CELIA'NOR CULTURE

[Cepheid 4304]

𝅘𝅥𝅯𝆔𝅘𝅥𝅮 ambience 𝅘𝅥𝅯𝆔𝅘𝅥𝅮

The Principality of Celia’nor

A handbook on the city of stars and embers, published in 114 S.A.

 

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The Great City of Fi’andria, located in the heart of Celia’nor where the redwoods angle high overhead until a clearing is unveiled to the city of stars and embers. A place of grandiose wonder which magic and mystique run freely through the air. Spiraling towers of ivory that were touched by mulberry at their apex dotted the city from its gates to the academy and nature seemed to exist hand and hand with the influence of magic that was held throughout the city. Along the coast that borders the western Almarian ocean, the dockyards were filled with sailors, fishermen, and merchants alike that bustle trade and commerce into the economy. At the epicenter of the city, it shows that it truly is a city of promise with a theater, inn, tavern, shops of every sort, and opportunity around every corner.

 

An artist’s depiction of Celia’nor, circa 74 SA.

 

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HISTORY

The establishing of Celia’nor c. 1868

 

An ideal of one that soon grew in multitudes, the desire to be represented by genuine mali of meritocratic standing and hold fair council of the high elven people that flow fluently with their duties, long since tired of being failed did the Celian people seek to begin a revolution to progress their people, as they were taught so long ago, from an era of stagnancy. Yet with a slight oversight where a long march west was forced of the vast revolutionary forces of the mali’aheral, lead by Uthir Ivarielle I.

 

It was in the dense forest, along a river inlet, below the Idol’s Garden did they find their new home with wood elven guides to aid their pathing, an abandoned town there lingering as an indicator those very lands were inhabitable. A tide of tents were erected where the mali within would come to convene and hold several votes to decide their future and how best they would see their future. No longer seeking to cower beneath the history of paper-pushers and failed aristocrats they did so.

 

A monarchy did they vote, with Uthir Ivarielle now Princess Ivarielle, a name did they vote; Celian’or (The Land of Stars) and its capital city, Fi’Andria, the city of Stars and Embers that would soon rise far above the towering redwoods flanking the encampment with roofs of purple to express the vast wealth of its denizens and the royal family with how rare such a hue is in the western half of Almaris.

 

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GOVERNMENT [x]

Princess Valyris Ibarellan depicted c. 1897. [[Art by @Amyy]]

 

Celia’nor society is ruled by a monarchy and its aristocracy that heavily values the input and ideas of the citizenry. Within this dominion, are two branches that form the main government. There is the higher council known as Laureh’heial, which is overseen specifically by the Royarch of Celia’nor. Only those of high elven blood may ever hold a position on Laurir’heial, unless in rare occasions where one rises as a result of exceptional merit or through times of war. Each councilor is able to take people underneath them to better fulfill their role within the political landscape of Celia’nor. The second branch of the government is the advisors who assist the Royarch in their day to day decisions, serving as guides in troubling times. Though they do not hold any authority, they are in their positions due to the value of their words to the Royarch.

 

Holding up the backbone of the way of life within Celia’nor is the aristocracy that is heavily intertwined with meritocratic systems to reward based on the work and effort put in by oneself. The nobility hold the standard for what every elf should strive to be within the Principality. It is the responsibility of the nobility to be involved in the functions of Celia’nor and act as leaders,guides, and inspirations to the common folk. 

 

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THE CELIAN COURT [x]

The Court of Celia’nor c. 1891

The Celian Court consists of the highest echelons of high elven society: those who stand above the rest in their respective skill. The elite within the courts work together to improve upon the society within Celia’nor. Their primary objective is to upkeep social standards of the principality- certifying that each member of not only the court, but each part of society strives for excellence in their work. Knowledge, poise, and amelioration of society are at the core of the values for the court.

 

The governing council of the Celian Court is known as the Circle of Stars. Those among the circle of stars not only work within their own domain to advance society, but also ensure that others among the Courts uphold Celia’nor’s social values. The Circle of Stars work towards maintaining the palace, the culture, and the society of the Celian Court.

 

Due to the core values of the Celian Court, etiquette is a primary aspect of courtier proceedings. Use of titles and addressments are expected not only within the palace, but in daily life as well. It is essential to follow court customs, including wearing one’s finest clothing to court meetings, and donning the proper accessories to show one’s rank. Those who are nobility are permitted to wear bronze circlets, whereas family heads frequently wear signet rings with their family crests upon them. It is highly frowned upon for those of non-nobility status to wear circlets of any kind, especially within a court setting. Etiquette is an essential part of maintaining social standards within Celia’nor in its entirety.

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EVERYDAY LIFE [x]

Beneath the redwoods that tower above surrounding the seaside glades, the people of Celia’nor take on an idyllic, yet productive way of life. Store shops line the main street of Fi’andria, selling magical enchantments, alchemic concoctions, and tasty cuisine to satisfy any hungry citizen and traveler.

 

While Fi’andria and Celia’nor at large is well known for Arcane studies and practices, the military remains a large part of the day to day life of the citizens. While not every citizen is enlisted within the military, every citizen will raise their blades and foci to defend their home. Once the fighting is done, many return to the barracks to keep serving or find themselves at the Slumbering Scholar, one of a few taverns citizens often relax and enjoy either the carefully crafted alcohol or one of the lively performances.

 

For the citizens not of the military mindset, they are often found working either in magical fields or within the palace. Court life is lively with event planners, courtiers specializing in botany, painting, and performing. With a theater putting on regular performances, many find some home within the arts. If city life is not someone’s cup of tea, the villages of Starpool and Paradine each cater to a more agricultural life, whether it be sprawling vineyards or rolling fields. 

 

Should someone wish to find employment there are many options available. Court life is always looking for new talent. The military’s doors are open to all those who wish to serve no matter the skill level. Mages can find work either within the government as sponsored mages or in private shops selling enchantments and other tools. If any of the above, the community job board is a good spot to look for available work.

The outskirts of Fi’andria, c. 1892  [[Screenshot by @ThePolishHussar]]

 

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PHILOSOPHY [x]

The Burning of the Past, c. 1902 [[Screenshot by @Smol_Bean0 ]]

 

“ilMaehr'sae Ilkun'ehya”, known in the common tongue as “with knowledge and steel”, is the idea which carved the ideals and values of the Celian people. Ideals that transcend the average mind and encourage carving their paths through history with steel and the knowledge that they have gained throughout the lifetime of an elf. This is ever present within the mindset of a Celia’norian when they go through their day to day. It is common that they will begin to tackle ideas for problems not yet faced in the realm and to ease their day to day life. From a house magery operated tavern, ear cuffs that play music, mirrors that give fashion advice, handheld crossbows that blast air to stun and help detain criminals, and so much more has blossomed from this mindset. They’ve ensured the safety of their realm through the marching of steel, showing their forces to the realm and not taking no for an answer when their people are threatened by outsiders. This has developed into the average Celia’norian always at the ready to defend their home should it become necessary.

 

The essence of this philosophy is that the elven blessing of longevity ought to not be looked at in the same way other elven civilizations have. While the elves of times past have taken the opportunity to revel in their long lives, choosing to drink, feast, and copulate the centuries away, a Celia’norian looks upon this decadence and laziness with utter disgust. A long life is meant to be industrious, for, unlike the other races, an elf has the privilege of orchestrating, seeing through, and then enjoying great, ambitious aspirations in their lifetime. Idleness is the basest sin of any in Celia’norian society, and a subject who is not utilizing their longevity and talents for some greater purpose is a waste to themselves and their countrymen.

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TRADITIONS 

While the Principality of Celia’nor has only been officially established since the early seventies of the second age, the elves that reside within it have taken up customs and traditions that have roots stretching back to the ancient times of mali’aheral. There’s several practices, festivities, and the likes that have become ingrained in Celia’nor over the decades. Culturally, hospitality and intelligence are the main things that are often shown off towards those that visit the land of stars.It is customary to treat each and every person invited to these lands during diplomatic talks with the finest of culinary delights and respect. They are offered the finest Celia’nor wine that is procured by the aristocracy and kept upon the mantle or shelf of one’s meeting area specifically for guests.Yisars are another common practice to have within Celia’nor and are preferable to horses due to the creatures affinity for the void and bonding with their rider. These creatures are pinnacle and it is seen as a great honor to be a rider of a star yisar. 

 

Festivals and celebrations are something that is enjoyed by both the aristocracy and the common people of Celia’nor. One trademark revelry that is enjoyed are the Goose Races, where one spends many months and potentially years training a goose to participate in the races against other geese. The Goose Champion is considered to be a prideful title to have as it is typical if a goose does not place in the race, it’s considered defective and eaten in a feast that is held after the event.  It is known that many partake in trials of intelligence in casual manners, such as chess games, trivia, inventions contests, and other activities that celebrate the provoking of higher thought. This extends to family life as various families consider themselves to coin a “talent” and make themselves the best of the best. When it comes to the long lifespans that elves are blessed with, it is something that is used to its fullest extent and mastery in a variety of subjects is encouraged. 

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FASHION OVERVIEW  [x]

In Celianor, it will always be encouraged for even the citizenry to don the best attire they are capable of affording. The one finite ideal shared by the masses is that fashion is an expression of oneself and what one wears is the truest reflection of themselves which is befitting of the event being thrown.. It is expected that one wears the finest garb that they are able to afford or procure when attending social events.  Casual attire tends to be more loose and relaxed with the expectations of one’s everyday wear. It is often that despite being labeled as casual to those inside the city, they still don fine silks and luxuries that they feel most comfortable in to present themselves to the world. Whereas formal wear is much more rigid and the expectations are harsher for encouraging one to don their best and most marvelous attire, from wild colors to attire that extends beyond reality itself. 

 

Within the city of stars and embers, there are several different modes of fashion seen, all of which demonstrate how a proper citizen of Celianor should dress themselves; traditional, modernized, high fashion, and enchanted apparel are the modes in question. Traditional fashion is often kept minimal and simplistic, little jewelry worn and finely woven fabrics are most common. Modernized fashion is more regal and detailed, often consisting of pants, berets, boots, and slim fit clothing in general. This mode is widely considered to be enhanced minimalism and is rather common amongst government officials. High fashion and enchanted apparel are the most extravagant modes of fashion, oftentimes being the mode of fashion where one's uniqueness stands out the most. High fashion consists of the finest fabrics one could acquire as well as attention grabbing jewels and accessories. Enchanted apparel is a step above that, this mode of fashion is capable of making even the most mundane and basic attire a marvel to behold. Enchanted apparel is attire interwoven and enhanced by enchantments of different sorts, an idea originated by the minds of Wynasul Designs.

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APPEARANCES [x]

A Celia’norian elf, Ro’ya Nullivari depicted c. 1902. [[Art by @Amyy]]

 

The appearance of the Celia’nor elf is a rather strict, ancient look as common of all High-Elves due to a long history of selective marriages throughout its history of being under the umbrella of past nations. Thus, the appearance of the Celia’nor elf is a rather strong identity of appearance. A typical Celia’norian elf, often appears with a lighter tone of skin, varying from a light pale, to a marblesque pearl color of skin. Hair on the other hand, is far less demanding, with varying lighter shades present, with blonde, white, and silver being the most common, and red, orange, gray and gold being other colors. Black or brown hair is often the sign of a non-full blooded Celia’nor elf. Eyes follow suit, with colors benign far more variable with blue, violet, purple, green, gold and yellow being common colors, with brown being deeply frowned upon as a valah eye color. Height, albeit varied between 5’0 to 6’6, often ranges between the extremes rather than between, with most being over 6’0, and weighing generally between 100lbs to 260lbs, often being on the lighter end. 

Perfect skincare is promoted as necessary to greet the day, with personal grooming made of the utmost importance. Celia’norian elves are to be clean-shaven, their hair well trimmed, skin clear and well bathed to be seen as appropriate in the public eye, anything less than their best is seen as a poor reflection on themselves. Hairstyles are often seen as rather extravagant based on differing social classes, with long hair seen as a must by both genders, to a point where the removal of one's hair can be seen as the gravest of shames to an elf next to the clipping of their ears. While different classes can see either simple, or complex designs of hair care and style based on social class, well maintained hair is a  must.

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EXTERNAL LINKS |

Government - Laureh'heial Revised 

The Celian Court - The Court of Celianor 

Everyday Life - Fi'andria Job Board 

Philosophy - ilMaehr'sae Ilkun'ehya 

Fashion - Fashion of Celia'nor 

Portraits - Portraits of Prominent Courtly Figures 

 

CREDITS |

Art by @Amyy
Cepheid_, Twinndolin, CephalonAir, Amuletic, Nectorist, lillyeveans - Writing Gang

[rukio 8924]

Spoiler

Flawless

 

[Nectorist 12869]

Numerian Visaj enjoys the rich and fulfilling cultural blossoming that Celia'nor is now undergoing.

[Hanrahan 2983]

An aged Imperial bureaucrat gasps.

 

"Elves? Using IST...? Courtly proceedings? Good God above; they've created institutions. This is beyond anything I could have ever imagined Elves doing."

 

The bureaucrat then looks around in his timber tavern, looking out onto the muddy, unpaved streets.

 

"... Perhaps this nation should be visited."

[sam33497 7356]

Lanre Cerusil smiles upon reading the fashion section. "Wow, that's the Mordu'lar!" @Sailor

 

 

[JuliusAakerlund 2402]

"Valyris is hard at work as always. I am glad we have the time to flourish our culture amongst the stars, it is only right. Let's hope for a bright future for our people." Indris said as he read the contents in his study, on his desk lay open a large book of his own - worthy of publishing.

[__Zuko 171]

9 hours ago, Cepheid said:

“ilMaehr'sae Ilkun'ehya”, known in the common tongue as “with knowledge and steel”

 the 'thill chuckled when he read the contents "Incredibly, they un-learned elven there are five words of steel and they didn't use any of them" the 'thill then coughed a bit before adding " golnauk that is the seventh word in elven now"

[Tomatoh757 28]

As Tholus reads the contents he'd take out his glasses to clean them "I don't see any dark practices in their traditions list, i must be blind."  The ker said with a chuckle.