Isenthe

"Until they could give us their name, we referred to this benevolent race as the star-folk. They used their magic to speak to us, but before we could ask any questions, they began to interrogate us about our comfort: Did we like the food? Were we warm enough? Could we breathe? Their kindness amused and reassured us - evidently, we would find no harm from the Isenthe."

Appearance

Every Sulmori race has a slightly different appearance. Isenthe are about the size of humans, if not slightly taller. Their skin color can be described as iridescent, and comes in deep, vibrant shades of blue, green, and violet. Isenthe markings are white dots, almost like small stars painted on their skin. Eye and color often comes in a similar color to the skin, though normally a different hue. Finally, their horns are the smallest of all Sulmora, rarely more than buds within their hair.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Typically, Isenthe names are not particularly gendered. Rather, it is the ending of the name that makes it feminine, masculine, or unisex. Feminine names typically end with an "n" sound, either -in, -an, or -en. Some examples include Aleran, Lausen, Ymosen, and Iadin.

Masculine names

As stated above, Isenthe names are not inherently gendered. Masculine Isenthe names typically end with a "t" sound, in much the same way feminine names end with "n". Therefore, the masculine versions of the above names would be Alerat, Lauset, Ymoset, and Iadit.

Unisex names

Unisex Isenthe names end with a vowel sound. Therefore, the unisex versions of the previous examples are Alera, Lause, Ymose, and Iadi.

Family names

The Isenthe have surnames, but they denote the island from which the individual comes, and are not considered family names. An Isenthe's surname will be determined by where on the Eye of Qiteus they were born. The Eye and each of its barrier islands have distinct surnames tied to them.

Isenthe born away from the Eye of Qiteus have more unique surnames. Each island, besides the Eye, have distinct surnames as well, as does the ocean itself. Wherever an Isenthe is born, as long as they are within Sulvara, their surname will reflect that location.

Other names

Some individuals with Isenthe names will not be entirely Sulmori. There are a number of half-Isenthe, half-human individuals in Sulvara. The personal names of these individuals will often be an Isenthe-ized version of a human name. A female might be named Laran, Maeven, Margeren, or Lavernin. A male might be named Larrit, Melchiot, or Quincit. The same rule often applies to unisex names. The surnames of these individuals will often be the surname of their human parent.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Almost all individuals of Isenthe blood speak Sulmori. Most speak the human language as well, though there are some on the Eye of Qiteus who simply do not need to speak with humans.

Shared customary codes and values

The Isenthe believe in exemplifying the greatest attribute of each Sulmori deity. The seven-pointed moral system involves generosity (for Qiteus), respect (for Xixuna), insight (for Tuesis), understanding and/or empathy (for Inaris), kindness (for Katune), objectiveness (for Phumos), and self-love (for Zikaris).

Art & Architecture

The only example of purely Isenthe architecture on Sulvara is in Indos Eres, the sole Isenthe city. The structures in this city are very open, often without walls except for the public showers and restrooms, built with only four corner pillars and roofs. Houses will typically have a chamber underground that serves as a bedroom or private study. The streets are thin, made only for walking, and are constructed with thousands of pieces of colored glass, making each street its own mosaic. The four main streets from the center of the Eye have small rivers on either side, the water of which comes from the Arenthine, or the Sunset Pool, at the middle of the Eye.

Isenthe art is known for being colorful and luminescent, whether it be sculpture, paintings, or clothing. Art is a very central part of Isenthe culture, because for most of the year, Indos Eres is quiet and empty, meaning its inhabitants must find ways to spend their time.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

As with all Sulmora, the Isenthe celebrate The Reveling, a festival dedicated to Sulvara's beauty, semiannually.

It is Isenthe tradition to stay awake until the first stars appear in the sky, at which point, they pray to the Sulmori gods. The prayer always begins with a mantra in Sulmori which roughly translates to "the stars are blessed. The earth is blessed. May I be blessed as well." After the mantra, the Isenthe will make their prayer and, often, finally go to sleep.

Coming of Age Rites

When an Isenthe reaches adulthood, they are expected to come to the Arenthine at the Eye of Qiteus to be baptized in the eyes of the Sulmori gods. Because most Isenthe live on or around the Eye of Qiteus, this is not an issue. However, for the increasing number of Isenthe and Isenthe-blooded individuals away from their ancestral home, coming to the Eye can be more difficult. In recent years it has become acceptable to be baptized earlier or later than usual, if needed.

Funerary and Memorial customs

When an Isenthe dies, they are cremated. Most of their ashes will be scattered in either the ocean or around their former home. Some ashes, however, will be made into trinkets or jewelry for the deceased's closest friends and family.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The Isenthe believe that their skin is like the night sky, so clear, luminescent skin and very pale markings, almost like stars, are valued. Small horns and big, bright eyes are also important. However, magical ability often transcends all other values for the Isenthe.

Gender Ideals

The Isenthe do not believe, at least, not in modern times, that an individual's gender is any more than a piece of their identity. They see their former gender ideals as archaic and unnecessary. In past, women and girls were expected to be quiet, modest, and submissive, while men were expected to be strong and charismatic leaders. Over time, however, these ideals have faded away, as have the expected gender roles that they enforced. Today, all Isenthe are expected to exemplify respect, kindness, and honor above all else, no matter their gender.

Relationship Ideals

As previously stated, all Isenthe are raised to exemplify respect, kindness, and honor. These ideals apply to relationships as well. It is expected of Isenthe that they be respectful and loving towards their partners, friends, and families. Dominant and submissive roles are not encouraged. Many Isenthe also preach equality and understanding.

Related Locations

• Eye of Qiteus