Kawa Yosei (kàwá yòóséé)
He Xiao, Dòng sông tiên (elvish) - River Elves
River elves are the most prolific and the most commonly encountered of all the elven races. Seeming to lean fully into their alignment to the Water Element, River elves are probably the closest to the fae ideal and, incidentally, to their original natures as spirits of water. Individual river elves are the freest of the elves, moving from one place to another, rarely staying in one spot for long. Once, they were more cerebral and sedentary. Once, they fully embraced the Yin aspect of their elemental souls. Once, in the far-distant past, they built devastatingly beautiful cities, like the City of a Thousand Waterfalls. Now, when they do settle, they build small, village cloisters. Which, though still beautiful in their own rights, lack the same grandeur and have a sense of impermanence to them. As though the kawa yosei would easily abandon them if the whim took them. After the War of Tears, the river elves became as they are now: as inconstant as the rivers for which they were named.
River elves are perhaps the most aptly named. Beautiful, cold, graceful and mysterious. They flow from moment to moment, rarely forming any lasting relationships or bonds. Trying to glean as much as they can from any experience. This flowing nature continues on until they can find the niche in which they feel they belong. Whether that is as an educator to a nobleman’s son, an Imperial Bureaucrat, a wizard with the Sons of Thunder, a martial artist, or a wandering sage. The elven race’s affinity for personal freedom seems to see new heights in the river elves. The race seems almost chaotic in its seeming laxity of rules and behavior.
Self-sufficiency is viewed as the key to growing up, children are allowed to run free, doing as they please, and above all, learning from their mistakes. Anything that the child wishes to learn, he or she must ask to learn from the one with the knowledge. This creates wisdom, and too many rules and strictures only impede the process of learning. That said, the society of the River elves, if such a thing can be said to truly exist, acknowledges the personal boundaries and freedoms inherent to every individual, and it is considered the gravest of sins to impinge upon another’s rights through theft, violence, or murder. It is considered to be the height of arrogance to carelessly or callously steal another’s life.
River elves are lithe and graceful, shorter than the average human, standing anywhere from four and a half to just over five feet, and typically weighing from 90 to just over a hundred pounds. Their women have the same general height as the men and weigh slightly less. Their skin is almost snowy in its paleness; their hair is generally silver to a blue-black color with eyes of silvery gray to the deepest blue.
River elves are perhaps the most aptly named. Beautiful, cold, graceful and mysterious. They flow from moment to moment, rarely forming any lasting relationships or bonds. Trying to glean as much as they can from any experience. This flowing nature continues on until they can find the niche in which they feel they belong. Whether that is as an educator to a nobleman’s son, an Imperial Bureaucrat, a wizard with the Sons of Thunder, a martial artist, or a wandering sage. The elven race’s affinity for personal freedom seems to see new heights in the river elves. The race seems almost chaotic in its seeming laxity of rules and behavior.
Self-sufficiency is viewed as the key to growing up, children are allowed to run free, doing as they please, and above all, learning from their mistakes. Anything that the child wishes to learn, he or she must ask to learn from the one with the knowledge. This creates wisdom, and too many rules and strictures only impede the process of learning. That said, the society of the River elves, if such a thing can be said to truly exist, acknowledges the personal boundaries and freedoms inherent to every individual, and it is considered the gravest of sins to impinge upon another’s rights through theft, violence, or murder. It is considered to be the height of arrogance to carelessly or callously steal another’s life.
River elves are lithe and graceful, shorter than the average human, standing anywhere from four and a half to just over five feet, and typically weighing from 90 to just over a hundred pounds. Their women have the same general height as the men and weigh slightly less. Their skin is almost snowy in its paleness; their hair is generally silver to a blue-black color with eyes of silvery gray to the deepest blue.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Bian, Bich, Cam, Chau, Cuc, Hang, Hoa, Linh, Mai, Nguyet
Masculine names
Hien, Hung, Chih, Danh, Duc, Duong, Phuc, Quang, Thao, Trang
Unisex names
Binh, Hanh, Hau, Lanh, Long, Ngoc, Nhung, Vinh, Truc, Xuan
Family names
Lieu, Le, Dang, Bui, An, Banh, Tien, Ngo, Ho, Tran, Phuong, Su
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Xiaoyu, which is, itself, a dialect of the spiritual tongue of Kuoyu.
Culture and cultural heritage
Like the trees and the forests for the wood elves, foxes for the fox elves, raccoon dogs for the tanuki elves, or earth and stone for the kobito, the river elves own element of water, particularly fresh water, holds an immense significance in the kawa yosei culture. It symbolizes their very life, essence, ancestry, and history. It permeates nearly every aspect of their existence from their paddy fields, to their birth and death rites, to their very architecture.
The very idea of being like water is at the very core of the river elves' existence. They always follow the path of least resistance, going with the flow, and moving from one experience to the next, like the rivers for which they are named. They have a reputation for being mercurial and adaptable, but this adaptability is something that is cultivated, not inborn. The Yin Principle which rules over their element implies stasis, stillness, and mindfulness. It wants to lock them in a cage of ice, but the river elves have learned harsh lessons from their distant past when they allowed only icy logic to rule. This path nearly devastated, not just themselves, but their entire race. Therefore, they now cultivate a more flowing nature to be more like water itself to follow their own course and never be trapped again.
Thus the Lòng sông, or Riverbed, is at the core of a river elf's very existence. Indeed, at the core of their society as a whole. The Long song is the poetic name for the river elves' lifepath. The one path which the elf decides to follow for decades, centuries, or even the rest of their life. Much of the elves' early lives are spent trying to find their Long song. This can be any hobby or occupation which the elf feels "channels their spirit" like a furrow dug into the earth channels the flowing water. Many elves can spend decades trying to find this path, trying many different things until they find their Long song. Others know it from the time they're children.
While the river elf society is generally fractured to the point where it seems to be a reach to call it a society at all, many of the individual villages and communities are fairly tightly-knit. While the ideals of personal freedom and responsibility are still very much present in these small communities, they still tend to watch out for each other more often than not. Like every other group of elves, the kawa yosei value their children and very much understand that they are particularly vulnerable to either accident or malice. Therefore, children, in particular, are watched over very closely by every adult who lives in a river elf community. While a small accident, like touching a hot stove or falling into a river, can be valuable lessons for the children, the adults will never purposefully allow true harm to come to the children in their communities. Despite their long lives, the low birthrate of elves means that children are particularly precious to them.
The very idea of being like water is at the very core of the river elves' existence. They always follow the path of least resistance, going with the flow, and moving from one experience to the next, like the rivers for which they are named. They have a reputation for being mercurial and adaptable, but this adaptability is something that is cultivated, not inborn. The Yin Principle which rules over their element implies stasis, stillness, and mindfulness. It wants to lock them in a cage of ice, but the river elves have learned harsh lessons from their distant past when they allowed only icy logic to rule. This path nearly devastated, not just themselves, but their entire race. Therefore, they now cultivate a more flowing nature to be more like water itself to follow their own course and never be trapped again.
Thus the Lòng sông, or Riverbed, is at the core of a river elf's very existence. Indeed, at the core of their society as a whole. The Long song is the poetic name for the river elves' lifepath. The one path which the elf decides to follow for decades, centuries, or even the rest of their life. Much of the elves' early lives are spent trying to find their Long song. This can be any hobby or occupation which the elf feels "channels their spirit" like a furrow dug into the earth channels the flowing water. Many elves can spend decades trying to find this path, trying many different things until they find their Long song. Others know it from the time they're children.
While the river elf society is generally fractured to the point where it seems to be a reach to call it a society at all, many of the individual villages and communities are fairly tightly-knit. While the ideals of personal freedom and responsibility are still very much present in these small communities, they still tend to watch out for each other more often than not. Like every other group of elves, the kawa yosei value their children and very much understand that they are particularly vulnerable to either accident or malice. Therefore, children, in particular, are watched over very closely by every adult who lives in a river elf community. While a small accident, like touching a hot stove or falling into a river, can be valuable lessons for the children, the adults will never purposefully allow true harm to come to the children in their communities. Despite their long lives, the low birthrate of elves means that children are particularly precious to them.
Shared customary codes and values
The largest and truest shared value that the kawa yosei possess as a group is that of personal responsibility and respect for others' boundaries and lives. The individual who cannot take responsibility for his or her own actions, life, or well-being and instead places the fault at the feet of others is much reviled within what exists of the river elves' society. Anything beyond what, to the river elves, counts as the Golden Mean, is merely just small, codified lessons which tend to fit neatly within their One Rule.
This includes: Do not harm others intentionally through act or word. While being creatures of Yin, which includes entropy within its purview, river elves are very much creatures of life and the ultimate expression of life, which is the shinkai. Therefore, unnatural death is very much an anathema, a blight in their eyes. River elves understand that killing to survive is, at times, a regrettable necessity, but taking this unnatural thing even one step further and outright stealing another's existence through malice or avarice or for any other malevolent reason is an outright abomination.
Taking another person's personal property is another thing that goes against their very ethos of personal boundaries and respect. Other people worked hard, devoted their own time and energy into acquiring the things that they have. For a person to steal another's things is akin to stealing their time and their lives. Another thing which is anathema.
Through respect, they maintain harmony. Both in their own villages and out in the wider world. Respecting another's boundaries means being able to cooperate and understand others' personal freedom and autonomy. Even if true empathy is never achieved, the logical conclusion to these two tenets is harmony and the ability to pursue one's own path without undue interruptions.
All of that being said, the river elves do have a deep connection to, and reverence for, their lineage and ancestry. Like so many others, they honor their ancestors through rites, ceremonies, and respect for themselves, others, and the ancestors themselves. Within this vein is the appreciation and respect for the elders and their wisdom. While the Council of Streams has no real political power over the river elves as a whole, their thoughts, conclusions, and edicts are very much respected and followed so long as they don't impinge on one's path, and not following them doesn't impinge upon another's path.
This includes: Do not harm others intentionally through act or word. While being creatures of Yin, which includes entropy within its purview, river elves are very much creatures of life and the ultimate expression of life, which is the shinkai. Therefore, unnatural death is very much an anathema, a blight in their eyes. River elves understand that killing to survive is, at times, a regrettable necessity, but taking this unnatural thing even one step further and outright stealing another's existence through malice or avarice or for any other malevolent reason is an outright abomination.
Taking another person's personal property is another thing that goes against their very ethos of personal boundaries and respect. Other people worked hard, devoted their own time and energy into acquiring the things that they have. For a person to steal another's things is akin to stealing their time and their lives. Another thing which is anathema.
Through respect, they maintain harmony. Both in their own villages and out in the wider world. Respecting another's boundaries means being able to cooperate and understand others' personal freedom and autonomy. Even if true empathy is never achieved, the logical conclusion to these two tenets is harmony and the ability to pursue one's own path without undue interruptions.
All of that being said, the river elves do have a deep connection to, and reverence for, their lineage and ancestry. Like so many others, they honor their ancestors through rites, ceremonies, and respect for themselves, others, and the ancestors themselves. Within this vein is the appreciation and respect for the elders and their wisdom. While the Council of Streams has no real political power over the river elves as a whole, their thoughts, conclusions, and edicts are very much respected and followed so long as they don't impinge on one's path, and not following them doesn't impinge upon another's path.
Common Etiquette rules
Like much of the rest of the empire, regardless of individual race or ethnic group, respect and politeness are the hallmarks of river elves' common etiquette. The backbone of this politeness is the use of courteous language and the appropriate honorifics when speaking to others. Especially strangers. The specific honorifics follow the same ones as the rest of the xiaoren language, reprinted here for ease of reference. Honorifics come before the name or title of the subject being addressed:
Anh/Chị/Em: These terms are used to address individuals of a similar age or younger. "Anh" is used to address older males, "Chị" is used for older females, and "Em" is used for younger individuals of either gender.
Ông/Bà: "Ông" is used to address an older man, while "Bà" is used to address an older woman. These terms are similar to "Mr." and "Mrs./Ms." in English.
Thưa: "Thưa" is an honorific used to show respect when addressing someone of higher status, such as a teacher, an elder, or a person in authority. It is often used with their name or title, such as "Thưa thầy" (Dear teacher) or "Thưa ông/bà" (Dear sir/madam).
Due to the code of personal responsibility and respect for others' boundaries that all kawa yosei follow, the breaching of another individual's personal space is considered to be one of the greatest social faux-pas that one can commit. The river elves are very mindful of giving individuals the appropriate amount of physical and emotional space. Especially in social situations. As an extension of this practice, of course, the violation of another's home or business is grounds for being brought before the Council of Streams for possible punishment.
Many are often surprised by the fact that kawa yosei are incfedibly gracious hosts. Though, they wouldn't be nearly as surprised if they actually stopped for a to think about it, they'd understand perfectly well why the seemingly mercurial river spirits do take the duties as a host very seriously. As always, it boils down to respect. So long as the guests are being respectful of the elf's home and personal space, then the host is obliged to be just as respectful. Part of that, of course, is acting as a gracious host. Which includes: maintaining a neat and comfortable domicile, offering the guest refreshments, and welcome them warmly. Of course, turnabout is fair play, and river elves are expected to be just as gracious as a guest in another's home. Which includes, expressing gratitude, respecting the host's customs and traditions, and showing appreciation for their hospitality.
Anh/Chị/Em: These terms are used to address individuals of a similar age or younger. "Anh" is used to address older males, "Chị" is used for older females, and "Em" is used for younger individuals of either gender.
Ông/Bà: "Ông" is used to address an older man, while "Bà" is used to address an older woman. These terms are similar to "Mr." and "Mrs./Ms." in English.
Thưa: "Thưa" is an honorific used to show respect when addressing someone of higher status, such as a teacher, an elder, or a person in authority. It is often used with their name or title, such as "Thưa thầy" (Dear teacher) or "Thưa ông/bà" (Dear sir/madam).
Due to the code of personal responsibility and respect for others' boundaries that all kawa yosei follow, the breaching of another individual's personal space is considered to be one of the greatest social faux-pas that one can commit. The river elves are very mindful of giving individuals the appropriate amount of physical and emotional space. Especially in social situations. As an extension of this practice, of course, the violation of another's home or business is grounds for being brought before the Council of Streams for possible punishment.
Many are often surprised by the fact that kawa yosei are incfedibly gracious hosts. Though, they wouldn't be nearly as surprised if they actually stopped for a to think about it, they'd understand perfectly well why the seemingly mercurial river spirits do take the duties as a host very seriously. As always, it boils down to respect. So long as the guests are being respectful of the elf's home and personal space, then the host is obliged to be just as respectful. Part of that, of course, is acting as a gracious host. Which includes: maintaining a neat and comfortable domicile, offering the guest refreshments, and welcome them warmly. Of course, turnabout is fair play, and river elves are expected to be just as gracious as a guest in another's home. Which includes, expressing gratitude, respecting the host's customs and traditions, and showing appreciation for their hospitality.
Common Dress code
Due to their natures and the southern environs from which the kawa yosei hail, the material from which their clothes are made tends to emphasis comfort in the often warm and humid climate.
The dress of men is much the same as it is for males throughout the empire. A fundoshi-style loincloth, dyed deep red, black, or blue, for luck. Over this, a pair of loose trousers, gathered at the ankle, or knee, depending upon the elf's profession. A very light underrobe covers the upper half with a slightly heavier robe over that which is paneled at the front and back. These are both generally dyed in shades of blue or black. An elf of means may have the outer robe in silk which falls to the ankles, embroidered with patterns of fish or lotuses.
Common river elf women from the southern climes tend to dress very simply in a halter top, called a yem, which is very similar those worn by the yang women as an undergarment. Covering the lower half is the ever-present loincloth with a loose skirt worn over that. A large, conical hat of woven straw worn when out in the sun completes her ensemble. Female elves with the monetary, or who live in the cooler northern climes, tend to cover up the yem with a loose robe. In the south, this robe is made of a light silk, paneled at the front and back, with the top worn open like a jacket with a silk sash over that for a belt.
In the south, sandals are often worn when walking outside. While inside, bare feet are the norm or soft slippers for wealthier people.
The dress of men is much the same as it is for males throughout the empire. A fundoshi-style loincloth, dyed deep red, black, or blue, for luck. Over this, a pair of loose trousers, gathered at the ankle, or knee, depending upon the elf's profession. A very light underrobe covers the upper half with a slightly heavier robe over that which is paneled at the front and back. These are both generally dyed in shades of blue or black. An elf of means may have the outer robe in silk which falls to the ankles, embroidered with patterns of fish or lotuses.
Common river elf women from the southern climes tend to dress very simply in a halter top, called a yem, which is very similar those worn by the yang women as an undergarment. Covering the lower half is the ever-present loincloth with a loose skirt worn over that. A large, conical hat of woven straw worn when out in the sun completes her ensemble. Female elves with the monetary, or who live in the cooler northern climes, tend to cover up the yem with a loose robe. In the south, this robe is made of a light silk, paneled at the front and back, with the top worn open like a jacket with a silk sash over that for a belt.
In the south, sandals are often worn when walking outside. While inside, bare feet are the norm or soft slippers for wealthier people.
Art & Architecture
The key to most elven architecture is the blending of natural elements with the nearly homogenous architecture of the empire. It is organic integration and camouflaging it with the natural world. Ensuring that the architectural elements seamlessly blend with their surroundings, as if the structure has grown naturally from the environment itself. The lines and forms of the river elves' buildings seem to follow the natural contours of the rocks, rivers, and vegetation, being integrated smoothly without being forced or out of place.
Smoothly integrating harmonious materials such as reclaimed wood, bamboo, or even woven fibers to complement the stone, foliage, and overall textures to create an illusion of depth and dimension to certain architectural features. Common architectural features such as the wadang, the tile at the end of each row of tiles on a standard imperial roof, are created using these techniques. At first appearing to blend in with the rest of the elven building, but upon closer inspection or slight shift in perspective, features such as the wadang seem to pop out of the seemingly natural surface in fine detail.
The most important aspect of river elf architecture is their connection to the qi and the Water Element of their natures and environment. Through these connections, they use the river's very nature to carve, mold, or bend every rock, bit of foliage or drop of water to form the distinct rooflines, eaves, and curved lines reminiscent of imperial architecture. Though, much like all else, care and patience is required to achieve the desired effects. Through these mystical techniques, they can cause their buildings to appear to have rounded corners, flowing curves, or other irregular patterns in order to mirror the natural world around them.
These same techniques are used to incorporate other traditional elements of imperial buildings. Small runnels of water and protruding bits of stone, bracken, mosses, or vegetation can form ornate wooden screens and lattices to allow natural light and ventilation into their structures. Deep channels can be carved into shallow riverbeds to allow the water to run between the stones of what appear to be courtyards. Many times these extra elements are strengthened through magic to enhance their integrity and durability. In fact, magical enhancements are common throughout wood elf architecture to ensure the long-term health and stability of their living structures. The enchantments used strengthen any living elements, protect against decay and disease, and otherwise enhance the structural integrity of elven architecture.
In order to further blur the boundaries between semi-artificial structure and the natural environment. They tend to incorporate climbing plants, flowering vines, or other living plants to intertwine with the rest of the structure. This tendency is integrated into the architectural features mentioned earlier where they are often woven into the small, architectural details to both blend with and add depth to artistic minutiae of the buildings.
Perhaps due to the spiritual proclivities of the Water element to which they are aligned, kawa yosei, themselves, have a rather large aversion to fire. They will only use it when absolutely necessary to cook. When light is needed in the deeper parts of their dwellings where it would be more difficult to use natural light, they tend to use witchlights for their illumination. Whether that's a small, handheld lamp made of delicately carved stone, or a lattice-work cage of lichen or roots growing directly from a dwelling's walls, witchlights provide a majority of the river elves' lighting. This, of course, only serves to further play up the ethereal, fey, nature of wood elf villages and cities.
Like the rest of the empire, the vast majority of the elves' structures revolve around what the Daiyang people call the siheyuan. This is the simple, courtyard house which can be found from one end of the empire to the other. This type of building ranges from a relatively straightforward home with three wings surrounding a courtyard for the simplest, lower-class designs to massive complexes with multiple courtyards, wings, and even gates, often with a large, ornate, frontage gate denoting the relative social class of the occupants. Traditional kawa yosei dwellings, as the appear further south, tend to be more open and airy to take full advantage of the warmer climate. Water features, like small cascades, streams, even small ponds, are encouraged to flow through the very structure of most river elf dwellings, while vines and other river plants are encouraged to grow within and even coaxed to add artistic embellishments to the interiors.
Another commonality that all elves seem to share, regardless of ethnic group, is the inclusion of large, natural-seeming gardens, both within their dwellings (often included within individual courtyards), and without. Kawa yosei gardens, of course, heavily feature water elements and features such as koi ponds, waterfalls, or miniature rock gardens. Very rarely are paths through an elven city actually at straight and at right angles. Paths tend to meander and follow the natural flow of the qi through the land, itself. This gives the elven cities or villages a very rough, slipshod, feel to most anyone not an elf. However, the elves, themselves, know that their cities, town, and villages, follow the very natural order of the world, itself.
While most artwork throughout the empire heavily features natural scenes with a heavy emphasis on feng-shui, river elf art most often takes its inspiration from the water and its fluid, changeable nature. Paintings often depict flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, still ponds, or the patterns created by water currents. The flowing brushwork of the rivers is even reflected in their calligraphy, reflecting the graceful movements of the water itself.
Another thing they have in common with their wood elf cousins is that they are past masters of embroidery. Again, though, the textile-work of their silk, itself, can't hold a candle to the more practiced hands of the fox elves, the elaborate river elf embroidery, particularly those depicting water scenes, wildlife, dragons or other legendary creatures of the waves, captures the intricate details of flowing water, waves, and aquatic life perfectly.
The focus of their artistic endeavors generally tends to be symbolic of the waters. Things like lotus flowers, sacred to the river elves, fish, dragons, and other aquatic entities feature prominently in their paintings, embroidery, sculpture, and carvings.
Another commonality that all elves seem to share, regardless of ethnic group, is the inclusion of large, natural-seeming gardens, both within their dwellings (often included within individual courtyards), and without. Kawa yosei gardens, of course, heavily feature water elements and features such as koi ponds, waterfalls, or miniature rock gardens. Very rarely are paths through an elven city actually at straight and at right angles. Paths tend to meander and follow the natural flow of the qi through the land, itself. This gives the elven cities or villages a very rough, slipshod, feel to most anyone not an elf. However, the elves, themselves, know that their cities, town, and villages, follow the very natural order of the world, itself.
While most artwork throughout the empire heavily features natural scenes with a heavy emphasis on feng-shui, river elf art most often takes its inspiration from the water and its fluid, changeable nature. Paintings often depict flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, still ponds, or the patterns created by water currents. The flowing brushwork of the rivers is even reflected in their calligraphy, reflecting the graceful movements of the water itself.
Another thing they have in common with their wood elf cousins is that they are past masters of embroidery. Again, though, the textile-work of their silk, itself, can't hold a candle to the more practiced hands of the fox elves, the elaborate river elf embroidery, particularly those depicting water scenes, wildlife, dragons or other legendary creatures of the waves, captures the intricate details of flowing water, waves, and aquatic life perfectly.
The focus of their artistic endeavors generally tends to be symbolic of the waters. Things like lotus flowers, sacred to the river elves, fish, dragons, and other aquatic entities feature prominently in their paintings, embroidery, sculpture, and carvings.
Foods & Cuisine
Like the other elves in the Middle Empire, the kawa yosei have a definite preference for fresh food and vibrant ingredients. Each morsel picked or caught in its own season at the height of freshness and flavor. Unlike their wood elf counterparts, however, river elves are more adventurous with their flavor palettes. They tend to love stronger and more ample flavors of herbs and aromatics like basil, mind, cilantro, garlic, lemongrass, and pepper, used generously to create a complex and stronger flavor from their foods.
The staple food of the kawa yosei is rice, and serves as the backbone of their cuisine. Whether steamed by itself or in the form of noodles, glutinous balls, or dough, the elves manage to incorporate rice into nearly every dish they cook.
River elves have a penchant for aquatic foods, and depending upon where they live in their province, those aquatic creatures might be seafood or freshwater. Fish, prawns, crabs, shellfish, and others feature prominently in the cuisine of river elves.
As stated above, river elves love stronger flavor profiles in their foods, so they will use an abundance of sauces and marinades made with things like garlic, chili, lime, fish sauce, soy sauce, wines, and vinegars. Especially for lighter foods like spring rolls, which are a commonly eaten snack among the southern environs.
The staple food of the kawa yosei is rice, and serves as the backbone of their cuisine. Whether steamed by itself or in the form of noodles, glutinous balls, or dough, the elves manage to incorporate rice into nearly every dish they cook.
River elves have a penchant for aquatic foods, and depending upon where they live in their province, those aquatic creatures might be seafood or freshwater. Fish, prawns, crabs, shellfish, and others feature prominently in the cuisine of river elves.
As stated above, river elves love stronger flavor profiles in their foods, so they will use an abundance of sauces and marinades made with things like garlic, chili, lime, fish sauce, soy sauce, wines, and vinegars. Especially for lighter foods like spring rolls, which are a commonly eaten snack among the southern environs.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Múa trăng Rằm, the Full Moon Dance, is a series of festivals held on the full moon of each month during the Water Season. At the height of the full moon, during the Hour of the Dragon, the river elves gather at their local shrines to watch the shrine maidens perform their dances in honor of the river god, Thần sông (Kawa no Kami), the elven god, Chúa toàn năng (Okuninushi), and the moon god, đọc trăng (Tsukiyomi). Each of these three gods is invoked, in order, on the three full moons of the winter months. Though each of the individual rituals are a month apart, each one is sequential and culminates on the final full moon of the year with honoring of the moon god. This final ritual involves the most complicated of the ritual kagura the shrine maidens perform, along with a group of specialized dancers to perform a dragon dance, while the priests invoke all three gods. If done correctly, an avatar of the dragon river god, himself, is called from the shinkai to dance along with the celebrants before taking off again into the heavens, toward the moon. This ritual serves not only to celebrate the primary gods of the river elves and the Season of Water, itself, but it thought to bring the rains for the spring monsoon season. It is said that if ever the ritual fails and the dragon god cannot be summoned, it presages a drought for the entirety of the empire.
Hợp lưu Lớn, the Great Confluence, also known as the Annual Flood among the more sarcastic youngsters, is an annual event on the first full moon after new year's, where the river elves able to, gather at the Whispering Jade Pavilion to bring any large grievances, suggestions, or any other ideas which would require the greater body of river elves to agree to, before the Council of Streams. The event lasts for a week, during which various cases of increasing importance and severity are heard during each day. At night, there is an almost festival air to the proceedings, with food booths, games, and events sponsored by those villages and communities in closest proximity to the Whispering Jade Pavilion.
The last day, however, is perhaps the most important. It is on this day that any elder who wishes to do so may step down from the Council and have a new member chosen in their place. This is nowhere near a regular occurrence, however, as there are many years where no elders step down and others where nearly all of them do. It generally depends upon the age and wishes of any particular elder. There are occurrences of "forced retirement," however, in cases where the elder has lost control of their mental faculties or when corruption of a particular elder has been discovered. In these instances, the evidence gathered is presented before the general Confluence which then decides whether or not to have the elder step down based upon that evidence.
In the case of an elder who's developed a feeble mind, the retirement is just that. The elder is taken in by their family to be cared for during their remaining days. A criminal, however, is treated quite differently. They are arrested and taken to the human government to be dealt with by the far less forgiving imperial justice system.
Ngập lụt, the Inundation, is a time of celebration for the river elves when the spring floods come just before the smaller typhoon season during the Late Wood/Early Fire seasons. Which is more common in the sourthern extremes. Though priests and shrine maidens perform their rites of thanksgiving and trips to temples are common, this is more of a time of shared relaxation and vacation than an actual religious observance for the kawa yosei. Much of the traditional farming cannot be done while the rivers are flooded, so the elves turn to other projects to while away their time until the waters recede again. These projects could be anything from scholarly pursuits, artistic pursuits, home improvement or repair, or anything else the river elves can think of.
Though, there is one, more organized aspect which the kawa yosei partake in during the annual Inundation. That is the Lễ hội thuyền rồng, or Dragon Boat Festival. This is another general gathering festival where villages and commmunities within close proximity of each other get together to race boats carved in the likenesses of dragons through the flooded bamboo forests and across the floodplains. In modern days, this is done to symbolize the river god racing across the heavens to bring the rain back to the earth. The winners of the races are thought to have the river god's blessing and bring great luck to their villages. For the next year, they are looked upon with high esteem. The food traditionally served at the festival are tông tử, triangles glutinous rice with savory fillings wrapped and steamed in bamboo leaves.
đèn lồng nổi, Floating Lanterns, is an annual ritual practiced by family members to remember a deceased relative or loved one. A beautifully sculpted wood and paper lantern is lit and released on a body of water on the evening of a loved one's death. This practice is supposed to lead the soul of the deceased back into the shinkai where it belongs. This is another elven cultural practice that has transmigrated to the rest of the empire. It is especially practiced by the other races on Obon, where the lights of thousands of lanterns are supposed to guide those souls who have no family back to the afterlife.
Hợp lưu Lớn, the Great Confluence, also known as the Annual Flood among the more sarcastic youngsters, is an annual event on the first full moon after new year's, where the river elves able to, gather at the Whispering Jade Pavilion to bring any large grievances, suggestions, or any other ideas which would require the greater body of river elves to agree to, before the Council of Streams. The event lasts for a week, during which various cases of increasing importance and severity are heard during each day. At night, there is an almost festival air to the proceedings, with food booths, games, and events sponsored by those villages and communities in closest proximity to the Whispering Jade Pavilion.
The last day, however, is perhaps the most important. It is on this day that any elder who wishes to do so may step down from the Council and have a new member chosen in their place. This is nowhere near a regular occurrence, however, as there are many years where no elders step down and others where nearly all of them do. It generally depends upon the age and wishes of any particular elder. There are occurrences of "forced retirement," however, in cases where the elder has lost control of their mental faculties or when corruption of a particular elder has been discovered. In these instances, the evidence gathered is presented before the general Confluence which then decides whether or not to have the elder step down based upon that evidence.
In the case of an elder who's developed a feeble mind, the retirement is just that. The elder is taken in by their family to be cared for during their remaining days. A criminal, however, is treated quite differently. They are arrested and taken to the human government to be dealt with by the far less forgiving imperial justice system.
Ngập lụt, the Inundation, is a time of celebration for the river elves when the spring floods come just before the smaller typhoon season during the Late Wood/Early Fire seasons. Which is more common in the sourthern extremes. Though priests and shrine maidens perform their rites of thanksgiving and trips to temples are common, this is more of a time of shared relaxation and vacation than an actual religious observance for the kawa yosei. Much of the traditional farming cannot be done while the rivers are flooded, so the elves turn to other projects to while away their time until the waters recede again. These projects could be anything from scholarly pursuits, artistic pursuits, home improvement or repair, or anything else the river elves can think of.
Though, there is one, more organized aspect which the kawa yosei partake in during the annual Inundation. That is the Lễ hội thuyền rồng, or Dragon Boat Festival. This is another general gathering festival where villages and commmunities within close proximity of each other get together to race boats carved in the likenesses of dragons through the flooded bamboo forests and across the floodplains. In modern days, this is done to symbolize the river god racing across the heavens to bring the rain back to the earth. The winners of the races are thought to have the river god's blessing and bring great luck to their villages. For the next year, they are looked upon with high esteem. The food traditionally served at the festival are tông tử, triangles glutinous rice with savory fillings wrapped and steamed in bamboo leaves.
đèn lồng nổi, Floating Lanterns, is an annual ritual practiced by family members to remember a deceased relative or loved one. A beautifully sculpted wood and paper lantern is lit and released on a body of water on the evening of a loved one's death. This practice is supposed to lead the soul of the deceased back into the shinkai where it belongs. This is another elven cultural practice that has transmigrated to the rest of the empire. It is especially practiced by the other races on Obon, where the lights of thousands of lanterns are supposed to guide those souls who have no family back to the afterlife.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Like all elven births, the pregnancy of a river elf woman is a highly celebrated time amongst a family, and even the broader community around her. This is also a time of much doting upon the expectant mother.
When she first learns of her condition, she, like so many other mothers throughout the empire, makes a journey to the nearest shrine dedicated to the deities of motherhood and birth, there to pray for an easy pregnancy, birth, and a healthy child. As to be expected, many river elf shrines and temples are in the midst of sacred grotto or pool, and the mother-to-be will also be offering prayers and thanks to the spirits of the rivers as well as the higher gods, in order to receive nature's blessing upon the child growing within her as well.
During this small ritual, the expectant mother is immersed in the sacred pool, usually up to her waist while in the ngồi thẳng (seated on lower legs with back straight) position. This traditional, seated posture allows the sacred waters of the temple to lap over her whom and, hopefully, bless the child inside while the mother gives her thanks and prayers.
Like other mothers, river elf mothers are expected to match their diet up with the foods thought to be healthy for the developing life. The expectant mothers tend to crave even heavier foods than usual and consume a great deal of protein during the years they're pregnant. While red meats will make their appearance, these proteins will most often consist of boiled chicken supplemented by freshwater fish. Shellfish, however, is thought to have far too much Yin energy that could harm the developing child, so even freshwater clams or crawfish are removed from the mother's diet. This protein-heavy diet is, of course, supplemented with herbal preparations of aquatic plants and forest herbs believed to promote vitality and growth within the child. With the added benefit of enhancing its connection to the natural world.
Just prior to the birth of the child, a birthing chamber is urged to grow from a local banyan, which are symbolic of motherhood, at the edge of the river feeding the shrine. The chamber, itself, is woven from the aerial roots and sprawling branches of the banyan tree, creating a sense of nurturing protection. The floor slopes down into the river itself and carpeted in soft mosses and other freshwater plants. Flowering vines such as wisteria, morning glory, honeysuckle, and passion flowers which are also symbolic of motherhood and maternal dedication are coaxed to grow around the woven roots and branches of the banyan birthing chamber. There, the laboring mother is cared for by a midwife, her close, female relatives, and the priestesses of the nearby shrine. The latter of which offer prayers and rhythmic chants to help support and guide the mother in her hours of labor.
After birth, the mother then has her "sitting in" time of thirty days, which she spends continuously within the birthing chamber itself. During this time, much like with other races, she is discouraged from moving about and encouraged to eat rather heavily flavored foods to encourage the production of milk. Her cravings for heavier foods will gradually lessen, but she will still be subsisting on a lot of poultry or fowl. Chicken broth is still encouraged during the first two weeks.
During the sitting in period, the times when the baby is not being held by its mother, it is resting in a floating cradle made of bamboo and woven reeds, lined with the same soft, aquatic plants and mosses lining the birthing chamber. The cradle is fashioned to resemble a small boat. Swaying gently on the water's surface, it represents the nurturing embrace of the waters which have had a presence in its life from the day it was born.
The baby also gets its first bath during this time period. Which is something the mother and the infant do together as a symbolic bonding ritual. Before this small rite, the priestesses will enter the birthing chamber to make sure the water within is cleaned and purified before allowing the mother and the baby to once again enter and nearly fully submerge themselves in the now-blessed waters. Washing away the pain and hardship of the birthing process to reemerge renewed and rejuvenated.
Once the baby has reached its third month of life, like other elves, the river elves hold the naming ceremony where the child is taken to the local shrine and introduced to both the ancestors and the community at large with its given name. After this, a feast is held to celebrate the new addition to the community.
When she first learns of her condition, she, like so many other mothers throughout the empire, makes a journey to the nearest shrine dedicated to the deities of motherhood and birth, there to pray for an easy pregnancy, birth, and a healthy child. As to be expected, many river elf shrines and temples are in the midst of sacred grotto or pool, and the mother-to-be will also be offering prayers and thanks to the spirits of the rivers as well as the higher gods, in order to receive nature's blessing upon the child growing within her as well.
During this small ritual, the expectant mother is immersed in the sacred pool, usually up to her waist while in the ngồi thẳng (seated on lower legs with back straight) position. This traditional, seated posture allows the sacred waters of the temple to lap over her whom and, hopefully, bless the child inside while the mother gives her thanks and prayers.
Like other mothers, river elf mothers are expected to match their diet up with the foods thought to be healthy for the developing life. The expectant mothers tend to crave even heavier foods than usual and consume a great deal of protein during the years they're pregnant. While red meats will make their appearance, these proteins will most often consist of boiled chicken supplemented by freshwater fish. Shellfish, however, is thought to have far too much Yin energy that could harm the developing child, so even freshwater clams or crawfish are removed from the mother's diet. This protein-heavy diet is, of course, supplemented with herbal preparations of aquatic plants and forest herbs believed to promote vitality and growth within the child. With the added benefit of enhancing its connection to the natural world.
Just prior to the birth of the child, a birthing chamber is urged to grow from a local banyan, which are symbolic of motherhood, at the edge of the river feeding the shrine. The chamber, itself, is woven from the aerial roots and sprawling branches of the banyan tree, creating a sense of nurturing protection. The floor slopes down into the river itself and carpeted in soft mosses and other freshwater plants. Flowering vines such as wisteria, morning glory, honeysuckle, and passion flowers which are also symbolic of motherhood and maternal dedication are coaxed to grow around the woven roots and branches of the banyan birthing chamber. There, the laboring mother is cared for by a midwife, her close, female relatives, and the priestesses of the nearby shrine. The latter of which offer prayers and rhythmic chants to help support and guide the mother in her hours of labor.
After birth, the mother then has her "sitting in" time of thirty days, which she spends continuously within the birthing chamber itself. During this time, much like with other races, she is discouraged from moving about and encouraged to eat rather heavily flavored foods to encourage the production of milk. Her cravings for heavier foods will gradually lessen, but she will still be subsisting on a lot of poultry or fowl. Chicken broth is still encouraged during the first two weeks.
During the sitting in period, the times when the baby is not being held by its mother, it is resting in a floating cradle made of bamboo and woven reeds, lined with the same soft, aquatic plants and mosses lining the birthing chamber. The cradle is fashioned to resemble a small boat. Swaying gently on the water's surface, it represents the nurturing embrace of the waters which have had a presence in its life from the day it was born.
The baby also gets its first bath during this time period. Which is something the mother and the infant do together as a symbolic bonding ritual. Before this small rite, the priestesses will enter the birthing chamber to make sure the water within is cleaned and purified before allowing the mother and the baby to once again enter and nearly fully submerge themselves in the now-blessed waters. Washing away the pain and hardship of the birthing process to reemerge renewed and rejuvenated.
Once the baby has reached its third month of life, like other elves, the river elves hold the naming ceremony where the child is taken to the local shrine and introduced to both the ancestors and the community at large with its given name. After this, a feast is held to celebrate the new addition to the community.
Coming of Age Rites
When a young elf reaches the ages of 80-90 (approx. 15-16) years of age for a female, and 100-110 years of age for a male, they are considered to have reached their age of majority and are ready for their coming of age ceremonies to enter into adulthood. These ceremonies follow many of the same cues as similar ceremonies across the face of the empire. Among these elves, these ceremonies are called Lễ thành niên for boys, and Tuổi cập kê for girls.
These ceremonies are hosted either by the father or the mother, respectively, at the ancestral shrine. For at least a decade before this ceremony, the elven youngsters would have been learning a trade or skill under one of the other adults in the compound. This adult would be selected as the honored guest to perform the rite for the child.
Once at the shrine, the young one is ceremonially changed into adult clothing with the help of the appropriate parent from behind a folding screen. They then offer incense, sacrifices, and prayers to the ancestors, before giving a ceremonial demonstration of their skill. If the elf is entering academia and the Bureaucracy, his or her academic accomplishments and enrollment into the National Academies will be acknowledged.
Once they have officially demonstrated their abilities to succeed to the gathered adults and ancestors, the boy's hair is usually bound up and he is given a ceremonial hat appropriate to his career choice, while the girl's hair is brushed out and gathered up into a bun before being pinned there with a hairpin given to her by her mother. The boy or girl then bow, again, to their parents and to the ancestors, and finally write their own name into their family registries.
These ceremonies are hosted either by the father or the mother, respectively, at the ancestral shrine. For at least a decade before this ceremony, the elven youngsters would have been learning a trade or skill under one of the other adults in the compound. This adult would be selected as the honored guest to perform the rite for the child.
Once at the shrine, the young one is ceremonially changed into adult clothing with the help of the appropriate parent from behind a folding screen. They then offer incense, sacrifices, and prayers to the ancestors, before giving a ceremonial demonstration of their skill. If the elf is entering academia and the Bureaucracy, his or her academic accomplishments and enrollment into the National Academies will be acknowledged.
Once they have officially demonstrated their abilities to succeed to the gathered adults and ancestors, the boy's hair is usually bound up and he is given a ceremonial hat appropriate to his career choice, while the girl's hair is brushed out and gathered up into a bun before being pinned there with a hairpin given to her by her mother. The boy or girl then bow, again, to their parents and to the ancestors, and finally write their own name into their family registries.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Due to their much greater aversion to fire than even their wood elf cousins, over the millennia, the kawa yosei have developed a method of cremation much more in-line with their Elemental and Principle affinities. Much like with the mu xiao, many of the same rites and customs of a standard Shinto funeral follow a river elf funeral, but the difference, here, is in the process of cremation.
Rather than being burned, the deceased's body is placed within a stone chamber specially produced for the process. This chamber is then filled with a boiling liquid which is a mixture of water and lye before being sealed. The priests performing the rite then gradually increase the heat around the chamber to increase the pressure inside it, eventually causing the complete breakdown and dissolution of all the tissues from the body and leaving behind a sterile liquid along with the skeleton.
Much like after a standard cremation, the family members gather around the unsealed chamber and begin collecting the remains to put them inside an urn, starting with the feet and working their way up to the skull. The liquid is then poured into the urn and the urn is sealed. It is then placed upon the ancestral altar for the standard period of mourning before being placed within the family's grotto tomb.
Rather than being burned, the deceased's body is placed within a stone chamber specially produced for the process. This chamber is then filled with a boiling liquid which is a mixture of water and lye before being sealed. The priests performing the rite then gradually increase the heat around the chamber to increase the pressure inside it, eventually causing the complete breakdown and dissolution of all the tissues from the body and leaving behind a sterile liquid along with the skeleton.
Much like after a standard cremation, the family members gather around the unsealed chamber and begin collecting the remains to put them inside an urn, starting with the feet and working their way up to the skull. The liquid is then poured into the urn and the urn is sealed. It is then placed upon the ancestral altar for the standard period of mourning before being placed within the family's grotto tomb.
Common Taboos
Never violate the personal boundaries of another. This is the one law that the river elves hold sacrosanct. Violating another's boundaries, whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual, through theft, unwanted physical contact, murder, etc., is a crime that can see one actually punished by the flighty elves.
It is considered to be taboo to carelessly or unnecessarily use fire within river elf settlements.
Carelessly polluting a source of water is anathema. Polluting a sacred source of water is a grave offense.
It is considered to be taboo to carelessly or unnecessarily use fire within river elf settlements.
Carelessly polluting a source of water is anathema. Polluting a sacred source of water is a grave offense.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
In either gender, confidence, independence, intelligence, and personal reliance, is considered to be the most attractive qualities an individual can have. Someone who moves along their own course, heedless of the expectations or criticisms others may have for them. These are the qualities that tend to attract the attention of the kawa yosei.
As far as physical beauty standards go, those seem to largely be up to the individual elf to decide. Though, going by commonalities, there seems to be a preference for graceful, fine-limbed individuals. Elegance and grace, with a focus on fluid movements and gestures, are specially prized.
When it comes to females, male river elves tend to prize long, flowing hair in a deep blue-black the color of the darkest waters. With wide, luminous eyes like the moon reflecting off of a still pond. Especially sought after are silvery eyes the same color as the moon god on a perfectly clear night. Along with a figure reminiscent of a willow tree.
Females tend to value long-fingered, graceful hands, with clean jaws and shoulders as broad as a river. It's speculated amongst some that this latter reason could be the reason for so many "adventurous" pairings between elven women and human men. As elves don't tend to have the largest of frames.
As far as physical beauty standards go, those seem to largely be up to the individual elf to decide. Though, going by commonalities, there seems to be a preference for graceful, fine-limbed individuals. Elegance and grace, with a focus on fluid movements and gestures, are specially prized.
When it comes to females, male river elves tend to prize long, flowing hair in a deep blue-black the color of the darkest waters. With wide, luminous eyes like the moon reflecting off of a still pond. Especially sought after are silvery eyes the same color as the moon god on a perfectly clear night. Along with a figure reminiscent of a willow tree.
Females tend to value long-fingered, graceful hands, with clean jaws and shoulders as broad as a river. It's speculated amongst some that this latter reason could be the reason for so many "adventurous" pairings between elven women and human men. As elves don't tend to have the largest of frames.
Gender Ideals
Being as loosely-knit a society as they are, the kawa yosei don't tend to pin a lot of expectations on any one individual. Much less an entire group of them. River elf men and women are free to find their own niches within their own interpersonal relationships and society as a whole. So long as they are not infringing upon the course of another with their actions, they are free to do as they please.
Much as the rest of the empire, river elves of either gender have equal opportunities to pursue their desired paths. Though kawa yosei typically tend to fill more cerebral roles within society on account of their Yin alignment, there is nothing stopping a clever river elf from pursuing a role that would more typically be filled by someone of the opposing alignment.
Much as the rest of the empire, river elves of either gender have equal opportunities to pursue their desired paths. Though kawa yosei typically tend to fill more cerebral roles within society on account of their Yin alignment, there is nothing stopping a clever river elf from pursuing a role that would more typically be filled by someone of the opposing alignment.
Courtship Ideals
Due to their inconstant natures, they often have a very laissez faire attitude toward the idea of love and romantic relationships. That is, until they find the one they're tied to by the fabled Red String. Whether it's with another elf or not, that's when the kawa yosei finally gets serious. The courtship, itself, is still a madcap affair with no real rules or traditions associated with it, depending entirely upon the whims and desires of the individuals involved. Courtship among the kawa yosei are usually whirlwind affairs and last about as long. Many residents of the empire have compared the courtship of a river elf to a sudden flash-flood after the rainy season. Appearing suddenly, departing as quickly, and often leaving devastation in its wake.
Kawa yosei often value spontaneity and excitement during courtship. More than anything, they fine value in new experiences that can broaden their horizons and deepen their individual knowledge.
The bedrock of the ideal courtship with any river elf is the idea of respecting each others' personal boundaries. Mutual consent and communication are highly valued. Any actions that infringe upon these ideals are serious offenses to both the individual river elf and their society as a whole.
The concept of the Red String of Fate causes the river elves to become more sincere in their approach to courtship when they feel they've found the one they're tied to. They become more focused, committed, and working towards building an actual stable and lasting relationship.
Kawa yosei often value spontaneity and excitement during courtship. More than anything, they fine value in new experiences that can broaden their horizons and deepen their individual knowledge.
The bedrock of the ideal courtship with any river elf is the idea of respecting each others' personal boundaries. Mutual consent and communication are highly valued. Any actions that infringe upon these ideals are serious offenses to both the individual river elf and their society as a whole.
The concept of the Red String of Fate causes the river elves to become more sincere in their approach to courtship when they feel they've found the one they're tied to. They become more focused, committed, and working towards building an actual stable and lasting relationship.
Relationship Ideals
Until they meet their destined partner, relationships with the kawa yosei are generally flash-in-the-can affairs. Over nearly as soon as they begin. Permanent relationships are just as libertarian as anything else in the elves' lives. So long as both people are comfortable with the arrangement and neither partner is infringing upon anyone else's personal boundaries everything is copacetic.
As was mentioned previously, while river elves have a more laissez-faire attitude when it comes to love, at least initially, once they find their destined partner, they prioritize the formation of a deep, emotional bond. Something that can break through the calm, cold, shell of logic which comes with their Principle alignment.
River elves can initially be quite clingy when they've first found the one they're tied to through the Red String, this clinginess fairly quickly wears off and their independent natures again assert themselves. Ideally, each partner will encourage the other to pursue their passions and aspirations, building a supportive environment for both individuals within the relationship.
Partners within a committed relationship are just that: equal partners. Kawa yosei value open communication, active listening, and mutual understanding. Allowing emotion to cloud these aspects of a relationship would simply not be logical to them. With this mutual understanding, they feel, comes a deeper emotional connection which is something the elves yearn for and value.
As was mentioned previously, while river elves have a more laissez-faire attitude when it comes to love, at least initially, once they find their destined partner, they prioritize the formation of a deep, emotional bond. Something that can break through the calm, cold, shell of logic which comes with their Principle alignment.
River elves can initially be quite clingy when they've first found the one they're tied to through the Red String, this clinginess fairly quickly wears off and their independent natures again assert themselves. Ideally, each partner will encourage the other to pursue their passions and aspirations, building a supportive environment for both individuals within the relationship.
Partners within a committed relationship are just that: equal partners. Kawa yosei value open communication, active listening, and mutual understanding. Allowing emotion to cloud these aspects of a relationship would simply not be logical to them. With this mutual understanding, they feel, comes a deeper emotional connection which is something the elves yearn for and value.
Major organizations
The only major organization within what the river elves term a society is the Council of Streams. This is a group of elders selected by the villages to represent them to the rest of the races and to mediate in any major disputes. Such as disputes between villages. This council has no power to intercede in the daily lives of the people they represent outside of mediation. They are afforded the same respect as elders are from elven tribes the world over, but their political impact is little to none.
The one thing that they may do is call a Conclave in order to speak of any major decisions which might impact society as a whole. Any elf is welcome to attend a Conclave, but it is usually left up to the heads of each, individual, village to go and help make the decision on behalf of the village.
Though they are nominally "ruled" by the Council of Streams, the Council serves mainly as a touchstone for the other races to negotiate with or to bring grievances to. Their only true function within the river elf "society" is to mediate grievances or to punish those elves which break the one taboo the race has.
The one thing that they may do is call a Conclave in order to speak of any major decisions which might impact society as a whole. Any elf is welcome to attend a Conclave, but it is usually left up to the heads of each, individual, village to go and help make the decision on behalf of the village.
Though they are nominally "ruled" by the Council of Streams, the Council serves mainly as a touchstone for the other races to negotiate with or to bring grievances to. Their only true function within the river elf "society" is to mediate grievances or to punish those elves which break the one taboo the race has.
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