Elf
The Ideal Species
Elves are one of the Old Bloods and proclaim themselves to be the first species to walk the Strivus (Roots). They are referred to as Privakoth by some of the more traditional peoples, meaning "The Ideal Species". This is widely accepted as Elves are considered to be superior to other races universally due to their unrivaled versatility and uncontained excellence across nearly all categories. They live lengthy lives, upwards of 869 years (or (~)2,000 in modern years) though averaging closer to 345. They are magical in nature and thus have simpler affinities with magecraft, a sign of high authority or importance in almost all cultures. Elves are beautiful and surreally in control of their own physical development, driving envy from other species. They are fast learners and unparalleled craftsmen. Above all, the elves have the most financial, military, and political power after countless large-scale victories including their legendary battles which drove Dwarvenkind into exile. Within their own territories, they are the only race that is not subject to racism. Most places will treat them with respect despite that they are natural enemies out of a place of fear, though Elves have trouble in foreign affairs and carry a heavy stigma. Prejudice against peaceful Elves is bothersome as kinder or isolated circles of Elves are powerless, and other races still believe them to be tyrannical. The elves were once allies of all as they worked in high positions of courtship and education and worked as some of Fahiamel's finest craftsmen. Their status as warmongers was adopted by the public after Hivelköpper. To maintain positive relations with Aljana and its forces, most capitals and smaller cities cooperate and allow Aljana's authorities to hold important posts within their territory. For this reason, Elves are often associated with royalty and status and are the most common race among the wealthy or powerful. Strangely, the nature of an elf can be sensed by most animals. Most animals will attack or scowl at Elves with cruel intent, and befriend the pure of heart. The reason behind this is unknown but likely connected to their long lineages and evolution alongside the animals, and their Fey status. This is one of the few facts of Elves that is widespread, and beastmaster elves are considered honorary in all places as they are inherently kind or good-natured. This strange phenomenon is referred to as the Purescent Test and is sometimes enforced on Elves before they are allowed to enter establishments or territories. It is considered an act of good faith to submit to this test, and denial of such is accepted means to deny entry. Pureblood elves are typically proud of their heritage and elitist in nature and display their rank and position among the Elvish capital through ornament pins attached to collars or sleeves. Some wear them on other articles like their belt or gloves, or even as earrings and piercings. The Elvish hierarchy is similar to the British royal family, except that bloodline has no impact on your position. Instead, it is notoriety and connections and includes many smaller positions that oversee smaller groups or circles. These special positions are entitled "Minister". As an example, the Minister of Trade Regulation is in charge of the authorities who oversee trade and commerce within Aljana. Another smaller but prestigious position is Representatives, which is an Elf tasked with traveling and representing the interests of Aljana by building connections and alliances. They essentially represent the Grand Craftsman's will, which makes them an immensely influential role. The word "Grand" before a title in Elvish culture means that their name is sacred, and disrespecting it is heresy. The title of Aljana's King is decided by the king and approved by certain councilmen, but always includes "the Grand" as they are the face of Aljana and the vast majority of Elvish people.Dignified
The elvish hold a keen set of values, many of which cannot be controlled. While the peaceful subraces within isolated territories typically follow V'rechive and his core teaching "It matters not what one does in death, but what one does in life," the majority follow an Elvish Goddess Fache who rose to supreme being after single-handedly defeating two Lizardfolk Tribe-bearers and forty Tribe-kin protecting their last temple to Uiev. The Elves hold a great deal of religious power and prosecute those who share beliefs that do not align with their own. This reclamation was a major turning point as this temple was originally built for V'rechive before the Lizardfolk tribes slaughtered a defenseless and pacifist people, all monks and saints of their deity. This reason among strong religious organizations and knighthood created a standard of religious purity, and the depth of an elf's belief helps to engrave them into high social standings. This means wearing Fache's emblem, referencing them in good taste for their honor, praying for their guidance during accidents or moments of confusion, and thanking them for their aid when something has been achieved. Other standards are fast learning and fashionable appearances. Ingenuity and leadership are attractive traits among their people, and those who carry themselves with grace are treated with respect. Ambassadors such as their Representatives who hold embassies are considered among the noblest, though the profession is relatively recent and has had little to no success. Most embassies are raided as the result of racial tension and unanswered grievances, and Elvish Ambassadors representing an enemy Capital (Aljana) rarely see respect among foreign courts. Their pleads and bargains are not heard, and the lack of appreciation for their post can give rise to fits of anger or resignment, often leading to smaller aggressive Elvish factions near places of diplomacy. This position was given the nickname 'Rut Boss', and is viewed as honorable but not prestigious by other Elves who are uninvolved. Once an ambassador acts outside of the Grand Craftsman's will, he loses his post. This is common and viewed as respectful since Representatives are encouraged to admit when they are no longer fulfilling their duties. Rut Bosses are typically local and rarely begin to build empires, once they are defeated or they attain vengeance they are disbanded. Old emblems of Rut families can be found in decrepit states in the wilderness, and nobles related to these families will pay to have the crests returned. The defeat of their families is shameful, and the fallen crests serve as an advertisement for their failure. In select cases, information regarding the defeat of prestigious families has been withheld as blackmail.Low-Bearers
The Low-bearers are commonly found with elves of any importance or nobility, especially in Elven territories. This position is simple in concept but has led to many unusual stories where low-class peons and peasants inherit positions at the head of important, connected families. The position is similar to slavery, an elf will buy a child from someone who cannot afford to raise their child in the low classes and claim them as a member of their family, but a low-born. The low-bearers act as assistants, maids, cooks, sewers, and whatever else the masters of the house instruct or train them to do. They are typically kept around to do more gruesome work, and it is believed in the higher class that touching waste or cleaning is the job of the low-bearers, and refuse to stain themselves with products or jobs of the lower class. Elves who take in Low-bearers are typically not in ownership, as while they are the low-born's master, all low-bearers ultimately belong to the head of the house. House leaders who see promise in a low-bearer often select them as middle-bearers, or low-borns who have earned the right to assist the head. Eccentric circumstances sometimes lead to the two bonding, or the low-bearer slaying them in order to seize control.
Scientific Name
Elvi Similis Humanoid
Origin/Ancestry
Fahiamen
Geographic Distribution
Related Myths
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