Statherian 3318 Share Posted March 27 Clan Val’taelu Those who learn from the waters Table of contents I. Origins II. Physical traits & Clothing III. Traditions & Customs Origins Clan Val'taelu, known to some as those who learn from the waters, stands out among the Mali’ker people for their green eyes and unique customs. For generations, the clan resided within the distant lands of Ramasar. Over many generations, they had established themselves there as renowned merchants, using convoys of stilt striders to transport their many goods across the realm. It was their founder, Dakath, who would establish Val’taelu as skilled barterers, ensuring that they always secured the best prices for their goods across the realm. Although they initially found themselves living within the northern deserts, they would soon move towards the town of Kruhso, situated on the border of the northwestern swamps of Ramasar. Their affinity for water and the name they would be given came only generations after they had moved into the Dark Elven settlement. The samps nearby offered them not only a new means to transport their goods but a rare lifeline within the arid wastelands they had grown accustomed to. Trading stilt striders for rafts and small boats, the peculiar traders would soon be known not as nomadic desert dwellers, but as those who learned from the water. As their trading empire grew, so did the competition with the other ‘ker' that found themselves at home in Kruhso. As time passed on, Clan Val’taelu was no longer seen as a well-respected group of merchants, but as a threat. It would not take long until they were forced to leave their homeland, seeking refuge and a new beginning within the lands of Aevos. Physical Traits & Clothing With their green eyes, gray skin, and platinum hair the Val’Taelu have a distinct look to them. It would be hard not to recognize them. The Val’taelu are known for their colorful garb, often seen in tasteful shades of blues, greens, violets, reds, and even golds on occasion. As the corals and creatures of their beloved waters display vibrant hues, this clan of Mali‘ker seek to dress themselves in attire inspired by what is so dear to them. Traditions & Customs The Val’taelu cherish and take pride in their traditions, which have been passed down from their Ramasar ancestors. They stand as a resemblance of a testament to their deep-rooted connection and heritage. Clan structure Stemming from their generation-long tradition as merchants traveling throughout all of Ramasar, they soon adopted a leadership structure, ensuring their Clan would always see itself remain organized. At the head of its structure, the Taluhn Yokeryma, more commonly known as Clan Elder sits. It is a hereditary position, passed down to the eldest child, having started with Dakath himself. The Taluhn Yokeryma is expected to uphold the values of their ancestors and guarantee the protection of the Clan. All matters political and diplomatic go through the Taluhn Yokeryma, as they are in charge of finding the Clan a safe haven to live in. They are the leading figure within the Clan, aided by appointment councilors: Tyuth’vehm, referred to more commonly as the Golden Councillor, is the one in charge of all money related matters within the Clan. They hold onto the Val’taelu wealth, and are tasked to also carry through their merchant traditions. Tyuth’szyr’mo, referred to more commonly as the Ancestor’s Councillor, is the appointed relic holder within the Clan. Religious ceremonies held in honor of the ancestors, as well as weddings and the like are to be organized and practiced only by the Tyuth’szyr’mo. Tyuth’kasy, referred to more commonly as the Cultural Councillor, is the councilor tasked with carrying out various events and aminting traditions. Sayings, recipes and the like that have been documented throughout generations are all kept and maintained by the Tyuth’kasy. Beside the positions set in stone, the Taluhn Yokeryma may appoint advisors as they please, if additional aid to the running of the Clan is deemed necessary. Trade & crafts The tradition of trade, although harder to sustain when moving from home to home and city to city, has never been lost within the family. Wherever they find themselves at home, the Val’taelu make it their mission to sell their wares to the natives. Ranging from ceremonial weapons and jewelry to custom-made clothing true to their own tradition and culture. Foods, and especially fish-based dishes are often sold in combination with these wares. Gastronomy stands central within the Val’taelu culture, as for many generations they have relied on seaborn fauna as a source of food. The pursuit of a home Perhaps one of the most notable traits of the Val’taelu is their affinity not only for water but for living on water. Kruhso offered them little room to do so, but ever since their arrival in Aevos, they’ve taken a liking to living within ships. Vessels large enough to house an entire Clan are not easy to find, so it is not uncommon for the Val’taelu, should the need arise to use the combined wealth of their people to buy ships to live in, as opposed to houses. They are however also known for their adaptability. Should it be needed, the Val’taelu won’t shy away from living as city dwellers either. Wherever an opportunity arises, they’ll be willing to settle. Their affinity for watery areas however, still takes priority above all else. Coming of age At birth, a Val’Taelu ‘ker is given a wooden statue, representing the ‘Ker through the form of a seaborn animal. It is hand-picked by the current Clan Head and will have the initials of the newborn engraved into the base of the statue. The Shuryn’vae, roughly translated to the statue of birth, is of great importance to the ‘ker. Until the age of fifty, they carry the wooden figure with them everywhere they go, every moment of their day. Seeing it damaged, or even worse lost is considered to be a big shame within the Clan, and could see the ‘ker who did so shunned for long periods of time. Upon the age of fifty, the Taluhn Yokeryma, together with the now adult Val’taelu make their way to a body of water, building a small fire near it. When completed, the Shuryn’vae is burnt, and its ashes are scattered into the waters. Afterwards, a golden figure, representing that which they had burnt is presented by the Clan Elder. Just as the Shuryn’vae, they are expected to carry this statue with them throughout life, and must protect it at all costs. Matrimony Should a member of the Clan have taken interest in a particular ‘Ker, and seek to pursue marriage with them, the potential spouse must first be brought before the Taluhn Yokeryma. They shall approve, or disapprove of their kin’s chosen partner. In the case of the former, the ceremony of matrimony shall be allowed to proceed. Both their origin, faith, and cultural beliefs are taken into consideration before a verdict is given. The potential spouse is expected to marry into the Clan and will have to take on the Val’taelu name. Before the wedding itself, a few preparations are expected. The location for the ceremony, be it either on a ship or near a body of water is chosen by the Val’Taelu wishing to marry. The to-be spouse is expected to bring an offering with them, an item of great value to them and their kin alike, to give to the waters. Once an offering is brought forth, the Tyuth’szyr’mo overlooks the ceremony itself. The ceremony consists of various prayers to honor the couple, and the ancestors of the betrothed alike. These vary from couple to couple, and are chosen by the Tyuth’szyr’mo. After each wedding of a Val’taelu, a grand feast is hosted where various delicacies and drinks from Ramasar are served. Death Upon death, a ceremony of remembrance is held. The Val’taelu care a great deal about remembering their kin through death and bringing praise to them even after they have left the physical world. A deceased Val’taelu is remembered just as fondly as any, more notable ancestor. Within each home, a shrine dedicated to their fallen kin is found. Here, they often bring offerings, large or small, to honor and remember those they lost. Upon passing, the ‘Ker is laid within a solid sarcophagus, and transported to a nearby, albeit large body of water. Here the entire Clan will gather. The Tyuth’szyr’mo will begin the ceremony by retelling the tale of the deceased ‘Ker’s life, in both positive and negative light. After such, each member of the Clan is expected, but not forced to give praise to their fallen relative. It should be noted however that if anyone does not take the opportunity to do so, it is highly frowned upon within the Clan. A prayer and a blessing are spoken out over the coffin by the Tyuth’szyr’mo, before being pushed into the body of water. It is the Clan’s belief that they should give back their mortal shells to the very waters that gave them life and prosperity in their homeland. Within this coffin, the Shuryn’vae they were given when they turned fifty is stored, to be carried with them as they sink below the waters. Principles of Dakath Within this Mali’ker Clan, The Principles of Dakath are the sacred pillars that guide Val’taelu life. These principles are deeply rooted in their traditions and values, being the essence of the clan’s existence. Every member of the clan, whether bound by blood or rite of passage, is beholden to these principles. The Principle of Preservation While there are other clearly defined principles– such as the Principle of purity or the Principle of Faith– the central notion that Val’taelu find themselves striving to abide by is the preservation of the clan. This is one of the highly regarded principles of the Clan, as without such preservation there is the threat of Clan dispersion and loss of integrity. Latter principles find themselves indirectly abiding by this one. The value of preservation also ties into ideas of unity and solidarity within the clan, meaning that every member is responsible for the actions of the whole clan. If one member is wronged, then it is seen as wrong against the entire clan. Conversely, should one member revolt against another value or member of the clan, it is seen again as a wrong against the entire clan. The Principle of Purity Those within the clan are expected to maintain the integrity of the bloodline and heritage. It is a belief that the purity of lineage is paramount and any dilution of the bloodline is vehemently opposed– such as through interbreeding with other races. Notably, to most Val’taelu, this notion includes intermingling with Mali’ame and Mali’thill. Such instances are seen as a diminishment to the crucial Mali‘ker pride of the clan, and thus a diminishment of a cornerstone of Clan Val’taelu identity. Furthermore, such unions dilute and weaken the connection to ancestors. Children who are the result of such unions are not cast out by the Clan, nor are they to be treated as lessers. The Clan believes that there is no point in punishing the child further, but, should they choose to live within the ranks of the Val’Taelu will prohibit them from procreating further. The Principle of Faith Clan Val’Taelu, while not allowing unrestricted worship of any deity, is still considered lenient when it comes to religious freedom. Their merchant tradition has long seen their kin pick up on various religious traditions, and learn from other faiths and cultures alike. They however firmly reject the prospect that the ancestors of the Ashen Folk are the same as the ancestral spirits worshiped by some ‘ker, but mostly Orcs. Instead of accepting that the notable Dark Elves of the past have made their way into Stargush, they consider such notions, or anything even hinting at this belief to be heresy and a sin against not only their ancestors but the Ashen Folk themselves. So long as a Clan Member worships and values the Pantheon and any other Mali’ker ancestors who did not clash with the Principles, they are also free to worship other entities, beholden to some restrictions. Ancestors such as Dakath, Renelia, Velulaei, and Uradas are most commonly worshiped by the Clan. Other than the strong, and often vocal opposition to traditional spiritualism, in equal amounts is the worship of demons or any entities linked to the dark arts strictly prohibited. Any Val’Taelu found to be worshiping any such entities is to be banished from the ranks of the Clan immediately. Tied into the Principle of Faith is also the restriction on magic. The only schools that see direct opposition within the Clan are those considered to be dark arts, or deity magics directly contradicting the Clan’s teachings, such as shamanism. Language Most Mali’ker, like their fair-skinned peers, speak a mix between Common tongue, and basic Elven. Clan Val’taelu however seem to have adopted a mix of both these two, and Vel’luah, the ancient tongue of the Ashen Folk. Although not spoken fluently nor constantly, it could be noted that this group of ‘ker adopt many words still from this long-lost language into their day-to-day vocabulary. References to family members, such as brothers, sisters, cousins and the like are often still said in Vel’luah, as are greetings towards friends and strangers alike. In writing these sayings and words seem to become a lot more common, as well as in ceremonies and various other customs. Spoiler Hi all! Decided to give the Dark Elves another shot, here's the summary/rundown of the Clan I've been working on with a few people for some time now! A very special thanks to @X3N0 @craneia @Gutz @earthtogab @Cheese for having already joined the fold and for helping work on this post! Another special thanks to @Laeonathan for helping me on a final spelling check. Credits also to be given to: - https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/230251-the-ancestral-pantheon-of-the-maehr - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GVf7dINjklUJm6eTmvhpCCpu4h_RDB5LR0US_NlWeQM/edit - https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/209286-✓-world-lore-ramasar/ Still looking to have some people join up, so if anyone is interested in taking up a Dark Elf character, don't hesitate to contact me in game (Statherian) or on Discord (qraw_). Current coat of arms is ripped from WoW, permanent one still being made! 14 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laeonathan 3966 Share Posted March 27 "Oh by the Stars I really love the Val'taeluan!" Exclaimed Raziel Amethil. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheese 2307 Share Posted March 27 Deyanira is probably underqualified to be the Tyuth'kasy. Nonetheless, she carries her role with pride! 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phersades 1165 Share Posted March 27 “I hate those guys” said Lilia Velulaei’onn with absolute, unwavering certainty 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Statherian 3318 Author Share Posted March 27 1 minute ago, JoanOfArc said: hi Spoiler Julius I love you 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
craneia 98 Share Posted March 27 Clan Val'taelu's current Tyuth'szyr'mo holds her title with pride, sea-green gaze cast out over a vast expanse of sea. Ashen hands set something into dampened sand, watching as her offering to their Ancestors is taken by the tide. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PanicZealot 206 Share Posted yesterday at 06:45 AM "Seekin' a home ya say? I got just the place for ya!"The Privateer Lord of the Port began to pen a letter to the Elf Clan. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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