Sun Elf Ethnicity in OperaQuest | World Anvil
BUILD YOUR OWN WORLD Like what you see? Become the Master of your own Universe!

Sun Elf

Sun elves are a subrace of Elf best known for their innate skill in navigation and exploration and their many innovations in science, technology, and magic. According to legend, they are the descendants of the tribe blessed by the Runaway Queen of the Spring Court.   In general, they are the most common subrace of elves throughout the world. This is largely due to their early exploration and subsequent settlement across the entire world, including the shores of the Mystic Lands. The central hub of sun elf society is Urbana al-Sona

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

A harbor without sun elves is as a tide without waves.
—sun elven proverb
  Sun elves are most famous as the greatest explorers among mortals. Legend has it that the first tribe of sun elves drew the Runaway Queen's attention by inventing the first rudimentary rafts. After that, the first generation born as elves pioneered the art of sailing and discovered the Aquatic Kingdoms and Desarmín.

Shared customary codes and values

The greatest good in sun elf society is the discovery and pursuit of one's térauvenne, an Elvish word that loosely translates to "heart's true work." A térauvenne can be a profession, a love affair, or a deep desire for something intangible like truth or glory. This force has driven countless sun elf explorers, innovators, inventors, and artisans to greatness.   Sun elves tend to value optimism, bravery, intelligence, and resourcefulness. Their pursuit of excellence and predisposition to wanderlust tends to make them well-suited to the lifestyle of an Adventurer.

Common Dress code

Colorful kerchiefs are common in sun elf fashions for practical and aesthetic purposes, often to tie back one's hair. They are sometimes used in traditional dance as well.

Art & Architecture

Much like wood elf architecture, sun elf architecture grows from and utilizes the natural world in its forms and materials. However, the sun elves take this technique well beyond the forests, building within the strengths of a wide variety of landscapes. The coral spires of Urbana al-Sona are perhaps the greatest testament to their abilities.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Almost without exception, sun elves (and those of sun elven descent) are buried at sea.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Sun elves tend to have tan, copper, bronze, or deep brown skin, and most have black hair that is often curly or tightly coiled. Hairstyles like braids, twists, or locs are common. For all genders, the most traditionally beautiful hairstyles are thick and voluminous, elaborately twisted or braided, and/or heavily decorated.

Gender Ideals

As with other elven cultures, sun elves have recognized the complexity and multiplicity of gender since time immemorial.

Relationship Ideals

Love and passion are considered a far higher priority than practical considerations such as status or diplomacy. Sun elven wedding vows last not "until death do us part" (as in many Human cultures), but "until dark tides tear love asunder."
Parent ethnicities
Encompassed species
Related Organizations
Related Items
Related Myths
Languages spoken


Cover image: by Art by author.

Comments

Please Login in order to comment!