High Elf
The high elves of Emicara are those who have settled into human society. They have found a home in the great cities and towns of the various human nations. They tend to congregate in whichever nation has the most power and influence and ingratiate themselves accordingly. Their forest elf kin view them as traitors and sell outs, while the high elves believe that they are attempting to beat humans at their own game. The high elves remain closely knit and connected, and currently are predominantly based in the Imperial City in Jakonia. Others reside throughout the rest of Emicara, but in only small enclaves, managing branches of their family businesses.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Rubye, Bella, Pearlie, Luvenia, Eulalia, Estella, Lavinia, Leta, Cynthia, Electa
Masculine names
Leo, Leslie, Ashley, Leopold, Shelby, Wiley, Issac, Marie, Furman, Arch
Family names
Nisbet, Burress, Nevil, Brew, Welter, Small, Foale, Barry, Scenay, Foster
Other names
The naming scheme of the high elves currently follows much along the lines of the Jakonian Empire and people. However, it is said that many retain "secret" names that only their close friends and family know. While they may go by their various human names, these remain quiet and only to themselves and close companions.
Male Example Secret Names: Ilibalar, Umeberos, Erhice, Perceran, Tranorin, Wrankian, Nornan, Baljeon, Sylsandoral, Fenric
Female Example Secret Names: Phiynore, Bimoira, Farie, Fazorwyn, Yesstina, Fanala, Kriscyne, Torra, Shafina, Miasys
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
High elves speak Common first and foremost, striving to remain a welcome part of the Jakonian Empire and their various other host nations. In the privacy of their own homes, they occasionally speak Elvish, but it is often peppered with words from Common. Elvish overall has declined persistently in use among high elves, used mainly in formal occasions and on documents that needed to be kept private from prying human eyes.
Art & Architecture
High elves have made considerable contributions to the Jakonian art and music sphere, with the ample practice that centuries can give a person. However, more often than not, they retain the appearance of a human in order to gain widespread acceptance while performing their arts. Therefore many alleged Jakonian cultural and artistic achievements have actually been created by high elves. High elves lack their own independent architectural style, but they are skilled architects. Their great banks and trading houses are known not only for their beautiful appearances both inside and out, but also for their elaborate security systems. The vaults of a high elf bank are ingenious in their deadly and magical traps, and their security is often unmatched by any other group.
Ideals
Gender Ideals
The high elves maintain at least the appearance of following Jakonian social norms. To that end, female high elves rarely leave their homes and remain isolated from politics and appearances, keeping in line with society. The male high elves are the face of business, although exceptions are made in Jakonian law for female receptionists and bankers. Technically the Jakonian social laws apply only to humans, and the high elves are exempt, but they attempt to avoid flagrantly violating social norms in order to avoid pogroms or resentment from the larger community. In reality, the female high elves are just as active in the family as others, and usually use illusions and magical item to travel among Jakonians, appearing male or as a human, enabling them to venture out without attracting attention.
Relationship Ideals
Family is important among high elves, but the first priority is always upon one's self. Centuries of constant scheming have led to most high elf families only barely tolerating each other, and often instead finding comfort among humans and other races. This has led to a rising number of half-elves, who are usually welcomed into high elf families, at least for a time. High elves pursue numerous romantic relationships with other races, as well as the occasional friendship. Due to similarly expanded lifespans, many high elves do find friends among the hill dwarves of Kiralyno, and a growing community of high elf expatriates exists in that dwarven city.
Related Organizations
Related Locations
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