Asheri Rising

Til'Sylvanna Evenstar

The Elwain: First Children of the Dawn

Herein shall thee find all that is known about the Elwain beyond the eves of the Evisis. Take heed, for much is there yet that remains unknown, for they are a quiet and solitary folk seen very rarely beyond their woodland haven.

Mythos: Here is the tale of the First Children of the Dawn, and of the Kings, as told by Nelcar son of Alare
Before the dawn of time, when still the world was as an infant to its Creator, there were born upon Aeos(1) the Elwain. These people, witnessing the world as it grew, watched the Elushi as children do their parents, and they learned the secrets of Creation. Forever after, the Elwain were akin to the land, for they had seen Aeos as it became the World That Is (2).

So, the Elwain lived in harmony with their Masters, and they loved one another.

Under the stars, a child was conceived in love, and her name was Laurelin, daughter of Raegor, Second Son of the Elwain. When first she looked upon the world, she looked to the stars, and her eyes captured the soft light forever, never to leave her. She was of ancient, magical beauty, and in her face was a timelessness that could not be weathered.

It was said that Yl’Drinn, eldest amongst the Elushi, saw Raegor’s daughter in the forest while he wandered, and he loved her forever after. But, being apart from the World That Is, he could not share his love with her. So, he begged his Kinswoman Y’Nesh to fill Laurelin’s spirit, for only then could he love her as he wished. She consented readily, though she kept from him her own secret desires. And so Laurelin’s spirit was filled, and in darkness, Laurelin was taken by Yl’Drinn. Great was Yl’Drinn’s passion as he loved Laurelin, but so too was Y’Nesh’s as she filled Laurelin’s spirit. However, Y’Nesh’s desire for Yl’Drinn was too great, and Laurelin’s spirit was consumed. But, Yl’Drinn did not blame Y’Nesh for her desire. He had known of her secret and knew that she would consent, so he bore the burdens of grief alone.

Although Laurelin was lost (and so faded away the greatest beauty of ancient days), Y’Nesh bore within her the last of Laurelin’s spirit, and unto Yl’Drinn, a son was born. This son he called Haelion, and he was praised by the Elushi. But, being of the World That Is, he was fostered at birth, forever to be raised as a grandson by Raegor, Second Son of the Elwain.

Thus, Haelion, first and only son of the Elushi, became the First High King of the Elwain.

Eventually Haelion married, and his wife became the first High Queen of the Elwain. Her name was Vinarra, and she was strong and compassionate, of noble stature, and possessed wisdom beyond her years.

But, eventually, their marriage forever divided the Elwain...

Between the King and Queen's children, the blood of the Elushi was shared, and, with each passing generation, the power of Yl'Drinn was diminished. Therefore, the Elwain began to preserve the knowledge of their lineage, seeking to trace their blood to the First High King and Queen, and thus, to the very Power of Creation. Those Elwain who were descendents of Haelion and Vinarra became known as the Sularion, kinfolk sheltered by the power of the ancient Elushi, creators of the World That Is.

Although the blood of both Haelion and Vinarra was passed unto their children and their children's children, only Haelion was descended from the Elushi. Therefore, the King's descendents were blooded to the Elushi through him alone. Eventually, such distinction between a father's and a mother's lineage became traditional to establish upon a child's coming of age.
(1) Ancient elven name for the World That Is.
(2) That which was created by, but not part of, the Power of Creation

Nature: The Elwain, known as the Elves to humans and the other folk of the world, are a quiet people. Hate, lust, vengeance, and anger are emotions little known to them. They delight in music, deep contemplation, and beauty. They are artists, bards, and tellers of lost tales. They are kind to all others of their kin, and are never spiteful or mean. They are very passionate in their friendships and in how they express themselves, due to their very deep spiritual nature. They place the very highest regard on personal honor. To lose one’s honor is the greatest shame an Elwain can suffer. They take it very seriously to make a promise, and would die before seeing it broken.

Because of their immortality, they can often seem aloof from the other peoples of the world, cold, and even arrogant. This is only because they have seen more in one lifetime than an entire kingdom of men has in its existence. They keep to themselves out of self-preservation, for they know that it is the fate of men to die, and theirs to live. It is too sad for them to make friends with humans, for they know that they must watch as the human ages and they stay ever young. It is also very difficult for them to understand the human nature to make war, fight, and be mean to one another. These things are little known among the Elwain.

The Elwain love but once, choosing a soul mate with whom they will spend all the ages of the world. Thus, they take love very seriously. Once a lover is gone, they do not find another. They love deeply, passionately, and completely. Sometimes, if they choose, Elwain couples will undergo a right that bonds them for all time. It is a spell that allows them to communicate telepathically, and also know always the welfare and location of their mate. This is similar to the right undertaken by Guardians called the Nish’talle’A’diran.

Social Structure: The Elwain live in a modified cast system. First in birth is the High King, for in him is the greatest part of the blood of the Salurion. He and his line are of the highest order of the Elwain, and it is their duty to rule and serve the people. They are much loved by the people, for in that line is the greatness of ages past. The king is held wisest of the Elwain, enlightened servant and guardian of the Kindred. He makes laws only to ensure the welfare of the Elwain, and to ensure their continued prosperity and happiness. With him are counted his House, meaning those of his blood, his advisers, and the Lords of the Esiai’desh’mirain.

Next come the Guardians, Esiai’desh’mirain, and the Brotherhood of the Dawn.

Guardians are those of the Elwain who have taken a sacred vow to serve and protect another with their life. Often, a member of the Royal family will take on a Guardian. It is also common for an Elwain to take on a Guardian if they are leaving the Tenelwain for protection along their way. Guardians are elite warriors, trained in martial fighting and weaponry. They are honorable beyond all things and would give their lives to protect their wards. By becoming a Guardian, they forswear all titles and or bloodlines accorded them and are counted as the blood of the ward that they serve. They also forgo any other kind of relationship including marriage. Their whole life is given to their ward. Being a Guardian in considered one of the highest callings an Elwain can have, and they are accorded high honor.

The Esiai’desh’mirainare the elite rangers of the Elwain. It is they who keep the Tenelwain safe from would be intruders. They are solitary by nature, for their life is one of deep contemplation and service. They are peerless trackers and woodland fighters. Nothing escapes their keen eyes, or sharp hearing. They work in loosely organized bands, reporting to a captain or the Prince. The Prince of the Elwain is the High Commander of the Esiai’desh’mirain, and their honored leader in times of strife. The Esiai’desh’mirain also serve as the Kings vanguard in times of trouble. They may also severe as Guardians or members of the Brotherhood if they wish.

The Brotherhood of the Dawn are those of the military of the Elwain. Though it has been millennia since the Elwain marched to war, still they keep to the old ways. Most of the time the Brotherhood members engage in another trade, but still they are regarded as some of the most highly trained fighters in the known world. Their commander is called the First Warden of the Elwain, and in times of strife his is the Commander of all the fighting forces of the Elwain.

Finally come all the artisans, bards, growers of food, crafters, and trades people of the Elwain. No one is looked down upon due to their social position, for the Elwain grant equal worth and respect to all people. It is, in a way, a completely utopian society.






****Alright, guys, this is what I have so far. I'll try and have the next installment up asap.****

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Til'Sylvanna Evenstar

Family Structure: As with all other aspects of life for the Elwain, the family is a completely equalitarian environment. Both parents serve as co-heads of the household. The only exception to this rule is if one of the parents is of Salurion blood and the other is not. In that case, only slightly more honor is accorded to the Salurion parent. Also in an Elwain family, there are no gender specific roles. A woman is just as likely to be a warrior as a man, and so also is a man just as likely to be an artist as a woman.

The bond of blood is the strongest to the Elwain. Families are always very close, and honor one another in all that they do. They always seek to bring honor to the family name by acts of civil service, and of continual kindness. It is very common for them to use many terms of endearment when referring to loved ones or close friends.

Because the Elwain live such tremendously long life spans, they reproduce very slowly and have few children. It is also very rare for them to have twins, this occurring only once in a thousand years or so. Because children are so rare, they are treated as the greatest of treasures. They are showered with affection by the entire community, and nurtured by all. Children are greatly encouraged to pursue any and all activities regarding intellectual stimulation, music, and the arts. They are taught by their parents all the Great Songs of History, and of the other races of the world.

Upon reaching their 500th birthday, a child must chose to be accounted as part of either their father or mother’s bloodline, and in so doing they are considered to have come of age. At this time they will also choose what life path they will walk, be it crafter, bard, Guardian, or Esiai’desh’mirain. Once they choose a path, they will likely not stray from it. Their coming of age is celebrated with an elaborate party, and of gift giving. After this time an Elwain may participate in the military, court a mate, or establish a household. They may also request to serve in the household of the King, if they are proven worthy.

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Keiru Cobalt

I'd like to talk to you about the age thing...

It's no problem, but I know that, right now, we have conflicting ideas! :)

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Finrandel

Also, Nish'talle A'diron refers to all elven powers, not simply the binding of guardian to ward.

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Til'Sylvanna Evenstar

Cobalt:

Emerald and I talked at great length about how and if elves age... but I know you have your feelings on this matter. Just IM me and we'll talk. I'll change, as you know, anything you feel needs to be changed.

Finrandel:

I know... but I have so little info on it yet. If you would be so kind as to email me what you have on it, I would be ever in your debt. I was going to cover that in the magic section of this treatsie... which is in the works as I write.

shardalana@hotmail.com

Keep the comments comming guys... I need all the help I can get. I'm still working on the Magic, and Religion sections... as well as one on the Tenelwain, which I need Cobalt's help on. I just wanted to get this going... since I have a feeling we're going to have more Elwain players as the months go by. I remember how frustrated I was by the lack of elven info avaliable.

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