|
Alignment: Grey Arts
Lifespan: 150 years, ages analagous to human years Size: Height from 5'4" to 6'11" Experience Level: Beginner+ |
Talents: Fire Magic, Dancing & Performance, Chaos Magic
Disposition: Gregarious, Open-minded, Warm-hearted Suggested Offerings: Tiger's Eye, Cinnamon, Lapsang Suochong, Open Fires & Candles, Spicy Foods |
Hearth Elves have no basis in Earth mythology. However, their society can have aspects that are analagous to various Earth cultures. Their race name does not translate directly to "Hearth Elf," but out of ease of understanding and pronunciation, this is what they have chosen to go by.
The realm they hail from is a planet significantly smaller than Earth, and much more wildly volatile in its climate. One half of the planet, where the Hearth Elves live, is a bubbling fireland, with a volcano at the heart of it and veins of magma that are close to the surface, heating the ground throughout. Rivers of magma are common here. The Hearth Elves' innate, passive magic allows them to live in this volatile land unharmed by the elements. Their capital is closest to the volcano, and is most concentrated in population there, spreading outwards ceaselessly all the way to their border. They vary in physical sex, but they tend to favor presenting as masculine and use he/him pronouns. They specialize in indulgent, physical arts - dancing, baking, and throwing parties. They’re a very warm, social, and outspoken bunch, and their society is open and unrestricted by social taboos. Because of their gregarious, nature, they revel in the idea of making human friends, and especially partners.
Hearth Elves share their realm with another race called Snow Elves, which they have fostered a peaceful and prosperous relationship with. The two races are mirrors of each other, and meet twice a year on each Solstice to celebrate the turning of the year and mate. It is highly recommend that you also read the encyclopedia entry on Snow Elves in order to fully understand the cultural climate of their world.
The realm they hail from is a planet significantly smaller than Earth, and much more wildly volatile in its climate. One half of the planet, where the Hearth Elves live, is a bubbling fireland, with a volcano at the heart of it and veins of magma that are close to the surface, heating the ground throughout. Rivers of magma are common here. The Hearth Elves' innate, passive magic allows them to live in this volatile land unharmed by the elements. Their capital is closest to the volcano, and is most concentrated in population there, spreading outwards ceaselessly all the way to their border. They vary in physical sex, but they tend to favor presenting as masculine and use he/him pronouns. They specialize in indulgent, physical arts - dancing, baking, and throwing parties. They’re a very warm, social, and outspoken bunch, and their society is open and unrestricted by social taboos. Because of their gregarious, nature, they revel in the idea of making human friends, and especially partners.
Hearth Elves share their realm with another race called Snow Elves, which they have fostered a peaceful and prosperous relationship with. The two races are mirrors of each other, and meet twice a year on each Solstice to celebrate the turning of the year and mate. It is highly recommend that you also read the encyclopedia entry on Snow Elves in order to fully understand the cultural climate of their world.
Biology
Hearth Elves have a body and stature comparable to that of a human's, although their average height is somewhat taller and their body type is generally athletic. The most striking difference is the glowing markings they have on their skin. The markings can appear anywhere on the body, manifesting most frequently on the torso, arms, or face, often appearing as cracks or veins of molten lava, shining a bright orange or yellow. The markings do not give off any heat, but when a Hearth Elf passes away, the markings do go dark. It is a physical representation of both their magic and their inner life.
Their skin tone ranges from a medium olive brown to near-black ebony, and their complexion is typically smooth. Their hair color can be from bright red or orange, to the darkest and most muted version of those colors. They are very expressive with their hair, which is silky and smooth in texture. One can be found cutting and shaving it depending on personal preference, or pulling it back into intricate layered ponytails. They do not generally braid all of their hair, as it's considered typical of a Snow Elf to do, and they find the mimicking of that portion of their culture to be disrespectful. Their eyes range through all shades of brown to red, orange, or yellow. Their ears are pointed, and only slightly longer than human ears.
Their lifespan and aging is identical to that of a human, although they will live slightly longer, their lifespan maximum being about 150 years. It is determined at birth whether a child will be a Snow Elf or a Hearth Elf, as they are each born with physical attributes that indicate their elemental alignment. They vary in physical gender, and a great number of Snow and Hearth Elves are actually intersex, but all Hearth Elves present as masculine and use he/him pronouns. This is a practice that appears to be linked to their faith. However, in the overall cultural understanding between Snow and Hearth Elves as a whole, Hearth Elves are more masculine and use pronouns that are distinct from that of the Snow Elves. Therefore, in translating their gender identity to an Earth setting, it appears to us that they present only as masculine.
Their innate magical abilities are abundant and very external. Their most important passive magic is their ability to withstand a great deal of heat, as their race lives on hot soil, and their capital is structured around an active, regularly erupting volcano that provides the source for the magma rivers running through their city. However, they are unable to withstand very cold temperatures, and therefore never venture into the Snow Elf territory beyond the border. Their passive magic grants them both an insatiable appetite, and a very high metabolism. They are often extremely full of energy, and many of them pick up physical arts like dancing or fighting as a hobby because of it. Hearth Elves do not generally exhibit very psychic skills, although occasionally some are more gifted than others, similar to humans. Their external magic manifests in the ability to produce and manipulate flame, which they often utilize for entertainment purposes more than anything else. Their capital is often littered with fire dancers and spinners, sword swallowers and gymnasts that make a spectacle out of their gifts.
Their skin tone ranges from a medium olive brown to near-black ebony, and their complexion is typically smooth. Their hair color can be from bright red or orange, to the darkest and most muted version of those colors. They are very expressive with their hair, which is silky and smooth in texture. One can be found cutting and shaving it depending on personal preference, or pulling it back into intricate layered ponytails. They do not generally braid all of their hair, as it's considered typical of a Snow Elf to do, and they find the mimicking of that portion of their culture to be disrespectful. Their eyes range through all shades of brown to red, orange, or yellow. Their ears are pointed, and only slightly longer than human ears.
Their lifespan and aging is identical to that of a human, although they will live slightly longer, their lifespan maximum being about 150 years. It is determined at birth whether a child will be a Snow Elf or a Hearth Elf, as they are each born with physical attributes that indicate their elemental alignment. They vary in physical gender, and a great number of Snow and Hearth Elves are actually intersex, but all Hearth Elves present as masculine and use he/him pronouns. This is a practice that appears to be linked to their faith. However, in the overall cultural understanding between Snow and Hearth Elves as a whole, Hearth Elves are more masculine and use pronouns that are distinct from that of the Snow Elves. Therefore, in translating their gender identity to an Earth setting, it appears to us that they present only as masculine.
Their innate magical abilities are abundant and very external. Their most important passive magic is their ability to withstand a great deal of heat, as their race lives on hot soil, and their capital is structured around an active, regularly erupting volcano that provides the source for the magma rivers running through their city. However, they are unable to withstand very cold temperatures, and therefore never venture into the Snow Elf territory beyond the border. Their passive magic grants them both an insatiable appetite, and a very high metabolism. They are often extremely full of energy, and many of them pick up physical arts like dancing or fighting as a hobby because of it. Hearth Elves do not generally exhibit very psychic skills, although occasionally some are more gifted than others, similar to humans. Their external magic manifests in the ability to produce and manipulate flame, which they often utilize for entertainment purposes more than anything else. Their capital is often littered with fire dancers and spinners, sword swallowers and gymnasts that make a spectacle out of their gifts.
|
Art by Ember
|
|
Disposition & Manifestation
Hearth Elves are full of excited, fiery passion and energy. Their cities are often bustling with large crowds of merchants, food vendors, entertainers, musicians, and those partying and enjoying the sights and sounds. The structure of their towns are chaotic, as if city planning was not anywhere near their minds when they settled down and built their homes. The houses are also rather old, and made of igneous and volcanic rock. Their homes are quieter places, intended for rest and introspection, and they tend to live individually rather than with roommates. But out on the town, you'll be hard-pressed to find a Hearth Elf who isn't either working or thoroughly enjoying himself.
A good half of the Hearth Elf society goes into artistic careers, such as dancing. However, as they are all individuals, there are many of them who go into quieter crafts, such as ensuring that food is distributed to the people in their utopian society. Especially near the capital, the soil is too hot to grow plants, which presents a trouble for the primarily vegetarian race, but they have innovated raised greenhouses in which edible food can grow. Once food is grown and stored, it is sent to chefs who run kitchens specifically designed for cooking large batches of food and distributing it to the people of the society. You'll find that Hearth Elves tend to feel somewhat stifled by the way their society is structured, but they generally understand the necessity of it. They are very grateful individuals, who tend to be humbled by what basics are provided to them.
Hearth Elves are encouraged to branch out as much as they physically can to be individuals and take charge of their own lives. Several of them are of the belief that they'll be the next trailblazer in fashion or home decor, and their society is one of constant change and innovation. Individuals are always coming up with new ways to create extravagant, beautiful items for people to purchase. Their world's technology is still rather medieval, but I expect it will only be a handful of decades, if not less, before they invent some form of steam power to run vehicles and crafting machines. At the moment, the majority of their travel is done on foot, so I expect that invention will be revolutionary for them.
Hearth Elves are less focused around nature in their society, but they still have a deep appreciation of it. Plant and animal life can be rather sparse in their territory due to the immense heat, but they still love to draw inspiration from the volcano itself. A recent innovation in art that has become popular is sculpting with lava itself - although a Hearth Elf's passive magic is not quite strong enough to protect it from touching literal molten rock, it is enough if they use protective gloves and equipment. A great deal of their performed dance and fire spinning is based on ancient ritualistic homages to the natural world, adapted for modern times.
In general, they're very warm and extroverted in personality, and those that have chosen to opt into companionship are very excited about doing so. They will often manifest to a companion with a skilled eye as fullbody projections. In a more subtle manner, they can manifest as warm spots of air, gentle warm touches on your wrists or hands, the intense swirling of incense smoke, and smoky scents.
A good half of the Hearth Elf society goes into artistic careers, such as dancing. However, as they are all individuals, there are many of them who go into quieter crafts, such as ensuring that food is distributed to the people in their utopian society. Especially near the capital, the soil is too hot to grow plants, which presents a trouble for the primarily vegetarian race, but they have innovated raised greenhouses in which edible food can grow. Once food is grown and stored, it is sent to chefs who run kitchens specifically designed for cooking large batches of food and distributing it to the people of the society. You'll find that Hearth Elves tend to feel somewhat stifled by the way their society is structured, but they generally understand the necessity of it. They are very grateful individuals, who tend to be humbled by what basics are provided to them.
Hearth Elves are encouraged to branch out as much as they physically can to be individuals and take charge of their own lives. Several of them are of the belief that they'll be the next trailblazer in fashion or home decor, and their society is one of constant change and innovation. Individuals are always coming up with new ways to create extravagant, beautiful items for people to purchase. Their world's technology is still rather medieval, but I expect it will only be a handful of decades, if not less, before they invent some form of steam power to run vehicles and crafting machines. At the moment, the majority of their travel is done on foot, so I expect that invention will be revolutionary for them.
Hearth Elves are less focused around nature in their society, but they still have a deep appreciation of it. Plant and animal life can be rather sparse in their territory due to the immense heat, but they still love to draw inspiration from the volcano itself. A recent innovation in art that has become popular is sculpting with lava itself - although a Hearth Elf's passive magic is not quite strong enough to protect it from touching literal molten rock, it is enough if they use protective gloves and equipment. A great deal of their performed dance and fire spinning is based on ancient ritualistic homages to the natural world, adapted for modern times.
In general, they're very warm and extroverted in personality, and those that have chosen to opt into companionship are very excited about doing so. They will often manifest to a companion with a skilled eye as fullbody projections. In a more subtle manner, they can manifest as warm spots of air, gentle warm touches on your wrists or hands, the intense swirling of incense smoke, and smoky scents.
Social Structure
Hearth Elf society is rather chaotic and casual. Their capital is, truly, a city that never sleeps, and their towns are full of merriment and bustle at all hours of the day. They wear loose, skimpy clothing, and they greet their neighbors with excitement and gusto. It is said that Hearth Elves do not keep secrets, because they do not often find reason to. They're often extroverted, energetic individuals who know a good time when they see it. Their culture is rather utopian, ensuring that everyone is taken care of and fed at all times, regardless of their ability to work. They pay close attention to the health status of their people, requiring both physical and mental health checkups four times a year, with penalty of a fine, and if someone is deemed to be less than healthy they are exempt from work temporarily.
Many of their careers center around entertainment, but like with all cultures, there are those responsible for cultivating the materials for, crafting, and distributing food, clothing, furniture, and other necessities. Hearth Elves are usually sorted into careers based on their personal proclivities: for example, if they are talented at dancing, they will likely be sorted into a dancing role. If they do not appear to be skilled in any particular area, there are several careers that can still be filled. While Hearth Elves generally like to be free and casual, they often take their work very seriously, even in the most menial roles. If an individual is truly unhappy with their career, they can mention it to one of their doctors or life coaches and may be resorted accordingly. It's not unusual for a Hearth Elf unhappy with the system to pack up and move to the border, but for the most part, the citizens of the southern half of the world are content.
Their politics are centered around a familial dynasty, but the royals as a unit are primarily functionless except in extreme cases. The Hearth and Snow Elf cultures have been fully at peace for centuries, but the royal family still employs an array of royal guards, who are mostly ornamental in purpose, and live in an extravagant palace. The King himself has a council of advisors, and as a group, they are responsible for determining discipline for those who have broken the law. The police force of the realm are typically royal guards who are sent to track down those who have broken the law for a hearing. The Hearth Elves have a somewhat strict justice system, particularly because their population is rather dense, but their most severe punishment is typically banishment to the border, with penalty of being executed on sight if they are caught returning to a major city.
Children in this society are raised communally by those assigned the role of childrearers. When an individual becomes pregnant (which can be either a Hearth or Snow Elf, as they are monogendered but mixed in biological sex), they typically live into temporary housing near the border. Once the child is born, it is quickly determined whether that child is a Snow or Hearth Elf, and they are sorted into their communal nurseries. They sleep in buildings specially designed for their housing and education, and while they are usually made aware of who their parent is, they will not meet or live with their parent typically until they have come of age. Hearth Elves specifically ensure that their children receive education in many parts of their territory, moving them like roaming packs about once a year into different locales so they can learn about the various ways Hearth Elf society is structured. Hearth Elves are especially encouraged to utilize their teenage and young adult years to explore where they'd like to live and what sort of activities capture their interest. They are expected to settle down and begin reporting for their quarterly checkups by the time they are aged twenty-five, but they are able to do it as soon as they turn eighteen if they so wish.
While Hearth Elves cannot have children together, their bodies only capable of reproducing with a Snow Elf partner, it is common for Snow Elves to develop romantic or sexual relationships with others of their kind and move in together. In general, Hearth Elves tend to be fiercely romantic, and rather polyamorous and open about their sexuality. Twice a year on the Solstices, both races come together. Hearth and Snow Elves alike meet on the border for merriment and celebrations, and also for sexual relations, as this is they only time they are able to effectively reproduce. Socially, this is often a nonissue. Since the mating period is very brief, children are quite rare in both Hearth and Snow Elf societies, and their populations are usually quite small.
It's important to note that the Hearth Elves do follow a belief system involving a pantheon of gods that intersects with what the Snow Elves believe. They are not as secretive as the Snow Elves are about their religion, but they approach their religion somewhat more casual and secularly, so many of them are not hyperaware of the myths and details of the religion. Essentially, it revolves around the existence of a "mother" and "father" God pair that are perfect representations of both Snow and Hearth Elves. There is some level of the gods' influence on a child that determines what race it will be. Non-belief or atheism is not condemned among Hearth Elves, and the average individual is more likely to worship nature itself on a daily basis, if they choose to worship anything at all.
There are a number of Snow Elves who live in scattered homes along the border, which is a small strip of land that is a moderate temperature habitable for both Snow and Hearth Elves. Here, there is an eclectic display of architecture and culture, as this is where merchants from either territory meet and do business, as well as where those Snow and Hearth Elves who wish to remain with their lover or siblings may live communally. Hearth Elves who live along the border are typically more calm and relaxed than their brethren and love the life away from the bustle of it all, and Hearth Elves also tend to live along the border temporarily at one point or another in their lives to detox from the demands of their society.
Many of their careers center around entertainment, but like with all cultures, there are those responsible for cultivating the materials for, crafting, and distributing food, clothing, furniture, and other necessities. Hearth Elves are usually sorted into careers based on their personal proclivities: for example, if they are talented at dancing, they will likely be sorted into a dancing role. If they do not appear to be skilled in any particular area, there are several careers that can still be filled. While Hearth Elves generally like to be free and casual, they often take their work very seriously, even in the most menial roles. If an individual is truly unhappy with their career, they can mention it to one of their doctors or life coaches and may be resorted accordingly. It's not unusual for a Hearth Elf unhappy with the system to pack up and move to the border, but for the most part, the citizens of the southern half of the world are content.
Their politics are centered around a familial dynasty, but the royals as a unit are primarily functionless except in extreme cases. The Hearth and Snow Elf cultures have been fully at peace for centuries, but the royal family still employs an array of royal guards, who are mostly ornamental in purpose, and live in an extravagant palace. The King himself has a council of advisors, and as a group, they are responsible for determining discipline for those who have broken the law. The police force of the realm are typically royal guards who are sent to track down those who have broken the law for a hearing. The Hearth Elves have a somewhat strict justice system, particularly because their population is rather dense, but their most severe punishment is typically banishment to the border, with penalty of being executed on sight if they are caught returning to a major city.
Children in this society are raised communally by those assigned the role of childrearers. When an individual becomes pregnant (which can be either a Hearth or Snow Elf, as they are monogendered but mixed in biological sex), they typically live into temporary housing near the border. Once the child is born, it is quickly determined whether that child is a Snow or Hearth Elf, and they are sorted into their communal nurseries. They sleep in buildings specially designed for their housing and education, and while they are usually made aware of who their parent is, they will not meet or live with their parent typically until they have come of age. Hearth Elves specifically ensure that their children receive education in many parts of their territory, moving them like roaming packs about once a year into different locales so they can learn about the various ways Hearth Elf society is structured. Hearth Elves are especially encouraged to utilize their teenage and young adult years to explore where they'd like to live and what sort of activities capture their interest. They are expected to settle down and begin reporting for their quarterly checkups by the time they are aged twenty-five, but they are able to do it as soon as they turn eighteen if they so wish.
While Hearth Elves cannot have children together, their bodies only capable of reproducing with a Snow Elf partner, it is common for Snow Elves to develop romantic or sexual relationships with others of their kind and move in together. In general, Hearth Elves tend to be fiercely romantic, and rather polyamorous and open about their sexuality. Twice a year on the Solstices, both races come together. Hearth and Snow Elves alike meet on the border for merriment and celebrations, and also for sexual relations, as this is they only time they are able to effectively reproduce. Socially, this is often a nonissue. Since the mating period is very brief, children are quite rare in both Hearth and Snow Elf societies, and their populations are usually quite small.
It's important to note that the Hearth Elves do follow a belief system involving a pantheon of gods that intersects with what the Snow Elves believe. They are not as secretive as the Snow Elves are about their religion, but they approach their religion somewhat more casual and secularly, so many of them are not hyperaware of the myths and details of the religion. Essentially, it revolves around the existence of a "mother" and "father" God pair that are perfect representations of both Snow and Hearth Elves. There is some level of the gods' influence on a child that determines what race it will be. Non-belief or atheism is not condemned among Hearth Elves, and the average individual is more likely to worship nature itself on a daily basis, if they choose to worship anything at all.
There are a number of Snow Elves who live in scattered homes along the border, which is a small strip of land that is a moderate temperature habitable for both Snow and Hearth Elves. Here, there is an eclectic display of architecture and culture, as this is where merchants from either territory meet and do business, as well as where those Snow and Hearth Elves who wish to remain with their lover or siblings may live communally. Hearth Elves who live along the border are typically more calm and relaxed than their brethren and love the life away from the bustle of it all, and Hearth Elves also tend to live along the border temporarily at one point or another in their lives to detox from the demands of their society.
In Companionship
As companions, Hearth Elves seek a wide variety of relationships with humans - friends, lovers, teachers, mentors, magical partners. They love the idea of connecting with other worlds, and are honored to be included in someone's day. They'll likely be very interested to join someone who lives in the hustle and bustle of a city life, but some may also be intrigued by living with someone who has a more relaxed lifestyle. Additionally, you'll tend to get along well with them if you're athletic, or hoping to become athletic, in any capacity. Regardless, they receive a great deal of satisfaction from making any meaningful relationships, and they will likely be very friendly with you and extremely gregarious among your spirit family, making friends everywhere they turn.
The interests of Hearth Elves vary for each individual, but they will be most likely to help anyone who is interested in candle or hearth magic, since their primary magical alignment is with fire. They also align well with the concept of chaos magic, being creatures of a chaotic society themselves, and they don't shy away from the more sexual areas of chaos magic if you wish to have them participate in that way, as well. Many of them are happy to go along with the flow of whatever you are doing, since they'll primarily be visiting to observe our world or to spend time bonding with you. They are somewhat party animals, so don't be surprised if they are highly capable of egging several of your shyer companions into joining them.
Additionally, Hearth Elves are excited to commune with people who live in the colder climates of Earth. Their territory is so immensely hot, that many of them have only seen far-off glances of snow. Since they'll be traveling to us astrally, our colder climates cannot do harm to them, so they'll probably enjoy hanging around a lot during winter. However, if you need a little heat brought into your life, they're fantastic snugglers, and they'll be happy to bring the warmth with them.
Hearth Elves are excitable and energetic friends who are likely to bring warmth, music, dancing, and a little bit of chaos into your life, shaking things up where they can. They're very happy to share aspects of their society with you along the way, as long as you're willing to share a little bit of ours.
The interests of Hearth Elves vary for each individual, but they will be most likely to help anyone who is interested in candle or hearth magic, since their primary magical alignment is with fire. They also align well with the concept of chaos magic, being creatures of a chaotic society themselves, and they don't shy away from the more sexual areas of chaos magic if you wish to have them participate in that way, as well. Many of them are happy to go along with the flow of whatever you are doing, since they'll primarily be visiting to observe our world or to spend time bonding with you. They are somewhat party animals, so don't be surprised if they are highly capable of egging several of your shyer companions into joining them.
Additionally, Hearth Elves are excited to commune with people who live in the colder climates of Earth. Their territory is so immensely hot, that many of them have only seen far-off glances of snow. Since they'll be traveling to us astrally, our colder climates cannot do harm to them, so they'll probably enjoy hanging around a lot during winter. However, if you need a little heat brought into your life, they're fantastic snugglers, and they'll be happy to bring the warmth with them.
Hearth Elves are excitable and energetic friends who are likely to bring warmth, music, dancing, and a little bit of chaos into your life, shaking things up where they can. They're very happy to share aspects of their society with you along the way, as long as you're willing to share a little bit of ours.
Please note that all The Dragon's Library Encyclopedia entries are based on my own personal UPG and may not reflect yours.
Hearth Elves, in this incarnation, are exclusive to The Dragon's Library.
Hearth Elves, in this incarnation, are exclusive to The Dragon's Library.