Sol (sohl)
The Sol are the Elves of the sun cycle. All elves were created together by or from forces of their world to embody a system, a cycle; for the Sol they are of (or perhaps from?) the sun, to be the day cycle. As the sun of Pennbor was once named Sol, so are the sun Elves of Pennbor. From dusk to dawn, this cycle and thus the Sol are the most consistent and unchanging. But like a sunset, they still strive for great beauty.
The Sol have keen minds and a mastery of at least the basics of magic. The most haughty and reclusive of the Elves, believing themselves to be superior to non-Elves and even other Elves. To the point where Umenorin, the most well-known Elven city in the world, is dominated by the Sol and only those other Elven kind find a place after generations of contribution.
They are stuck in the details and refinery, routine and perfection. That is their way.
Appearance
- Sol skin tones range from pale yellow to a human's sun-tanned brown. Warm but not obnoxious they may say. Their skin never burns within the sun, and even gives off a faint glow when healthy.
- Their eyes usually range in naturally warm and sometimes metallic tones or pure white against pale-coloured sclera.
- Their hair, similar to their eyes, are warm browns, bronze, gold, brass blondes or pale yellows that contrast against the skin.
Height & Weight: Their size and build are similar to humans but more slender and slightly taller than average.
Features
Of a Cycle
Elves are resound in their ways, cycles are about change yes, but only on a set path. To break it is to cause ruin. So Elves are naturally stubborn in their mindsets, but that does come with it's advantages. Magic aiming to claim their minds in any way, struggle to do so.
Their minds also do not travel to the uncontrollable realm of Ribosia
when they sleep - in other words, they do not dream. Instead they sink into a calm nothingness to allow the centuries of memory they accumulate to rest and settle and not add more images to the pile - or otherwise risk losing themselves to madness. As such they are able to remain somewhat alert as they sleep so it's not as easy to sneak up on them and they do not - for better or for worse - feel the effects of Ribosa.
However they can still be put magically to sleep, and depending on intent, this can then force their minds to travel to Ribosa. In fact it's a known ole wife's tale that an Elf can become addicted to such magics - to dreaming - and for minds carefully made to support long lives of memory, doubling the load proves disastrous.
Of the Sun
The Sol are unbothered by the sun and its light, their skin will never burn and their eyes can look directly at its surface and use it to tell the time by a glance. That is to say, hot environments do not bother them.
However in reliance on the sun, like a solar-paneled machine, they weaken in the darkness after too long. In fact, they have no ability to see in the dark even in dim light.
Being of the cycle of the sun, they have some innate magical ability to manipulate the light of the sun and its heat. Concentrating the heat of the sun upon an easily conducting metal, they cause it to heat up and even harm those who touch it. Push this even further they can create a sort of miniature sun that can burn and blind others if used correctly.
Naming Traditions
Family names
Elven names are often long (at least 3 syllables), for as long lived as they are they wish for each to individual to stand out - far too easily can history be twisted when one can accomplish so much in so many years.
And a name is all you are, and when you live that long, you are much, and thus so is your name. While they are given a full name at birth, children are referred to a shortened version (like a nickname) until they grow up. Once they are considered an adult, it is considered an insult to be referred to by anything less than their full first name because it is a marker for them growing into themselves - thus 'growing into' your full name. From here on only those considered close, and/or with permission, may shorten an adult Elf's name into the 'nickname' as it shows they have become familiar with the book and it's contents and no longer rely on title and cover.
For these reasons, those of only partial Elven blood are given 'half names' which are much shorter.
On the other hand, some Elves of higher power may enforce use of the shorter version of their name as a way of saying 'you should know of me, and if you don't, be careful.' Although this is usually reserved for nobility and the like.
For an Elf to completely resent their name and give themselves a new one, is to turn their backs on all of Elven kind.
Examples: Sherriala (Sherri), Thaiamasdane (Thaia), Klassmerid (Klass), Varessida (Varess), Matteodan (Matteo), Sersilas (Silas), Rutheron (Ruth), Sessalees (Sessay), Vincender (Vince), Anthearosa (Anthea) or Jabneelin (Jabneel)
Family names are more of a duty and anchor for an Elf to return to if they drift, and so have great meaning in Elven but are usually much shorter.
Examples: Vemor (Vital knowledge), Yerta (Sea Farer), Merthio (Battle hardening), Irphenkiir (the gems of a plant), Jolay (Joy of sweetness), Tomseree (delight in lawful trouble), Sprinona (Spring coloured wind) or Sorcha (Sun warmed sand)
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