Istyima

An istyima (plural: istyimar) is a person of the traditional Elvish third gender, or (less commonly) an Elf who fluctuates between different binary and/or nonbinary genders.

Perception

History

Saint Corellon Latharien, the first elf, was neither male nor female. They spoke openly to their tribe about having a soul that fluctuated between the two poles, and sometimes well outside the realm of either possibility. Further generations of transgender and nonbinary elves looked to Corellon's teachings on gender and identity for guidance.
Historically, istyimar were believed to have easier access to knowledge and truth, seeing as they are able to touch upon the experiences and worldviews of more than one gender. The word "istyima" was once synonymous with "scholar" or "scribe," and only istyimar were accepted within the Wild Dynasty's temple-campus system as scribes (analogous to all-female Warrior Monk and all-male Cleric cloisters). This etymology can still be seen in some Elvish expressions and place names. A famous example is Arborcítta's neighborhood of Istyimar Village, home to Scalados University and many of its students and faculty.
The istyimar identity continues to resonate with elves in a post-Tenserian world, with around one-third to one-half of transgender elves identifying at least partially with the term. Though the Wild Dynasty's holy scribes are representative of all genders, istyimar retain a slight majority among the small faction. The scribes' program at Brigida-in-Muilóna still holds a strong istyimar majority, with an average of 2-5 of its students identifying as non-istyimar in any given year.

Alternative Names

Corellon's Blessed