Eladrin Elf Ethnicity in Edda | World Anvil
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Eladrin Elf

Elves across Edda come in various types and sub-types, owing to the versatility of their origin; plant-life turned mortals following the Second Cataclysm. One of the most unique types of Elves however is the caste of Eladrin Elves. Due to a high aptitude for Mana in their nature, Eladrin Elves are capable of stronger and more potent magic than their other kin, and inherently have a strong connection to the beings of The Feywild who can be seen as their magical ancestors.   In modern Edda society, Eladrin Elves are the second most politically prominent type, after the dominant High Elf class. Their strength and connection to the fey give an air of strength and dignity to them, but many High Elves look down on them as symbols of an inefficient and undignified past, almost as much as their similarly nature-attuned Wood Elf relatives.  
Additionally, with modern sciences and magical studies, many people wonder if Eladrin Elves really have fae ancestry, given that they allegedly come from nature like all elves rather than the Feywild. But, as far as modern analysis can understand, there are uniquely similar threads of mana within Eladrin Elves and creatures of the Feywild. Some theorize that there are two types of Eladrin, some that come from Fey magic and some that come from nature like other elves, that are otherwise indistinct from one another, save for the mana within themselves.

Naming Traditions

Family names

Eladrin Elf names follow the Sylvan naming structures [Real Life Equivalent: European Portuguese], although many Eladrin Elves have unique names and monikers similar to the Virtue names of Tieflings, with many Eladrins choosing their own names as they reach maturity and adulthood. This is usually reserved for first names, and family names traditionally stay the same.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

Eladrin Elves value that which is untarnished most of all. Spotless homes, creaseless clothes, untampered wilderness, geometrically perfect spells, etcetera. This particular quirk seems to originate from the supposed Fey ancestry they share or at least the specific devotion they feel towards it. Socially, Eladrin also value positivity, seeing it as the constant ideal state of being, for better or for worse.

Common Etiquette rules

Eladrin rarely ever talk about feelings directly, especially negative ones. So much of the original Sylvan is based around evasive discussion, and it can turn into repression of emotions rapidly. This is becoming less of an issue with the modern generation, who have been able to imbibe other cultures ideals of discussion, especially the sometimes-blunt Orc ideal of pure honesty, but among the more traditionally minded Eladrin, it can take upwards of an hour to discuss that they weren't a fan of the tie you picked out for your outfit.

Art & Architecture

The majority of Eladrin Art, especially those considered classic masterpieces, are dependant on symmetry and geometric shapes and styles, attaining an ideal of numerical perfection in the form of art. This symmetrical style of creation flows into their architectural preferences as well, with larger Eladrin homes having at least 2 of each room, or at least 2 of each style of room, in order to maintain an idea of balance.

Historical figures

The current Queen of Hippolyta, Queen Festivia Wistermire, is an Eladrin Elf, and has assisted in the Eladrin becoming more prominent political figureheads throughout her reign, beating down her oft-preferred High Elves in several fields, although they still run much of the government.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Eladrin Elves are historically nigh-obsessed with beauty. While it's less restrictive than the High Elven courtly fashion ideal, it's less free-for-all than the Tiefling aesthetic ideal. These ideals, much like many aspects of Eladrin culture, are entirely unisex, and they won't turn their noses up at seeing an AMAB Eladrin decked out in pounds of makeup and flowing gowns, nor will they towards AFAB Eladrin going simple and wearing striking masculine suits and armor wear. As long as they are beautiful, that is the goal.

Gender Ideals

There aren't many gendered ideals among the Eladrin. They follow Elven trends as what might mark an object as masculine (Sturdy, dependable, lots of edges) or feminine (Delicate, attractive, more curves) but they don't limit themselves based on birth gender. This extends to the point where the Sylvan words that would translate to Patriarch or Matriarch in common are not gender dependant in their own culture. Instead, the individual considered a Patriarch is the one who goes outside the family/house to provide, while the Matriarch is the one who remains inside the family/house to provide.

Courtship Ideals

Traditionally when an Eladrin relationship would begin to form, the involved parties would each create a special token of their affection for the intended partners in order to declare their interest, in which there are many courtly passive-aggressive ways one could accept to show agreeance or denial in various shades. One such example is if presented with a ring, wearing it on your left hand is a sign of platonic reciprocation, right is romantic reciprocation, and wearing the ring with the 'face' downward is a stern denial. In the modern-day, only courtly involved Eladrin maintain these traditions, as the more common class of Eladrin have modernized their courtship ideals, but Gift Giving is still a common love language among them.
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