Aswean Elves

Of all elven cultures, that of the Aswean people in the eastern jungles is perhaps the most disparate. Aswea was the last elven nation to fall to the empire, and its people mounted fierce resistance. Even today the empire is only able to maintain a strong foothold in lowland border regions and a nominal claim to the territory. The Aswean people certainly do not consider themselves part of the empire, but rather suffering foreign occupation. And there are groups among them who are still fighting back. What allows this continued resistance are the thick rain forests and steep mountains that make up most of the region. The empire's troops find it difficult to move through the jungle, and harder still to establish camps or forts amidst the trees. The Asweans, however, have lived in this environment for millennia and have long since learned to work in harmony with it.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The Aswean language comes from the same parent language as all elven dialects, but as with the rest of Aswean culture it has strayed farther than the rest. Academics may argue whether or not Aswean is itself a language or merely a dialect of the more common elven tongue. With the growing influence of the Empire, and the active oppression of disparate elven cultures, Aswean is a dying tongue. The language is banned in areas under Empire control and therefore spoken freely only in the deep jungles and among members of the rebellion.

Culture and cultural heritage

Traditionally, Aswea does not worship any of the elven gods. Rather, they ascribe to a form of animism. They believe that plants are just as alive and aware as animals and people, but cannot communicate in a way that most can understand. But some can learn to understand what the Aswean's call "Aostresoshi", the language of nature. Aostresoshi is not a spoken or written language, rather it is a poetic description of what others might consider a green thumb or an understanding of husbandry. Those who know the language do not literally speak with plants or animals. The Aswean people do not take from the forest more than is needed to survive. Whenever possible, they prefer to use materials that are naturally discarded - fallen fruits, dead wood, et cetera. Anything taken from a living being is done with great respect and care.

Common Dress code

Aswea enjoys a much wetter and more humid climate than the elven lands further west. Because of this, its people have not taken to the many-layered clothing styles favored by the rest of the empire. Traditional fashions consist of lightweight garments of loose-woven material that allow for breathability and ease of movement. Embellishments on these garments often reflect the Aswean connection to nature, with embroidery that mimics the shape of plants and accessories accented by feathers and dried flowers or leaves.

Art & Architecture

Asweans will build with stone or dirt when needed, but most of their structures are made by interweaving the branches, roots and vines of living plants. Fashioning these structures is a skill that mixes architecture, horticulture, and artistry, and construction can take years or decades. So it's no surprise that the masters of this art are highly revered and respected.

Encompassed species