Felvithar
"May the frosted lands guide you, as it has guided us"
The Felvithar, or Snow Elves, are a humble and hardy people that call the snowy lands of northern Teldara home. They value honor, tradition, faith, and community. There faith over the centuries has become synonymous with their culture and has a major impact on their perspectives. Tradition, honor, and community are considered the foundation of the Felvithar's success and survival, aspects that have guided their people for millennia.
They adhere to a fairly strict caste system, though the rigidity of this system can vary depending on one's position and influence. The Snow Elves are generally unambitious and find purpose in the work their caste demands.
Basic Information
Genetics and Reproduction
Felvithar are usually pregnant for a year and two months.
Given the Felvithar’s more lean build, pregnancies are apparent very early; which has led to pregnancies being openly discussed and individuals are encouraged to help the mother’s family in any way they can. It is expected of expecting mothers to continue their work within their caste until the final few months. Mothers are encouraged to eat the healthiest food they can to ensure the good health of their child and they are forbidden from fighting in any capacity.
Birth itself is a sacred and joyous occasion for the Snow Elves that normally involves close family members and members of the Telok caste.
Growth Rate & Stages
Felvithar are considered young adults around the age of thirty-five, middle aged around their mid-seventies, and an elder around a hundred and fifteen.
Ecology and Habitats
Felvithar prefer and excel in colder, boreal climates. They can certainly survive in arid environments but many describe a general discomfort when in such places.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Felvithar diets primarily consist of meats, fish, berries, wines, and grain foods.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Combination of sharp and rounded features with a inverted triangular shape; slightly wider noses than that of a human; their ears point or droop downwards and are fairly diverse with some having fur and rounded, almost rabbit like, or pointed shapes; some can grow small antlers or ice-like horns
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Most can be found in the province of Norrim, located in northern Teldara. The next population centers are the various nations and city states of the Nysarian League,Valaren, and Nekova. Outside of these locations it is rare to find a Snow Elf.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Rank/Caste - Given Name - Family Name
At birth a Felvithar receives their given name and family name; depending on the newborn’s sex they will receive their caste name as well. Once a Felvithar leaves their home, around the age of twenty, and begins their official work within their caste they will receive their rank name from a higher ranking member of their caste.
Male
Kalu, Tokto, Anta, Inuksu, Inuk, Nutu, Nanoo, Ranuk, Yorimo
Female
Miku, Korra, Sulu, Ila, Lusa, Anini, Amka, Taya, Talina, Sukari,
Neutral
Aruta, Tokko, Aqtu, Yura, Ikuma, Ikaani,
Family
Ta, Suli, Nuna, Sisson, Adlotok, Sinnota, Ninutu
Beauty Ideals
Some key factors for what is considered attractive is hair, success in one’s caste, and marks of effort in one’s caste.Unkempt hair is seen as an undesirable characteristic of a snow-elf. Success in one’s caste is a desirable quality of an individual as their culture promotes a more meritocratic structure, so if one is ranked higher in their caste they have more than likely earned it through dedication and perseverance. The marks of one’s caste can refer to any number of physical marks such as scars for warriors, calluses on hands for farmers, etc.
Gender Ideals
The Felvithar are a relatively gender equal society but there are some expectations, stigmas, etc. regarding each. Both are expected to be capable within their caste and have the necessary skills to perform admirably.
Given the low reproductive rate and long gestation period, women are seen as more delicate and precious thus there are far fewer women in the warrior caste than men.
Courtship Ideals
When a Felvithar, regardless of sex, seeks the romantic attention of another they will create or perform something becoming of their caste. For example a smith may work for days to create a beautiful ring or circlet as a sign of their interest. If this gesture is declined the courtship ends there, but if it is accepted the pair will spend time with one another to assess their compatibility. This period can vary from pairing to pairing but ultimately if they both wish to further their bond the proposee must return the favor and create or perform a gift of their own. Their bond is sealed in a ceremony blessed by a member of the Tolek caste.
Except for the casteless and the Unaa, members of different castes are free to marry a member of any other. However, social stigmas have prevented many from pursuing those of a lower caste especially among the Tolek, Masteria, and Nuvua. Some parents do encourage their children to bond with a member of a higher caste, typically by arranging deals with the bondmate’s family. This desire to bond with a higher caste has led to a group known as Noble Seekers, those pursuing individuals of a higher caste in the hopes of having a child of the same sex as the bondmate, as such most Noble Seekers are women hoping to sire a higher caste son.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Most Felvithar speak both the Common Tongue, or Sarensi, and the native tongue Felar. Felar is described by non-native speakers as elegant and soft despite the striking sounds.
Common Etiquette Rules
With family and close friends Felvithar tend to be more open and aloof but Snow Elves are rarely ever crass or inappropriate. When working their focus is on just that and most of what they discuss during these periods is solely related to their profession. When talking with those outside of their social circles/other races/foreigners they are very reserved and humble, with most of their focus placed on their community and people as a whole. This reservation has led to other peoples seeing the Felvithar in a variety of ways: some believe them to be arrogant in their false humility, others think them mysterious and scheming, and others simply accept this private demeanor.
Dressing conservatively and wearing only what is necessary along with some adornments is normal and modest.
Not bragging of one’s individual achievements is quite common, it is more modest to express one’s pride in their family’s work, community achievements, and/or another’s work in their caste.
Common Dress Code
Given the colder climate of the Felvithar’s home their attire is characterized by bulkier fur/pelt coats. Lighter wear is typically worn beneath the fur coats. Women typically wear long, kimono-like tunics that extend to the knees or ankles, often with split sides for leg movement. Men's tunics are similarly fashioned but bulkier and more or less form-fitting. They are also shorter, usually extending only to the waist and rarely to the knees. These tunics can consist of multiple layers and may be long-sleeved, short-sleeved, or have no sleeves at all depending on one's current environment. Fur-trimmed leggings or breeches, which can be close-fitting or baggy in style, are worn by both men and women. The most common colors are shades of blue, white, maroon, grey, brown, and on occasion black.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
Like most Elves the Felvithar practice their own forms of ancestor worship. To the Snow Elves it is because of their ancestors that they found a new home in Norrim, endured its harsh environment, and ushered in an age of divinity. There are two major rituals performed to respect one’s ancestors. The ancient Vithar tradition of the Dance of Ancients. Those that wish to participate meet at sacred forests across Norrim to celebrate their ancestors, life, and to bless their descendants with dance, music, food, and fine wines. The second is Juno’s Fast, the week prior to a new year one or two castes fast on a certain day of that week. This ritual pays respects to the ancestors who endured difficult winters with little food and to humble the Felvithar, regardless of caste.
Common Taboos
To be wasteful is certainly looked down upon by the Felvithar, as every resource, every being, and every mortal life is important and to waste such things is seen as disrespectful.
Speaking to or worshiping any being of the Void is extremely taboo and those guilty of such face some of the harshest of punishments.
Given their more humble and community focused culture, standing far away when speaking to others is seen as rude and demeaning.
Showing skin in public is a bit more stigmatized for both men and women. To Snow Elves it is seen as a way of demanding attention in spite of their much colder climate.
To consume wolf, owl, or bear meat is forbidden as these animals are sacred to the Snow Elves.
History
Dawn Era
(This information is meta and most would not know of it in-world)
Like every Elven species of today the Felvithar are the descendants of the Vidithari, the First Children. Religious turmoil, political upheaval, and natural disasters forced the Vidithari to flee their home-island, this event is known as The Great Exodus. This exodus occurred in two waves, the first consisted of the ancient elves that would become the Snow Elves. The first wave would cross the Avarsian Sea and land on the northwestern coast of what would be Teldara. Their expansion was slow but steady as they faced the hardships of the coldlands, something they were not accustomed to. In time they would expand east, settling most of the northern regions, building small settlements free of religious persecution. Towards the end of the Dawn Era the progenitors of the Snow Elves would arise.
Dragon Era
(This information is meta and most would not know of it in-world)
After the War in the Skies, Dragons, known as the Dro’rava, and the Sarkosh would appear in the world. The Sarkosh rampaged through the eastern continent of Ankar, posing little threat to the Elves of Teldara. However the dragons would rival even the divine. Decades after the War the now matured dragons would spring from the earth and seas, destroying all that opposed. In a few years the dragons would rule the known world subjugating the mortal races with a savage hand. Fortunately for the northern Elves rebellions in other regions drew most of the dragons away from their home, allowing these Elves to prosper where others languished. In secret the Elves would plot their own revolutions but bid their time for the perfect moment to strike.
After centuries of subjugation the mortals of Iskara grew a deep hatred for their scaled masters and the world slowly built to massive upheaval. As the dragons continued to lose their grip on the world, great divine change would come. A young Anrivari boy would be blessed by the new gods and would become the first Ascendant. This god warrior, along with a growing army, would carve his way through the dragons and their followers bringing a new sense of hope. Along his journey new gods would emerge to forever change the way mortals understood their palace in the realms. Two such deities were Felwin and Artio, who took an interest in the northern Elves and would begin to guide their new followers. As more Elves flocked to their divine power they would change into the true Snow Elves, the Felvithar, and the first Ascendant of their kind would emerge. Sakari Tallu would join in the fight against the dragons with her bestowed power and would be instrumental in freeing her people. (It is believed she and Tarek Varro, the first Ascendant, would marry fostering the close relations between the Sareni and Felvithar)
Divine Age
With the defeat of the dragons and emergence of the true divines an age of unprecedented peace and prosperity would be enjoyed by those under the First Empire. Technology, Arcana, medicines, divine and mundane understanding, commerce, philosophy, and so much more would flourish in this time. But like all things, this time would come to end but none could have predicted how truly horrid the end would be.
In the final years of this Age the Empire would suffer from plagues, famines, revolts, and any number of chaotic disasters. Most grew wary, for how could such things afflict such a blessed and advanced society. These worries would fester into despair for on one fateful day scars would appear throughout the world and the demons of the Void would pour through them. Despite their power and divine gifts the mortals were no match for the hordes of the Void. Legends even speak of the gods and devils themselves manifesting upon the world to battle one another. For decades the world and its people were ravaged by the destructive forces of the Void and the Felvithar were no different. Their frigid homeland would be torn asunder as demonic creatures and gods ruptured the earth and ruined the Snow Elves great works. This suffering was only compounded by the arrival of the Avar tribes who would cut a bloody path through Felvithar territories. In time the invaders would be held at bay and the demons of the Void would be beaten back. However, the unimaginable damage had been done and what was once paradise was reduced to rubble thus bringing an end to the Age of Divinity.
Ruinous Age
In the decades following the Incursion the people of Iskara would try to rebuild as conflicts raged across the world. The remaining Ascendant fell to despair, became warlords, or fought their own kind in an attempt to protect the people they were created to protect. The Felvithar Ascendant fortunately had very few who turned their backs on their purpose and they were able to reach some sense of stability despite the violence that surrounded them. However, a massive armada of Avar would land upon the shores of Norrim and wreak havoc along the eastern regions. The sheer number of Avar raiders easily outmatched the Felvithar and only with the aid of the remaining Ascendants could they hold onto their land. Once their borders were somewhat under control, the Felvithar would be drawn into conflict with their relatives to the south. While the Snow Elves struggled with internal conflict and the invasion of the Avar, many of the Sareni and Arikiri peoples to the south were once again bound in chains but this time by the Solvithar and Lunvithar. These peoples, who have had close relationships with the Felvithar, needed the aid of their long time allies. The Snow Elves would offer what aid they could which would prove invaluable. The free Sareni and Arikiri in the northern regions of their territories, with the aid of old allies were able to free their people and truly begin to rebuild. This would conclude the Age of Ruin.
Strife Age
The Age of Strife is characterized more so by civil wars and internal conflicts but also represents the start of the world recovering from the Incursion more so than any other. For the Felvithar the greatest conflict would be between two rising faiths, the Imukan and the Aratak. The Ikuma have faith in the Divines believing that by sticking to tradition and honoring them they shall return to usher in a new age. The Aratak reject the Divines believing them to have abandoned the Snow Elves in their times of great need. War was inevitable and decades would pass before one side claimed victory. The Ikuma would best the Aratak in the Battle of Timek, solidifying the faith among most Felvithar. The Aratak that wouldn’t convert migrated south. For the Felvithar this age is also characterized by the creation of the caste system in the years following the Battle of Temek.
Guild Age
As the name suggests the Guild Age is characterized by its return to a more stable society and the formation of numerous guilds. However, no recognized guilds formed in Norrim but its government was quick to endorse those from around Iskara, especially the The Psijic Circle, the foremost guild of all things arcane. Aside from this the main focus of this age was on preventing the Avar from advancing further west.
Crown Age
The current Age of Iskara, this age is characterized by its relative peace at least for the Snow Elves. Though there is a growing movement pushing towards the Felvithar joining the Vidithari Dominion to combat the Avar and Nekovas.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Like other Elves, Felvithar can reproduce with Humans, Arikiri, and Sarkosh. It is most common for Felvithar to have bondmates with the Sareni of the Nysarian League and Valaren. Sareni from Nekova are met with more suspicion so bonds are rare. Felvithar rarely bond with the Arikiri as the Camurai tribe rarely travels north and the Kyr’tol, being Nekovan, are met with a similar suspicion of human Nekovans. While reproduction with the Sarkosh is possible, which is something that has puzzled scholars, it is extremely rare given the geographic distance and how the Sarkosh are typically aromantic and believe other races to be “lesser”.
Friendly and intimate relations with the Sareni and the League are, for the most part, accepted and in certain cases encouraged to strengthen political ties. Relationships with other Elven kind is a bit stigmatized and rarely organized in attempts to mend relations.
Relations with Avar are immediately met with worry and disdain, even if an Avar proves themselves to their partner’s immediate social circle they will face constant harassment of varying degrees.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
150 years
Average Height
Male: 5"10'
Female: 5"8'
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
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