Sunplume Coven - Iraselari - Obsidian elves
The Sunplume coven are a fiery, sturdy, practical people whose main affinity of magic is fire and earth. Serious, not light-hearted, intense as a people. They excel in devastating offensive tactics in warfare and choose to meet the enemy halfway versus trying to defend their kingdom. Hurling massive boulders, erupting miniature volcanoes, throwing fireballs, splitting the earth beneath their enemy's feet: all of these things and more are what the ruthless Sunplume's are known for. They are a loyal ally and a forever enemy. Once the trust is broken, there is no bridge left to mend as they will have incinerated it entirely at that moment.
The Sunplume Coven is a bastion of fiery resolve and unshakable discipline, a people whose every aspect of life revolves around their ethos of strength, honor, and practical purpose. Strike hard and fast. Sunplume strategies revolve around overwhelming the enemy before they can mount a defense. Earthquakes to destabilize formations, firestorms to sow chaos—these tactics reflect their philosophy that offense is the best defense.
Leadership is earned through merit, not birthright. The High Commander, always chosen through rigorous trials, serves as both military leader and political head. Hierarchies are strict. Achievements are celebrated with titles, tattoos, and unique ceremonial weapons or armor. Though warriors dominate, scholars are also revered for their ability to harness fire and earth for innovation, from crafting superior weapons to developing agricultural techniques.
the Sunplume coven embodies a balance of intensity and purpose. Every action, from their magic to their relationships, is a reflection of their unwavering dedication to strength, honor, and their fiery, earthy tendencies.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
- Seravelle, Lavinia, Calyra, Aestren, Phyrris
Masculine names
- Kaerith, Tharnis, Solvek, Ignar, Pyrrik
Unisex names
- Talyon, Embren, Solen, Aurrek, Viltheren
Family names
- Brightforge, Emberstone, Lavawhisper, Magmaborn, Sunspear, Infernowind
Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
Achievements in battle, conquest, or personal victories are often marked with tattoos that represent the event. These tattoos are earned through demonstrated valor or success, and the more elaborate the tattoo the more significant the achievement. A Sunplume warrior who earns a notable victory will receive a new tattoo representing said victory, adding to the existing ones upon his skin.
Those who excel in battle or leadership are often gifted ceremonial weapons. These are custom crafted and imbued with symbolic power to represent both the person's position and their achievements. When an individual's position or status changes, they may either receive a new weapon orhave their existing one reforged, but it will never be taken away as once an honor is achieved, it is permanent.
Leadership is earned, not inherited. Sunplume warriors are encouraged to challenge one another for leadership positions, and challenges are seen as a public declaration of one's strength and readiness to lead. When a challenger defeats a leader in single combat, it is not only a display of strength but a transfer of authority.
Offering a personal sacrifice (such as a piece of armor or weaponry) to a superior is a way of showing commitment and dedication. This could take the form of offering a piece of armor after a victory or breaking part of one's weapon as a symbolic act of giving all for the greater cause.
Meals are communal and typically take place around large fires. It is considered disrespectful not to partake in the feast, as sharing food symbolizes unity and strength. Guests are offered the most nourishing food, with fire-cooked meats, roots, and roasted peppers being common. Food that is left over is burned in the fire as an offering to the flames, a symbolic gesture of ensuring strength for the next battle.
Shared customary codes and values
Fire and earth are sacred; they are both creators and destroyers. Fire burns away weakness, and earth rebuilds stability, symbolizing their constant cycle of growth and renewal.
Their magic and society both reflect a belief that collective strength surpasses individual power. Every Sunplume elf is taught from birth to see themselves as part of the whole, like a flame that thrives in the hearth with others.
Trust and loyalty are paramount. Betrayal is an unforgivable sin; it is better to die honorably than to compromise their word or their kin.
Combat is second nature. Every elf undergoes rigorous martial and magical training, blending fire spells with physical combat techniques. Their warriors can break arms as easily as casting a fireball.
Common Etiquette rules
Saluting authority figures or people with great respect is more common than handshakes.
Common Dress code
Tunics, trousers, pantsuits, anything that is not flowy is very commonplace to see citizens wearing in the gold, black, and red coven colors. Active military members wear red mail armor flecked and lined with obsidian and gold which helps it to flex with the user and withstand extreme heat. Scholars at work wear wrapped pantsuits; the top half is criss-crossed fabric gathered at the waist and loose pants with a snug ankle.
Art & Architecture
Their cities are built to withstand the elements they wield. Structures of tempered glass, obsidian, and diamond are both beautiful and functional. Tempered glass citadels are both symbols of strength and of power; they are so confident in their military ability that their buildings are see through for them to see the enemy and vice versa.
Gardens blend volcanic rock with lush greenery, maintained through a combination of earth and fire magic to create fertile ground even in harsh environments.
Foods & Cuisine
Their foods are very partial to bright foods, the spicier the better!
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
The day begins with typical morning rituals such as physical training, communal meals cooked over open flames, and meditation to connect with the elements.
Funerary and Memorial customs
When a Sunplume warrior or elder dies, their body is cremated in a ceremonial fire. Family and friends gather around the flames to lend their own flame power if they have it and witness the final transformation into ash, a process that symbolizes the person’s final contribution to the fire of their coven. The ashes are then scattered into the earth, signifying the return of their energy to the land they protected.
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