The Sanctum: Illivira & Her People

[RainbowRoad1234 102]

Spoiler

 

 

The Sanctum of Illivira

"A thing that doesn’t change with time is a memory of younger days."

 

Art by @Toffee

 

Genesis
In the heart of Amaethea, where the ancient trees whispered tales of forgotten times, Medli Oranor observed the rapid changes that modern elvendom brought to her people. The intricate dances of diplomacy and the bustling noise of progress drowned out the serenity and simplicity that had once defined elvendom. Deeply nostalgic for the days of her youth, when her people held what she believed to be a greater sense of community and moral value, Medli felt a yearning to return to an unornamented age.

 

Unable to reconcile her desires with the direction the princedom was heading, Medli led her husband Evar'tir into the mutual and momentous decision to abdicate their titles with heavy hearts, and yet their spirits remained resolute.

 

Gathering a band of like-minded mali who shared their disillusionment with the modern era of elvendom, Medli and Evar'tir embarked on a journey to the tranquil coastal regions of Oswin. While Evar’tir decided to enjoy a period of retirement, Medli maintained her role as a guardian and influential persons amongst elvenkind, hoping to honor her mother’s teachings and make her proud. It was there, amidst the rhythmic melody of crashing waves and the salty breeze that carried memories of times long past, that Medli decided to found a haven for those who longed for a return to the old ways, and bestowed upon herself the title Seawatcher.

 

This refuge came to be known as Illivira, after the peaceful Mani Prince Luna'illi of Moths and the word 'vigilant' or ‘mournful’ in the ancient tongue – in the modern day, one might also hear it called ‘The Sanctum’.
 

⋅ •⋅⊰ ₊ ⋆  ☽ ༓ ☾ ⋆ ⁺ ⊱⋅• ⋅

 

Thus far, Illivira has thrived as a haven for wayward elves seeking solace in the arms of tradition, belonging, and purpose. Medli, now free from the constraints of the crown, has dedicated herself to imparting the timeless values she holds dear. Though no longer a ruler in name, Medli has become the heart and soul of the village, and it is under her guidance that Illivira has embraced a communal existence where the complexities of the ever-changing elven world come untethered.

 

Another leading force in Illivira is Eagus Roitarion, the patriarch of an Almenodrim House by the same name. Grateful for an act of benevolence by High Princess Medli in his youth, Eagus devoted himself to learning from her wisdom and guidance, absorbing the lessons of diplomacy and compassion that shaped him into the capable and empathetic individual he is today. Though he traveled for a time, Eagus has since returned to The Sanctum and assumed a pivotal political role – that of the Forestwatcher, one half of the whole that makes up the village’s duumvirate.

 

Likewise, it was Eagus who introduced the religion of Duarchism to the village, a denomination of Aspectism merged with Thalassan and newly introduced Faunian ideals. 

 

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Art by Joseph Feely

 

Art by @tgrt
 

Environment
The climate of Illivira and the surrounding area is tropical, with the majority of the year spent in a warm rainy season. The temperatures are mild and relatively constant, cooled occasionally by the winds coming off of the ocean; the turquoise waters of the village’s shoreline maintain a similar temperature, warm enough to swim in even in the dead of night. There are two distinct weather patterns: the dry season and the humid season. The dry season lasts from The First Seed until Sun's Smile and has balmy temperatures with little rain. The humid season makes up the rest of the year and is subject to almost daily tropical showers.

 

The beach, just south of the village proper, is one of the community’s central hubs. It boasts countless tide pools brimming with marine life, including mussels, barnacles, chitons, sea slugs, and hermit crabs. High cliffs beyond the dunes protect the village from high tides and the occasional tidal waves from summer storms rolling in from the sea. Altogether, the coastal environment promotes sailing, fishing, and the collection of sea glass and driftwood from the beach. These are often used to create greater renarias, or large mosaics, which are scattered throughout the village and on the cliffs, in the ground, and on the beach.

 

Religion
While most of the stories of Thalassa have been passed down through centuries of oral and written traditions, the Illiviran people feel if there is to be a Goddess of the Sea and Watcher of Sea Mani then there must be the same for land - this, coupled with brief mentions of a male figure in oral tradition, allowed for the idea of a Watcher of Land Mani, and it was only through recently rediscovered religious discussion and debate that Faunus’ existence came to light. Thus, The Duarchy, also called Duarchism, was created, melding traditional elnamsae'ame, Aspectism, and Thalassan ideals into something new. This does not detract from the Mother Cerridwen, and the Father Cernunnos, as the pair is still held in the highest regard of worship. Recognizing this, the responsibility falls to the remaining two gods to take care of or watch over their respective mani: sea-dwelling mani are supported by Thalassa, whereas land-dwelling mani are supported by Faunus.

 

While there are different interpretations of Thalassa and her origins in Almenodrim culture, Illivirans have adopted different approach to her relationships and being. Although previous iterations have noted her as a malevolent being, this is inaccurate to modern Illiviran beliefs, as though they recognize her moody demeanor, it is believed through various tales and retellings that Faunus stabilizes her through his level-headed disposition.

 

Duarchism has a rich tradition of oral history, storytelling, and epic poetry, primarily used to instill morals and pass down knowledge. While most are too long and detailed to tell in a single sitting, single passages or verses are often discussed at length to glean new knowledge, and possibly to fix any mistranslations lost in the switchover from ancient elven to common. Short fables bring a vibrant array of metaphors to a Duarchist’s life, and, most importantly, teach lessons to help navigate the vast array of Mani and how best to appease both Thalassa and Faunus.

 

Festivals and Rites
Festivals are held in accordance with the seasons and worship of the Duarchy, including rites to the Mother and Father, Thalassa and Faunus, and the Mani. Rites are also held for certain important events within the village, promoting a sense of community between villagers.

 

Spoiler

Rite of Selection 
The first birthday of any Illiviran child is celebrated during an intimate ceremony exclusive to the village and close relatives of the family. During pregnancy, the mother is expected to weave together a cord of twine, string, and other fibers, while the father collects a half-dozen beads, shells, stones, and other small artifacts. Upon their child’s first birthday, the items are laid out before them with the expectation that they will choose one, signifying the path the child will begin to walk down – in turn, this bead becomes to first mark of life on their inder’tayna. A priest of Duarchism or a Watcher will then perform a group prayer with the intent to bless the Illiviran child’s path, as well as welcome them as one of the village’s own. Once complete, villagers would have prepared one gift of cultural or religious significance to give away to the couple, thanking and blessing them for the new addition to the village. 

 

Some within Illivira believe in the concept of rebirth - in the sense that offspring may have pieces of their ancestor's souls within them. Things such as a rowdy child could remind elder elves of their childhood friends who were lost in battle or a shrewd teenager could be reminded of someone more ancient down the line on the same tree. The idea of rebirth is common, but only some within the village believe in such. It is a simple means that helps remind current and new generations of elves of their ancestors and how they lived their lives.

 

Rite of Unity
Gathered under a brooding sky where the ocean's whispers meet the glistening sand shores of Illivira, the union of a couple's marriage is the most common ceremony amongst Illivirans. Heavily inspired by the divine tales of Faunus and Thalassa, the day is suffused with symbolism and callbacks to their divine love story, and it is considered a great blessing to receive rain on the day of the celebration.

 

The day's events are led by the village's esteemed Watchers, or in their absence, the priest of the Duarchy. Cloaked in formal attire that befits the occasion, the couple meet on the beach as the Watcher or priest invoke the spirits of land and sea, imbuing the day with timeless romance that echoes through the waves and dances among the trees. With this in mind, the couple exchange their vows.

 

In place of the traditional wedding ring exchange -- although this may still be done as an additional part of the ceremonies, if it is to the couple's preference -- the couple will exchange tokens for the other person to add to their inder'tayna. In this gifting, the couple intertwines their destinies, creating a sacred bond that transcends the physical and connects their souls.

 

As the ceremony concludes, the festivities that follow are a testament to the joy that Thalassa and Faunus experienced in each other's company. A grand feast is laid out featuring the bounties of land and sea to be shared among the gathered community. The air is filled with music and laughter as the newlyweds and their guests dance, tales of love and adventure are woven by bardic performances, and under the veil of a starlit night the couple celebrates their newfound devotion to one another surrounded by villagers and family alike.

 

Rite of Passage
The concept of Thalassa’s Undersea is an increasingly common belief found in Illivira and serves as their version of the afterlife. It began as a series of myths and beliefs and has become commonplace as the village has repopulated, so much so that the local burial rites, while still resembling those of centuries-old Mali'ame ceremonies, are largely based around the Thalassan observances.

 

The Undersea is understood as a place of otherworldly grandeur reachable only by releasing one’s hold on life. It is believed that, after death, if the body is returned to the sea the soul becomes one with the natural balance. Posthumously, these souls are believed to be able to watch over their loved ones, give guidance, and even invoke vengeance against the living by way of creating currents, diverting schools of marine animals, and affecting the weather. It is commonplace then to hear locals attribute off-season storms, bountiful fishing harvests, or strange marine events to the temperaments and motives of those they have lost.

 

After the family of the deceased asks a priest or priestess of the Duarchy to perform the send-off, the community will gather on the Illiviran beach with candles, torches, and lanterns. The deceased will be wrapped in a burial shroud and carried out into the shallows with their loved ones acting as pallbearers. With the aid of an abalone shell, the priest will burn a smudge stick of herbs chosen by the family (most often cedar, sage, and/or sweetgrass) around the body so that the smoke can cling to their form and protect their soul as it passes back into nature. The fallen are then submerged in the water and allowed to sink to the bottom of the ocean, weighed down with tiva wreaths, heavy sea glass, and stones in particular, as a reference to old folktale surrounding Thalassa’s origins.

House leaders, political figures, or other such nobility of the village may elect to forego the shallows-walk and instead be set to sea in a ship that will be set aflame by a procession of archers. Druids of Illivira follow these practices, though it is still true that the souls of fallen druids find their place in the Eternal Forest. At the end of the funeral, the aforementioned candles, torches, and lanterns will be left along the shore where the burial took place, and the village will endure three days of darkness to commemorate the loss and respect the house's grieving period.

 

Beliefs & Customs
Illivirans hold many beliefs and customs within their village that carry out from beyond their quaint walls. It encompasses many parts of their lives and influences the person they become, whether they are a child or elder. Though Illivirans come from a multitude of places and walks of life, it is expected and encouraged that they conform to the Illiviran ideals, beliefs, and customs for as long as they live within the coastal sanctum.

On Respect:
Illiviran people are encouraged to respect other elven kind, including cultures and beliefs that may not align with their own. In being a ‘free people’, it is important to show kindness and understanding to others to promote the idea of sanctuary. While this is a custom that is not policed, it is expected rather than enforced.

Those within Illivira, despite subsisting on a mostly pescatarian diet, will always believe in swift kills with what they require to eat. Nothing in nature, whether flora or fauna, should have any unjust suffering - where nature suffers, so do Illivirans and many will volunteer in hopes of alleviating or quelling the suffering within nature.

 

On Devotion:
Illivirans actively practice Duarchism, although it is not uncommon for one to also follow Aspectism, The Wild Faith, or Thalassaism. Regardless of the faith which they hold in the highest regard, Illivirans revere the Aspects above all and as such will devote themselves to the preservation of Good and the Balance.

 

On Responsibility:
The way of Illivirans is to see an end to all things that wish to destroy what they hold dear; the lands in which their home resides. To cull what they deem as evil is to preserve their way of life. To maintain the good in the world is a belief all Illivirans hold and believe others should maintain as well. For if there is only evil in the world, then that is not a world worth living in. Illivirans believe in preserving their Sanctum and will strive to ensure that it remains a sanctum to friends and strangers alike.

Illiviran healers take pride in aiding any injured with little to no background judgment, working under the umbrella of Serinwë’s Hand, a company of healers. While being an oathed member is not required to practice medicine in the Illynoran Infirmary, it is important for Illiviran medics to hold similar values as the company.

 

Politics
Illivira is led by a duumvirate consisting of the Seawatcher and the Forestwatcher. At the time of founding, the Seawatcher is Medli Oranor and the Forestwatcher is Eagus Roitarion. Leadership decisions in the village are made jointly. If one of the duumvirates were to step down, that person would choose their replacement; if one of the duumvirates were to pass away or otherwise become unable to perform their duties, the surviving duumvir would choose their successor. If this cannot be decided, the duumvirs turn to the House leaders to help decide the vote. In the event that no decision could be made between House leaders, it is then turned to the people of Illivira to elect a new member of the duumvirate. The new member is to select a different title than past duumvirs whilst continuing the ‘watcher’ motif.

 

Art by @tgrt

 

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Art by Joseph Feely

 

Architecture
The architecture of Illivira is simple, designed to intrude on the natural environment no more than is necessary. Hardy wood and sandstone are used to withstand the briny sea and salt wind. Illivirans use as little space as possible when building their villages, using crammed-together buildings that still allow vegetation to grow between, on, and within every single structure that they build to coexist with nature around them. Houses are truly only built to sleep in and store one's belongings, while the community buildings are much larger to encourage interaction with each other and visitors to the quaint village.

 

The buildings are less grand than the style of the Almenodrim, which favors stone structures built into the cliffs and intertwined with trees, and less lofty than traditional Mali’ame architecture which is often built high into the trees. Instead, Illivira has embraced the aesthetic of a seaside village rather than that of a budding city.

 

Clothing, Accessories, & Tattoos
Clothing is generally crafted from hand-made cloth or woven fabric and consists of long, flowing fabrics overlapped with one another. This can also include sheer drapings, along with cutouts in the bodice and leg slits for ease of movement. The most common colors are largely earthy, using browns, blues, greens, beige, and gold to mimic the beaches and sea near Illivira – it is not uncommon to see deep reds either, especially in ceremonial and traditional garb. Because of the persistently warm climate and proximity to the ocean it is normal for a considerable amount of skin to be exposed, which also functions to showcase ilmyumier. Illivrans will often have a formal set of clothes when attending meetings outside of the village, styled to be more modest while still representing the traditional colors of the village. Due to their Mali’ame and Almenodrim roots, the Illiviran people are very fond of accessories, including rings, necklaces, piercings, and inder’tayna.

 

On tattoos - many Illivirans believe the body is a canvas to express themselves, but not in the same way as accessories. They believe the skin should represent who you are, where you belong, and your story. Ilmyumier often represents the family you belong to or the status you hold within a society: priestess, guardian, warrior, and various other titles. With the rest of their skin, many Illivirans opt to use their skin to mark down familial oral traditions or show their great feats.

 

Armour tends to be made from leather or even thick cloth, intended for ease of movement. Some wear full plate crafted from treated ironwood, but the elves of Illivira are not a war-faring culture, and it is rare to see elves in armor at all.

 

Skins by @WestCarolina

 

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We've included this set of images as a reference point for any skinners or artists who need a place to start!

 

Skin Tones:

 

Eye Colors:

 

Hair Colors:

 

Clothing Colors:

Food
A pescetarian diet is common in Illivira, though more so from simplicity as opposed to choice. Living so close to the ocean promotes a fish-based diet, and tropical fruits grow in abundance in the jungle surrounding the village. This is an adaptation of the hunting and gathering common in most Mali’ame nations. Most other types of meats, vegetables, and fruits not grown within the tropical climate are traded between other communities.

 

It is rare for an Illiviran to have a meal by themselves. Eating is a time when the village comes together to, pending the time of the meal, discuss their plans for the day, what they’ve accomplished, or even simply how their day went. It is seen as a time of bonding and sharing and is hosted around one of the many fire pits that decorate this seaside haven.

 

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Art by Joseph Feely

 

Crafting
Although Illivira’s main exports revolve around fishing, the village is also known for its craftsmanship in all things intricate. One would be hard-pressed to miss out on all of the hand-crafted jewelry, leatherwork, shell candles, and polished wood carvings available in their local marketplace. In particular, Illivira is known for lesser renarias, which is the art of insetting pearls, sea glass, gemstones, and other materials into items such as sword hilts, belts, door frames, and other small decorations.

 

Inder'tayna are long pieces of twine, rope, or thread on which beads, gems, shells, bones, fabric, et cetera are interwoven to represent significant events in the maker’s life. An Illiviran’s parent often creates the foundational cordage before birth, and the child will add to it as they grow. The beads, shells, bones, and so on that are added to the cordage are sometimes found by oneself, but are more often gifted from friends, family, allies, and mentors. Inder’tayna are often worn around the waist. It is not uncommon to also see Inder’tayna worn as bracelets or used as accessories to belts. When an Illiviran dies, their Inder’tayna will be incorporated into their funeral or memorial, depending on what their loved ones prefer.

 

Tiva weaving is a traditional Mali’ame tradition using the language of flowers. In Illivira, this is incorporated with shells and ocean flora to denote specific meanings such as “slippery rocks ahead”. Tiva wreaths are often hung above doors as a blessing (or deterrent), as well as anchored overseas to alert seafarers.

 

The crafting of one’s surfing board is a revered art form that goes beyond just the physical act of creation but, is instead a representation of the symbiotic relationship between the Illiviran and the ocean. The embodiment of their respect for the natural world and their desire to harmonize with its elemental forces shows the handiwork of each board. The Illiviran begins crafting their board by selecting a fallen tree in the jungle thicket around the village; the wood slab that will become their surfing board is cut from it and taken back to the beach. They will then take time carving and softening the wood into their chosen shape, whether sleek and round or with a fish-like tail. They then spend time painting their board with paints and dyes sourced from the local flora, often incorporating personal symbology to make ownership clear at a glance. With their surfing board completed, the Illiviran then takes to the sea to continue fostering their deep connection with the waves and the powerful, beautiful sea.

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Art by Joseph Feely

 

Art by @tgrt

 

“Have you come through the sea, or by the land?” 

To learn more, find us in-game near Nevaehlen, or join our discord: https://discord.gg/XYPyKPh9YB

 

 

Spoiler

@RainbowRoad1234: Ideas, ideas, ideas. Cultural and religious development, writing, editing.
@Almenodrim: Ideas and some more ideas, cultural and religious development, writing, editing.
@Hazmstadt: Ideas, cultural development, super big brain writing, editing, proofreading, forum formatting.
@Toffee: Sigil art, cultural and religious development, writing, editing.
@Bardmancer: Backseat writing and editing.

 

I have to give so much thanks to everyone mentioned above! It literally wouldn’t have been finished without the help lol. I would also like to extend thanks to everyone who has been a part of our budding community. It’s genuinely been very rewarding to see the village come to life and have people enjoy our attempts on a different take of older elven culture.