Germanic Elves?
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| Bizzen |
Last December we did a survey on Facebook to uncover which race on Aborlon our followers would like to see worked on first this year. The goal has been to expand on the histories, cultures, holidays, characters of note, and religions of each race. We are going to spend an entire quarter doing just that. As a result of that poll this first quarter has been focused on the Elven race.
Did you know that the origins of the Elven lore are the Germanic people? It wasn't until later that surrounding cultures began to adapt and change details of this lore. Originally the Elf were believed to be either benevolent or malevolent. Meaning sometimes they would do good deeds whilst other times they would do bad ones. But they would always avoid being spotted by their larger human neighbors.
It was interesting to follow the evolution of the mythology. Their height, personalities, and even their appearances changed as time progressed. Usually, these changes reflected some sort of social change in the populace that believed in them. From the dark elf in the classic movie ‘Legend’ to the modern version made popular by J.R.R Tolkien, elves have certainly come a long way.
ELVES IN EPIMETHEUS
So, let's discuss the Elves on Aborlon. They are approximately three and half feet tall, have remarkable eyesight, superb hearing, and are renowned for their marksmanship. Elves have a longer life span than those of men, living up to 240 legras. They have a natural talent for the elemental magic of earth, water and air but do not practice arcane magix. While they do smith precious metals, they abhor common metals such as iron, titanium, copper, tin and lead. Their elemental magic allows them to forge weapons that are light and beautiful but lack the durability found in other weapons.
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| Rogsha |
Though many races consider elves to be rustic due to their naturalistic approach to life, they are indeed quite eloquent. They craft some of the most elegant jewelry known, their armors are highly sought after, there are no bows comparable to an elven bow and their silks are unmatched. Fine arts are a passion that courses the vein of every elf as each seeks to express themselves. Furthermore, they are a very musical people. Much of their elemental magic is woven through singing.
There are seven tribes. Each tribe is ruled by a body of elders. Each tribe elects one elder to represent them in the elven council. This body of representatives serves as the Council of Elders. They aide and advise the elven queen. The queen is the ultimate authority to her people but can be deposed should the Council find the need to do so. Only once in all their history has such a scandal occurred.
TYPES OF ELVES
There are four different types of elf: Coastal Elves who are darker skinned with fairer hair color; Forest Elves who have darker hair and fairer skin; Island Elves who are similar to coastal elves but are generally of a taller stature and usually red haired; and the River Elves who are by far the most diverse of their brethren. While all elves are marksmen by nature with great hearing and eyesight, there are some subtle differences in each type.
Coastal
elves are a rambunctious, fun-loving people. They are
darker skinned and fair haired. Fishers and farmers for the most part,
but these elves have been known to construct remarkable structures; from bustling
ports to immaculate fortresses. Their talent for earth magic is balanced by
their love for the water. Coastal elves are known far and wide for their
ability to breed Kenther as well.
Forest elves are by far the most allusive of the elven people. They enjoy their
privacy and dislike most outsiders. The tree city of Ziaster is considered a safe
haven by all of Quiyarus. During the ages of old, when humans enslaved many of
their kind elves sought refuge with the forest elves. They are nearly
unmatched in Aborlon for their talent in earth magic. They also train a large variety
of earth familiars.
Island Elves are well-known for their various water familiars. They are also the
most efficient practitioners of water magic and build some of the fastest ships in
the seven seas. Even among the Island elves there is a smaller breed of elf
known as the “Caeda”. Protectors of the ‘Sacred Circle’, an enchanted glade,
the Caeda are pale skinned, white haired elves who have mastered the three
elements of Gaia.
River elves are those elves that congregate along the rivers of Quiyarus. They vary
greatly in skin and hair color and are widely known as the most versatile of
the elven people. With towns and villages dotted all along the fertile riverbanks of Quiyarus, the river folk made up the bulk of elven traders. They peddle elven wares from
Kanjin to Stenocia and have established relations with some of most allusive races
in Aborlon. It should come as no surprise that river elves are known for their diplomacy and mercantile skills.
ELVEN HOLIDAYS
There are four major holidays in Quiyarus. Given their affinity toward nature it is of little surprise that those celebrations revolve around the four separate seasons. One holiday for each season. It is during these festivities that all major life-changes are made (i.e. marriage, career paths, politics, investments, etc). In fact, elves will not entertain diplomats or any form of politics outside of their celebration of the summer solstice.
Every year the Festival of Divos is celebrated with great participation. It's a holiday with time-honored roots, but today it is mostly associated with homemade holiday decorations, meals, traditional hair styling and fireworks. It is officially celebrated for an entire moon cycle. However, decorations are often seen weeks before the actual celebrations. Divos is celebrated during the spring solstice.
The honoring of the summer solstice, or Smulder, is a time of rest and recuperation for the people of Quiyarus. They gather in their immediate family units, comforting and sharing of the year's struggles and achievements. They reflect on the personal growth they have acquired as a result of the challenges of life and encourage one another for the year to come. An ornament called a Urican is hung on the entrance door to signify that that house is observing Smulder.
Exalos is a
bustling holiday filled with feasts, competitions, decorations, poetry,
artwork, theatrical exhibitions, dancing, and worship. It is said that even the
gods frequent the festivities of Exalos. It is a time of recreation and
entertainment, cooks from around Epimetheus gather at the Elven capital to
flaunt their talents and share their recipes. Exalos is the celebration of the season
of harvest.
Every winter solstice Glayze is celebrated with somber tranquility. It’s a holiday with long established roots, but today is mostly associated with the telling of stories. The elves gather together for oral histories, group games, bonding with friends and to watch natural phenomena. The Great lights of the northern Aura and the March of Kolvar are common attractions of Glayze. The March of Kolvar is a traditional parade that signifies the end of the great wars and pays homage to those whose lives were ended in that terrible time suffering.
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| Newpolis |
With the end of the first month of this quarter I would say that we have finished quite a lot. We still need to come up with some Elven wonders (think of the Great Pyramids, Grand Canyon or the Parthenon). Perhaps a timeline would be in order as well. This of course would go a long way in keeping our historical data in order.
We love to hear what our followers have to say. There is always room
for people to contribute artistically as well. With culture covering such a wide
variety of events, practices and beliefs there are an innumerable amount of
ways that one could help. Just send us an email, throw a comment on our Facebook
page or enter a comment to this blog post.
Remember to keep your imagination
alive, your creativity may just depend on it.
Nathan
Developer Producer
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We appreciate your feedback. Remember to keep your dreams alive, your imagination may depend on it.
Nathan