Forest Elven

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Breldreth, Disthia, Eraaen, Donlthir, Faralin, Nimrgnan, Anrilphaneth, Huurhien, Allen, Naarelin

Masculine names

Araonor, Daendor, Eloan, Eradthil, Englalos, Berelas, Anolalos, Eridndil, Derhaur, Findendor

Family names

A forest elf's last name will be that of their tribe. The most famous tribes are Duskwood, Timberdale, Sagelock, Lichenstone, and Willowroot

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

Honor is highly valued by the forest elves. To lose a battle is not dishonorable but it is how one deals with the loss that decides whether honor has been lost. It considered of the utmost importance to know one's place in society. This applies not only to the jobs one must do or how one must live their life but also to how their battle prowess compares to their peers. If one too highly values their own abilities and challenges someone far beyond their station it is seen as shameful for them and their family. To gain face and honor a forest elf must not only know how t fight and beat their opponent but they must also know who to challenge.
The warrior caste of forest elves are all ranked within each village. While the strongest among the village does not necessarily lead the tribe, they are still very influential. One's rank is decided by their combat prowess. those skilled in combat have a higher rank. Unlike the other castes in this society their is path for improving one's station. To raise a rank you must beat someone who is a higher rank than you. If you win then you take their place. This must be done as a formal duel between the two combatants. In addition to keeping track of ranks within the tribe their is also a loose rank given out to show who is the strongest among all of the forest elven tribes. These do not change very often. This is merely because most forest elven tribes are very far apart and so the formal duels between village champions takes time to set up.

Average technological level

The forest elves have attained a masterful weapon smithing culture. Their bows and blades are considered among the best in the world.

Common Dress code

Forest elves prefer to wear natural clothing. cloths and leathers are more common to find than metals and mails. In addition the warrior caste is required to wear a mask when outside f their abode. These masks mark their rank within the village. In general the simpler the mask the lower the station.

Art & Architecture

Forest elves make their homes within the woods. The either build their houses within the trees or under the earth in small dugouts. Their homes have a sense of semi-permanence as most of their buildings are very easy to build or take down.

Coming of Age Rites

In the warrior caste for forest elves a long held tradition is that of the Selandra Vor or first duel. This marks the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood. This takes place on the elf's 20th birthday. For this duel they are faced off against another elf from either the same village or a nearby one who is also going through the coming of age ceremony. This will be the only duel chosen for them. After this they will be considered adults and must declare their own duels. If they win their first duel they are considered an adult and part of the warrior caste. The loser in the duel must return to training and take part in the ceremony the following year. They will repeat this process until they are able to win a duel. Most elves take only two attempts at the ceremony before they are able to win their duel. Some elves bring shame upon their family and must attempt the trial three or even four times. If an elf has not won a duel by their fourth try they almost always give up and live the rest of their lives in shame.
Their initial rank will always be lower than anyone else in the village at the start. I

Common Taboos

It is considered a formal challenge to stare at a member of the warrior caste. Thus unless you would like to duel a forest elf it is considered a bad idea to look for too long into their masks. As the lower castes are not allowed to duel or even fight, members of the lower castes have adopted the custom of only looking at a warriors feet for fear of meeting the "eyes" of the warrior.