ELVES
History of the Elvin Realm
There are four clans of elves. They are known for the region they reside in: Mountain, Forest, Desert and Sea. Each clan thought themselves superior to the others. This caused many wars throughout their long history. That changed when a plague struck the Forest Clan and began to spread. All feared it was punishment from the Gods for the clans’ constant squabbles. The ruler of the Mountain Clan, known as the One, sent his most gifted healers, the Daughters of IlluminatA, to help the Forest Clan . These powerful priestesses were able to end the plague. In gratitude, the Forest Clan formed an alliance with the Mountain Clan. It was decided the Mountain Clan would rule and the Forest Clan would have a voice in law making as well as protection from common enemies. The two clans became known as the United Elvin Nation. Then they reached out to the other clans to join them.
The Shiekh of the Desert Clan refused and does not recognize the United Elvin Nation. The Sea Clan is so far removed from the others that the Empress has been able to remain silent and ignore the request. However, it was recently discovered that the brother of the Shiekh, and a daughter of the Empress married. Perhaps the Desert Clan and Sea Clan have formed their own alliance?
The Four Clans
The Mountain Clan - closest to the sky and therefore, to the Gods. The mountain region is full of natural wealth; gold, silver, gemstones as well as plants used for healing. Magic flows through this Clan.
The One, the ruler of the United Elvin Nation resides in the House of the Third Moon.
The teachings of the Daughters of IlluminatA originated here.
Zyfan, future One, Prince from the House of the Third Moon, Engaged to Phae
Syrrah, Daughter of IlluminatA,
Princess from the House of the
Third Moon
Pica, Princess from the House of the Third Moon, second in line to the throne
The Forest Clan - closest to the soil, in touch with nature. Magic is rare among this Clan, however when it exists, it is very powerful. They are the advisors and diplomats
to the Mountain Clan. Most are merchants, farmers, or craftsmen. They are
the least prejudiced of all Elves which makes them excellent tradesmen.
Phae, future
Heart of the One,
Engaged to Zyfan
Fin
Karanthir
Brynie
Orrie
Esmodonti
The Desert Clan - rule over a harsh, unforgiving land and feel this has made them the strongest of all. They live in nomadic tribes. Magic is a gift of the females only, but it is not very powerful so the Shiekh relied on genie. Genie are scarce, only the most powerful own one. Io was owned by the Shiekh for centuries. Recently the nomadic tribes were united under one Shiekh. He then made an alliance with the Sea Clan.
*Washi, brother to
The Shiekh, husband of Usagi of the Sea Clan.
The Sea Clan - reside near or in the water, it is unknown to the other clans. It is said they have the power to control the tides. They are a Matriarchal Society, so only the women can master magic. When the Shiekh of the Dessert Clan had his brother marry the third-born daughter of the Empress, a powerful alliance was born. Magic exists in this Clan, mainly in the form of Necromancy. Members of the Sea Clan are immune to vampirism.
*Usagi, third-born to
The Empress. Wife of Washi of th Desert Clan
*Shichi, only son to
The Empress
The One and the Heart of the One
The One is high Ruler of both the Mountain and Forest Clans. This is a hereditary position, however it is not limited to offspring. The One rules from the age of 150 through their 1500th year. At that point, he or she must step down. If the One's offspring have not yet reached their 150th year, then the position goes to a sibling, niece or nephew.
The present One is Syrrah and Zyfan's Uncle, their mother's younger brother. His rein will end in less than 50 years. Neither of his two children will be old enough to take over, so Syrrah became next in line. She wasn’t interested and found a way out. She had herself tested for the healing gift. She passed and became a Daughter of IlluminatA.
Zyfan then, became the future One.
The Heart of the One sometimes called ‘The Heart ‘
is the honored title given to the One’s spouse.
Phae is the future Heart of the One.
Daughters of IlluminatA
The Daughters of IlluminatA originated in the Mountain Clan. Once the United Elvin Nation was formed, the sisterhood shared their secrets with the Forest Clan. They are an elite group of highly trained, very disciplined, gifted healers. They heal not only the body but the mind. They are tested early in childhood to see if they have the magical, physical and emotional strength to endure this path of life. They also must have the gift of foresight. They are respected and revered throughout all the realms for their wisdom and unbiased kindness.
The Daughters are also trained in the art of warfare and will follow warriors into battle. They can create illusions to disable the enemy. They know how to heal, therefore they know how to inflict pain on the body and mind, if needed. A war cannot be proclaimed unless the Daughters give their blessing. In their later years, they serve as advisors to the One .
Syrrah is one of their Honored Priestesses.
Marriage
Marriage is for life. Divorce does not exist in the Elvin realm. Most marriages are arranged, which is why monogamy is not a normal practice among these long lived beings. This does not mean one can act irresponsibly. The marriage contract contains rules pertaining to everything including extramarital affairs. Infidelity is considered dishonorable and is punishable by law. However, if the proper steps are taken, husband and wife may indulge. Since most elves are bisexual, having a spouse and lover is considered normal - as long as the Blessing is given.
The Blessing is permission from one spouse to another to pursue and engage in a serious extramarital relationship.
Rules of the Blessing
- Permission must be granted, before pursuing an intended lover. It must be noted that permission is a two-way street. Once granted, this second relationship is not to interfere with the family, however is not uncommon for the third party to become part of the household and treated as an honored family member.
- If the marriage itself produces no heirs, then it is acceptable for a third party to 'assist' in this matter.
- Liaisons without permission are considered dishonorable.
- The exception to these rules occurs during the Festival of the Flowers, a fertility ceremony that takes place in the Spring. All are encouraged to participate. A child produced as a result of the Festival is considered blessed by the Gods.
Phae has given her Blessing
to Zyfan and Karanthir
* no longer living in the home of the Lady with the Dog
