Eluae

The prospect of traveling as far as Vidalia for an item like that... It was a daunting thought, but exciting as well. Having grown up away from Sum Origin, she'd already been exposed to more than just the world she was meant to see. The thought of traveling again just made her giddy. But it was no easy task. "Are you sure it's only found there? I.. I'm not sure something like that would be so uncommon!" Ellie's form slumped back into a woven wicker chair while she watched the older woman work. "It's not uncommon, but worrywart grown in Vidalia has a special mineral found in the earth." She felt her ears tingle. Vidalia. Every time her oracle said it she became more and more excited. "Oh.. So you don't need the plant..." "I need the mineral." Ellie nodded in response and stood up from her chair, but with some difficulty. Why did they have to be so comfortable. "Okay. I'll go... I'll do it." Her oracle seemed almost surprised. "Wait. Really?" "Yes..! Yes. I think. I want to, but it's terrifying." And she thought for a while that she enjoyed being scared. "I want to go." The older woman paced around the open slate floor and halted at the room's vague borders. "Okay. You will need supplies." Her face was stern but questioning. She never expected Ellie to agree, and was fully ready to continue without the supplies she needed. "I think Orson can help you prepare. You don't know how to fight." Ellie disagreed. "I do..! I do know.."

Basic Information

Anatomy

Eluae are humanoid, but are much more similar to half elves or drow than humans. They have downward pointing ears with thin ribbons of transparent flesh that glow when they are excited or happy. They only glow white or a very light blue. The range of color is very small. The same ribbon runs along the entirety of a long, heavy tail. They do not have fur. Tails are sometimes tipped with rough, scratchy chitinous feathers. They are used entirely for balance, and although they are long enough to coil on the ground, they tense and rise a few inches above the forest floors when running. Hanging from tails is painful. Globules of that transparent flesh can be found around joints, or sometimes in freckles. It makes it difficult to hide at night, but Elvask's wildlife glows with the same color during the night time, which offers tolerable ambiguity.

Genetics and Reproduction

Eluae reproduce in the same way humans do. Sexual culture is very open however, and incest is common. Eluae typically only bear children very late in their life, since they do not have a set life-span and die only when killed. They very rarely become ill.

Ecology and Habitats

Eluae live EXCLUSIVELY in Elvask. Two main clans in Sum Origin and near Palco make up the majority population (roughly 15 thousand), but another five thousand or so live outside those areas, but still within Elvask. They are not prone to travel, and consider leaving home a daunting, terrifying task (like hobbits!).

Dietary Needs and Habits

Eluae are almost entirely vegetarian, but hunting is practiced to obtain furs and pelts, and so as a result the meat also needs to be used. Many Eluae sell meats to denizens in the area, since they do not have many uses for it. This helps local denizens sustain healthy lifestyles as well. They also eat very little. Eluae can be sustained on a handful of roots and berries in a day, but are able to eat much more. Their bodies are highly efficient, and very well in tune with their environment.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Eluae have sweet faces with softly rounded chins and mild cheek bones. Their noses are small, eyes too, and they tend to be thought of as rather cute. They dislike being categorized as pet-like however, and sometimes take it as an insult. Unlike humans or giants, grey, pale blue, or dark orchre hair colors are found naturally. They also have the technology to dye their hair to even stranger colors, and do so fairly often.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Eluae live only in Palco, Sum Origin, and in small numbers within other regions of Elvask.

Average Intelligence

Eluae are of average intelligence. Their skill lies in crafting, similar to Denizens, and strive to build beautiful, functional things.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Eluae have very, very strong senses of sight, smell, and hearing. In a lot of ways they are considered feral or animalistic, and as a result have heightened senses -- even moreso than denizens. They also have a higher gamut of visible light than most species, and can see a small bit into infrared and ultraviolet spectrums. They are also very skilled at seeing in the dark.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Eluae rely on Denizens heavily for protection, but also supply them great deals of food in return. They have a strong, history-long relationship, and consider each other very very close.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Eluae stick to one given name at birth, which tends to be short and easy to remember. Denizens tend to refer to them by their first name, followed by the clan or area they hail from. Like in Mass Effect, Tali'zorah Vas Normandy. This is quite similar to how giants are named. Occasionally, they will name themselves according to Denizen's naming schemes, out of respect.

Major Organizations

The two largest clans are considered an informal type of government. These are Sum Origin, and Palco. Palco specifically houses Denizens as well, and is infamous for sending small guerrilla groups out to attack slavers traveling along Elvask's border to discourage them from entering.

Beauty Ideals

Eluae consider the natural body very beautiful, and do not wear much clothing as a result. Long linens are common clothing items, because they are versatile, comfortable, and very easy to shed. Eluae also consider their wine-stain birthmarks to be very beautiful as well, especially if they crop up around the tummy, groin, or thighs.

Gender Ideals

Eluae have a sexual binary, but present in a spectrum of different ways. Transgender individuals are incredibly common, but the culture helps these people battle bodily dysphoria and generally promotes that all bodies are beautiful. There is quite a lot of freedom of expression. Child rearing is done as a community, not by parents necessarily. Both men and woman learn the same practices, and are treated very much the same. Male Eluae generally are a tad stronger and taller than females. Females are thought to be better with their hands, though, when doing very fine, artistic work.

Courtship Ideals

Eluae do weddings similarly to Denizens, but before their existence had no culture revolving around marriage. Eluae are not especially monogamous, and tend to have children with multiple spouses. Again, children are raised by the community moreso than parents specifically.

Average Technological Level

Eluae are very primitive, and operate at a basic stone age level of tech. Despite this, they are skilled and artistic architects, who use primarily stone and reductive methods of sculpting/quarrying to make their buildings.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Eluae have their own dialect, but all are fluent in Arcadian Standard (or Common Tongue). Some adopt human languages later in life, but not often.

Common Etiquette Rules

Eluae and Denizens share a lot of polite gestures, such as bringing food when visiting another's home. The region's culture also promotes asking to help with chores during your free time as a polite gesture. Elvask is home to many strong communities.

Common Dress Code

Clothes? Eh. Optional.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Eluae are without any doubt the oldest race on the moon. Even Giants recognize them as archaic and almost mythological. They were there for the birth of every sapient race, for every war, famine, conflict, queen, and senator the moon has had. They consider themselves to be of the earth, and not of a god or creator. They deeply revere the world they occupy. This is largely inspiration for Denizen's ecocentrist philosophy.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Eluae have more holidays than any race on the moon combined. They celebrate everything. Love, life, death, new seasons, the ends of seasons, the passing of time and new friendships. During these times entire clans join together for massive meals. They are a beautiful spectacle as well, with massive, bewildering decor and oceans of food. Denizens are often invited to join them.

Common Myths and Legends

They are the myth. Many who live outside of Elvask (of all races) consider them mythological, and are not even sure of their existence. Palco and Sum Origin are very well hidden. Even moreso post-cataclysm, due to Giants discovering Origin's location and taking many, many hundreds of Eluae as slaves.

Scientific Name

Inca Lutum Cauda

Lifespan

Immortal unless killed by weapon.

Average Height

3ft 8in. As short as 3ft and as tall as 4ft 6in.

Average Weight

50-75 lbs.

Average Physique

Most Eluae are small and petite, letting them climb easily and run even easier. They participate in athletics for fun, which also keeps them in very good shape. Obesity is incredibly rare, but malnutrition is not. Despite being fit and healthy, Eluae do not tend to be especially strong. Their meat is very tender, though, and are often made into food for giants.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Eluae have warm and cold colored skin, depending on the person. Cold colored skin is typically a very light blue, and is not heavily saturated. Warmer skin tones are more common. All Eluae develop wine-stain birth marks that are colored a deep, bruised purple. These marks are entirely unique and are used much like a signature. They are incredibly useful for recognizing different people. The marks are most common in areas where skin is more sensitive, such as thighs, calves, chests, bellies and necks. They occur on faces, but not incredibly often.