Post by engelbert on Jan 22, 2008 18:49:57 GMT
The Elves are ruled over by a monarchy and have been since before records began. There is also a strict hierarchy in place which is rarely altered. Families inherit the positions of their fathers and fathers before them. This is not to say that the poorest of Elves are overlooked, but there is little to no social mixing.
Naming:
Elves are traditionally named in a strict pattern. This name is presented at formal occasions or when introducing one's self to a superior. The standard set is as follows:
Nickname - Given name - son of fathers name - son of grandfathers name - in the house of - house name
For example let us use the name of the beloved Elven Queen.
Loriann (ba'al) Zennoman (ba'al) tesan'neal (ruen) Gialin.
Va'al - 'Son of'
ba'al - 'daughter of'
ruen - of the house
It must be noted that some of the lowest classes in Elven history may not belong to a house. Because of the major catastrophy that has damaged the records of Elven history this has been overlooked by many. It is now commonplace for people to make up their own house to appear higher ranking than they actually are. These additions of status cannot be proved incorrect as records have obviously been lost. It may also be noted that the inclusion of nicknames is unnecessary.
Age:
Elven culture has changed radically since the uprooting of their people and so the occurances of arguments between the elder and younger generations has become more common in recent times. The younger Elves are fuelled by either the desire to reclaim the lost lands of their fathers.. or the wish to become one with the humans under Duke Stronghelm's rule. Beginning a new life in Eshent'ur has been hard and a small proportion of the younger Elves feel that it was foolishness to attempt it rather than seeking help from allies. Older generations remember the attacks of the Harpies and most do not wish to come across such force again. They also still feel much more loyal to the Monarchy and are unwilling to merge with other races.
Gender:
Male Elves are considered stronger physically (this being understandable due to the limitations of the more slender and shorter females) and so are expected to complete more strenuous tasks. These mainly comprise of construction, rowing, hunting, etc.
Women are expected to complete more menial tasks such as sewing, cooking, cleaning, gathering fruits, etc.
Men and women are considered to be equals as far as intelligence and wisdom is concerned. This is the main reason for the Queen still being in power without having claimed a new husband.
These differences in 'jobs' as it were, account for the differences in fashion between the genders. All women are expected to wear long flowing garments that leave little flesh exposed. Loose, figure concealing trousers may be worn by lowerclass women but even this is a rarity. All men are expected to wear trousers or shorts.
Class:
The Elves were once greatly separated into a complex hierarchy. Since the invasion of the Harpies this has broken down a little but is still present to some extent. Nobleborn children were given a more extensive education and so are more able to deal with high-ranking positions in society. People of vastly different social classes do not mix, though the overlap between the classes is much harder to distinguish now.
Education:
All Elves are educated by Elders of their town. The small city of Buikal is mostly farmers and herbalists and so this is the education passed onto the children of this city. Loryth has the center of trade and shipping and therefore is the greatest teacher of sailing and trade. The Capital of Tylarnan breeds polititions and accountants as well as lorekeepers and preachers of the faith.
Sport:
Education is the word and so most of the upper classes engage in board games or exchanging riddles. Anything that pitches a man's wit against his brother is considered worthy entertainment.
Lower classes tend to stick to more physical activities such as hunting. Archery is also a common favourite.
Naming:
Elves are traditionally named in a strict pattern. This name is presented at formal occasions or when introducing one's self to a superior. The standard set is as follows:
Nickname - Given name - son of fathers name - son of grandfathers name - in the house of - house name
For example let us use the name of the beloved Elven Queen.
Loriann (ba'al) Zennoman (ba'al) tesan'neal (ruen) Gialin.
Va'al - 'Son of'
ba'al - 'daughter of'
ruen - of the house
It must be noted that some of the lowest classes in Elven history may not belong to a house. Because of the major catastrophy that has damaged the records of Elven history this has been overlooked by many. It is now commonplace for people to make up their own house to appear higher ranking than they actually are. These additions of status cannot be proved incorrect as records have obviously been lost. It may also be noted that the inclusion of nicknames is unnecessary.
Age:
Elven culture has changed radically since the uprooting of their people and so the occurances of arguments between the elder and younger generations has become more common in recent times. The younger Elves are fuelled by either the desire to reclaim the lost lands of their fathers.. or the wish to become one with the humans under Duke Stronghelm's rule. Beginning a new life in Eshent'ur has been hard and a small proportion of the younger Elves feel that it was foolishness to attempt it rather than seeking help from allies. Older generations remember the attacks of the Harpies and most do not wish to come across such force again. They also still feel much more loyal to the Monarchy and are unwilling to merge with other races.
Gender:
Male Elves are considered stronger physically (this being understandable due to the limitations of the more slender and shorter females) and so are expected to complete more strenuous tasks. These mainly comprise of construction, rowing, hunting, etc.
Women are expected to complete more menial tasks such as sewing, cooking, cleaning, gathering fruits, etc.
Men and women are considered to be equals as far as intelligence and wisdom is concerned. This is the main reason for the Queen still being in power without having claimed a new husband.
These differences in 'jobs' as it were, account for the differences in fashion between the genders. All women are expected to wear long flowing garments that leave little flesh exposed. Loose, figure concealing trousers may be worn by lowerclass women but even this is a rarity. All men are expected to wear trousers or shorts.
Class:
The Elves were once greatly separated into a complex hierarchy. Since the invasion of the Harpies this has broken down a little but is still present to some extent. Nobleborn children were given a more extensive education and so are more able to deal with high-ranking positions in society. People of vastly different social classes do not mix, though the overlap between the classes is much harder to distinguish now.
Education:
All Elves are educated by Elders of their town. The small city of Buikal is mostly farmers and herbalists and so this is the education passed onto the children of this city. Loryth has the center of trade and shipping and therefore is the greatest teacher of sailing and trade. The Capital of Tylarnan breeds polititions and accountants as well as lorekeepers and preachers of the faith.
Sport:
Education is the word and so most of the upper classes engage in board games or exchanging riddles. Anything that pitches a man's wit against his brother is considered worthy entertainment.
Lower classes tend to stick to more physical activities such as hunting. Archery is also a common favourite.
