THE ESTEL | Elves of a New Dawn

[The Media Wizard 2954]

THE ESTEL

ELVES OF A NEW DAWN

 

The city was empty. The woodland realm that had been constructed and inhabited by the Irrinites had become a desolate ruin of its former glory. Seed halls laid in shambles and the famous square had become overgrown with weeds and roots. Standing above it all was the great Citadel of the Sea Prince. It was to this iron-clad fortress and the dockyard that the remaining Elvenessi had retreated during the Great Schism. The majority of these elves were not Irrinite, Almenodrim or Aegrothonian, though — they had become something entirely new during the course of Elvenesse’s reign.

 

They had become the Estel — elf-lords of an older time.

 

 

H I S T O R Y

 

After the election of High Prince Evar’tir Oranor, the elves that had formed Elvenesse began to fracture. Political ambitions and nostalgia for the past had led many kin to splinter off in search of other prospects. Many of the Irrinites, for example, began a mass exodus to the wilds in order to construct a new community akin to Siramenor of the past. As such, the only elves left behind would be those who were too young to have seen the prior glory of the Irrinite village and who had been raised to the culture of Elvenesse.

 

What came in the aftermath was an incredibly powerful community. Many of the former Elvenessi rebranded themselves the Estel — or “Trusted” in the common tongue — and began to pursue a style of life not seen in the realm for many centuries.

 

The Estel began to wear more extravagant clothing and armor similar to that of Malinor. While many kept their tribal tattoos as reminders, many found peace in family titles and Houses once more. It did not matter what background you came from: high elf, wood elf, snow elf, dark elf, almenodrim. All who adopted the ways of the Estel were, themselves, Estel. An age of prosperity began from the ashes of Elvenesse and a new people had been born. The Estel reigned supreme.

 

 

A R C H I T E C T U R E

 

 

After the passing of the Irrinites, the Estel began to retreat back into their Citadel and docks. The new city became akin to one massive seed hall — an elven house for elven folk. Homes were created throughout the Citadel and dockyard and given to elves of import and duty. House halls were constructed and repurposed to the great seeds and clans: Taliame’onn, Valin’dar and Hawksong.

 

The new construction style borrowed much from both the Almenodrim and Irrinites, but it had become wholly new. Great gardens of wild trees and bushes sprouted alongside and enwrapped large buildings of stone and red paint. The Citadel became reminiscent of elven cities of old with its great towers and the Warden Keep. The gardens would bring envy to any Irrinite and the sprawling towers would sour any high elf’s mood.

 

Borrowing from the roots of the Citadel, the homes and settlements of the Estel would often be suspended atop large cliff sides and mountain tops. Gone were the days of underground mudhuts and burrows. The Estel were a proud folk and intended to share their abundance of beauty and pride high above the canopy.

 

 

 

F A S H I O N

 

 

The fashion of the Estel borrows heavily from the Almenodrim, but it incorporates a subtlety that was boasted by the Irrinites. Elves wear robes and armor that express elegance and grace. Lavish cloth and decorative sashes, belts and circlets bring a relaxed and cultivated appearance to all Estel . The long-lived elves use their clothing to reflect their mastery of crafts and arts.

 

For men, they are encouraged to wear robes that cover the majority of their bodies, but there are no restrictions on such. Males show their strength and dignity by carrying arms at their sides at all times and are ever-ready to strike and defend should the need arise. Boots have become prevalent, too, in the wake of the Almenodrim. As they spend most of their days meandering through stone halls, the need and desire for boots and other footwear became increasingly favorable.

 

 

For women, they are encouraged to wear lavish dresses and other decorations such as jewelry, circlets and sashes. Women, too, show strength by carrying weapons at their sides and joining their male counterparts in the defense and offense of their city.

 

 

 

The Estel are also often seen wearing lavish armors with great cloaks and sashes. They do not have a “warrior culture”, per say, but the elves of the southern woodlands are incredibly strong of will and might. They express this through their armors and weapons.

 

 

C U L T U R E

 

The Estel have a very distinct set of cultural practices and beliefs that set them apart from other elves. These are not religious practices, but simply traditions that bring pride and courage to the hearts of young Estel throughout the Citadel and abroad.

 

 

THE GREAT HOUSES

Spoiler

 

Similar to seeds, the Houses of the Estel are family units composed of like-minded elves with similar goals and beliefs. While some Houses continue to practice tribal tattoos, it is not a requirement for every House. The Three Great Houses are Hawksong, the Horselords of the Twilit Elves; Taliame’onn, the Natural Wonders of the Mali’ame; and Valin’dar, the Loyal Lords of the Dark Elves. These great houses work as smaller communities within the culture of the Estel. They hold their own creeds and ambitions, but all are loyal kin of the High Prince and the nation.

 

To join a Great House is no easy task. They hold their own rituals, trials and goals. To create a House is a difficult road filled with obstacles and rejection, but many elves of strong will are able to weather this tempest and create something of beauty from it. The Houses have this in common: greatness is born through trial and tribulation.

 

 

THE WILD FAITH

Spoiler

 

Despite their departure from wood elven societal norms, the Estel continue to actively practice the Wild Faith. The Aspects and Mani are sacred among all elven kin and are worshipped accordingly; however, the more tribalistic elements of the faith have become much more subdued in the development of the new state. As such, reliance on subtle prayer and hidden sites of worship has become more common. Faith has become much more of a state of being rather than something flaunted.

 

Festivals and ceremonies are abundant in this new society. Grand displays are frequently made to the Aspects and Mani through many avenues, but the over-reliance on sacrifice and wild practices has all but vanished. It is a more refined and intimate experience to pray to your respective Aspect or Mani.
 

 

RITES OF PASSAGE

Spoiler

 

When an Estel comes of age, they are given a grand task. The elf is charged with completing an incredibly difficult assignment to prove their worth as an elf of the culture. These trials can range from slaying a massive creature to finding a lost relic. The task is decided upon by the High Prince or the Prince-Heir at the ceremony celebrating the child’s ascent into adulthood. After the task is completed, the newly-made elf is given a new title to reflect the deed that was done. For example, an elf that completed their task of defeating a Cave Naga might be called Nagasbane or Lord of Serpents.

 

For the elves adopting this culture beyond their fiftieth birthday, they will take a name to remind them of a great deed or act they have done before. If none come to mind, they are encouraged to request such a task from the High Prince of Prince-Heir to prove themselves to their kin and to be ushered in as a true Estel.

 

ALL RANGERS. ALL SOLDIERS. ALL GUARDS.

Spoiler

 

The Wardens are the defenders of Elvenesse. Founded by Amaesil Vuln’miruel, these knightly soldiers work to uphold justice, parenthood, leadership, courage and duty; however, the Wardens are not the only defenders of the city. All Estel are expected to help in defending themselves, their families and their kin. If they do not join the Wardens they are considered to be citizen-soldiers to help in the direst of times.

 

An old saying is often utilized: “All rangers. All soldiers. All guards.” It is to exemplify the reliance on the courage and honor of your fellow elf in times of strife and danger. This belief is held strong by all Estel for all will fall if we flee.

 

 

 

E L V E S   O F   A   N E W   D A W N

 

 

The creation of the Estel was a necessity in maintaining the unity and might of the former Elvenessi. As such, the term “Estel” is not meant to describe a race; it is meant to describe a people. This united, visionary culture was not a combination of others, but an influenced act of care and simplicity.

 

Simplicity. That describes the Estel well. They are a community more than a nation and their influence will become well documented in the centuries to come. Their unity sprouted from similar goals rather than similar beliefs like the Irrinites and Almenodrim of old. This singular vision will allow the Estel to become independent and strong.

 

 

[OUT-OF-CHARACTER]

Spoiler

 

The Estel are a project I have been working on for quite some time. It is the basis for my character, Amaesil Vuln'miruel, and has slowly become a norm in our elven community. I thought it would be good to expand on some of the ideas we've been using in-game and give a name to it.

 

This is not intended to be a be-all-end-all post, either. This culture is simple, small and prone to change over time as more and more people adopt it and spread it within our community. Whatever this starts — be it a short fad or a long-term culture — I am excited to see what the future holds for our little community of elven roleplayers. If you have any ideas or want to join, toss me a DM.

 

Have a great day, folks!

 

Zilldude

 

[VoidandNull 356]

(( Aha port city go brrr)) 














 

Spoiler

For real nice post though. Sound like they can run it back.

 

Edited August 20, 2021 by VoidandNull

[Ibn Khaldun 7729]

((HMU on Discord if you need any prose written. I like the premise of this group.))

[mmat 7461]

In his meagre downtime, Avius Csarathaire lounged at the base of a tree in his dully coloured aspectist armour, exhausted, back against the trunk, sword on the ground at his side. He read of Onas and his latest project, smiling on one side of a tattooed face. Exhausted from the day's toil, the grizzled 'ame's eyes closed and he allowed himself a time of indulgence. Thoughts returned of a realm that never was, an Elven dominion of strength and a bastion of Malin's people. Architecture high and beautiful, weaved seamlessly into the natural world despite its grandiosity. Rulers of strength and integrity, selfless paragons of the past and for the future.

 

Then Avius Csarathaire's icy eyes opened once more. He peered at the reality around him, and his smile decayed to a frown. A sigh escaped him, and the daydream died.

[Minuvas 2877]

The Imperial high Elf Minuvas, wearing his wig with Imperial doublet , swings his swagger stick under his armpit before remarking "I wish our cousins in Elvenesse success".