Wood Elves
The elves of Cerilia are a graceful but reclusive race, suspicious of humankind. Early in Cerilia's history they contested human settlement of Cerilia's vast forests, and a strong current of ill will towards the human nations still runs strong in the elven woods. Over time the elves evolved and changed. One evolution is the Wood Elf.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Ailien, Alliena, Ardenna, Ashleight, Audreeana, Breeana, Brigyte, Briona, Bronwyn, Caitlannagh (kate-LAN-nay), Camrynnyd, Caileight, Dannagh, Deirdre, Duana, Erinn, Fiona, Finnegwyn, Glynna, Gwenyth, Gwenneigr (gwen-NEER), Iyaell, Leeana, Llewellyn, Mawrmaval (MOOR-ma-val), Maeghan, Maebhe, Mhiellwynn, Niobhe, Nysneirdre (nis-NEER-drey), Rhiannon, Rhondal, Rhuann, Shielynn, Sinead (she-NAYD), Siobhan (sheh-VAWN), Tuanala.
Masculine names
Áedán, Áed, Ailbhe, Ailill, Ailín, Aingael, Aislin, Aithne, Allanleigh (al-LAN-lay), Ardghal, Barreight, Biorach, Bláthnat, Brígh, Brónach, Bruibevann, Braedonnal, Byrnwbhie (BUR-noo-vee), Cadgwogawn, Caelcormac, Caellach, Cairbre, Calraath, Caoilfhionn, Caoimhín, Caolán, Cathair, Cathál, Cathán, Cearbhall, Ceincorinn, Cian, Ciardha, Colmán, Conall, Conan, Conchobhar, Conláed, Conleth, Connal, Conrí, Conannelaght (koh-NAN-ne-lach), Corvwyn, Comhghán, Cormac, Cuán, Cuchulainn, Daegandal, Deaglán, Dáire, Daithí, Dálaigh, Damháin, Dara, Darochinn, Delwynndwn (del-WIN-doon), Derwyndal, Deoradháin, Devlyn, Donnachaidh, Donnabhain, Dubhghall (doy-al), Dubhghlas, Eachann, Eagandigh, Eamonnal, Eidirsceoil, Erghwen, Fiellnn, Finn, Fionnbharr, Gannelganwn (gan-nel-gan-NOON), Garradh, Glyngrean, Lachlan, Lynn, Merwyndin, Morgan, Niall (NYE-ull), Rhannoch, Rhuobhe (ROVE), Rhaal, Rhys, Riordan, Seabharinn (she-VAR-in), Siele, Sliebheinn (slay-VEEN), Talerdigh, Tuall.
Family names
Aleach (Starflower), Amalachloden (Gemflower), Galanohel (Moonwhisper), Holomilach (Diamonddew), Liadonel (Silverford), Meliamene (Oakenheel), Naibohan (Nightbreeze), Siannodenel (Moonbrook), Thimanonell (Gemblossom), Wilosbhent (Goldpetal).
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Elves speak Sidhelien as their racial language. Because of their long lives, the elven language remains relatively unchanged; no dialects of any kind are known to exist. Many elves speak the various languages of humankind and the dark tongues of goblins are especially common - it pays to know ones enemies. Sidhelien is notoriously difficult to learn, often requiring years to master even the basics.
Culture and cultural heritage
There are many Elven communities that will shoot humans on sight and some that are open to humans passing through, but are seen as suspicious.
Shared customary codes and values
Xenophobic
Common Dress code
Lots of greens and silvers are used in their clothing.
Coming of Age Rites
When an elf comes of age, it is customary for her to chose an adult name for herself. Those that knew her as a youngster may or may not continue to call her by her child name.
An elf's adult name is a unique creation, innately linked to her nature. It often reflects the names of those she admires or others in her family. Sometimes past deeds or special characteristics help shape the name. Non-elves often find elven names quite similar, and often believe that several elves may share a name. The truth is that human ears cannot discern the subtle differences in pronunciation. Family names are combinations of regular elven words, and are often translatable into other languages. Some elves chose to use the translated form when dealing with humans.
Common Taboos
- Harming nature or misusing nature.
- Having the Azari bloodline
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Nature
Major organizations
The Elven Court has fractured from a single large kingdom into many small ones, just as the human Empire has shattered. Every elven settlement now has its own version of the Elven Court, but none of them can match the glories of the original. Like the humans, the elves hope to reunite the elven lands to recapture the beauty and grace of the past.
The type of elven ruler varies from court to court, depending on what the elves of that nation value. The elves of Tuarhievel favor warriors, while those of the Sielwode prefer mages as their leader. Of course, each court prefers its type of leader over all others. If elves are to reconcile, they must first set aside their differences in taste.
Although elves have kings and queens who appear, to the eyes of the human tribes like the rulers of human realms, it would be a mistake to assume that elven governance has more than a superficial resemblance to that of one of the human tribes. For a start elves pay almost no heed to the hereditary principle - although in some realms it is not uncommon for a child of the former ruler to succeed them to the throne this is more do to the child being interested in the role or having served their parent closely than any right of succession - the elves would not be surprised if another became ruler. This is hardly surprising when it is realized that some elves have ruled for longer than human history - Tuar ruled the elves of the Aelvinnwode for at least three millennia and the legendary Sidhe Braelachheim ruled before her for over thirteen millennia.
Perhaps the truest difference between a human and an elven ruler lies in the simple phrase 'a human king is obeyed because he is king, an elven king is king because he is obeyed'. A human ignored by his people would have legal rights to enforce his laws, an elven king would simply not be king. That said the intense disinterest of most elves in governance means that in practice elven rulers have substantial, often entirely unchecked power - their followers trust that the rare orders of the crown are valid and should be followed unless blatantly corrupt. Elven rulers tend to see rulership as a burden, for they like most elves dislike responsibility for others and share the general elven attitude of incomprehension towards the desire to accumulate wealth.
Comments