyes

Snow Elves often personalise their clothing with dyes. They saturate their furs with different colours to their tastes or preference. They are also very fond of using war paint; it's common practice for Snow Elves to trace their scars with dye to make them more visible when faced in battle.