Ash Elf
Ash Elves, or Nar Eldai in Elven, are a race of Elves that hail from the volcanic Ash Islands at the southern end of Ocen. Once, they had a prosperous civilization that served as an example for the cultured people of the world, but it was almost entirely destroyed by a series of volcanic eruptions that decimated their settlements and unleashed toxic smog across the islands. Many of the survivors fled from their homeland in search of new beginnings, and others stubbornly remain in the hopes of rebuilding the glory of the past.
Appearance
Anatomy
Ash Elves are on the shorter side of Elf kind, with males standing around five and a half feet tall on average. They have ashen skin that ranges in the light blue and light gray range. Their eyes tend towards darker hues of brown, red, or amber. Ash Elves almost always have white hair and, like all Elves, do not usually have any facial hair.Clothing
Most Ash Elves dress in layers of fabrics that flow freely from their body. These fabrics are usually in tones of white, grey, or black. These layers of fabric extend to the head in the form of face or head scarves that protect them from harmful particulates in their volcanic, ash-plagued homeland. Jewelry is common amongst both males and females, with earrings and bracelets being the most popular choices.Armor
Ash Elven combatants may opt for more form fitting fabrics as a base layer. Banded armor is popular as a heavy armor choice, although many Elven combatants favor dexterity and opt for more flexible padded armor made from spider silks.Culture
Naming Practices
Family Ideals
Religion
Illinar
Historically, the vast majority of Ash Elves worship the fire god Illinar as their primary deity. Ash Elves closely associate the activity of the local volcano, Oronti Nar, with the will of Illinar and seek to please him in the hopes of avoiding a devastating eruption. Unfortuantely, that eruption eventually happened, and many settlements were destroyed or abandoned in an event referred to simply as "the cataclysm". In modern times, some Ash Elves continue to worship Illinar and seek forgiveness, doubling down on their devotion and worship. Others believe they were betrayed by Illinar and have rejected him. Those who worship Illinar do so in a myriad ways. Faithful artisans may incorporate volcanic ash or stone in their craft as a show of trust and respect, hoping that the addition will aid in the creation of their next master work. Settlements that still primarily worship Illinar may use fire as a means of punishment, branding some criminals and setting others alight as though to pass the fate of the convicted on to their fiery deity. Others may simply decorate their skin with flame symbols drawn with a red paste made from volcanic ash, which is seen as an open sign of devotion. It's not common to see shrines and idols devoted to Illinar, as Ash Elves believe he exists as fire itself. Instead, some settlements may have a large brazier near the town center that they keep lit at all times so that Illinar is always close by. These fires are tended to by leaders of the faith known as Nari Cendar, or "Firekeepers". Besides keeping the fires lit, Nari Cendar may offer insight into the current mood of Illinar by gazing deeply into the fire. If the result is troubling, they may call upon the faithful to double down on their worship to avoid disaster.Ambari
The stone goddess Ambari was historically a lesser, secondary deity in Ash Elven culture, and mostly a patron goddess to leaders and elders who sought wisdom. After the cataclysm, many turned to Ambari in the hopes of gaining an understanding that would allow them to come to terms with the disaster that wrought havoc on their homes. Worship of Ambari mostly concerns introspective meditation before a carved idol depicting the goddess as a full-figured woman with a kind, gentle smile. This idol is often placed upon a shrine and accompanied by fresh herbs and fine gems. For the average faithful, this session may only last around half an hour, but some have been known to persist for days at a time. Group meditation is also common, and is led by Ambal Omans, or "Stone Speakers", who call upon those gathered to consider different aspects of life in a soft, steady voice.Nenna
Coastal settlements and sea-faring Ash Elves may worship the ocean goddess Nenna. She's perceived as a strict-but-fair goddess that many favor for having a more readable mood than the fire god Illinar. Her faithful hope for calm waters and the capacity to handle life's changes by her grace and favor. In worship of Nenna, many float in the water as though to offer themselves up to the will of the goddess. This is usually done when waters are relatively calm to minimize the risk. This floating is accompanied by meditation, ceremonial chants, and prayers to the ocean goddess. Like Ambari, devotees of Nenna may possess carved idols depicting her as a stoic woman with long, tangled hair reminiscent of snakes. Unlike Ambari's faith, those who possess such an idol may wear it as necklace or keep it on them while travelling at sea.Government
Ignari Senate
Ash Elven culture operates as a representative democracy in which each settlement elects an official to represent their needs at Ignaris, the capital. These senators serve until the residents of their home settlement vote them out of the position, or if they voluntarily step down. Until then, they are expected to live something of a double life, frequently moving between their home settlement and the capital to keep tabs on both places.Local Magistrates
Individual settlements lack any formal government, but each settlement represented in the Ignari Senate is appointed a magistrate to enforce the law and maintain order. This magistrate is appointed by the current senator for that settlement and is often a friend or family member. There's no standard for a magistrate to follow, and so their engagement and enforcement varies wildly from settlement to settlement.Economy and Industry
The Ash Islands are rich in precious gems and metals, and so jewelers and metalsmiths are common in Ash Elven culture. Others may raise silk-spinning spiders and weave their produce into fabrics that are then made into clothing and other goods. All trade and commerce is overseen by the Ignari Senate, which may opt to impose a fee on merchants importing or exporting goods.Military
Tir-Menasse
All Ash Elf males are expected to serve two years of mandatory military service upon reaching adulthood. They are enlisted in the Tir-Menasse, which doubles as a city guard and standing army and literally translates to "Guardians of the City". Tir-Menasse soldiers are well-equipped and well-trained and can be found in even the smallest Ash Elven settlements. Most commonly, these soldiers wield long polearms and wear gilded, banded armor, metal pauldrons, and barbute helmets.Parane
In addition to the army, the Ignari Senate employs the use of stealthy operatives called Parane (par-ruh-nay). These operatives are lightly equipped with sabers and padded armor and are tasked with keeping tabs on all corners of Ash Elf culture and beyond. It's common to see the Parane wandering marketplaces and harbors in settlements or simply patrolling well-travelled roads. When travelling beyond the Ash Islands, Parane may disguise themselves as civilians to avoid drawing attention.Spread and Influence
Geographic Distribution
Ash Elves originally come from the Ash Islands, but the harsh volcanic conditions and destruction of many Ash Elf settlements have resulted in many leaving home. In modern times, Ash Elves can be found through Ocenic seeking refuge in Sun Elven culture. Some have also sailed across the Shining Sea to find a new home in the Sun Coast and Goldenwood.Reception
Most civilized cultures of the world pity the plight of the Ash Elves and welcome refugees into their cities. This is especially true of the Sun Elves and Marians, who have a plethora of refugees staying in major settlements like Arba Aeterna and Solstice. In a time before the cataclysm, sea-faring traders were eager to exchange goods with the Ash Elves and willingly accepted whatever fees were imposed by the Ignari Senate. In modern times, trade with Ash Elven settlements has fallen off dramatically, and most consider their settlements little more than worthless ruins.
Appearance
Culture
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