High Elves of Aetrios
The high elves of Aetrios are commonly divided into two branches, the nomadic Wandering Companies and Those Who Dwell By The Sea or, more commonly, Sea Elves.
The Wandering Companies are great houses of elves descended of the sons of Nandaeriel. They wander the lands of old Erast in the northwest of Aetrios, watching over the wild places and protecting the common folk. They follow no set pattern, simply ranging where the stars tell them.
The Sea Elves are great mariners and have realms along the coast and on secluded islands. They build great ships and are renowned explorers. They are descended from the twins of Naerthyrel, Dasyra and Elas.
The high elves of Aetrios are by far the most commonly encountered elven people. They enjoy learning about other cultures and peoples and don't see them as a threat. This interaction has given rise to several Half-elven clans and houses.
A elf mariner of House Dasrya.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
High Elves speak the Elvish tongue and a local dialect of Men.
Others, especially those of the Wandering Companies speak Sylvan and goblin.
Common Dress code
The Wandering Companies commonly dress in utilitarian clothing in natural colors.
Sea Elves dress for life aboard ship and prefer sleeveless tunics and calf-length pants. They prefer blues and greys with silver accents.
Art & Architecture
Aetrian Elvish architecture is known for a flowing style that mimics nature and many of their permanent dwellings are built in line with their surroundings using magic.
Sea Elves favor soaring towers of grey or white stone with grand arches and domes. Blue slate roof tiles are very common in Sea Elf construction.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
The Wandering Companies and the Sea Elves are elves first and foremost. The very core of their culture hasn't changed over the millennium. They are explorers and wanderers, whether in forests or on the oceans.
Common Myths and Legends
Myth tells that the elven people awoke in the twilight of the world during a vast meteor shower. As stars shot through the sky overhead, the first elves rose and cast their gaze upward, marvelling at the heavenly display. Many began following the shooting stars west and eventually founded realms where these had fallen, but others saw the great forests of what they would name Aetrios and decide to stay and explore the green woods and hills. A portion of these elves ventured further afield and heard the call of the sea, founding great realms and port cities to sail the oceans of the world.
Historical figures
Nandaeriel is said to be the leader of the elven host that awoke in the forests of Aetrios.
His sister, Naerthyrel, heard the call of the sea and took a portion of their people to the coast and began exploring the sea.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
The elves of Aetrios have blond, or brown hair, with white-blond hair being common among Sea Elves, and green or hazel eyes. They are tall, usually standing between 5'8" and 6'2" in height, but being slim and weighing no more than 150-160 pounds.
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