Silliuns
Ioustos watched in fascination as long lines of men and women worked under the heavy burden of the sun's heat. They wore simple cotton wrappings and plain sandals while they heaved their huge stone burdens across long wooden slats, embedded in the scorching hot sand. Ioustos turned, glancing at the beautiful Silliun elf at his side before returning his attention back to the masses who pressed onwards, struggling ever closer to the massive pyramid being erected in the distance.
"And you say that all of these men and women work for you free of charge?" Ioustos asked for what seemed the hundredth time.
Anku, the Silliun woman, didn't even deign to look at him. "Yes. They seek the blessings that our gods offer and that which is only attainable through the Silliun's blessed lineage."
Ioustos frowned, taking in the woman's youthful appearance once more. Could these Elves truly be as old as they claimed? And all this said to be a blessing of their great gods? He turned, taking in the indentured workers, toiling under the sun and threat of death for a chance at eternal life. It was madness, but still, if the reward was real then surely the toil would be worth it. Back home, in Korinthos, he had been branded a heretic and rebel by his own mother. Certainly, should he toil here and attain greatness, he could return and reclaim what was his by right.
Ioustos began to remove his armor, sliding the linked metal over his head before depositing it on the wooden palanquin at his side. He removed his undershirt and weapons next before donning the simple cotton wrappings and sandals of the other workers. He turned to Anku, who now studied him with a critical eye.
"Where am I to begin my labors?" He asked confidently.
Anku smirked slightly at him and nodded to one of the members of her retinue. "Take the princeling to Mehhur. See that he is properly informed of who his new worker is."
Ioustos bowed to Anku once, before following the servant out from beneath the shaded awning and into the sun's cruel gaze.
Anku watched him go for several moments before turning to her manservant, Khem. "See that the princeling does not fail. He may be useful someday for our cause."
Khem bowed himself at the waist before striding off after Ioustos. Anku's smile broadened. The princeling would serve the Rising and Setting suns very well. Ra-S-Ankh would be very pleased to learn of their good fortune this day.
Naming Traditions
Family names
The Elves of Silus are heavily influenced by Egyptian culture and ideas. As such, their names and surnames are typically Egyptian.
Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
The Silians are frequently observed and credited with incredible talent and skill for magic. This skill that they've obtained is one of the many reasons that they are frequently both feared and respected by their neighboring nations. It is for this reason that the most talented and skilled users of magic are placed in positions of authority if they are willing to submit themselves to their gods. Those who refuse to take up the cloth of the priesthood are cast out of society, scourged and labeled as traitors and heathens. They are seen as selfish and unwilling to give back to the gods who gave them so much. Oftentimes bounties are placed on their heads as they flee for their very lives.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Above all else, the Silians respect their gods. Thus, it is seen as most beautiful to exemplify them in some way. Whether that choice be in tattoos, clothing or simply doing your best to emulate and appear as if to be in their countenance, appearing as they are usually leads to boons and elevated stations.
Relationship Ideals
It is rare for Silians to have children, though it is required for priests and the royal line to do so. Instead, Silians adopt workers into their households who earn the right to become as they are, unaging, through a secret process that only a high priest can perform. Relationships are still frequent and natural things, but because there are not many Silian children in Silian society it has lead to rumors that many of the Silians are infertile.
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