Mori (Moor-e)
Elves native to Usoram, the realm of light, the mori are dark orange-skinned elves known far and wide for their warrior prowess. Gaining power from sunlight, the mori are strong fighters, serving as the backbone and enforcers of the Sika Empire. During high noon, when the sun is at its peak, a mori becomes energized, and is nearly unmatchable in physical combat for a short time. During the rare days of celestial events were the suns energy is blocked, such as a solar eclipse, the mori become sluggish and nearly helpless.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The mori speak Elven and Sylvan as their primary languages, and many learn Usan Common as a tertiary language.
Average technological level
The mori are well versed in the creation and forging of elven weaponry, utilizing mighty forges that harness the suns rays for heat. Elves around the world petition the mori to craft their weapons.
Common Etiquette rules
The mori value directness, and can't stand when others "beat around the bush". It is best to speak and get directly to the point when speaking with a mori.
Common Dress code
The mori wear often wear light armor, designed to protect them in battle yet keep them relatively cool from the constant daylight that penetrate Usoram. When not armored, the mori prefer short clothes, such as small shorts and vests, both for keeping cool and to keep their bodies and souls basked in the energizing power of the sun.
Art & Architecture
The mori build both their buildings and their weapons out of a special type of glass that is as hard as steel. Such cities are wonderous sights of pristine beauty, as the buildings are positioned to reflect the light from the sun to form glorious beams of light. The downside of this craftsmanship is that the cities often become unbearable hot, and while this is little bother to the mori, other races have a hard time appreciating the beauty while trying not to suffer from heatstroke.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Mori newborns are left to bask in the sun immediately after birth, so that they may know its light and be blessed by it. Mori that are born in the twilight that passes for night in Usoram are seen as unlucky, and should a mori somehow be born in true night, it would be viewed as cursed and shunned.
Coming of Age Rites
Most mori must prove themselves in a test of strength relating to their chosen field. For most mori, who become warriors, this means a sword duel with an equal or superior, but for mages might mean a magical duel or a show of magical force. Mori who don't intend on entering the fighting life often must prove to their family the worth of whatever career path they have decided upon.
Funerary and Memorial customs
The mori have large forges that harness that power of the sun like giant magnifying glasses. While commonly used in the crafting of weapons, theses forges have a secondary use of cremating the dead utilizing only the heat of the suns rays, so that the dead's soul may join with the sun in its eternal flame. A mori often keeps the ashes of its family in a communal jar, and mori warriors will often use the mix the ashes of their relatives into their war paints, so that their spirits may come to their aid in battle.
Common Taboos
The mori are the ancestral enemies of the Xoti elves, viewing them as sneaking cowards and vile assassins who are afraid to fight in the open. Any mori who associates with one would be swiftly disowned and stripped of any ranks they possess.
Common Myths and Legends
Most mori worship Aurë, the elven goddess of the sun, but can also be found worshipping other members of the elven pantheon, with the exception of Giwathil, the elven god of the moon and the patron of the Xoti.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Like most elves, the mori extol physical beauty, but the mori focus more on martial power and actual combat prowess, often ridiculing other elves for their unwillingness to get up close and personal on the battlefield.
Gender Ideals
While not strict with their gender roles, many female mori become sun priests and leaders of the diplomatic side of mori society, while males often enter the military and rise to positions of martial might.
Courtship Ideals
The mori are outgoing and forthright, and have little patience for subtly in courtship. If a mori fancies someone, they will aggressively make their feelings known. Some stubborn mori have a difficult time taking no for an answer, and might even need to be defeated in a duel before the give up their attempts to woo their interests.
Relationship Ideals
The mori form strong bonds of fellowship within their warrior groups, but are quick to temper and are often condescending of those outside of their friend group. However, most mori love a good challenge, and one can integrate with a mori by keeping up with them in a duel.
Major organizations
The mori often serve in the Sika Empire, acting together with Edaan rulers to fight against the constantly shifting and chaotic Wild Area.
Random Mori Homelands
| % Rolled | Homeland | Trait Gained |
|---|---|---|
| 01-50 | Glass City | Warrior of Old |
| 51-70 | Non-elven Settlement | Bully |
| 71-79 | Forest | Seeker of Brightness |
| 80-88 | Primal Forest | Fey-Wise |
| 89-94 | Volcanic Mountain | Flame-Touched |
| 95-00 | Unusual Homeland | (Roll on Unusual Homeland table) |
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