Zinvel

The Exiled Vel are regarded as a bastard stepchild to the other Vellen cultures, so much so that the Aeovel and Myrenvel won’t even speak of how long ago or why this is- it is just as it always has been. Even their name is considered a demeaning term by the Aeovel and Myrenvel, who will often simply refer to Zinvellians as just ‘Zin’. To this end, all Zinvel have on their person a mark, usually obtained when they come of age. This mark is either a tattoo, brand, or carved in to form a scar. Some Zinvel choose to get their mark somewhere visible, like their hand or face. Others try to hide it as a sign of shame. As rare as Zinvellians are to see, it is not unheard of, nor are they to be taken lightly.

Dress

Often seen wearing dark or neutral colors- or whatever suits them for their task at hand. Living in the deep Shadowroads, their appearances can be the most diverse of any Vel, often liking to have their hair be vibrant colors to stand out amidst the dark cavernous backdrop they call home. And, of course, there are the various Marks all Zinvel bear- some proudly, some discreetly.

Demeanor

It is hard to tell the true demeanor of a Zinvel- some utter not a single word, while others are social butterflies- which is the act and which is the truth is impossible to discern. What is clear, is that to a Zinvellian, failure is the greatest dishonor, and that must be avoided at any cost. To this end, Zinvel are highly untrusting- even towards other Zinvel. Every interaction is political to them, and friends do not come easily.

Families and Nobility

Similar to the other Vellen cultures, lineages in Zinvel society are known as Houses, of which there are 5 Noble Houses. Every House, Noble or otherwise, has a House Mark- also called a Mark of Shame to those who know the origin of these symbols. A Zinvellians Mark is first and foremost based on their House, but may have additions around it to signify major accomplishments in life. To come of age and not accept your House Mark is grounds for lifelong banishment from Zinvellian society. To accept a Mark, and renounce or remove it and be found without, is grounds for execution by Zinvel law.

Zinvel Notable Locations

The Zinvel live almost entirely in the Shadow Roads that run under the continents of Alterra. Notable aboveground entrances can be found in the following locations:

• The Forlorn Mire: Vizak Caves

• The Frozen Shelf: Yetimaw Mines

• Heavensbridge Spire: Deeprift Chasm

• Isle del Tuuja: Venomreach Caverns

• Scalerest: Drakefang Grotto

• More settlements and minor cities in the Shadow Roads

Playing a Zinvel

• All Vel must wear Elven Ear prosthetics of some kind. If you’re unsure if your elven ears are acceptable- please contact the Director.

• Zinvel are expected to follow the costuming outlines in this document, but can vary for character appropriate reasons. Additionally, it IS required for a Zinvel to have their House Mark somewhere on their body during gameplay- visible or not.

• There are 5 Noble Zinvellian Houses:

1. House Kyre - First of the Noble Houses and oldest/most powerful.
2. House Shar - Second of the Noble Houses, they oversee the military might of Zinvellian culture.
3. House Lev - Third of the Noble Houses, they oversee wealth, commerce, and mercantilism for Zinvellian culture in the Shadowroads.
4. House Raz - Fourth of the Noble Houses, they are known for political influence, and having eyes and ears everywhere.
5. House Nilo - Fifth and final of the Noble Houses, their ranks contain powerful and renowned clergy and scholars of the Zinvellian upper class.

• A player character may never be Nobility, and therefore may never be from one of these houses- nor bear their House Mark. However, every non-noble Zinvel House is under the jurisdiction of a Noble House.

• Zinvellian culture puts House Name before Birth Name. For example, if someone were named Galdorin Telvi, they would be Telvi Galdorin.

• Zinvellian House names are usually shorter, 3-6 letters or so, and often contain at least one harsh consonant (but not always, such as Nilo and Shar).

• Zinvel Birth names generally follow tolkien-esque naming conventions for elves..
  As in the example above, the name Galdorin is a perfectly acceptable Zinvellian name- as it would be for an Aeovel or Myrenvel. But just as acceptable might be any other name. The Given name convention is more a guideline where the House name convention is more a rule.

• Zinvellian House Marks are often made of thin triangle-like hash marks organized into a symbol, and sometimes dots and circles. They usually are not overly ornate, as they are either branded, tattooed, or scarred into an individual upon coming of age (usually around age 25).

• These House Marks are usually placed where the individual chooses, be they visible (like forehead, cheek, neck, or hand, etc.) or concealed (like shoulder, chest, back of neck, etc.) Some Houses may dictate where the mark must go for all members, but this is rarer than not.

• If you wish to join an existing house, or if you wish to create your own House and House Mark, please message the Director to discuss options.

• Zinvel tend to dress in dark, or neutral tones, or whatever they need to for a given mission or task. Since they live primarily in the Shadowroads beneath Alterra, their appearance tends to be the most diverse of the Vellen cultures. Zinvel are the most likely to have unnaturally colored hair, or embellishments to differentiate themselves- though RARELY ever shown or worn unless in a place they consider comfortable. And many places are considered hostile to Zinvel outside of their homes in the Shadowroads.

• Zinvel, depending on how much they trust someone, may come off as cold, distant, ruthless, or loyal, stoic, and curious. Most Zinvel who leave the Shadowroads do tend to try and be ‘actors’ and fill whatever role they must to see their missions completed however, so discerning the true personality of a Zinvel can be quite challenging.

• Given their lives underground for the most part, Zinvel tend to have keener senses, and operate better in darkness than other Vel, or Races in general. Even those who are born in the Overworld may find themselves more easily able to traverse the darkness and recover from blindness more easily.

• Zinvellians are tied with Goblinoids for the most disliked Race (of the playable Races) of Alterra. Most people, including Goblinoids, tend to distrust them, but the Myrenvel and Aeovel in particular detest them. As such, Zinvel typically keep to their own and treat the other Races with their own distrust and keep them at an arm's distance.

• The Zinvel hail from the Shadowroads deep beneath Alterras Overworld. They can of course be found anywhere if you look hard enough, but that is where they live and tend to come from the most.

• Zinvellian society is, much like the Aeovel, highly political. Given the somewhat oppressive nature of the 5 ruling Noble Houses each having jurisdiction and control over numerous non-Noble Houses below them, there is always eyes and ears all around picking up and conveying information- even if that information takes years to be acted upon. Acting against the orders or interests of ones ruling Noble House for a Zinvel can be quite dangerous- if not for them, for those they care about…

• All Vel mature around age 25, and live to be between 250-300 years of age.

Playable Race

Lifespan: 250-300 years

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Unique Characteristic

Darkvision

Become Immune to Blindness, and if you have the Skill Perception, its effect is increased by 5 feet and costs 1 less Focus.

(Costs 2 characteristic points)