Eyith (Eye-ith)

The Eyith are a hybrid subspecies of elf that live underneath the southern mountains of Anruien.
The Eyith are a younger race within this kingdom, formed when an outcast high elf early in Anruien's early years decided to make his and his family's home within the subterranean passages and abandoned realms of the myconids that once lived there.
The Eyith elves live in the dark under-realms of the mountains and are a rare sight outside of the dark caverns hollowed beneath the soaring peaks.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Faera, Erian, Miridan, Ilsira

Masculine names

Faduron, Ros, Dregor, Aedhros

Family names

Erosin, Iliath, Dhalmas, Maeth, Aechani

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

They speak Elvish and Undercommon. Their own language is a strange, echoing mixture of the two.

Shared customary codes and values

The Eyith keep to themselves and share an understanding that they exist because of some curse of their common ancestor. They do not venture out of the under-realms if at all possible and when they do, it is at great disadvantage because they are not used to the upper-realm's climate.

Common Etiquette rules

It is common etiquette to call someone by their first and last name upon introduction, and then by their first name afterwards. Elders are referred to by clan and any given titles. Children are spoken to with the same courtesy as adult Eyith. Speaking too loudly to an Eyith is very rude. They are artists and magic-blooded beings and do not take well to shows of violence.

Common Dress code

The Eyith dress mostly alike, although elders may wear a few more jewels or crafted adornments than a normal Eyith male or female.

Art & Architecture

Jewelry, crafted metals, and magical items are the main export or trade of the under-realm Eyith clans. Though the production on items like this is slow, the items provide continuing protection and value for their existence beneath the realm. They have friendly relations with the dwarves and the remnants of the myconid races that still inhabit the subterranean areas of the mountains and hills. Working with the dwarves provides them an invaluable resource for things that they cannot get underneath the ground. The Eyith are also known for their peerlessly beautiful cities crafted out of the smoky marble caverns. Quartz, granite, and marble are the main material so far underground, and the River of Voices casts its glow through the latent veins in the rock; this creates a bioluminescence unlike anywhere else in the kingdom. The spires and sharp beauty of Eyith architecture cannot be found anywhere else in Anruien.

Funerary and Memorial customs

When an Eyith dies, they are decorated in any finery and jewels that they possess and a small bark is crafted to their size and shape. They are taken to the River of Voices and the bark is slipped into the magical waters, giving them back to the life force of the land underneath. After they have disappeared into the water, there is a small ceremony of remembrance held in their honor and their immediate family sits at the river's edge for one day to craft a tale that will keep their memory within the lineage. This tale is known as the Echo of Life. As well as being remembered by story, their name will be etched into a stone wall inside a cave known in their tongue as "Cavern Monument."

Common Taboos

The Eyith do not speak of their own myths or stories outside of their own clans or families. They also do not presume to provide for someone else's family besides their own. Their craft is often their life and they do not attempt to change professions because it would insult the teachers who gave them the gift of the skill.

Common Myths and Legends

The origins of the Eyith have been handed down to them through years of oral tradition and storytelling, just as the upper-realms do. They keep the secret of their origin to themselves in fear that it will make them a target for violence.

The Eyith are descended from an early king of Anruien, but if asked about this myth or legend by an upper-realm creature, they will not speak of it.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The more luminescence that an Eyith possesses, the more connected to the Source they are.

Gender Ideals

The Eyith are fluid in gender, and those who are born with stronger physical traits usually end up mining resources or craftsmanship. Everyone in this race has a skill taught to them when they are young regardless of gender expression. Every member of the clans must know a profession when they reach maturity age.