Mabimifew (/maːbimivɛu/)
The name translates to "Transcendents" when translated to Common from the original Elvish.
Naming Traditions
Family names
Mabimifew names often include double letters and are designed to be pleasant to the ear. They believe that having first names similar to those of the gods of Chaos guarantees misfortune, and names similar to that of their patron is considered blasphemy. Holding a last name, in general, means that the holder is either born into a noble family or has a rank and role (like weapon master) in a household. Mabimifew who do not meet those criteria are not given a surname.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The Mabimifew are a literate people, with most of them knowing two languages: Deep Elvish and Mabimifew Sign. They usually stay in their cities, which limits their exposure to other tongues. Mabimifew adventurers, outcasts, and traders often learn more languages, as do their warriors. They use their ability to read subtle markings in stone to leave secret messages. Those with the time or inclination, such as warriors, tend to learn the languages of creatures that live physically close to their communities, such as Common, Draconic, and Goblin.
Mabimifew commonly speak a language called Deep Elvish, which is similar in structure to Elvish, enough that an Elvish speaker would be understood by someone speaking it and vice versa. Each isolated Mabimifew community has its own variant with a distinct accent. Deep Elvish is read right to left in single-word columns with little punctuation. Additionally, an archaic dialect exists that is primarily used by priestesses in their rituals and by nobles who do not want to be understood by lower-born Mabimifew.
Mabimifew Sign is a visual language used by the Mabimifew, conveyed through hand and finger patterns, body language, and facial expressions. It has no written form and is not part of the Mabimifew's compulsory education, but they have an easy time learning it. The language is able to convey complex information in a short amount of time, but it is nigh-impossible for anyone not fluent in the language to decipher it. Even so, some elements of the language can be delivered via body language and typical movements, enabling Mabimifew to pass secret messages to others without being noticed. Mabimifew adept in spellcraft can even make their innate magic move and blink in this script to create signals and communicate over much further distances than their darkvision or tunnels permit. Mabimifew Sign is commonly known by Mabimifew warriors who have the time or interest in learning it. It takes a few months of dedicated tutoring and practice to learn the hand code with all its nuances and combinations. While only Mabimifew can be fully fluent in the silent tongue, they instruct others in its basic signs and symbols, which leads to a sign-language trade-speech being in common use among those who make dealings with the Mabimifew.
Mabimifew commonly speak a language called Deep Elvish, which is similar in structure to Elvish, enough that an Elvish speaker would be understood by someone speaking it and vice versa. Each isolated Mabimifew community has its own variant with a distinct accent. Deep Elvish is read right to left in single-word columns with little punctuation. Additionally, an archaic dialect exists that is primarily used by priestesses in their rituals and by nobles who do not want to be understood by lower-born Mabimifew.
Mabimifew Sign is a visual language used by the Mabimifew, conveyed through hand and finger patterns, body language, and facial expressions. It has no written form and is not part of the Mabimifew's compulsory education, but they have an easy time learning it. The language is able to convey complex information in a short amount of time, but it is nigh-impossible for anyone not fluent in the language to decipher it. Even so, some elements of the language can be delivered via body language and typical movements, enabling Mabimifew to pass secret messages to others without being noticed. Mabimifew adept in spellcraft can even make their innate magic move and blink in this script to create signals and communicate over much further distances than their darkvision or tunnels permit. Mabimifew Sign is commonly known by Mabimifew warriors who have the time or interest in learning it. It takes a few months of dedicated tutoring and practice to learn the hand code with all its nuances and combinations. While only Mabimifew can be fully fluent in the silent tongue, they instruct others in its basic signs and symbols, which leads to a sign-language trade-speech being in common use among those who make dealings with the Mabimifew.
Culture and cultural heritage
The Mabimifew descend from the shadow elves, one of the first groups of elves to walk Caanae, and who in turn were descendants of shadar-kai. The Mabimifew remember their origins because their feud with other societies is based on history. However, they do not appreciate being reminded of their heritage as it also reminds them of their deep fall from power and subsequent split of the shadow elves while in exile beneath the surface.
The history of the Mabimifew is filled with confusion and uncertainties. Many fanatical Mabimifew tell lies and fabrications about their own history to serve the ends of the noble houses and of the faiths. At times, pieces of history are entirely deleted from the records. It happens to fallen noble houses, as all information about them is erased, and even to individual Mabimifew.
The Mabimifew worship Taeora, a deity of magic and one of the gods of Chaos, and are content to remain in their subterranean realm, where they feel secure and in control. They have craftsmen, farmers, and businesses, but these are undercut by the priestesses who purposefully undermine opportunities for growth to retain their grip on power. Mabimifew priestesses can take items from businesses without paying, and if they particularly like a product, this could cause a business to go bankrupt despite the owners' efforts. Unemployment and homelessness are not issues in Mabimifew society, as those who fall into either or both categories are conscripted into the militaries of the various houses. This is due to the constant demand for soldiers, regardless of their level of skill.
Most Mabimifew live under oppression, in a state of perpetual desperation and poverty. Commoners usually learn a craft or enter military training, while talented individuals may hope to enter one of the magic schools. Commoners may have multi-generation households, with many living generations of members. Killing an elder is not seen as beneficial, as they represent a valuable source of historical and general knowledge. Commoners who gain enough expertise in a certain area may be adopted into a noble family. Artists may also be adopted by one of the Houses for their skill. Commoners can also rise to a higher social station by becoming the consort of a noble, gaining the latter's last name for the duration of the marriage. Rising through the ranks too quickly is dangerous for any Mabimifew, as the usual reaction is the formation of temporary alliances among those who believe they were wronged to take the upstart down. Nonetheless, noble Mabimifew value commoners and usually sacrifice them only if their usefulness comes to an end.
The Mabimifew society is ruled by a powerful aristocracy comprised of Houses. These houses occupy the best territories and are characterized by their internal strife. They are led by a matron, a powerful priestess of Taeora, who holds absolute power within the household. Below her are female members of the house who are also priestesses, followed by male officers, including the weapon master, house wizard, and patron. Other male members of the house and servants come after them. The males are not allowed to hold any authority unless they become officers. Females are responsible for all governmental and militaristic power within the city and hold no authority until after puberty. The Mabimifew Houses constantly fight each other, and although the power of the many houses changes often, the few at the top usually remain stable. In general, noble Mabimifew parents view their children as vehicles for their own advancement. The quest for power and rank is everything in Mabimifew society, and females, particularly those from powerful families, engage in violent and lethal competition to gain power.
The history of the Mabimifew is filled with confusion and uncertainties. Many fanatical Mabimifew tell lies and fabrications about their own history to serve the ends of the noble houses and of the faiths. At times, pieces of history are entirely deleted from the records. It happens to fallen noble houses, as all information about them is erased, and even to individual Mabimifew.
The Mabimifew worship Taeora, a deity of magic and one of the gods of Chaos, and are content to remain in their subterranean realm, where they feel secure and in control. They have craftsmen, farmers, and businesses, but these are undercut by the priestesses who purposefully undermine opportunities for growth to retain their grip on power. Mabimifew priestesses can take items from businesses without paying, and if they particularly like a product, this could cause a business to go bankrupt despite the owners' efforts. Unemployment and homelessness are not issues in Mabimifew society, as those who fall into either or both categories are conscripted into the militaries of the various houses. This is due to the constant demand for soldiers, regardless of their level of skill.
Most Mabimifew live under oppression, in a state of perpetual desperation and poverty. Commoners usually learn a craft or enter military training, while talented individuals may hope to enter one of the magic schools. Commoners may have multi-generation households, with many living generations of members. Killing an elder is not seen as beneficial, as they represent a valuable source of historical and general knowledge. Commoners who gain enough expertise in a certain area may be adopted into a noble family. Artists may also be adopted by one of the Houses for their skill. Commoners can also rise to a higher social station by becoming the consort of a noble, gaining the latter's last name for the duration of the marriage. Rising through the ranks too quickly is dangerous for any Mabimifew, as the usual reaction is the formation of temporary alliances among those who believe they were wronged to take the upstart down. Nonetheless, noble Mabimifew value commoners and usually sacrifice them only if their usefulness comes to an end.
The Mabimifew society is ruled by a powerful aristocracy comprised of Houses. These houses occupy the best territories and are characterized by their internal strife. They are led by a matron, a powerful priestess of Taeora, who holds absolute power within the household. Below her are female members of the house who are also priestesses, followed by male officers, including the weapon master, house wizard, and patron. Other male members of the house and servants come after them. The males are not allowed to hold any authority unless they become officers. Females are responsible for all governmental and militaristic power within the city and hold no authority until after puberty. The Mabimifew Houses constantly fight each other, and although the power of the many houses changes often, the few at the top usually remain stable. In general, noble Mabimifew parents view their children as vehicles for their own advancement. The quest for power and rank is everything in Mabimifew society, and females, particularly those from powerful families, engage in violent and lethal competition to gain power.
Shared customary codes and values
The Mabimifew are a reclusive society that is rarely seen by the surface world. They are a people with a contradictory outlook, promoting personal ambition and creative problem-solving to surpass the older elites, while prioritizing the good of the many over the individual and adhering to staunch traditionalism. They have innate magical abilities that vary from person to person and can be used without formal training. The Mabimifew have adapted to life underground and developed magic that allows them to carve their cities from stone, create powerful weapons, make dangerous magic items, and summon fiendish servants of Chaos.
Their society must maintain a certain level of stability to achieve their individual goals. They are deeply rooted in tradition, even if it is not explicitly codified into law. Turning social norms into written rules elicits a poor response, as they obey them mainly out of fear and social pressure. However, taking their traditions to an extreme degree can prevent significant growth.
On a personal level, each Mabimifew seeks to gain and maintain the favor of Taeora, accumulate material goods, and increase their status within the society. Depending on their station, a Mabimifew may support endeavors that boost their own prestige by increasing their people's power and influence, or they may support plans that drag everyone down, such as causing strife and violence within their communities.
Mabimifew communities are known as city-states, although they are not actually organized as "states". Instead, they are clusters of Mabimifew led by oppressive, theocratic nobility. Cities are typically independent and not part of a larger Mabimifew nation, and although some have trade agreements, they frequently go to war with each other. Cities often include farmlands within the main cavern where commoners work to produce and harvest meat and crops, although sometimes they can be found outside due to space limitations.
Mabimifew society is a theocracy where ruling priestesses, particularly matrons, hold ultimate and absolute power. Technically, there is only one rule: "might makes right". The priestesses act as judge, jury, and executioner, punishing people for assumed offenses via methods they make up on the spot. There is no concept of "guilt until proven innocent" or "proven beyond a reasonable doubt". Punishments can easily be disproportionate to the crime, and there is no due process or appeals system (unless one has connections). Violent and property crimes are punished, but stolen goods are not usually recovered. Similarly, street patrols violently punish anyone fighting, but the victim of the assault is expected to defend themselves. Even Mabimifew Houses are punished for the open murder of their enemies, just as they would be if their assassination was exposed. In general, "justice" is seen as a senseless and arbitrary institution.
Mabimifew society has a strict fashion code, including rules about hairstyles, meant to allow for easy identification of a Mabimifew's social station and house. It is illegal for non-Mabimifew to disguise themselves as a specific Mabimifew, a noble Mabimifew, or a member of a house outside of their own. Failing to completely exterminate the Mabimifew noble line of another house in a single attack, more than one house teaming up to attack another (one of the few offenses that has to be proven), or attacking a Mabimifew house within a year of the last attack against them are also offenses. The most common penalty is whipping. Violation of the fashion code, disregarding exceptions due to authorization by the appropriate individuals, is always punished by death. Failing to fully obliterate another house or allying with another to do so is a crime punished by all other houses destroying the offenders.
The majority of Mabimifew people worship the gods of Chaos. The relationship between the Mabimifew and their gods is one of mutual exploitation. Most gods are not worshipped out of a true sense of piety or devotion, but rather out of fear, respect, and/or personal ambition. Likewise, most Mabimifew gods are involved in their followers' lives, but not because they genuinely care about them; each god is unconcerned with what happens to their followers outside of witnessing how their actions ripple through the cosmos.
Compared to other sentient beings, the Mabimifew are notably intelligent, as their analytical mindset and constant vigilance are necessary to survive in their society. However, a lifetime of indoctrination combined with limited contact with other beings and alternative ways of life has made them close-minded and left them with little worldly experience. The Mabimifew are filled with a love for what they consider beautiful and a desire to surround themselves with it. Most Mabimifew generally feel entitled to do whatever they want, whenever they want to do it. If a Mabimifew is not where they believe they should be in life, their pride demands that they blame someone else (sometimes everyone else) for their incorrect position. They are a vengeful people by necessity, as not answering to slights with punishment is easily perceived as weakness by other Mabimifew, and is essentially the same as inviting death. Most Mabimifew seek to rise in rank, desiring the power that a higher station would provide. Ironically, for a race that puts such a focus on individual merit, personal achievement, and ability carry so little weight in their minds that they have almost no notion of its worth. Military genius, battle prowess, magical capability, the ability to create, and all other skills have no intrinsic value. The idea of passion for one's career and of an activity having worth in and of itself is alien; abilities and resources, whether obtained by training or granted by birth, only matter insofar as they increase a Mabimifew's ability to advance in station, thus granting them more power.
Given the scarcity of resources in the world below and the limited chances for advancement within their society, most Mabimifew have to be aggressively competitive. As a generalization, the Mabimifew's constant strife has led them to be paranoid, with a fear of everyone and everything, from the potential loss of personal position, favor of the gods of Chaos, the loyalty (or even the threat of outright rebellion) of those they have power over, to punishment by their own superiors' hands. The end result of being raised in this environment is that the Mabimifew are untrusting with a constant readiness to stab others, both in the figurative and literal sense. Even in moments of safety or relaxation, they are always alert and constantly expecting attacks of any kind, and are rarely surprised when such attacks come.
While the Mabimifew understand the advantage of forging bonds with others, they do not see the value in honesty. Forming relations with others is therefore a dangerous endeavor, and mostly temporary, since any alliance or cordial relationship can end in treachery. Mabimifew normally go into engagements of this sort expecting the worst, and alliances are always under scrutiny for signs of treachery, often ending violently. The mere inconvenience of maintaining the bond can be a reason to end it.
Their society must maintain a certain level of stability to achieve their individual goals. They are deeply rooted in tradition, even if it is not explicitly codified into law. Turning social norms into written rules elicits a poor response, as they obey them mainly out of fear and social pressure. However, taking their traditions to an extreme degree can prevent significant growth.
On a personal level, each Mabimifew seeks to gain and maintain the favor of Taeora, accumulate material goods, and increase their status within the society. Depending on their station, a Mabimifew may support endeavors that boost their own prestige by increasing their people's power and influence, or they may support plans that drag everyone down, such as causing strife and violence within their communities.
Mabimifew communities are known as city-states, although they are not actually organized as "states". Instead, they are clusters of Mabimifew led by oppressive, theocratic nobility. Cities are typically independent and not part of a larger Mabimifew nation, and although some have trade agreements, they frequently go to war with each other. Cities often include farmlands within the main cavern where commoners work to produce and harvest meat and crops, although sometimes they can be found outside due to space limitations.
Mabimifew society is a theocracy where ruling priestesses, particularly matrons, hold ultimate and absolute power. Technically, there is only one rule: "might makes right". The priestesses act as judge, jury, and executioner, punishing people for assumed offenses via methods they make up on the spot. There is no concept of "guilt until proven innocent" or "proven beyond a reasonable doubt". Punishments can easily be disproportionate to the crime, and there is no due process or appeals system (unless one has connections). Violent and property crimes are punished, but stolen goods are not usually recovered. Similarly, street patrols violently punish anyone fighting, but the victim of the assault is expected to defend themselves. Even Mabimifew Houses are punished for the open murder of their enemies, just as they would be if their assassination was exposed. In general, "justice" is seen as a senseless and arbitrary institution.
Mabimifew society has a strict fashion code, including rules about hairstyles, meant to allow for easy identification of a Mabimifew's social station and house. It is illegal for non-Mabimifew to disguise themselves as a specific Mabimifew, a noble Mabimifew, or a member of a house outside of their own. Failing to completely exterminate the Mabimifew noble line of another house in a single attack, more than one house teaming up to attack another (one of the few offenses that has to be proven), or attacking a Mabimifew house within a year of the last attack against them are also offenses. The most common penalty is whipping. Violation of the fashion code, disregarding exceptions due to authorization by the appropriate individuals, is always punished by death. Failing to fully obliterate another house or allying with another to do so is a crime punished by all other houses destroying the offenders.
The majority of Mabimifew people worship the gods of Chaos. The relationship between the Mabimifew and their gods is one of mutual exploitation. Most gods are not worshipped out of a true sense of piety or devotion, but rather out of fear, respect, and/or personal ambition. Likewise, most Mabimifew gods are involved in their followers' lives, but not because they genuinely care about them; each god is unconcerned with what happens to their followers outside of witnessing how their actions ripple through the cosmos.
Compared to other sentient beings, the Mabimifew are notably intelligent, as their analytical mindset and constant vigilance are necessary to survive in their society. However, a lifetime of indoctrination combined with limited contact with other beings and alternative ways of life has made them close-minded and left them with little worldly experience. The Mabimifew are filled with a love for what they consider beautiful and a desire to surround themselves with it. Most Mabimifew generally feel entitled to do whatever they want, whenever they want to do it. If a Mabimifew is not where they believe they should be in life, their pride demands that they blame someone else (sometimes everyone else) for their incorrect position. They are a vengeful people by necessity, as not answering to slights with punishment is easily perceived as weakness by other Mabimifew, and is essentially the same as inviting death. Most Mabimifew seek to rise in rank, desiring the power that a higher station would provide. Ironically, for a race that puts such a focus on individual merit, personal achievement, and ability carry so little weight in their minds that they have almost no notion of its worth. Military genius, battle prowess, magical capability, the ability to create, and all other skills have no intrinsic value. The idea of passion for one's career and of an activity having worth in and of itself is alien; abilities and resources, whether obtained by training or granted by birth, only matter insofar as they increase a Mabimifew's ability to advance in station, thus granting them more power.
Given the scarcity of resources in the world below and the limited chances for advancement within their society, most Mabimifew have to be aggressively competitive. As a generalization, the Mabimifew's constant strife has led them to be paranoid, with a fear of everyone and everything, from the potential loss of personal position, favor of the gods of Chaos, the loyalty (or even the threat of outright rebellion) of those they have power over, to punishment by their own superiors' hands. The end result of being raised in this environment is that the Mabimifew are untrusting with a constant readiness to stab others, both in the figurative and literal sense. Even in moments of safety or relaxation, they are always alert and constantly expecting attacks of any kind, and are rarely surprised when such attacks come.
While the Mabimifew understand the advantage of forging bonds with others, they do not see the value in honesty. Forming relations with others is therefore a dangerous endeavor, and mostly temporary, since any alliance or cordial relationship can end in treachery. Mabimifew normally go into engagements of this sort expecting the worst, and alliances are always under scrutiny for signs of treachery, often ending violently. The mere inconvenience of maintaining the bond can be a reason to end it.
Common Etiquette rules
It is a commonly accepted gesture in Mabimifew culture to drop held weapons and fall on a knee as a sign of surrender. When participating in a meeting, creating an intense light source is seen as a hostile act by the Mabimifew due to their weakness to light, which leads them to attack.
Common Dress code
Mabimifew keep their hair long and adorn it with precious metal hairpins. Although they are unable to grow proper beards, some males can grow long sideburns or wispy hair on their cheeks or chin. Most Mabimifew wear a fire-resistant, protective cloak and an insignia somewhere on their person that indicates their house or merchant clan affiliation, whether as a member or servant. However, insignias are not openly displayed except when inside the house territory or the clan's base. Noble Mabimifew wear clothing and equipment of superior quality, but they may choose not to wear them when they want to avoid attracting attention. A noble's insignia not only shows house allegiance but also carries magic that can be used on command. They also use powdered moss as eye shadow. Mabimifew prefer smooth or cabochon cut gems over faceted ones and favor black, blue, and red colors. Silvery-hued gems are used as contrast when metal cannot provide it. Gems are usually worked into rings, wristlets, gorgets, belts, pendants, or collars. Priestesses wear more gems than other Mabimifew, and the amount, rarity, and variety of gems they wear is on a higher level. Other types of gems are often used as currency for trade with non-Mabimifew.
Art & Architecture
Architecture
The Mabimifew are skilled architects who build their cities in enormous underground caverns. Although their structures appear delicate, they are structurally sound and resilient.
The Mabimifew hollow out stalagmites and stalactites to create populated spires that rise from the floors and ceilings. Their cities are enclosed by high walls, and non-Mabimifew visitors must conduct their business outside. To protect their cities from intruders, the Mabimifew raise and keep giant spiders and drape their cities in beautiful webbing to catch flying enemies.
Mabimifew architecture emphasizes beauty and is considered a marvel to behold. They use the environment to their advantage, shaping and hollowing out stalactites, stalagmites, and cave columns. They are also known for their stone bridge, balcony, and buttress designs, as well as their intricate spiral tunnels.
The Mabimifew use both magic and mundane means to create lighting and support structures, with crucial structures often supported by spells. Despite their excellent craftsmanship, Mabimifew cities tend to be chaotic and messy due to the lack of a uniform architectural style.
Common features in Mabimifew cities include spider webs in passages and obsidian-cast spider motifs as decorations. The Mabimifew use magic and the bare minimum amount of handiwork for reconstruction in the event of a collapse. They require huge caverns with abundant resources nearby to build their cities, and they are skilled at cutting and shaping stone with both magical and mundane methods.
Waterworks are a product of Mabimifew craftsmanship that receives universal acclaim, and systems of intricately curved pipes collect and divert water for various purposes.
Art
The Mabimifew highly value art and skilled craftsmanship, especially in the creation of weapons. They actively seek out good artisans, especially those who are innovative, and families without artistic talent may hire or adopt skilled artisans. Noble households often have their own exclusive sculptors and gemcutters. While about one-fifth of Mabimifew are capable of complex works, only about one-tenth can create items fine enough to be enchanted. Although there are many capable artisans among the Mabimifew, the demand for their work is much higher than the supply, so both nobles and merchant clans try to have at least six on their payroll. Artwork and craftwork of the Mabimifew are often made out of materials like metal and cloth, and frequently include spider motifs, such as curtains that emulate spider webs that often adorn noble Mabimifew houses.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Among the Mabimifew, there are many rituals, such as the graduation ceremony for graduates of the mage, priest, and warrior schools. Some known Mabimifew rituals and customs include:
Wysel Sniwna (/ˈwɨːsɛl ˈsnɪuna/): A formal dance party that sometimes serves as a platform for displaying wealth and power, through extravagant costumes and expenditure, including inviting famous or significant personages from the surface.
Sniwna fu Cymogaufew (/ˈsnɪuna vu ˈkəmoːgauvɛu/): A dancing competition where those who miss steps are marked for public mockery.
Momyrigi (/ˈmoːmɨrigi/): An annual ritual where the Mabimifew go out to commit grand larceny against a surface community. It is only held where the surface is easily accessible. While the goal is to enrich the community with wealth from the surface, they are not above murder of the surface folk, even of each other in the case of rivals taking the opportunity to strike.
Liwlu fu Coli (/ˈlɪulu vu ˈkɔli/): Rites of passage and tests of loyalty for those Mabimifew (especially wizards) who reach a certain degree of power and knowledge. A version of these series of tests would lead some chosen to take part in the ritual of Transcendence, Maumabem.
In Mabimifew society, children are viewed as the future of their culture. However, honest love between parent and child is even rarer than love between lovers. A child born with physical malformations or imperfections is expected to compete along with all other Mabimifew, regardless of disability. While the wealthy nobility can afford magical prosthetics and aids, commoner Mabimifew are rarely so lucky.
Due to their competitive society, Mabimifew parents try to instill the ideals of tenacity, ambition, self-reliance, and independence in their children. Punishments for disobedience range from beatings to withholding of food, with the goal of preparing the child for their future lives. Sadly, these punishments can prove lethal, and the inevitable child deaths are justified as "saving" the child from an even worse fate as an adult. These lessons generally leave a lasting impression on a Mabimifew.
When parents are present in a Mabimifew's life, they attempt to raise their children with these same ideals. However, noble Mabimifew are not raised by their parents, whom they only see a few times a year. Instead, they are raised by elder siblings and private caretakers before being sent to the city's priesthood, military, or wizard academy, depending on their inclination. In effect, each of these institutions is a kind of boarding school for children over ten years old.
Merchant clans and commoners, who lack the resources to hire tutors, consider raising children the entire family's duty, before they learn the parent's craft, enroll in the military, or join a wizard or cleric academy. Regardless of social class, children generally lack any strong parental bonds and are both physically and emotionally distant from their absentee parents. This lack of emotional bonding can limit the emotional growth that children could achieve in a home environment.
The Mabimifew people are known for their exceptional skills when it comes to stealth and subtlety. They have a particular fascination with these abilities and use them to great effect in their combat tactics. When engaging in ranged combat, the Mabimifew will often ambush their enemies using their superior marksmanship and hand crossbows. They favor this weapon because it allows them to deliver their poisons from a safe distance away from their targets. In close combat, they prefer to use light and quick weapons like rapiers, which allow them to strike quickly and evade their opponents. However, if close combat is the only option remaining, they will often choose to retreat, living to fight another day.
Mabimifew warriors undergo specific training that includes lessons on how to blend in with their surroundings. They learn to use the hues and patterns of their environment to remain invisible and strike unexpectedly when the moment is right. Their famous assassin schools double as assassins' guilds. Here, they learn the art of deception and infiltration, enabling them to take out their targets without being detected.
In addition to their combat skills, the Mabimifew possess a unique ability to create orbs of light. They can use these orbs to surprise their enemies with the sudden appearance of a glowing figure or will-o'-wisp-like light balls. They may also team up with actual will-o'-wisps to make their deception even more effective. The Mabimifew also possess the ability to create magical darkness, a crucial part of their combat strategy. They can use this ability to limit their enemies' sight or to otherwise hamper them in battle. This makes them formidable opponents in any combat situation.
In Mabimifew society, children are viewed as the future of their culture. However, honest love between parent and child is even rarer than love between lovers. A child born with physical malformations or imperfections is expected to compete along with all other Mabimifew, regardless of disability. While the wealthy nobility can afford magical prosthetics and aids, commoner Mabimifew are rarely so lucky.
Due to their competitive society, Mabimifew parents try to instill the ideals of tenacity, ambition, self-reliance, and independence in their children. Punishments for disobedience range from beatings to withholding of food, with the goal of preparing the child for their future lives. Sadly, these punishments can prove lethal, and the inevitable child deaths are justified as "saving" the child from an even worse fate as an adult. These lessons generally leave a lasting impression on a Mabimifew.
When parents are present in a Mabimifew's life, they attempt to raise their children with these same ideals. However, noble Mabimifew are not raised by their parents, whom they only see a few times a year. Instead, they are raised by elder siblings and private caretakers before being sent to the city's priesthood, military, or wizard academy, depending on their inclination. In effect, each of these institutions is a kind of boarding school for children over ten years old.
Merchant clans and commoners, who lack the resources to hire tutors, consider raising children the entire family's duty, before they learn the parent's craft, enroll in the military, or join a wizard or cleric academy. Regardless of social class, children generally lack any strong parental bonds and are both physically and emotionally distant from their absentee parents. This lack of emotional bonding can limit the emotional growth that children could achieve in a home environment.
The Mabimifew people are known for their exceptional skills when it comes to stealth and subtlety. They have a particular fascination with these abilities and use them to great effect in their combat tactics. When engaging in ranged combat, the Mabimifew will often ambush their enemies using their superior marksmanship and hand crossbows. They favor this weapon because it allows them to deliver their poisons from a safe distance away from their targets. In close combat, they prefer to use light and quick weapons like rapiers, which allow them to strike quickly and evade their opponents. However, if close combat is the only option remaining, they will often choose to retreat, living to fight another day.
Mabimifew warriors undergo specific training that includes lessons on how to blend in with their surroundings. They learn to use the hues and patterns of their environment to remain invisible and strike unexpectedly when the moment is right. Their famous assassin schools double as assassins' guilds. Here, they learn the art of deception and infiltration, enabling them to take out their targets without being detected.
In addition to their combat skills, the Mabimifew possess a unique ability to create orbs of light. They can use these orbs to surprise their enemies with the sudden appearance of a glowing figure or will-o'-wisp-like light balls. They may also team up with actual will-o'-wisps to make their deception even more effective. The Mabimifew also possess the ability to create magical darkness, a crucial part of their combat strategy. They can use this ability to limit their enemies' sight or to otherwise hamper them in battle. This makes them formidable opponents in any combat situation.
Ideals
Gender Ideals
In Mabimifew society, the role of women as priestesses of Taeora is highly revered. From a very young age, females with noble blood ties are trained to become priestesses, imbued with immense power and influence over Mabimifew society. As they are responsible for executing the will of The Weaver, the matron mothers who lead the Mabimifew houses are considered the most powerful priestesses of Taeora. However, their position is not without its challenges as they must balance their devotion to The Weaver with their family obligations.
In contrast to their female counterparts, Mabimifew males are subservient and cannot hold the highest positions of power in society. Although they are allowed to perform almost any function, they are not permitted to become priests nor can they rule a house. The quest for power and rank is everything in Mabimifew society, and females, particularly those from powerful families, engage in violent and lethal competition to gain power in a way that males are not exposed to.
Women who seek power outside of Taeora's cult must compete not only with other females but also with males. Men who lack the strength or fighting prowess to train as warriors have no other option but to pursue the study of magic, a path that is more accessible to privileged Mabimifew males. Female Mabimifew with a natural affinity for the arcane arts may also become Mabimifew mages, though they are a rare occurrence. Males, on the other hand, view the arcane arts as a means to acquire power, a path that is open only to a few. Despite this, males are still socially inferior to females but are not in real danger of being killed by a priestess.
Other than becoming a priest or a house ruler, there are other ways for males to gain status and recognition in Mabimifew society. They can become an arcane devotee or an arachnomancer, taking advantage of the reverence of spiders that comes with the worship of Taeora. Unlike the priesthood of Taeora, other deities that the Mabimifew worship have no gender restrictions to their clergy.
In contrast to their female counterparts, Mabimifew males are subservient and cannot hold the highest positions of power in society. Although they are allowed to perform almost any function, they are not permitted to become priests nor can they rule a house. The quest for power and rank is everything in Mabimifew society, and females, particularly those from powerful families, engage in violent and lethal competition to gain power in a way that males are not exposed to.
Women who seek power outside of Taeora's cult must compete not only with other females but also with males. Men who lack the strength or fighting prowess to train as warriors have no other option but to pursue the study of magic, a path that is more accessible to privileged Mabimifew males. Female Mabimifew with a natural affinity for the arcane arts may also become Mabimifew mages, though they are a rare occurrence. Males, on the other hand, view the arcane arts as a means to acquire power, a path that is open only to a few. Despite this, males are still socially inferior to females but are not in real danger of being killed by a priestess.
Other than becoming a priest or a house ruler, there are other ways for males to gain status and recognition in Mabimifew society. They can become an arcane devotee or an arachnomancer, taking advantage of the reverence of spiders that comes with the worship of Taeora. Unlike the priesthood of Taeora, other deities that the Mabimifew worship have no gender restrictions to their clergy.
Courtship Ideals
In the Mabimifew culture, hunting is not just a way to obtain food, but it is also a courting ritual performed by young men during festivals. This ritual has a significant role in the Mabimifew society, where women have the power to choose their partners and determine the beginning and end of a relationship. When multiple females crave a particular male partner, they may engage in a friendly competition to win his affection. Thus, the hunting ritual played by young Mabimifew men is not only a test of their hunting skills but also a way to demonstrate their worthiness as a potential partner to the women in the community. However, in commoner Mabimifew societies, while hunting remains an essential activity, the courting ritual is not as extreme and is conducted in a more subdued manner.
Relationship Ideals
Marriage is a dynamic concept in Mabimifew society, with contracts that have a duration of up to ten years and can be renewed. The society recognizes the importance of practical considerations such as complementary careers, political influence, and the male's ability to father many female offspring, which often form the basis of long-term relationships. However, while these factors are essential, Mabimifew also recognize the value of emotional attachments between partners.
It is worth noting that in the case of marriages between a member of Mabimifew's merchant clan and an outsider, the marriage is permanent and cannot be dissolved. Such marriages are considered crucial for the clan's prosperity and survival, and leaving such a union could result in the offending party's death.
Despite the practical considerations that govern Mabimifew relationships, there is still room for love and affection to develop. In some cases, the male partner's attractiveness and ability to make the female feel respected and secure can be a significant factor in the development of a long-term relationship.
It is worth noting that in the case of marriages between a member of Mabimifew's merchant clan and an outsider, the marriage is permanent and cannot be dissolved. Such marriages are considered crucial for the clan's prosperity and survival, and leaving such a union could result in the offending party's death.
Despite the practical considerations that govern Mabimifew relationships, there is still room for love and affection to develop. In some cases, the male partner's attractiveness and ability to make the female feel respected and secure can be a significant factor in the development of a long-term relationship.
Encompassed species
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