Zithelfar (ZITH el far)

the Drow of Zith Morra

The Zithelfar are Juhl'are citizens of the city of Zith Morra in the Night Below of the major continent of Ethae. Though they are a subculture of the Shibali, no Zithelfar with any self-respect would claim to be. Zith Morra was established in the late Valmon Age as an outpost of Urbsussun to monitor the growing power of the Elf of Lhakamed. Over the two thousand years since, while remaining a vassal of Urbsussun, the Zithelfar have established themselves as a self-sustaining power in their region. With the fall of Urbsussun the Zithelfar are now the strongest power in the Underdeep region of the Night Below. They work endlessly to remain so.

The Zithelfar are a largely atheistic. The old theocratic way of dark elven life has left a bad taste in the mouth of this culture. Zith Morra is under the control of the magocratic council known as the Shith'ari. Religion of any kind is not tolerated in the city, and those still holding onto their faith must keep it hidden. Public execution is the fate of any caught worshiping. This holds true for outsiders coming in and flaunting their religion as well.

Outside of the fall of religion, Zithelfar is still a Juhl'are culture. Noble houses still dominate social life. Each vying for power in their city. The city is one big cluster of houses fighting a cold war to keep each other in check. When not fighting each other, the noble houses push to gain power in the Shith'ari. Houses with members holding seats can become one of the strongest noble houses in the city. [ /p]

Matron mothers still rule the noble families, but males in Zithelfar have far more influence than other dark elf cultures. While they cannot reach a rank to rule over a family, many hold positions of extreme power in the city, including the ability to hold a seat on the Shith'ari. A male Shith technically outranks a matron mother, though this often depends on the power of the Shith verse that of the matron. Many Shith have been humbled by a particularly strong matron, be it through political strength, or simply raw magical or martial prowess.

The Zithelfar is a Magic strong society. Most of the noble house members are casters of some degree or other. Melee and other combat classes are seen as being for the lower-class of their society. Casting is forbidden to the lower-class of Zithelfar society, however, those that do show aptitude can sometimes be adopted into noble house, often through forced marriage contracts.

Marriage in Zithelfar society is female dominated. Males have little choice in their mate. If a woman wants a particular man for her spouse, he is hers, as long as no other women make a claim on that man. If a male is a member of a noble house, the woman will negotiate with the house matron for terms of claiming the man. A woman also has the say on when the marriage is terminated. A man is lucky if there is a separation or 'divorce.' For many, however, terminations is an accurate term for the marriages end. That said, more often than not, women keep a mate for life, either because they found a loyal man that can be control, or because he is fun to play with, or any countless reason to keep a pet, sometimes even for love.

Zithelfar skin tones are the grey to ebony in color. They tend to be slightly lighter shades than their Shibali cousins. Their hair color is nearly always a shade of white. Some nobles will show a slight tint of blonde hues, but this is extremely rare and considered unattractive. Hair is usually kept long and straight with little adornment. Zithelfar eyes are universally red. This red covers the entire eye, even the sclera. Nobles and high magic using members of society will have a minor glow deep in their iris. The Zithelfar wear dark clothing, usually of silk or night steel in make. These pieces of clothing are often adorned with gems of all colors. Jewelry is also favorable and worn by both genders.

Race: Elf

Ethnicity: Juhl'are

Alignment: In spite of being a culture of chaotic dark elves, Zithelfar society is heavily with traditions and rituals, making is a surprisingly lawful community.

Age: Zithelfar generally live 600 to 800 years naturally.

Size: (Medium) Zithelfar stand on the taller side of Juhl'are. Women commonly average 6 feet tall, with the men generally being the same height.

Language: Drowic (Dark Elvish) is the primary language of the Zithelfar. Few Zithelfar learn any language from outside their city. Those that do, usually do so under order for missions, rather than by choice.