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[Culture] Mali'tos | Desert Elves


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Mali’tos

The Desert Elves

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  1.  Introduction
  2. History
    1. First Empire

    2. Middle Empire

    3. Last Empire

  3. Appearance

  4. Culture

    1. Gender Roles

    2. Language

    3. Social hierarchy 

    4. Valasin - Blood Writing

    5. Racial Knowledge

    6. Taboos

  5. Traditions

    1. Deaths & The Afterlife

    2. Soul Mates

    3. Courting & Marriage

    4. The Seboa

    5. Naming Ceremony

    6. The Himalim

 


 

Introduction

 

It Was an average day when the ships began to land on the shores of Arcas. Strange contraptions with delicate wooden engravings which seemed to be propelled by some sort of redstone engineering. They remained docked for nearly three days, when at last two figures emerged. Illuminated by the light of the moon they traversed the land until they found other life: This is when we met. They call themselves the Mali’Tos, or Desert Elves. The two wove a tale of great tragedy and destruction, of a fallen Empire and sinking Island. 

 

 


History

 

The History of the Mali’Tos is as intricate and long as some of the greatest empires known to man. Shortly after the Descendants fled Aegis, one of the boats became separated from the main fleet. Sailing for thirty days and thirty nights, the Elves began to fear starvation. It was on the thirty-first day did they find salvation in the form of a deserted island. 

 

First Empire

 

In the first Hundred years, the Mali’Tos separated and established twenty-two city states on the Neial River. These states were constantly at war and fought over precious resources. Records were sparse during this time, as they had not yet discovered papyrus. At some point during this time the subraces of Elves began to mix, thus creating the Tos’Mali - a mix between ‘Aheral and ‘Ame, with a favor towards the latter.

 

Towards the end of this Era two separate organizations began to unify the city-states. The Northern faction of Hassrran was swift in immobilizing and conquering, with little to no attempts at diplomacy. The Southern faction, Rajlan, was the opposite. Instead annexing most of the other city-states with little bloodshed.

 

Despite the efforts of the Rajlan, the Hassrran refused all diplomatic meetings between factions. Instead electing to murder the daughter of the Rajlan Prince who was only thirty years old. War sparked between the two and would go on to last nearly fifty years. This would go on to be named the Tarlanelvar'linast'vir which directly translates into common as “The Bloody Princess Path” or “Princess War”. While the Rajlan put up a fight they had the weaker tactics and were pushed back into the most southern city state. The Hassrran surrounded the city and severed all ties to the outside, slowly starving the city. Two Weeks after they announced this plan the Rajlan conceded and were annexed into the Hassrran Empire.

 

This was the true beginning of the Anoralhan Empire. This period of time was dark for the Tos’Mali and its culture, and is referred to as the Dark Kingdom. All records after Tarlanelvar'linast'vir were lost in the destruction of the burning of the Sandaria Library. Events and important information was spread orally for the next fifty years until Papyrus Paper was invented. 

 

The Dark Kingdom Era ended with the Hassrran Dynasty. The Prince could not sire any children, and instead left the Empire to his Lover - Ali Rajlan.

Middle Empire

 

Middle Anoralhan was a Golden Age for the Mali’Tos, and would take place over the next Hundred and Fifty Years. The Rajlan family ruled with the interests of the common people, and were well-known for their generosity. Ali Rajlan was the ruler throughout this period, and inadvertently began numerous traditions that would be passed onto the next generation. He was the founder of the Tosinsm, a polytheistic religion that worshipped Aenguls, Daemons, and the Spirits. This would later include the Mali’Tos Ancestors. The Middle Empire had numerous notable events, such as the following:

 

  1. Human Ship landed, causing a shipwreck. One survivor was found and lived with the Imperial Family till his death. The Country Mourned for him, and invented a new genre in literature - tragedy.

  2. Handfasting became popular over marriage, and the concept of Soul-Mates became more wide-spread.

  3. Prophet Amira Elvyral was outed to be a fraud - causing reform in the church. The Afterlife became a whimsical thing, and the concept of immortal souls was widespread.

  4. Minor Illnesses, such as a Cold, treated with the usage of available herbs. Medicine becomes less localized and is a valued profession.

  5. Dwarven, Common, and Ancient Elven are rediscovered and taught to the upper echelons. 

 

Last Empire

 

The last Empire is the period of the Empire’s Fall. The Golden age of the Middle Empire came to a soft close when plague took hold of the lands. It Targeted the Elderly and the Young, most of her victims being over seven hundred or under the age of six. The Plague Decimated the population, taking out villages at a time in a matter of only five years. The Crown worked tirelessly to find a cure, but to no avail. The only way to heal such a blight was through Holy Magic, which the people did not practice or know the meaning of.

 

Unbeknownst to the Mali’Tos, this was only the beginning.

 

Soon, the river turnt blood red - causing all of the frogs to flee and cause a pandemic of sores to befall those who lived near it. After was a trial of mosquitoes, and other manner of insects, which stung and killed numerous before being warded off with protective bug sprays and wards.

 

Crisis after Crises, the populace began to thin to the point that it became more difficult to do every day tasks. It was only when the cattle begin to die did the current Prince come to a realization. They were being attacked by something. He gathered his court, including his sisters, and urged them to take a select group and flee the island. No one would be left soon, and if the healthy could depart then perhaps the Mali’Tos could live on outside of memory. The Princesses gathered all of the healthy and set sail, unknowing of any lands they would find. As their ship left the dock, a thunderous boom sounded through the air. With dawning horror, the surviving Mali’Tos watched as their homeland began to sink beneath the waves. Lost, even to time.

 


Appearance

 

Because of their mixed Blood, the Mali’Tos have a unique appearance. Their features are feline, with slitted pupils and sharp facial structure. Most Mali’Tos have dark brown skin, with variations depending on from where the Mali lived on the island. They tend to have sand-colored hair which comes in different shades of blonde and orange. Though it is rare, some are born with Silver hair - which is culturally seen as a blessing from the Gods and or Spirits. Mali’Tos eye color is said to follow the patterns of the sky, the most common being that of sunset. Ambers, Oranges, and Reds can be found most frequently, though blues and browns are not unheard of. While their Ancestors had dramatically different builds the Mali’Tos were lucky enough to get away without too many drawbacks. They favor shorter heights like their ‘Ame Ancestors, and usually stand from 4-5’10 for all genders. Unlike the ‘Ame, they instead have naturally slender lithe frames much like the ‘Aheral. Though their body shape tends to change depending on the life led.

 


Culture

 

The Culture of the Mali’Tos is something that began in Aegis, and developed for nearly five-hundred years. To outsiders their customs are strange, sometimes more so than other cultures already on the Isles of Arcas. 

 

Gender Roles

 

Unlike many other cultures, the Mali’Tos have developed to a point where there are no longer any specific roles defined by gender. They are unique in the fact that all children are raised without preference till the age of Twenty, wherein they assign themselves Eshani - or pronouns. This has been in practice since the First Empire, and was popularized by the Queen Hassrran. Similarly, Children are given a name when they are born. This is usually something that defines the child, Red for red hair, Sunshine for their smile, etc. Once they reach the appropriate age they are assigned a new name by one of their relatives. Names are commonly agreed on before the ceremony, so that the one coming of age is not stuck with something they dislike. 

 

Language

 

While their fellow Elves that remained with the Descendants stuck to Ancient Elven and the common tongue, the Mali’Tos elaborated on Ancient Elven and began to develop their own Elven language. This Language has most of the core fundamentals of Ancient Elven, but is a unified language that can be spoken without additional common. It was developed long before the Mali’Tos became that, and was the project of the Mali’Tos Ancestors on Aegis. In common, their Language is called “New Elven”, though they refer to it as Vi'dirth'vhenan or “Home Speak”.

 

Social Hierarchy 

 

While they have little inclination towards roles assigned by gender, they instead put a large focus on blood relations. Certain Bloodlines are expected to do certain things, and the unit typically comes before the individual. Towards the end of the Last Empire a faction began to denounce the old ways and tried to pave the way for more individual freedoms for those of Noble Bloodlines. Most Bloodlines have a method of marking their members, the most common being tattoos.

 

Tarlan/Tarlen/Tarlin

 

Rajlan Bloodline

 

The Rajlans are one of the oldest bloodlines in the Mali’Tos History. They originate from the south of the Island, ruling over one of the first City-States. Tael and She’ela Rajland rose above and began to Unify the nation under their banner. Quick-Witted and Sharp-Tongued, they annexed almost half of the City-States until they clashed with the Hassrran Dynasty. The Rajlan’s took control over the empire after the Hassrran’s Bloodline died out, and they have ruled over the nation ever since. It is expected that all Rajlans take leadership over something, big or small, and it is seen as a weakness when they choose to fall beneath someone else. They’re headstrong and stubborn, but know when to concede to others.

 

When a Rajlan turns twenty-five they undergo the Trials. While this was originally a Rajlan Tradition other Bloodlines began to adopt it. The Rajland is to undertake a mysterious task and return - no one is certain of what this task is, or how to complete it, and it is held tightly to the Rajlan’s chest. After this task is completed, the Rajlan has the Valasin marked upon their body in a place of their choosing.

 

Ajuelan

 

Salah Bloodline

Known for their great intellect and dexterous fingers, the Salah Bloodline is filled with crafters and inventors. Inansha Salah, the founder of the family, is regarded highly and is given the credit of utilizing Papyrus and making paper with it. The family was recognized in the Middle Empire and began to work closely with the crown to bring about better lives for the common populace. This includes installing toiletries and baths inside housing, a sewer system, better healthcare, and regulated military organization.

 

When a Salah turns twenty, they undergo a trial similar to the Rajlan. The Salah is to spend the next year creating something. Woodcarving, Smithing, Art, or something mechanical. This is then judged by the family’s council and three outsiders. If deemed acceptable, they are officially permitted to bear the Bloodline’s name. Once this is completed they have the Valasin marked upon their body, most commonly being on their hands or forearm.
 

Soun 

 

Essam Bloodline

 

The Soun Bloodline is an offshoot of what was known as the Hassrran. They served as the Prince’s Guard during the Hassrran Dynasty, and continued to act as powerful soldiers throughout the Middle Empire. Soun’s have a slightly different build compared to the other Mali’Tos, as in they have become more muscular than the average Tos. They were recognized for their power during the First Empire, and have acted as generals and guards ever since. The Soun are single minded and are stubborn to a fault, and several Princes have been overthrown by the people with the Soun in the frontlines.

 

Unlike the other Bloodlines, the Soun do not have their children undergo trials. Instead, at twenty they are given the clan’s vallasin. The Soun’s Valasin is always on their neck and or face. 


 

Valasin - Blood Writing

 

When a Mali’Tos becomes of age to choose their true name, they receive the Valasin. This begins with the taking of the Mali’s blood, which is then contained in a vial. They receive a tattoo someplace on their body, this usually being on the back or an arm. Mixed in with the ink of the tattoo is the blood of the Tos’s Ancestors, showing that the Tos walks with his Ancestors at his side. This practice began shortly after the Princess’s War, as a method of honoring the dead.

 

Racial Knowledge

 

The Mali’Tos have lived only with Elves for five-hundred years. While many still know of the other races, very few actually lived to know them. They were unaware of the Mori, Kha, and other more exotic races that came into existence after Aegis. Mali’Tos may react in various ways to other races as they come to interact with them, though the most common is confusion or awe. 

 

Taboos

 

Over the course of Five-Hundred years, there have been several actions taken which would bring negative connotations. Most active taboos can be found in the following:

 

  • Cutting of someone’s Hair - This is seen as an act most foul, and makes the claim that the victim is unwise.

  • Spitting - It is considered rude to spit, not just at another person - but just in general.

  • Entering Temples of Dead Gods - Temples to Deceased deities are considered a portal to the god’s resting place, and much like Elven Tombs - should be left alone.

  • Entering Elven Tombs - Entering the tomb of an elf is considered murder of their immortal soul, and is treated as a crime.

 


Traditions

Death & The Afterlife

 

Death is a common thing in the Dangerous Empire. Instead of mourning, the Elves of Tos celebrate the life of the deceased. Popular Belief was that once dead, the soul of the deceased travels through time and space before coming to a final resting place in the land of the Ancestors where they will live for the rest of eternity. 

 

Once a Mali’Tos dies, they have all organs removed and placed inside pots which are then guarded by an Ancestor. All fluids are drained from the body and they are wrapped in linens and placed inside ornate caskets. For commoners, they share a burial site - or pyramid, depending on the wealth and status of the deceased. Those who had more wealth had their own tombs and tended to share with their family and soul-mates.

 

Soul Mates

 

Soul Mates, or Nas’Falon, is a believed practice wherein every Mali’Tos has a soulmate. Unlike in other cultures, this is not always seen as a romantic relationship - the most common being between twins or family. Nas’Falon means that two individuals are so close their Souls have united, and each wears part of the others. Some are born with soulmates, others develop one over the course of time.

 

It is considered the death of two if someone’s soulmate dies. They lose a part of them that can never be recovered, and those that attempt to live on past the death become shells of their former selves. Most choose to kill themselves rather than live without their Nas’Falon. Soulmates always share a tomb as it is considered a crime to seperate them for all eternity. 

 

Courting & Marriage 

 

While Courting and Marriage is a big deal in other cultures, it is a practice that falls on the wayside in comparison to other important traditions. The Mali’Tos care little of premarital fornication, although if a child is produced it is assumed that the two have a handfasting. Marriage doesn’t exist in a linear fashion, instead Handfasting is a more common tradition. If a couple wishes to take things to an unbreakable step, they become falon'saota. This is a ritual done where the two make a promise to love each other through life and death. If one of the Bond dies it is expected that the other follows them. It is not a pact made lightly, and only those over the age of one-hundred are allowed to make it.

 

The Seboa

 

A week after a child has been born, a party was thrown for the new born baby. The party is known as seboa, and it stems back to an ancient word which means week. The purpose of the gathering is to welcome the child into the world and is also known as a celebration of life for both the child and the mother.

 

Naming Ceremony

 

When a Mali’Tos reaches the age of Twenty they are finally permitted to choose their name and Eshani. Most families have a specific ritual the Mali must undergo before being given a new name, the most well-known being the secretive task of the Rajlan. Regardless as to whether or not they fail or pass the test, they are assigned a name by a blood relative chosen by the mali going through the ceremony. Names are commonly agreed upon before the ceremony, but there have been cases where one party was unaware of the selected name. Names are very important to the Mali’Tos, and once you have been given a name it is expected that you wear it for life.

 

The Himalim

 

While the naming ceremony is done when the Elf is twenty, they have not yet become adults in the eyes of the law. The Himalim is a coming of age ceremony hosted by the parents of the Hima. Once they turn fifty, a grand celebration is held for the Mali’Tos, and is also seen as a matchmaking event by some of the older Tos. The Himalim takes place over the course of a full month and has numerous festivities unique to the new adult.

 

Spoiler

Hey all! this has been a pretty big project I’ve been working on, and this is the second post in a series I’ll be making. This contains most of the info abt the culture, though I’ll be making a specific post about active members and religion soon! if having a Mali’tos character interests you, shoot me a DM at Kry#8104

 

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Ive always liked the idea of a subculture of desert elves, too bad their previous iteration was completely butchered last time this was attempted

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25 minutes ago, Remyy said:

Appearance

 

Because of their mixed Blood, the Mali’Tos have a unique appearance. Their features are feline, with slitted pupils and sharp facial structure.

kha community making a backup in case their race gets gacked.

 

But fr I did like the idea of desert elves once, but I think atm there are too many elven niches in general for another one to arise. I like the idea of sun/desert elves in theory, but in the current climate they don’t have too much of a place imo

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Edited by Aoxomoxoa
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I like the idea, but a few to many elves at the moment... if I did have to make an elf though, this wouldn’t most likely be the sub race for me! +1

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