Overview
Sun Elves in Ilisara live mainly in the Crescents, within the Vestian Empire. Sun elves are governed by the Dawnwalker family, a monarchy that has ruled since the Dark Ages.
Sun elves tend to be intelligent, knowledgable people. While they are a tad arrogant (and the more traditional sun elves believe themselves superior to other races), they are renown for their skill with magic, inherent grace, and striking beauty. They excel at most activities they train in, and tend to pick just one or two to specialize in.
Personality
Sun elves are bureaucratic, noble, and ambitious. Almost all are staunch Verunists (sun-worshippers), and treat sun priests and priestesses with the utmost respect. All elves are unique and are difficult to generalize except for their great dedication. With such long lifespans, elves’ devotion is unrivaled by any of the other races, whether it be to their kingdom, their family, or anything else.
The greater goals of elven society tend to be prosperity, personal honor, and pride.
Appearance
With their unearthly grace and fine features, elves appear strikingly beautiful to humans and members of many other races. They are more slender than humans, but just as tall. Sun elves’ coloration encompasses pale white that is bright as the sun, to bronze and copper tones reminiscent of solar flares. Sun elves favor elegant robes and tunics, and they enjoy intricate jewelry. Elaborate hairstyles, delicate and subtle makeup, and other accessories are commonly worn.
Society
The largest population of Sun Elves lives in Vestia, which is the capital of the Vestian Empire.
The Dawnwalkers are the rulers of the Vestian Empire. The Empire spans both Crescents. Members of the Dawnwalker family are public icons with celebrity status. Almost all Sun Elves are familiar with them. Dragons are revered to Sun Elves, and are allies to their empire.
The Dawnwalkers encourage a very strong nationalist sentiment that permeates every aspect of sun elf society. Those who oppose the crown swiftly disappear. Those who gain the crown’s favor seem to be blessed by fortunate legislation. Sometimes, prominent households receive gifts. The most loyal households are given titles and land. This has resulted in many noble Lords, Ladies, Dukes, Duchesses, and all manner of other “esteemed” Houses arising. These wealthy households are an upper caste that is starkly separate from the poor.
Less fortunate sun elves are given aid. Food, simple clothing, and opportunities for work are abundant. Sun elf society has long evolved past not having enough resources. Now, the crown sits on its extensive treasure troves of wealth and uses it to become more prosperous while providing basic needs to all. The Dawnwalker family does all it can to keep its power and influence over the masses.
Other aspects of sun elf culture are informed by the capital city of Vestia. Vestia sits at the forefront of fashion and lifestyle. Whatever is popular in the capital tends to be popular everywhere else. Sun elves view Vestia as the most auspicious place to live. New foods, clothing, and sayings circle through the sun elf empire and it is important to most sun elves to “keep up with the times”. A popular style of fighting called bladedancing originated in the capital city; it involves dual-wielding swords and using flourishes, acrobatics, and other nimble abilities in combat.
Sun elf architecture is a mixture of marble and white stone buildings with tall spires and columns. Domed roofs painted in various colors are popular, as are stained glass windows and golden accents.
The political climate in the Vestian Empire rewards wealthy households who can get ahead and stay ahead of their competition. Therefore, assassinations, smear campaigns, and other “social wargames” are common as households vie for the crown’s attention and blessings. Even the crown is not immune; anyone can supplant the ruler of Vestia at any time, for it is whoever has power that rules — not whoever is in the good graces of the people.
Religion
Sun elves are primarily very religious Verunists (sun worshippers).
Scattered throughout the Crescents are temples dedicated to Verunism. It is common practice to visit these temples and pray. The temples are light, airy structures. Temples in richer areas have glass roofs, and those in poorer areas are simply open to the sky. Anyone is welcome in a temple of Verunism. The temples provide shelter to travelers and free healing for the sick. Because of this, the priests and priestesses who tend to Verunist temples are well-respected figures in society. It is customary to donate to Verunist temples and it is believed prosperity comes to those who do. The notion of “karma”, while not officially sanctioned, is one that most elves believe in.
Common phrases heard in sun elf cities are “praise the sun”, “thanks to the Radiance”, “sun’s blessings upon you”, “light guide you”, and other intonations to this effect.
Notable Sun Elves
“Vestia is the greatest nation that is, or ever will be, on Ilisara. What else do you need to know?” — founder of the Vestian Empire, Ahellion Dawnwalker
History
In their infancy, Sun Elves organized themselves around rigid traditions and religious zealotry — namely, the belief that they were the favorite race of the gods. The elves were decisive, strong-willed, and bold.
When sun elves first encountered dwarves, they fought bitterly. The dwarves did not pay homage to the customs the elves held dear, and the elves scorned the homely earthen practices the dwarves upheld. Both races felt they were the gods’ favorite. Every part of the other’s culture, religion, and people were abhorrent. A long unending war was waged until the gods created humankind to broker a truce between the two different races.
Under the guidance of the Dawnwalker monarchy, the sun elf empire flourished and grew until the sun elves became a world power. While their animosity towards dwarves has slowly tempered, they are still a prideful race.
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