Fae-Folk, Elemeni

Elemeni, the Elemental Fae Folk
"We knew that they had come out to play, but we would not dare approach them. How could these divine creatures, these who were so privileged and blessed to be in a sacred compact with Carmelya, deem us simple folk worthy of their attention? Perhaps it was because we had the same lifestyles in working the land and caring for nature, but I would not be surprised if it was because they, like us, just wanted to have some fun. So, my brothers and I gathered up our courage and played a wonderful game of Ponderball with them. You'd never think little fae-folk so small would actually win!" - Jumangi, Sylvan Elf of Kel'rondar.

Abstract Description

For centuries, this fae race has lived among the other races of Kel'rondar. They are a race of fae that in general are very low key, keeping to their farming and such without much fuss or ambition for anything other than agriculture. These fae have a special affinity for a particular element. They use this affinity, as they do their study of arcana, for practical usages like agriculture. Usually through Elementalism, but sometimes through Druidism, these fae harvest the great fields of Silvermist Wood’s forest floor, as well as the trees themselves. They live simply for life, and to enjoy nature to its fullest extent.

Physical Appearance

These fae resemble their faerie cousins in body build and flying ability, but differ with the color of their wings and glowing eye color. When born, an Elemeni’s eyes glow pale white, and their wings are also white. This color is considered a sign of purity by all Elemeni. At a certain age (221) an Elemeni discovers the element they feel most in tune with. This affinity with the element changes their eye color to glow whatever color the element is. Red for Fire, Blue for Water, Green for Earth, and Silver for Wind. This affinity also causes their wings to begin to change color as well. These colors stay the same for the rest of their life as long as they do not abuse their magic and let their heart wander towards evil. In that case, their eyes glow black and their magic only causes death and decay to nature. This natural affinity towards an element does not give them any special powers beyond their training. They do, however, have a code of morals that is directly tied to their magic and therefore to the earth itself. They consider Elementalism and Druidism to be the only magics suitable for them. They also consider it a mortal sin to either hurt nature or use their magic in a way that would be abusing it for wrong or selfish reasons. Along with their affinity to a particular element comes the restriction that they can only use one particular element in their magic. This means that an Elemeni cannot have an affinity for more than one element, nor can they practice with more than one element. If they do, a series of changes in them occurs (called the reckoning) and will eventually leave them unable to use magic.

Climate/Terrain

The Elemeni prefer the same weather as any fae, but of course are capable of living in anything not too severe. They like it sunny with an afternoon sprinkle as it is good for crops. Average temperatures (75-85 Fahrenheit) usually make up the climate which is mainly incased in a tree canopy with little to no natural disasters.

Organization

These fae, the Elemeni, are a simple race with a great sense of community. They usually choose to live together on farms or have farms close together. With a strong family unit, Elemeni take part in family events and rituals very often. The father is considered the leader of the household with the mother coming second and then the children. Grandparents are considered wise and to be respected. Politically, the Elemeni are usually inactive, although it isn’t out of the question. Economically, these fae prefer to simply trade goods and such. They are not, however, reluctant to use actual coinage.

Combat

The Elemeni favor avoiding combat, but are not to be ignored. Knowing good and well that the magic they choose to learn can aid them in combat, these fae do not distrust their own ability to defend themselves. They favor the weapons of the farmer, a scythe, knives, spear, and interestingly enough, the net. When numbers of these fae join together to defend themselves, a blue aura surrounds them, causing a joint elemental storm of their choosing around them, doing well to protect themselves from the enemy, but not making it impossible. This is because of a joint magical experience and ability. These fae have also been known to craft great weapons of war for people willing to pay. They take great pride in their work in the fields and when constructing fae Siege weapons, being Mechanisms of Aggression for Defense.

Special Abilities or Weaknesses

This culture exists as fae do with the same weaknesses and lack of special abilities other than their affinity for certain elements. The elemental magic they choose to wield must still be taught to them.

Inherent Resistances and/or Immunities

Same as Faeries.

Other

The ceremony and time that the young choose their element and gain their new glow is called Clarap. In this ceremony, the families come together for a great feast and a night of revealment. At the end of the night, they all join hands around the individual youth and begin a prayer. This is called the Holistic Wish because they are asking Carmelya to grant the youth with the wisdom to use his life and magic for practical and natural uses and they ask for him/her the strength to push away the want of anything else.

The ritual goes that this chanting and praying continues as the youth admits to those around him and Carmelya that he/she will use this blessing for good and then they announce their chosen element. Carmelya agrees with their decision by granting them the glow color of the element. This announcement by the youth is called the Holistic Agreement. it is called so because the Elemeni consider this an agreement between Carmelya and the youth. It is a personal connection and therefore is respected and looked highly upon. After the ceremony, a brief resting period is enjoyed by all associated in the Holistic Wish and Holistic Agreement. After a relaxing dinner, Clarap ends and the mark of man/woman-hood is now upon the youth and their family.

At birth, when the eyes glow a pale white and the wings are white as well, the babies are introduced to the community through a ceremony called The Awakening. Elemeni, as a race and culture, believe that an infant is not truly created within the womb, but instead is living in nature as part of an element. When the baby is conceived, the element is plucked from nature and transported into it mother’s womb (which they call the pod) where it begins taking shape as a fae foetus. At birth, the element is said to have Awakened from its prior physical but immortal state to live a mortal life as an Elemeni. The ceremony is held the day after childbirth and is done either in a home or place of worship. The ceremony calls for the infant to be sprinkled with dew from a holy flower known as Geelapsi. The Elemeni Elder or sometimes even a druidic priest who may be close to the family blesses the dew.

Respect of both elemental magic, the elements, and each other are taught at a young age. The eldest of an Elemeni community is looked upon with great respect and admiration. They are often seen as the wisest of all in the community. Given the title of Elder, someone of this position is looked upon to settle disputes between families and help with anything that needs to be helped. They are often asked to attend all gatherings and ceremonies, as well as, to help the sick. The Elder also looks over the entire community as a supervisor. He makes sure that their crops are being well cared for and that they are not underselling themselves in market if they do indeed go there. They assure peace and tranquility between the families and within the community. Although they are looked on as being in charge, the Elders rarely hold political positions although they can use their status politically for the good of the community and Kel'rondar.

"We are all of the wood, we breath from its very roots, and we will cease to breath by the same" - Fllenue’, Elemeni Elder.