Elves

The first of the Kanoia to be blessed with Essence, the Ss’avos (or Elves in the Common tongue), are made in the physical image of the Qalani. Deft and passionate they roam in semi-nomadic communities traveling to and from the ruined cities and temples of the Qalani to learn their secrets, and to earn the mantle to be the most loved of the Empyrean.

At first glance the Sleet Elves, Soot Elves, & Buried Elves are completely different peoples. However, upon a short study of their respective cultures, they have many similarities despite extremely different living conditions.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

To the Elves, there is no higher calling that that to your tribe and people. It is the collective desire of the Elves to become the Chosen people's of the Empyrean, and the attempt to meet this goal is a large portion of what drives them.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Male:

Female:

Both: To Elves, the focal point of their beauty is their hair. Long flowing braids are typically the most popular due to their practicality while still allowing the Elf to showcase intricate braids. More elaborate hairstyles interwoven with decorative trinkets are also worn but rarely, and the trinkets usually serve some practical purpose.

Gender Ideals

Male: Elven culture is dominated by the males.

Female: Women do still enjoy some freedoms that their contempories (i.e. Duzanteer Dwarves) do not.

Both:

Courtship Ideals

Male: The men of Elven culture court females by engaging in Deeds of Eminence with their brothers. These are done in attempts to prove the strength of the amount of Essence in their kin, and what they will pass on to sired children. It is the cultural standard for two if not more brothers to agree to work together in a joint effort to win the union of one female partner.

Female: Women have the option to turn down any or all suitors if they are not to her liking. Doing this is usually frowned upon, due to the harsh conditions and how often tribes of Elves will run low on members. That being said, a women Elf who is believed to be of high Essence will often wait years if not decades before finding partners worthy of her, even so far as to leave her tribe of birth, and even once leaving her the Elves of her birth tribe.

Relationship Ideals

Male: Once the courtship phase is over, the males who convinced the female of their worth as mates consummate the union. Often together or in quick secession. The men are expected to provide their partner with whatever their heart may desire, any less is considered a failing on their part not just to her, but to the community.

Female: Women have full access to all of her partners, although their may be a hierarchy among the males. This includes anything from reproduction to the request of more Deeds of Eminence. While men are considered to be the "leaders" of the tribes, the women wield a considerable domestic influence, even the power to push for war.

Both: The most important aspect of these unions, is to provide numbers for the tribe and hopefully heroes and Icons. Whatever they believe it will take to become the favored of the Ether, and take up the mantle of the Qalani.