Sun Elf
Proud and, according to some, arrogant, the sun elves value tradition, beauty, magic, and freedom in the world of Sanzeia. They, collectively, venerate the sun god Calowean as their principle diety. Most sun elves find themselves naturally drawn to centers of elven culture, particularly Enorei the capital of Himse. Long-lived, graceful, and magically gifted, sun elves often see younger races as attempting to ape their habits.
Culture
Common Dress code
Sun elves tend to favor loose flowing robes and expensive silks in daily wear. Formal occasions call for elaborate outfits heavily embellished with gold and jewels. Elven nobles are known for concealing and revealing flesh in equal measure.
Art & Architecture
Arts and creativity flourish under the elves of Himse. Culturally, it is seen as a wealthy sun elf's duty to be patron to at least one artist or adventuring group. The competition for patrons is fierce among the lower classes.
Coming of Age Rites
Most elves are biologically adult (able to reproduce) after their second decade of age, however sun elven culture tends not to view an elf as a full adult until roughly 100 years of age. The roughly 80 year span between is considered a time of experimentation, learning, and varied experiences. Generally speaking, things done by elf during this time period are politely forgotten and the elf is expected to choose a new society name in a formal naming ceremony ushering them into full adulthood.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Sun Elves build elaborate tombs for dead. These places become as much museums as cemeteries, and are often considered places for quiet reflection.
Historical figures
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Traditional sun elf aesthetics value light colors in airy silk clothing. Blonde hair and graceful, suntanned bodies are preferred. Other races tend to find sun elves somewhat androgynous.
Gender Ideals
In contrast, perhaps deliberately so, to Yvalian matriarchal culture, sun elves deliberately espouse more masculine ideals like those of their principle god. In general though, outside of reproduction, sun elves make little importance of a person's gender.
Relationship Ideals
Elves being a particularly long lived race, coupling and marriage in elven culture is generally viewed as a deeply personal connection, but one that will likely end at some point. It is not unusual for a sun elf to be married dozens of times by their old age.
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