Vionir

Basic Information

Dietary Needs and Habits

Vionir favor foods such as berries, fruits, roots, and mushrooms as well as small game animals such as rabbits and fish. They often supplement small game animals with deer, elk, or other large game for holidays and celebrations. For drink, Vionir typically prefer spring water or fresh snow melt, or wine made with wild picked berries. They do not drink beer or any other form of alchohal, nor will they drink any wide that is not made by their own people.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Vionir live in a a matriarchy society divided by houses of extended family. Each house generally consists of four to seven generations of Vionir along with their spouses and other relations. Each house is led by the Ban Dian and an elected slate of council members known as the Comharil Dian. A Comharil Dian consiste of at least five elders elected by the house to advise the Ban Dian. The Ban Dian is a female leader who inherited her authority from another female relative. The Ban Dian is passed from mother to daughter, sister to sister, aunt to neice, etc., being based on the closest living female relative. If their is no living heir to the Ban Dian, the current Ban Dian may elect an heir, to be confirmed by the Comharil Dian. Each house has a unique coat of arms, reffered to as the Cota de Armack, that is used to identify the houses. Also, each house is associated with a specific name such as Darach or Solanlae. Much as humans have a last name, this name is a Vionir's fourth name. The Vioniran houses are united by one leader, named the Ban Rian. The Ban Rian is advised by a Comharil Rian, which is a panell of three elected elders from each house. The Ban Rian is passed from one female leader to the next closest female relative, the same as the Ban Dian.

Facial characteristics

Vionir have high cheek bones, soft mouthes, delicate noses, and finely pointed ears whose point increases with age. The eyes are often slightly rounded with long lashes and shapely eyebrows.

Average Intelligence

Vionir (direct translation being People of the Forest) are a people of high intellectual abilities and extreme physical fittness. Known by Men as elves, the Vionir are recognized by their insatiable curiosity and desire for learning and creating, as well as their physical atributes such as pointed ears, uncommon beauty, stealth, and strength. Vionir are also renowed for their music and art, which is often said to have no comparison in the world with only the exception of their forging skills, which are beat only by the dwergaz expertise.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Due to the Vionir's slightly elongated and pointed ears they are able to hear markedly better than a human, dwergaz, centaur, or nereide. They also have sharp vision which allows them to see nearly as well as a centaur, markedly better than a human, and significantly better than a dwergaz or neraide. A Vionir's sense of taste is typically similar to any other sapient species and their sense of taste is only slightly better than a human and equal with centaurs, dwergaz, or neraides.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Vionir have four names. The first name is the name given to them on their Naming Day. This name is generally a name with some kind of meaning to give the child strength, bless them with luck, or to help their child stand out. The second name is in defference to the mother and consists of the mother's name and the suffix "an." For example, if a mother's name was, Cinhal or Ailleach, the child's second name would be Cinhalan or Aileachan. The child's third name is in defference to the father and consists of the father's name and the suffix "en." For example, if a father's name was Togalu or Casantir, the child's third name would be Togaluen or Casantiren. The child's fourth name is their house name and is inherited from the mother's house. Unlike in some human cultures, the father may not elect to join his house name with his partner's and must take her name after hand fasting. There for, the child may not be named after the father's house.

Courtship Ideals

Vionir have extensive and deeply involved courtship ideals. Though similar to humans in that they engage in flirting, dating, and betrothels, Vionir dedicated years or even decades to a single partner before committing to a betrothal. It is traditional that the female is the individual in a partnership that requests handfasting, though it is not unheard of for the male to approach the female. When one asks their partner to join them in handfasting, it is traditional to return to the site of their first date, interaction, kiss, or other significant location. At the chosen site, the individual will present their partner with a plethora of small gifts and items that they have collected over the course of their relationship and ask for their partner's hand in handfast. The collection of gifts may include a dry boquet of flowers, a piece of jewlery, a book of favorite memories, etc. It is also traditional to prepare an elaborate picnic to feast upon while reflecting upon the treasures an individual brings for the occasion.

Once a betrothal is entered, it is traditional for the couple to host an elaborate party and unveiling ceremony for their houses, as well as friends and other loved ones to attend and congratulate the couple. From the date of the betrothal, the couple will begin plans for their handfasting ceremony, which generally occurs three to five years after the proposal. Vionir do not celebrate weddings as many human cultures do. Instead they hold a handfasting ceremony during which, instead of exchanging a ring to symbolize their devotion, the couple will use a small knife to create a small cut in the palm of the left hands and exchange blood. The exchange of blood symbolizes absolute loyalty, devotion, and love. During this ceremony, the couple will recite their own written vows, as well as the words "Feil na m feil, credhe na m credhe, anam na m anam," meaning "Blood of my blood, heart of my heart, soul of my soul." With this oath, the couple recognizes each as their blood, vowing to protect their life, heart, and soul as their own and to become one with each other's house. With the exchange of blood and the vow described above, the Vionir's lives become interlinked, and if one were to die, the other's life would fade as swiftly and surely as ink on parchment that has been exposed to too much water. The life would slowly blend and drain from the Vionir, leaving a hollow husk until eventually the Vionir passes and joins their partner in the after life.

Relationship Ideals

As with courtship and handfasting, Vionri devote decades of their lives to establishing deep, honest, and affectionate relationships with Vionir from across multiple houses. The strongest relationships are often born during early childhood and grow and age with the Vionir throughout their life times. In some cases, it is even these early friendships that lead to life long partnerships such as handfasting. In other cases, these early relationships often lead to other such ceremonies which bind individuals as non-biological siblings, aunts, uncles, foster parents, foster childen, etc. The ritual is similar to that of handfasting, and is greated with nearly as much celebration. Unlike handfsting however, it does not require an elaborate request or presentation of gifts. Rather, the partnership (consisting of two or more VIonir) will reach a generall concensus and invite anyone to their celebration. During the ceremony, they often wear bright clothes, tattered shoes, and provide simple refreshments in order to symbolize support of their partners during all stages of life, weather high, low, or any where in between and their willingness to sacrifice for the other. With the personally written vows, the partners will also exchange the vow "Nath agams e nis, is leitsa e, mar is leitsa e nis, credhe, corp, anam," meaning "What is mine is now yours, as yours is mine heart, body, and soul." With this, the Vionir will exchange the small amount of blood and the ritual will be complete. Throughout there life time, the Vionir may complete this ritual with as many Vionir as they chose, ranging from one to 100 plus Vionir.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Language

The Vionir speak the Tung na Coylle, of Tung of the Wood, though it is often reffered to as Vioniran by many other sapient species. There are two major dialects and one minor dialect recognized by the Vionir within the TUn na Coylle. These are the Tung na Ear, Tung na Iar, and Tung na Crage, or Tounge of the East, Tounge of the West, and Tounge of the Rock. The Tung na Ear and Tung na Iar are two major regions divided by the Abnain na Beath, or River of Life. The Tung na Crage is a dialect that originates from the more mountanous Vionir, who live at the point where the Abnain na Beath errupts from the mountains in a series of towering waterfalls. Aside from Tung na Coylle, approximately 69% of Vioniran people speak Common, 41% speak Adhainan, 32% speak Neraiden, 28% speak Dwergazan, and 8% speak one or more of the human tounges.

Sports

Vionir engage in several different physical competitions or prowess, including archery (their favored fighting style), staff work, and swordsmanship. They also compete in such activites as running and climbing. Vionir children often engage in elaborate games of hide and seek called Gema na Stealth, during which children compete not only in their ability to hide and camouflage themselves within trees, bushes, and grasses, but to also seek out others with stealth and efficiency. It as much a game of hide and seek as it is a game of hunter and prey. The quieter one can move through the forest, the more likely they are to find and suprise their opponent. When the children grow older, it becomes a competition of who can find who first, rather than a game of hide and seek. Each participant will actively seek the other out and attempt to suprise them. Competitions are even held among young adult Vionir, during which time participants are paird up to compete against each other. Each successive winner is moved up the bracket to compete with the competitoin slowly growing more intense until the two final competitors compete for a prize.

Art, Architecture, and Literature

As a naturally inquisative and imaginative people, the Vionir are known for their artistry. Their talents range from painting, to weaving, to wood carving, and even smithing. Within their artistry, the Vionir are aclaimed and unequalled, with the exception of smithing. Due to the artistry of the Vionir and the talent of the Dwergaz, some of the most magnificient and powerful weapons and jewlery are created by joint partnerships of the VIonir and Dwergaz. The Vionir are also excellent architecturalists, designing their home homes, cities, and other buildings to rest high among the trees, seemingly floating in mid air and connected by various boardwalks, zip lines, and ladders. As a talented, intelligent, and imaginative people, the Vionir also have an extensive love for literature with libraries being an integral peice of any establishment. Winthin the Vioniran libraries, one can find extensive histories from various regions, times, and in many different languages. Family trees, geneologies, biological texts, fictional stories, myths, legengs, religous tomes, etc. can all be found with Vioniran libraries.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Children

Vionir are a long lived race in which children are a rare and deeply charished gift from their goddess, Havardym. When a female Vionir concieves a child, the entire house comes together to celebrate. The female is given many gifts, including cradles, clothes, favorite foods, flowers, etc. to celebrate the coming gift of life. When the child is born a naming ceremony is held on its seventh day of life, during which time the parents give the child a strong name. It is believed that the meaning of the name given to the child will influence their life, talents, and achievments. In accordance with this belief, parents will name their children with specific names. For example, the name Leegnamhor means "of great wisdom," Ceollain means "she who creates music," or Ealaionoir means "great artist." After the naming ceremony, each child is given one gift by each member of their house. Each gift is of great import to the child, often being items such as swords, bows, instruments, or tools which they will grow into as they age.

Death and Burial

As a long lived race with children being rare, death is as tragic as birth is exciting. Vionir develop long and deep relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. When a Vionir passes, the greif is felt deeply by all. Funural rites begin with the clensing of the body with sweet smelling soaps, the braiding of hair (if it is long), and dressing in their best clothes and jewls. Then the body is placed is burried in an open medow, new forest, or other similar place as desired by the family. The house, family, and friends attend the burial together, each placing one flower, leaf, or bud upon the body of the deceased. As the body is covered in dirt, an orchestra will play the deceased's favorite songs and a Vionir preist will recite the Ancient Analogues, invoking new life and regrowth. From the deceased's body, a tree called the Cranna Athbriith, or Tree of Rebirth, will grow and provide the Vionir's soul with the strength and energy to travel to the next life.

Holidays and Celebrations

Comharachad Ath-bhryth

Aside from births and deaths, the Vionir recognize several different holdiays, generally tied to the changing of seasons. The first major holiday of the year is the the Spring Equinox, known to the Vionir as the Comharachad Ath-bhryth, or the Celebration of Rebirth. This holiday symbolizes the continual rebirth of the spirit as it grows, evolves, fractures, and heals throughout the year. On this day, the Vionir memorialize their deceased by decorating the Cranna Athbriithz of their loved ones with garlands of sweet smelling flowers. During this time, it is also common for the family and friends to eat a small meal or toast a drink in name of the deceased and to leave a meal or drink for the soul of the deceased to feast upon and renew their strength. The nourishment provided on Comharachad Ath-bhryth is what stregnthens the soul until it is able to cross the Druchade Shioraid, or Eternal Bridge, to the afterlife. Once the soul of the deceased has crossed the Druchade Shioraid, the leaves of the tree shall shall develop gold veins, symbolizing the safe return of the soul to the Drachaigh Shioraid, or Eternal Home. It is believed that if a meal or drink is not left for a deceased's Cranna Athbriith every year until the leaves become gold veined, the soul harbored within the tree will slowly lose strength until it fades completely. On the night of the Comharachad Ath-bhryth, the Vionir celebrate by lighting bonfires to chase the darkness from the land and sing songs of hope and celebration. After the fires, it is traditional for couples to retire together and consumate the renewal of life. It is considered good luck and a blessing from Havardym to concieve a child on the night of Comharachad Ath-bhryth.

Lathu na Solairs Shioraid

The next holiday celebrated by the Vionir is the Summer Solstice, or Lathu na Solairs Shioraid. On this day, the Vionir celebrate the victory of good over evil, light over dark, life over death. Elaborate dances, divine music, and extravagent feasts are held in honor of the continued fight against evil. During this feast, it is traditional for the Ban Rian to address her people and renew their dedication to Havardym and their loyalty to all that is good. The people vow to protect those who are defensless, to stand with others against evil, and to stay vigilant in all their doings. After the feast, there is an elaborate war dance performed by the greatest warriors of each house. During this perfomance, distinguished warriors act out battles of years past and great victories through coryographed dances. The warriors wear costumes that are half armor, half dress or robe, with sweeping sleeves, flowing bodices, and billowing skirts or breaches. The half armor that is worn is silver or gold plated with intricate inlay depicting the Vionirz greatest accomplishments. The Vionir participating in the dance often braid their hair in intricate plattes with jewels, flowers, and ribbons. The right to perform in this dance is earned through brave deeds, selfless acts, and sacrifice.

Lathu n Chothroym

The third major holiday celebrated by Vionir is the Fall Equinox, or Lathu n Chothroym. The Lathu n Chothroym, or Day of Balance, is a day in which the Vionir celebrate and rejoice in the balance of life and nature. This day is also the day on which the harvest is celebrated. In order to commemorate balance and celebrate the harvest, a feast is held during which it is traditional to slowly bake geese in clay with various herbs and spices. With the geese, fresh bread, squash, and wine are served. For the dessert various apple dishes are served, including Crebagh Ubal and Breacain Ubhal. This holiday, unlike the Comharachad Ath-bhryth or Lathu na Solairs Shioraid, is quiet and peaceful. There is little music and no dancing or singing. It is seen as a day of rest and restoration before the long winter and the Lathu na Dorchoidais.

Lathu na Dorchoidais

The fourth major holiday celebrated by the Vionir is the Lathu na Dorchoidais, or Day of Darkness. Though the Vionir do not recognize all darkness as evil, it is believed that the greatest evils appear on the Day of Darkness due to the strength of power they can gain in the dark hours. On this day, the Vionir prepare large fires which will be lit at dusk, soups to be eaten through the night, and carve faces into gords called Ithedare Ollc, or Evil Eater. The Ithedare Ollc are placed near the windows and doors of any establishment in order to either scare away or consume evil spirits before they can enter into an establishment. At dusk, all of the Vionir gather around the fires where they willremain for the entire night, vigilently gaurding against evil. Throughout the night, the Vionir will sing songs of courage and valor, perform lively dances, eat hearty soups, and exchange stories. Then, at dawn, the Ithedare Ollc are placed in the fires inorder to destroy the evil spirits trapped within. After the fires burn down to embers and the Ithedare Ollc are destroyed, the Vionir retire for the day and spend the day resting in prepartion for the remainder of the dark days of winter.

Lifespan

900-1200 years

Average Height

Female: 6ft Male 6ft 3in to 6ft 5in

Average Weight

170-200lbs

Average Physique

All vionir are tall, lean, and strong with refined muscles and darkly gold tanned skin. Their fingers are slightly longer and more delicate than that of a human, their bones finer, and shoulders more slender.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Eye color varies from one individual to the next, though all range in color from emerald green to hazel and even gold. Hair color may also vary from one individual to the next, though most have a dark golden brown to blond hair color. Skin color ranges from creamy white to a golden tan. Those blesed by the goddess Havardym may have truly golden freckles splashed across their face, neck, shoulders, or arms.