Vagari
The Vagari are a group of Prosk'aNara Elves that have adopted a wandering, diasporic lifestyle wherein they travel the world in caravans from region to region. The term vagari is an Elven word that describes any Elf that has chosen to leave the Elven Realm of Naru permanently (as opposed to termporarily or due to duty or assignment to a foreign post). Vytuian Elves (Elves from the borders of Naru) have traditionally used the term as a pejorative for those Elves that were seen to abandone their homeland out of an assumed sense of contempt or disdain.
The Vagari removed themselves from Naru because of the culture of drow'anar that promoted a systemic acceptance and promulgation of the belief that all Elves were superior (physically, spiritually and culturally) to all other intelligent creatures. Even though this culture has been outlawed in the Elven Realm of Naru for many centuries, the Vagari have never returned to their homeland.
Vagari are a secretive people that have taken to a life of wandering and exploring the world in family groups or clans numbering as many as 200 individuals. Currently there are at least six distinct groups of Vagari wandering the known world, and the total population of these wandering Elves is thought to be as high as 2,500 by some scholars (although an exact census has never been attempted).
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
All Vagari speak Elvish as a first language and most speak multiple other tongues, as well. Vagari speech is replete with borrowed words from the peoples and nations they have travelled among, though, and some changes of grammar and inflection can be detected by a descerning ear for the Elvish language.
Shared customary codes and values
The Vagari believe in the sanctity of intelligence and reason, anywhere it has been found. All intelligent life is precious and has equal value and dignity. The Vagari recognize that Elves have a relatively long life compared to other races and have dedicated their efforts to sharing the gathered and aquired knowledge and wisdom of many centuries with people all across the known world.
Common Etiquette rules
Vagari are, as a whole, a very peaceful people. Perfectly capable and willing to defend themselves when necessary, the Vagari are not aggressive as a whole. They tend to travel to an area or region and set up camps in isolated places where they can interact with the local populus from a safe distance. Once a camp is established, they will remain there for an indeterminate period of time, but usually move on again after a few months. Vagari are famous for sharing their knowledge and skills with local peoples with little or no cost associated with the exchange. They are renowned for their skills in healing, magic, metal and leather craftsmanship, horse training and hunting abilities.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Vagari make every effort to recognize and obey local laws and authorities where ever they make their camps, and they will move through an area completely if they think they are not welcome for any reason. Vagari universally offer aid, shelter and succor to any that they might meet that require it and expect no payment for their efforts. Many feel this is a cultural attempt to make ammends for the crimes committed in ages past to races that were systematically oppressed by Elves adhering to the drow'anar worldview.
Parent ethnicities
Related Organizations
