Principality of the Singing Wood
The Singing Wood is a Grand Principality of the Stalic Empire. It was an independent monarchy until about fifty years ago, when Prince Jahan Sattari of the Stalic Empire wed the current reigning Queen, Shahnaz.
Compared to other areas in the Empire, the Singing Wood is rather outdated; styles, technologies and cultural practices have not changed much over the centuries, since the elves who live there are so long-lived.
History
The Singing Wood as a geopolitical entity was founded around four thousand years ago (before the formation of the Stalic Empire), when an ancestor of the ruling family, Azar, made a blood pact with Anzû, a spirit of wind. Through their pact, Anzû became an Archfey and Azar a queen. Those who submitted to Anzû and Azar's leadership were able to live peacefully in the dangerous forest, protected from outside perils.Structure
Government
The Singing Wood is a Grand Principality; the Grand Princess Shahnaz rules from the Singing Wood itself, though frequently travels to Ivargrad for matters of state.Demographics
The Singing Wood is populated primarily by Wood Elves who consider themselves close to their Eladrin origins in the Feywild. Many of their customs, while more suited to sensibilities on the Material Plane, are thus influenced by this bond. There is a smaller, though still significant population of High Elves, and a minority of Half-Elves that live there as well. Any other demographic living there is too small to be statistically relevant.Culture
Religion & Superstition
While Anzû is not technically a god, the elves of the Singing Wood worship them as the Warden of the Sacred Grove and the protector of the forest. The spirits and beasts of the forest also pay tribute to Anzû, though there are of course those who think themselves superior. Anzû does not usually deign to preside over the interpersonal matters of the fey living under their protection unless the matter is of unusual importance. All children in the Singing Wood are warned from an early age about dealing with the fey. Though it is unlikely for anyone to come into contact with a high-ranking fey in Anzû’s realm, it is possible, especially if an elf accidentally passes into the Feywild. Children are given and expected to wear tokens bearing eyes to ward off bad luck until they reach a certain age. The eyes symbolize Anzû’s gaze watching over them. These tokens are kept into adulthood, when they are used by elves traveling out of the Singing Wood. The belief is that wherever a token is present, Anzû’s eyes can see, and thus their influence can reach.Diet
Bird meat is not eaten under any circumstances in the Singing Wood, and to do so is considered taboo. In general, to eat any meat that comes from the forest is considered inviting bad luck, as one doesn’t know whether the creature slain was a fey spirit or not. Imported meat does not have this same connotation, and thus can be enjoyed. Most of the food eaten in the Singing Wood is made up of berries and other fruits, nuts, greens and other vegetables, herbs, and fish.Fashion and Beauty
Feathers are highly regarded personal decorations, but may only be taken once they have fallen off birds naturally. Feathers of powerful and beautiful birds are especially prized, but all feathers have worth. Long, flowing garments and hair that can get caught in the wind are considered beautiful, as are pleasant scents which carry.Relationships and Sexuality
Being exclusively attracted to one gender is seen as strange, as it precludes you from appreciating the beauty of many. Having a preference is common, but insisting that you only find one group of people attractive is likely to get you ridiculed. Strict monogamy is also not that common. Due to their long life spans, it is common for the elves of the Singing Wood to marry multiple times in their life, sometimes to new people every time, sometimes to the same few people. Few elves stay with one partner their whole life, but those that do are treated with respect. Some elves never settle down, which is about as common as staying with one person forever, and treated with the same respect. That being said, the customs governing the relationships of the monarchy are slightly different. The monarchy of the Singing Wood is very old and is based on a blood pact with Anzû. Because of this, the continuation of the royal line is important, and thus monogamy is expected from the royal family, if only to prevent conflict over inheritance. This makes choosing a proper match of utmost importance.Festivals
The majority of festivals and celebrations in the Singing Wood revolve around the changing of the seasons. Most holidays have a daytime and nighttime component.Suhamma
Avan
Type
Geopolitical, Principality
Leader Title
Head of State
Location
Colonial Principality
The Singing Wood has become a colonial principality of the Stalic Empire through the noble marriage of Prince Jahan Sattari to Queen Shahnaz of the Singing Wood .