Snow Elves

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The Snow Elves, or Snowflake remnants, were exiled to the frozen land of Til-Colt after a schism within the Aeldarian Holy See. Their harsh environment, characterized by cold and ash storms, has shaped their culture and society. The Snow Elves have established stable, protective settlements that maximize warmth and minimize exposure to the brutal elements, reflecting their focus on survival and order in this unforgiving landscape.

Ethnicity

Descended from Aeldarian separatists, the Snow Elves have undergone significant physical and cultural transformation. Their stark white skin and silver or platinum eyes set them apart from other elven sub-species. Over generations, their physical features have adapted to their cold environment, with their brittle, ice-like hair leading most to adopt baldness. Their high metabolisms allow them to maintain internal heat, although they remain gaunt and bony. Despite their changed appearance, they still carry the arrogant attitudes of their Aeldarian ancestors, a characteristic reinforced by their strict, patriarchal society.

Religion

The Snow Elves' religious practices have evolved to reflect their new identity, moving away from the sun-based doctrines of their ancestors. Instead, they now venerate deities and figures that embody ideals of order, structure, and patriarchal leadership. Rituals and ceremonies are centered on promoting stability and reinforcing the societal shift towards a patriarchal system. Their religious observances are intertwined with their survival, viewing the harshness of their environment as a divine mandate to test and strengthen their resilience.

Intelligence

Snow Elves are known for their pragmatic intelligence, focusing on adapting to their challenging environment. Their education system emphasizes order, discipline, and survival skills, preparing the younger generation for life in Til-Colt. Technological innovations, particularly in the creation of specialized clothing, housing, and protective structures, reflect their intelligence in finding ways to endure the cold and ash-filled storms. Their society places a high value on maintaining cultural integrity while adapting to their surroundings.

Appearance

Snow Elves have stark white skin, reminiscent of snow, and their eyes glow with brilliant silver or, in rare cases, platinum hues. Their hair is brittle, like ice, and often breaks off, leading to most Snow Elves being bald. Despite their high metabolisms, they remain thin and bony, with exaggerated cheekbones that give them a distinctive, almost gaunt appearance. This appearance and their austere lifestyle are a physical manifestation of their determination to survive in a harsh environment while remaining strangely beautiful like their elven cousins.

Tradition

The traditions of the Snow Elves have shifted to emphasize cooperation, order, and a patriarchal structure. Their society values discipline and structure, with customs designed to foster unity in the face of adversity. They have developed traditional crafts and technologies that are essential for survival in the cold, such as the creation of insulated clothing and the construction of ash-resistant shelters. Their ceremonies and legends now celebrate the transition from their sun-drenched matriarchal origins to their cold, ordered patriarchy, often focusing on the leadership of their founder, Colt-Il, lord of order.

illustration of a snow elven man suring the summer months on Til-Colt