Elvin species

Elves are the most prominent species of this world, residing in every continent. Since there are so many elves and so many sub cultures, traditions do vary but these are the most prominent. Also as we are centered on Elbus, most of these customs apply to there.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Traditional feminine names of the elves are lengthy with many syllables and constitutes. They may have meaning, or simply an old family name. One reason feminine names are so long is it that it has always been a custom to combine names of ancestors. Ex. Abbiraserenelle, Abbira-serenelle. Another custom is simply giving your child the defect name of an ancestor. There is no rhyme or reason to this, simply just weather you want to honor many or one specific of the dead.

Masculine names

Masculine elvin names are short and elegant, commanding power and grace. These names are more often derived from helrthspeek.

Unisex names

Since their are many ways to name your child, family name, combo family name, unique, old word, or just picking your own, there are many unisex names. These names can follow any mixture of naming customs.

Family names

Elvin family name’s are all derived from the now dead native language of the elves “helrthspeek” (hurl-th-speak) often names are similar to the original names of the corresponding native flora and fauna or just straight to the point. Such as the Caltle royal family of Eodir. Caltle means great-shore, The royal Caltle’s reside on large cliffs over looking the ocean. As well as Eodir being a coastal country.  The Rounwood’s got their name by having one of the most prominent roads to the glen forest. This name has been altered from Helrthspeek to English, original being runewvood meaning remaining the same.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The common tongue is English but the now dead helrthspeek is the sacred dialect of elves. Often places,people, animals, plants and even country’s are named in this dead language. If one is to speak It they are considered of high intellect and wisdom.

Common Dress code

The elves dress ranges depending on region, however in Elbus, feminine dress includes: long flowing, often wide, skirts and gauzy fabrics are common, waistlines slightly above natural, wide necklines  hair worn loosely, commonly with eccentric twists and braids. Practical yet formal boots are worn by most, if not these then flat slipper like silk shoes or sandals. Wool caplets and cloaks are often worn to cover the exposed shoulders. For masculine style: gauzy undershirts and elaborately embroidered waistcoats, paired with simple trousers. And as for most, practical tall boots. Long coats and cloaks are also popular. Bright bold colors are commonly seen but softer colors are not unheard of. contrasting colors is the height of fashion. Mid 18th century menswear, regency and civil war era gowns  can be seen as inspiration.

Art & Architecture

Art is respected but not necessary in the daily elvin life. In some places it is more valued but in Elbus it is just a pastime for most. For those who do make it their profession they are highly skilled. Architecture is that commonly seen in Victorian mansions.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

A prominent custom in Elbus is that of the earnings. No one but royalty has pierced ears, two piercings for the heir and one for siblings. If you Mary in to the family you do not get a piercing but you get a gold cuff.this makes it so that you can easily identify the leaders and you know the proper etiquette to use.

Coming of Age Rites

In Elbus there is a very distinct coming of age ceremony, all male elves when they come of age must journey into the glen to slay an ogre and bring back its head. Although brutal and violent it proves that he is ready to put these acts of unthinkability behind him, and choosing intelligence.It also prepares them for the fact that the worst is over and any future strife will be lesser. Whilst it seems backwards and horrid it is simply the tradition. Whilst easier the task that the  young females of the community must endure is still a challenge. She must take a vigorous and lengthy “test”. The test is on all things political and strategic. She must know by heart geography and the history of all dealings with other countries and the current political events and then suggest her ideas for best handling it.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Elvin beauty is very broad, everyone looks quite different all sharing just pointy ears that vary in size. One can have any eye,skin or hair color and any texture. In most  elvin country’s they have other sentient beings, such as nymphs and ogres. In Elbus (and such locations where ogres dwell) the warmer the skin tone the more attractive because the less ogrish you appear. In Eodir (and most places)  nymphs are valued as the highest of species, because of this nymphs are the height of beauty. In Eodir especially nymph’s still breed with elves although rarely and selectively, because of this Eodirians are considered the most beautiful elves. Standard ideals include: tall pointy ears, green tipped ears, warm skin undertones, green or similarly striking eyes, flowing luscious hair.

Gender Ideals

Both genders have their value which is equal yet different with many overlapping duties. All are expected to act with manners and poise at all times. Graciousness is valued. To be polite yet cunning and strategic is more traditionally the feminine task, a woman is expected to handle all the planning and intellectual pursuits. A man is more commonly the one handle social charm and deal making with instruction from females. He is expected to carry out all physically strenuous tasks. A woman should be inquisitive and wise, she should notice and observe. A man should chat and be social and exuberant and isn’t expected to have interest in politics.

Courtship Ideals

The proper elvin courtship method is to be civil and polite with the one you are pinning for. Gentlemen and women get results. If your courting is a success you should ask each others parents for their blessing. Another common route is what you might call “arranged marriages” it’s not strict or a rigid system though, two family’s, often high society, make a deal to have their children get to know each other and try to make it work. If it doesn’t, no problem, they tried. If it does, fantastic! A strategic win. As with most matters, the individuals are advised to really deeply think about decisions. Does this benefit all involved? Increase status....perhaps.

Parent ethnicities

• Nymphs and ventii