The closest of the Elven races on the material plane to their Fae ancestors, Serimdhithil are often called Fae-Touched or High Elves. Descending from those of the Spring Court, they are graceful and charming - as well as arrogant and frivolous.
Naming Traditions
Elven names, for all subraces, tend toward gender neutral.
For the Fae-Touched, most are three syllables or more, and the syllables in use are based on the individual's preference. Some are generally left out of the full name to create a working name, which combats the residual compulsions from their ancestry.
It is extremely rare for Serimdhithil to give their entire name to a person they do not trust with all of their being.
Examples: Amarrethmo (Amarre), Illandoruilos (Oruil), Lanrathasrohir (Lanhir), Sylriarion (Sylrin), Anortheuiloseril (Anorril), Rathoulana (Lana), Nallsoloran (Solran), Mordraleldris (Mordra), Belassavan (Bessa), Arthrannallra (Arran), etc..
Surnames are uncommon among Serimdhithil, though those that take them often incorporate the natural features of their home into the names. Most are in Elven, though the more urban of the Fae-Touched may transliterate them into Common if they choose.
Examples: Krissandoral (Hallowedtree or Sacredtree), Chaemys (Sharpthorn), Ralorieth (Crowchaser), Faeralei (Faedancer), Keydithas (Dragonpeak), Holaralei (Clouddancer), Sarcaryn (Moonkeeper), Keydimys (Dragonthorn), Leopeiros (Sunblight), Leoperieth (Sunchaser), etc..
Some Serimdhithil take second names to protect themselves even further.
These are generally foreign names that are either transliterations of the shorter syllable meanings or something new entirely. Human is the most common language done with this, followed by Common and Halfling.
Culture
Serimdhithil speak a dialect of Elven, though many are also fluent in Common through the need to communicate with other races effectively.
Ideals
Serimdhithil, taking after their Spring ancestors, are generally fairer than other Elves. Skin color ranges from very pale to a dark, warm brown, with green and blue-tinted undertones common among them. Hair color can vary between nearly white-green to the color of rich earth. Their eyes, however, tend toward brown and gold, with other colors rarer.
The ideal body type for the Fae-Touched is marginally shorter than the average Human, physically fit, and well taken care of. Bronze, or any sort of green-tinted brown, is prized for hair color, while yellow-gold eyes are seen as desirable despite their rarity.
While gender is well-defined and categorized within Elven society and, by extension, by Serimdhithil, they are fairly hard to tell at a glance for other races. It is generally separated into four categories, though overlap and shifting genders is both common and unremarkable.
Thaneva: What Humans would classify as men, Thaneva are expected to be serene, growing out of rough behavior far sooner than others. They are also expected to act as voices of reason within a community and are always kept busy for fear of boredom.
Adantae: While Humans and some other races do not have a word for it and have, as such, adopted the term, Adantae would best be described as "between genders". They are generally responsible for childcare and education, though many Thaneva are involved in such as well.
Mithmai: What Humans would classify as women, Mithmai are disciplined warriors at heart, and generally take care of activities like hunting and various sports when available. They are expected to never be idle, and are generally expected to enjoy physical labor.
Kaeldril: Generally considered "genderless", Kaeldril are mostly children ranging in age from 20 to 100, after which they may choose to present themselves as either Mithmae, Thaneva, or Adantae. Rarely, however, they may choose to stay within this category and are treated as such. Kaeldril are expected to learn by trial and error, with only gentle guidance from adults. They can usually get away with ignoring most of the polite Elven customs, depending on how old they are.
There several types of relationships that Serimdhithil recognize in both law and society.
Morilion: Generally what other races would call a loveless or political marriage, morilion are arranged by family members for purposes such as ending a feud between families, producing offspring, or as a political move for gaining power or wealth. The matron of a family, when she wishes to arrange one, will often announce her intent to the other families in the area through a lavish gathering. The involved parties usually have very little choice in the matter, though they may give their input for the matron to consider. The ceremony is as grand as the initiating family can afford, and often takes several days to complete.
Both individuals keep their names, once married, though often add the other's surname to their own. Taking lovers on the side is common, as long as no offspring come from the relationship. Children are both expected and desired from morilion, and may take the surname of either parent or combine them to create one for themselves.
Methalion: Generally similar to morilion, methalion are marriages where the participants choose each other instead of the families. They can also serve the same purposes, though that often comes after the individuals declare their intent. Taking lovers while in methalion is rare, though unpunished. Children are expected from this relationship as well, and both spouses and children may take either surname.
Shanve: Considered more platonic than romantic by society, shanve are a mixture between an intense friendship and an intimate romantic interest. It's common among younger Elves, mostly from the encouragement to form such bonds as Kaeldril, and adventurers. The latter, however, can often end disastrously if not communicated properly.
Thorncele: Though common within other races and cultures, the relationship between mentor and pupil or master and apprentice is protected by laws and customs throughout Elven society. Apprenticeship, despite only lasting between a year and five years, is often for life, with the pupil considered part of the master's family when they are taken in.
Comments