It is pivotal in the explanation of the world to articulate the diversity that exists amongst the Fafaba. The reasoning behind such difference is found in several factors; the Fafaba were once one people on the comparably small island of Apihi. They became separate peoples upon the exodus of half of the Fafaba on the island that followed High-King Hia Nefe into exile from the isle. Aided with the knowledge and seamanship of Prince Hea Haab, these peoples would migrate across the land and settle in many places.
Thalithar
The first change occurred due to the leaving of people on that day. They called themselves the Thalithar or “Chosen Ones” and were forever distinguished from those who remained behind. During the journeys, the Thalithar would separate into different bands and cultivate distinct cultural groups. For the sake of simplicity, these will be characterised as ethnic groups.
The Thalithar would divide into the Ivalisthar – known as the ‘Frozen Ones’ – those that stayed with High-King Hia Nefe and settled in Haelendrielle and its surrounding villages.
The Thalivorim – Stewarts of the Grasslands – would establish the Kingdom of Linariar, and these two peoples would remain largely unchanged.
The Lenvarin – meaning Steadfast Keepers – would originally settle the village of Gethirien and the city of Delmarenth; however, they would be displaced by the High-Kings schemes and migrate to the northern side of the Lorindorin river and establish the large Kingdom of Lenathalinor. Additionally, a large contingent of Thalithar would journey with the Knuri into the northeast and establish the Kingdom of Elisdrithefaele, establishing the ethnic group called the Elenorin, ‘People of the Desert’.
The people that were known as the Iserothar – People of the Enclosed Waters – would settle on the inland island of Selyndar and establish a Kingdom of the same name. They would add the forests of Elarielven and Elydorveth to their kingdom and would in the future become known as the Sylvarian – People of the Forest – protected by the major river of Linthiriel.
Thalsar
The Thalsar – Keepers of Nature – were originally the peoples that stayed on Apihi Island; however, due to population growth and greater ambitions, they would also journey from their isle. They would not forget their origins, and future nobles would incorporate Apihi into the Kingdom of Elenasurion. In addition, they would make up a considerable number of those that lived in Lenathalinor, living peacefully alongside the Lenvarin.
It is critical to note that the original Fafaba would continue to exist, they would be the peoples that would never leave Apihi Island.
The only ethnic group to descend from the Thalsar would be the Linnoraelin – meaning ‘Forest Elves’ – that would migrate with the company of Knuri and establish a secret forest Kingdom in the North of the land, later called the Kingdom of Aenorendalin. Though similar in name, they differ much from the Sylvarian.
Fafaba & the Environment
The Fafaba species are – by our standard in the primary world – very long lived; many live beyond the age of 30,000 years, and others live for even longer. Additionally, due to the long-life spans of these peoples, it is a counter-factual concept that Fafaba could form distinct ethnic groups with such few instances of generational reproduction. Though this may be true in the primary world, in this world it is in-fact the opposite.
Fafaba, within the span of a single generation make physiological adaptations to suit the environment in which they dwell. These are not expressed in phenotypical extremes but occur on a microcellular level. Fafaba are very connected to the natural world, and their life essences bind with that environment. Indeed, their longevity can be attributed to this connection with the environment, as all living things in nature possess, and maintain a continuous life essence. Therefore, the environment plays a large role for the Fafaba that we can articulate as an external life source; and all though all things require oxygen and sustenance to survive, Fafaba are further enhanced by the forces of the unseen world.
The Nature of the Fafaba
They have little desire to possess or covet things of material value by default, though these behaviours can – and are – learned. Fafaba have a strong belief in the order of things in nature, taking the role of cultivators or guardians.
Their demeanours do not lead them to be hasty or in a hurry, preferring to take their time with pursuits like building or craftmanship, or the arts. Additionally, they do not have the desire to populate too quickly and have off-spring at mature ages within their life-spans – though, again in some instances, exceptions are present. The average Fafaba would expect to reach a natural age of anywhere between 1,000 and 30,000 years. Some lineages due to genetic differences will live considerably longer, though never exceeding 50,000 years naturally.
And although that may seem to a human in the primary world as immortal, this is not the case. The only race within this world that has such a gift is Men.
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