—— E L V E S O F T H E S K Y ——
“ɪᴛ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴍᴇᴍᴏʀɪᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏꜱᴍᴏꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴄᴀʟʟᴇᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰᴏʀᴛʜ. ɪᴛ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀᴜɢʜɪɴɢ ᴡɪɴᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱʜᴀʟʟ ɢᴜɪᴅᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʜᴀɴᴅꜱ ɪɴ ɪᴛꜱ ᴄᴜʀʀᴇɴᴛꜱ, ᴛʜᴇ ꜱʜɪᴍᴍᴇʀɪɴɢ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ ᴡʜᴏ ꜱʜᴀʟʟ ᴍᴀᴘ ᴄᴏɴꜱᴛᴇʟʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ɪɴ ʏᴏᴜʀ ꜱᴏᴜʟ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴍɪɢʜᴛʏ ꜱᴜɴ ᴡʜᴏ ꜱʜᴀʟʟ ʟᴏɴɢ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴏʙʟᴇ ꜱᴋʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱʜᴀʟʟ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴍᴏꜱᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴀʟʟ.”
—Urosir, the First Augur
ᴘʀᴇʟᴜᴅᴇ
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ᴏᴠᴇʀᴠɪᴇᴡ
Nested within the heights of Azuras’ many mountains and cliffside heights dwell a peaceful diaspora of elven folk known as the Acaele’onn, or Elves of the Sky. Sworn to a life of pacifism, spirituality, and harmony, the Sky Elves are best defined by their peaceful yet vibrant outlook on life, as well as their sacred practice of augury, or sky divination. At the heart of their beliefs lies the unequivocable truth that Malin dwells not among descendants in the material plane, but in the heavens above, through which earthly divination may be used to one day find him. While the origin of their beliefs are largely unknown, some suspect them to be the product of cultural diffusion as a subculture of ancient Lye’naeran elves.
ᴠᴏᴄᴀʙᴜʟᴀʀʏ
Acaele’onn Elves of the Sky. lit - Born of the Sky
Sumana Savant, one specialized in a particular field, referring to Augur
Aeth’nor Where Malin is believed to dwell, a domain beyond the veil
Sulieraeth The practice of sky divination, or charting Aeth’nor
Talar The celestial veil which separates the Material Plane from Aeth’nor
ito’Hileia Refers to the inner peace necessary to master Sulieraeth
elTayna’tir Laws of Life, refers to the core truths upon which Acaele’onn beliefs are founded
ᴏʀɪɢɪɴꜱ
ʜɪꜱᴛᴏʀʏ
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The Acael’onn are believed to have emerged after the fall of Malinor as a subculture of ancient Lye’naeran elves, each defined by their monotheistic beliefs and their devout sense of spiritual reverence. Some modern Acael’onn Augurs claim their ancestors once served among Malin’s court as a devoted council of soothsayers and clairvoyants, who worked in cooperation with the druids to interpret prophecy and fortune in tandem with the natural balance of the world.
While their exact origins are unknown, it is said they diffused as a distinct group either before, during, or after the Acaelanite and Lye’naeran schisms that unfolded shortly after the fall of Malinor. Whether they actively partook in those conflicts or simply rejected them is unclear, as the Acaele’onn have labored tirelessly to conceal the secrets of their history ever since. It is for this reason that their ancestry is shrouded in mystery, for there exists many gaps and unexplained time jumps in their timeline in what few records there are of them.
At some point, it was understood that the Acaele’onn distanced themselves from their high elven, wood elven, and dark elven cousins, as they followed neither Larihei, the Aspects, or Velulaei. Some historians suggest that they feared persecution or hostility from their brethren and withdrew themselves from elven societies entirely, as the Lye’naeran had once experienced with the Acaelanites. This withdrawal allowed them to further refine their spiritual practices in isolation, which would eventually develop into a culture that alike modern Acaele’onn elves.
ᴘᴏʟɪᴛɪᴄꜱ & ꜱᴛʀᴜᴄᴛᴜʀᴇꜱ
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As a deeply spirited and and harmonic people, their values leave little room for worldly politics, law, or conventional government. For it, they have evolved into a deeply isolationist people who separate themselves from the turmoil of the world and elven brethren below. While they are not at all hostile in character, their cultural and social detachment to these conventional systems can sometimes be misinterpreted as haughtiness by other elves, if not outright supremacy. It is rare for the Acaele’onn to ascend from their skyward abodes without necessity, favoring instead the calm of their mountainous homes. They look upon the world below often as a land divorced from their own, which may disturb the spirit if idled in for too long. Monetary exchange has little meaning to them, though they acknowledge coin as a legitimate currency among other societies nonetheless.
It is for their pacifist outlook that their society maintains a strict aversion to conventional weapons. The rejection of metal or bladed arms is believed to be rooted in their preference for the natural world, resulting in most of their weaponcraft being made from wood, bone, or stone, yet even so are the possession of weapons regarded as taboo. Most often, arms are left at home when within their sanctuaries, and are only wielded in the rare event they travel beyond their mountainous dwellings. Though it is rare for them to permit entry to outsiders, the few who enter are made to relinquish all arms on their person in order to protect the peace of their community.
It’s important to note that these elves do not engage in traditional politics such as alliances, military, government, or law, Their society is largely without internal hierarchy beyond the spiritual authority of the Augurs, who are often the closest thing they have to leaders. It’s unclear how Augurs assume their roles, but most believe it’s a role often bestowed by the legitimacy and respect of others rather than self-imposed or elected. In some Acaele’onn cultures, there may be only one Augur at a time, while others may be led by a small council, or even an undefined conglomerate that pursue augury together.
CULTURE
ʙᴇʟɪᴇꜰꜱ & ᴠᴀʟᴜᴇꜱ
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Laws of Life
At the heart of Acaele’onn culture lies three core truths upon which their society is founded, called the Laws of Life or elTayna’tir:
ʜᴀʀᴍᴏɴʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴀꜱꜱɪᴏɴ ᴄᴜʟᴛɪᴠᴀᴛᴇꜱ ɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴘᴇᴀᴄᴇ.
ɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴘᴇᴀᴄᴇ ʙʀɪɴɢꜱ ᴅɪᴠɪɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀʏ.
ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴅɪᴠɪɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴍᴀʏ ᴍᴀʟɪɴ ʙᴇ ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ.
While their exact origins are unknown, many believe them to be rooted in the teachings of ancient Lye’naeran philosophers, passed down through centuries into the development of present-day Acaele’onn beliefs. While Augury on a practical level may reflect observation of the skies, similarly does it reflect a mastery of the self and one’s inner peace, or what they sometimes call “ito’Hileia” in written texts. It is believed that elven spirit is metaphysically interwoven with the heavens, such that the troubled souls of many may bring grey skies or even tamper with the readings of Augurs if not quelled.
There exist an array of symbolic icons within Acaele’onn culture, three being most prominent. Among them, birds act as an almost reverential symbol of freedom and discovery, possessing the free-spirits and aspiration they seek to attain. To cage or domesticate a bird is highly frowned upon within their society, for both their compassionate outlook on life as well as the metaphorical implications of imprisoning one’s spirit. The winds, often present in their high-reaching altitudes, are thought of as conduits of knowledge and guidance believed to carry messages from distant lands. There even exist ancient texts that arrest to the belief that strong winds are fae spirits sent by Malin in order to guide Augurs to him, though this is unconfirmed and has devolved largely into a folktale among their culture. Lastly, there exist a small triad of pastels colors said to reflect best their harmonious values. Soft white, which represents the roiling clouds and hidden gales; pale yellow, which represents the warmth of the sun and compassion, and pastel blue, which represents the starry sky and moon.
Central to their belief, however, is the conviction that Malin’s realm lies beyond the mortal coil. It is said that high above, there dwells a great and infinite celestial veil dividing descendants and the heavens, and that the shimmering stars at night are motes of divine light from His realm piercing through from the other side. To learning youth, it is often described as hiding beneath a blanket on a sunny day, and small dots of sunlight shaft through the gaps in the threadwork. It is said that to step past this veil is to enter the domain of the August King, whose realm is neither separate from nor located within the Material Plane. For this, they believe that divination acts both as a guide and conduit through which they may communicate with or chart the path to reach Malin above.
ᴄʟɪᴍᴀᴛᴇ & ᴀʀᴄʜɪᴛᴇᴄᴛᴜʀᴇ
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Bound to no one geographic region alone, the Acaele’onn are historically known to host their people in most reaches of the world, for their presence is rooted in altitude above environment. It is the dry, arid peaks of desert boulders, foggy jungle mountains, or icy snow caps that these elves traditionally settle, for it is to their belief that the thinner one’s boundary between the earthly realm and the skies, the closer one is to reaching Malin above. It’s uncommon that their sanctuaries utilize conventional city-walls, and may either be traversed freely, or are pitched upon unavigable plateaus instead. The nature of their architecture can heavily vary in material and composition, but tend to possess an airy, almost flowing quality to their designs that allows for wind gales to pass through, wood and sandstone being most traditional in their architecture. Although modern historians believe these materials were used for their ease of shaping or even their pale, harmonious tones, others argue it reflects a lifestyle that does not favor forceful labor or heavy construction, subsequently resulting in a people who do not possess the brute strength suited for such rigorous work.
ᴀʀᴛ & ᴇɴᴛᴇʀᴛᴀɪɴᴍᴇɴᴛ
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Expression is a critical element of Acaele’onn lifestyle. Things such as artisan work, crafting, and clay sculpting are often delighted for their beauty, including both the craft of instruments and practice of music. A traditional game often played among youth is one dubbed Balance Bird, or metta’meracahe in Ancient Elven. In this game, two elves will assume narrow platforms within arms reach of each other, often being upright wooden logs, carved sandstone pillars, or even a horizontal wooden beam laid between two points, and attempt to throw the other off of their platform without losing their footing. Bare hands are standard, but they may sometimes utilize wooden staves as weapons.
ᴅɪᴇᴛ
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As the Acaele’onn’s devotion to pacifism extends even to the consumption of animals, they possess an almost exclusively vegetarian diet. Rejecting a meat-based diet is viewed as an expression of compassion and flexibility, as they instead prefer a diet rich in plants, fruits, grains, vegetable, as well as some seasonal variations depending on the environment of their high-altitudes. It is for this diet, and their sometimes uncompromising environments, that they’ve become skilled agriculturists and farmers capable of cultivating small farms in even the steepest of landscapes. Similarly, alcohol is strictly prohibited among the Acaele’onn for their belief that it clouds the mind and disturbs the spirit, preferring instead herbal teas and fermented drinks made from fruits or flowers.
ᴅᴀɪʟʏ ʟɪꜰᴇ
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It’s not uncommon that the Acaele’onn start their days before dawn, waking not long before the sun rises, as it’s believed to be an optimal time for sky observation, be it through tracking bird flight patterns, sunrise colors, or fading stars. Young elves are known to make study of dawn patterns under the guidance of the more adept Augurs, while others spend their time in meditation or pilates stretches. During the day, those who are not undergoing celestial study or are not Augurs themselves tend to the local farms or gardens, artisan work, as well as caring for the youth. Despite this relegation, these positions are hardly viewed as secondary or lower class, for the Acaele’onn are a strongly community-driven people who are happy to provide for one another if it means offering a helping hand. At sunset and night, Augurs will take to their spires and observation towers to study the starry sky, while families, adults, and youth are provided respite after a day’s restless work. It is often that they gather before small bonfires or braziers to share tales with one another, play games, or merely to enjoy the company of one another before they sleep.
ᴇᴅᴜᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ
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While academics such as basic math, reading, and the sciences are taught on a baseline level to Acaele’onn youth, it is the teaching of compassion, wisdom, and spiritual oneness that encompass the crux of their teachings as opposed to rote memorization or equations. These subjects are oft confronted through abstract, philosophical inquiry or even ethical dilemma, not being uncommon that such teachings are interwoven into the arts such as music, dance, and design as means of understanding natural patterns. Children lucky enough to particularly excel in these fields may pursue sky divination under the wing of an Augur, while others go on to be taught agriculture, crafting, and visual arts.
ꜰᴀꜱʜɪᴏɴ
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Freedom is a critical indicators of Acaele’onn fashion, for which they often embrace loose and free-flowing attire that scarcely constricts the body. Comfortable robes, wraps, and drapes dyed of pastel saffron, ochre, beige, or powder blue shades are traditional. In colder regions, layering is permitted, though generally prioritize flexibility and coverage rather than bulk. Jewelry is an adored element of fashion among their people as a motif of expression and art. Necklaces and bracelets are often made from beads crafted from ivory, agates, wood, or gemstones, of which they often wear several, typically either in spiritual reverence or familial connection. Talismans, rings, and even exotic gold piercings are common as well.
Feathers are a rarity among their attire, as they reject harvesting or capturing birds for material value, and tend to forage for molted or wild feathers instead. On most occasions, however, they’re gifted to the Augurs as a token of luck and clarity for their readings. Among elves preparing to pursue true augury, it is traditional for one to shave their head as a sign of dedication to ito Hileia, as well as a detachment from one’s mortal coil. For most, this is temporary act, though some elves may choose to continue to shave their heads for life for further understanding of the heavents.
ʟᴀɴɢᴜᴀɢᴇ & ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘꜱ
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Language among the Acaele’onn can assume many forms, be it body language, sayings, or gestures. Of body language, soft and trusting gestures are appreciated, such as little nods or bows. Open palms are a universal sign of trust, especially when each are placed abreast or over the heart and offered outward to one’s company. Conversely, crossed arms or to address one while turned away is regarded as a sign of hostility, distrust, or confrontation. Feathers, rare they are among most Acaele’onn, while mostly gifted to the Augurs, are sometimes entrusted to others as a token of respect, adoration, or even love.
Despite their spiritual worship, relationships are often temporal rather than sacramental. Courtship and marriage are often pursued in the absence of ceremony or formal engagement, both of which are rare and sometimes even taboo, as partnerships are often pursued with mutual compatibility as opposed to written contract. This is to say, wedding ceremonies are almost entirely unheard of, as well as the often binding conventions of “husband” or “wife.” While children are often under the gate of their guardians, it’s not uncommon for them to be entrusted to the guidance or wisdom of others due to the profound sense of community among their society.
AUGURY
ᴄʟᴏᴜᴅ ᴀᴜɢᴜʀʏ
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Cloud Divination is often taught to practicing Augurs from a young age, being one of the four methods by which they interpret the skies. Relying on three components such as shape, movement, and type, each carry significant distinctions and interpretative meaning.
CATEGORY
SHAPE
INTERPRETATION
TYPE
Thin, wispy clouds
Clarity, guidance, and serenity. The near future is gentle and forgiving.
Small, patchy clouds
Uncertainty, contemplation, and doubt. One should change their current path.
Smooth, veil-like clouds
Mystery, curiosity, and discovery. There is more than meets the eye.
Feathery, low clouds
Memory, regret, and longing. One feels burdened by the past.
Low, fluffy clouds
Potential, opportunity, and luck. The present is rich with potential if seized.
Thick, roiling clouds
Transformation, awakening, and vitality. One should prepare for challenge and trial.
Low, flat clouds
Guilt, stagnation, and despair. Sorrow and anguish loom not far.
MOVEMENT
Steadily moving with the wind
Harmony, acceptance, and alignment. One’s spirit is in accordance with the natural world.
Quickly moving with the wind
Urgency, tenacity, and importance. Events will unfold quickly and leave little room for hesitation.
Barely moving or suspended
Reflection, introspection, and pause. One should turn their attention inward.
Moving towards one another
Reflection, introspection, and pause. One should turn their attention inward.
Moving away from one another
Conflict, division, and distrust. Individuals or groups shall soon diverge.
Unpredictable movement
Confusion, uncertainty, and disorder. Forces shall soon disrupt the natural harmony.
SHAPE
Hand
Seeking, guidance, and connection. One is being beckoned towards something.
Face
Awareness, presence, and identity. Clarity lies within oneself or another.
Wings
Freedom, awakening, and ascent. One’s burdens shall soon lift.
Bird
Omen, discovery, and message. A great prophecy will reveal itself.
Bridge
Transition, crossing, and change. A divide may soon be overcome or resolved.
Crown
Revelation, divinity, and faith. Recognition or spiritual favor awaits.
Eye
Wisdom, perception, and understanding. Hidden knowledge shall soon reveal itself.
Flame
Energy, passion, and vibrancy. One’s spirit stirs.
Path
Journey, direction, and motivation. There lies a way forward.
Tower
Isolation, vigilance, and caution. One must stand stand apart to find clarity.
ꜱᴛᴀʀ ᴀᴜɢᴜʀʏ
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Unlike Bird or Wind Divination, Star Divination is regarded as one of the most difficult forms of divination to master due to the challenging means with which one must track, recognize, and chart the cosmos. For centuries have the Acaele’onn attempted to uncover the mystery of constellations, many who believe these patterns to be the direct influence of Malin himself as visual cues through which they may reach Aeth’nor.
Heial, the Halo
A circular formation symbolizing order, unity, and justice. It lies roughly one hand south and one hand west of Raell. Bordering constellations are Berrlyth, Wehnor, and Silan. This constellation is most visible during the Grand Harvest, two hours after midnight.
Silan, the Dueling Swords
A converged formation symbolizing confrontation, strength, and conviction. It lies roughly three hands west and two hands north of Wehnor. Bordering constellations are Lentileyu, Celiame, and Heial. This constellation is most visible during Snow’s Maiden, one hour before midnight.
Wehnor, the Wheat Sheaf
A triangular formation symbolizing health, nourishment, and community. It lies roughly one hand south of Lentileyu. Bordering constellations are Silan, Rael, and Berrlyth. This constellation is most visible during the Deep Cold, at midnight.
Taliyna, the Stag
A v-shaped formation symbolizing grace, guardianship, and truth. It lies roughly two hands south and two hands west of Raell. Bordering constellations are Enet, Wehnor, and Lentileyu. This constellation is most visible during Snow’s Maiden, three hours before midnight.
Lentileyu, the Lotus Flower
An arc formation symbolizing inner peace, spirituality, and clarity. It lies roughly one hand north and one hand east of Celiame. Bordering constellations are Heial, Taliyna, and Berrlyth. This constellation is most visible during the Amber Cold, one hour after midnight.
Enet, the Hourglass
A rectangular cluster formation symbolizing balance, choice, and patience. It lies roughly four hands west of Silan. Bordering constellations are Wehnor, Heial, and Raell. This constellation is msot visible during Sun’s Smile, three hours after midnight.
Celiame, the Sky Tree
A branching formation that symbolizes memory, ancestry, and connection. It lies roughly five hands north of Berrlyth. Bordering constellations are Silan, Taliyna, and Lentileyu. This constellation is most visible during the month of the First Seed, three hours before midnight.
Berrlyth, the Bow & Arrow
A triangle formation symbolizing intent, focus, and readiness. It lies roughly one hand north and three hands west of Taliyna’s antlers. Bordering constellations are Taliyna, Heial, and Enet. This constellation is most visible during the Sun’s Smile, four hours before midnight.
Raell, the Bamboo Reed
A clustered formation symbolizing flexibility, endurance, and growth. It lies roughly three hands east and two hands north of Silan. Bordering constellations are Enet, Celiame, and Heial. This constellation is most visible during Malin’s Welcome, five hours after midnight.
ʙɪʀᴅ ᴀᴜɢᴜʀʏ
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Bird Divination calls for the observation and recognition of birds, most of which observed are exclusively high-altitude fliers. While the Acaele’onn have studied many avian creatures despite their reservation in the mountains, there are eight which remain most prominent and witnessed in their environments. It’s difided into categories of movement and species, each carrying their own divine interpretation.
SPECIES
INTERPRETATION
Eagle
Freedom, strength, and spirit. One should remain open-minded in their path forward.
Vulture
Resourcefulness, opportunity, and versatility. There will soon be many choices to be made, choose wisely.
Hawk
Precision, accuracy, and wit. A ttest of readiness shall soon be confronted.
Goose
Community, expression, and joy. Good tidings lie ahead.
Crane
Patience, hospitality, and gentleness. Rewards shall soon come with mindfulness.
Swan
Family, grace, and serenity. Relationships and groups shall align favorably.
Condor
Isolation, observation, and journeying. One must be prepared for a change in circumstances.
Stork
Nurturing, luck, and new beginnings. One’s children shall be healthy for the foreseeable future.
MOVEMENT
INTERPRETATION
Steadily gliding
Clarity, peace, and gentleness. The future is optimistic.
Weaving or fluttering
Weakness, frailty, and hopelessness. One feels lost and seeks a guiding hand.
Rapid and direct
Ambition, purpose, and confrontation. The path ahead is plain and clear.
Careful and cautious
Anxiety, restlessness, and dread. One is troubled by inner conflict and turmoil.
Erratic and jagged
Frustration, inner conflict, and resentment. One’s spirit is burdened.
Converging pairs
Unity, bonding, and trust. Individuals may walk similar paths.
Diverging pairs
Mistrust, apprehension, and doubt. Individuals may encounter an unsteady path.
Slowly circling
Death, doom, and dark omen. Calamity shall soon reveal itself.
Numbered flocks
Community, support, and shared burden. The number of birds indicate the amount of involvement or outreach.
ᴡɪɴᴅ ᴀᴜɢᴜʀʏ
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Unlike Cloud and Star Divination, Wind Divination is among the easiest of divinations to learn. Practicing Augurs are often taught this form of divination from a young age for its ease of understanding, as well as its more sensation-based interpretation. It’s divided into categories of gale strength and direction.
STRENGTH
INTERPRETATION
Light
Guidance, influence, and presence. Encourages reflection and thought.
Steady
Stability, consistency, and vitality. One’s spirit is aligned with the the natural world.
Brisk
Urgency, change, and development. Events shall unfold that requires one to adapt.
Violent
Disruption, challenge, and turmoil. Major reflection is needed in order to prepare for unexpected encounters.
DIRECTION
INTERPRETATION
North
Insight, understanding, revelation. One shall soon receive guidance from the unseen.
East
Beginnings, inspiration, and innovation. Opportunities pertaining to community and work shall arise.
South
Growth, grounding, and introspection. One shall be called to explore new ideas.
West
Completion, satisfaction, and reward. A great endeavor or journey shall soon be overcome.