Realm of the Mountain Elves (book) - Revision history

CARAAMON at 17:08, 20 November 2011

2011-11-20T17:08:42Z

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	intention dwell."		intention dwell."

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CARAAMON: moved Realm of the Mountain Elves, The (book) to Realm of the Mountain Elves (book)

2011-03-21T08:38:43Z

moved Realm of the Mountain Elves, The (book) to Realm of the Mountain Elves (book)

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CARAAMON: The Realm of the Mountain Elves (book) moved to Realm of the Mountain Elves, The (book)

2009-01-28T18:59:35Z

The Realm of the Mountain Elves (book) moved to Realm of the Mountain Elves, The (book)

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2007-11-22T15:10:44Z

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	couplet, "In water drawn from honest well / Does oft a black		couplet, "In water drawn from honest well / Does oft a black
	intention dwell."		intention dwell."

			[[Category:Book]]

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2007-04-12T23:40:50Z

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Maintenance script: New page: '''The Realm of the Mountain Elves''' '''by F. V.''' The Mountain Elves are a mysterious people. This stems in part from their tendency never to leave...

2007-04-12T23:35:29Z

New page: <center>'''The Realm of the Mountain Elves'''</center> <center>'''by F. V.'''</center> The Mountain Elves are a mysterious people. This stems in part from their tendency never to leave...

New page

<center>'''The Realm of the Mountain Elves'''</center>
<center>'''by F. V.'''</center>

The Mountain Elves are a mysterious people. This stems in part
from their tendency never to leave their domain, and in part from
their characteristically secretive and private natures. Although
others may have different views, I have written this in the hope
that sharing the perspective of my family will result in a better
understanding of Mountain Elf culture and an increased respect for
our Queen and customs. -F.V.

==Regarding the Queen==

Any discussion of Mountain Elf culture must begin with a few
words on the Queen. For thousands of years, Her Majesty Queen
Morganae Sunderstone has been a constant. During this time, she
has created a culture of absolute loyalty through rather inter-
esting means. The Mountain Elves have a natural penchant for
intrigue, and this may be seen in no greater measure than among
their own Court. The Queen's retainers and liege aristocracy
constantly vie for favor, usually at the expense of their peers.
Those who demonstrate their loyalty through service may be richly
rewarded, and those who fail to do so are severely punished.
Entire families have been elevated to the nobility for continued
service to the Queen. By the same token, bloodlines have been

Page 2

destroyed, literally and figuratively, for their shortcomings.
The highest-ranking nobles -- members of the Queen's own extended
family -- are not immune to her displeasure, although they seem
to be less susceptible to some of the harsher punishments.
However, the veracity of this could only be judged by an insider
of the Court, and it is nigh impossible to find any willing to
speak of it. Regardless, it is of the utmost importance to
evince the highest level of respect for the Queen at all times.

When approaching the Queen in her domain, it is customary for
males to drop to one knee and cast the eyes downward, at least
momentarily, before rising once again. Females wearing gowns or
dresses perform a formal curtsy which finishes with the arms
outstretched and the body gracefully bowed from the waist, and
likewise cast the eyes downward. The movement is reminiscent of
a swan, which is coincidentally Her Majesty's personal symbol.
Females in trousers or similar garments may choose to imitate the
males in their display of reverence. After the initial gesture,
averting one's gaze is not required, though many lower-ranking
nobles and nearly all commoners will do so. On the occasions
when the Queen is traveling outside her realm, the formalities
are relaxed slightly. In these instances, a deep bow or curtsy
will suffice. When addressing her, the standard forms for
addressing royalty are appropriate. "Your Majesty" is the most

Page 3

typical honorific. It is generally considered best to speak when
spoken to, and not before. Anything else may be met with varying
levels of tolerance, with unsavory results not uncommon.

==Social Organization==

Like many other cultures, Mountain Elf society may be compared to
a pyramid. At the pinnacle is Her Majesty the Queen, from whom
all rights, powers, and privileges stem. Her word is law, and
Her will is unquestioned. Below the Queen rank members of the
royal family -- Her Majesty's sons and daughters. Next is a
stratum of hereditary aristocrats. Their titles translate to
Lords and Ladies of the Mountain, or simply Mountain Lords and
Ladies. They may also receive honorary titles such as Lord or
Lady Consul, Defender of Elamiri, and Sheriff of the Southern
Watch, among others. Honorary titles are granted for life, but
are held at the Queen's pleasure, and often entail a certain set
of duties. Some can be held by many Lords or Ladies at once,
whereas others may only be held by one at any given time. All
the Lords and Ladies are supposedly equal in status, but there is
wide variance in the power, influence, and wealth held by each
noble house. Below these are subjects of the Queen who have been
raised to the nobility for life, meaning the rank is not heredi-
tary. Their titles might be loosely translated as Barons and

Page 4

Baronesses of the Mountain, obviously with a very different
social position than the Baron of Therengia. Of course, the
dignity of baron or baroness is also held at the pleasure of the
Queen. Only very rarely will a life-noble be awarded an honorary
title in addition to the barony. After the barons stand the
commons. Under the law, all commoners are equal to one another,
though differences in wealth and status are readily apparent to
any observer.

==Mountain Elf Fashion==

Unlike their Elothean neighbors, Mountain Elves generally dress
in an understated manner. Whether or not this somewhat somber
fashion is a result of emulation of the Queen (and perhaps
another attempt to garner favor) is subject to debate. Neutral
tones such as white, black, and shades of grey are common.
Colors are not absent from the palette, though they are often
muted. Fine woolens, velvet, leathers, and various silks are
mainstay fabrics in the Mountain Elf mode of dress. Of course,
commoners elect to wear the less rich materials, whereas the
nobility clad themselves impeccably in expensive, if austere
raiment. Tall boots are fashionable for those from any walk of
life, with styles ranging up to the thigh for men, and the hip
for women.

Page 5

Mountain Elves seem to prefer the complex beauty of intricately
worked precious metals over the dazzle of gems. There are many
master smiths and metalworkers among the Mountain folk, and their
craft appears not only in the armor and weaponry of Elamiri, but
also in the jewelry and embellishments of refined society. Speak
to these craftsmen, and they will tell you with a smirk and a
lift of the chin that their work exceeds that of any Dwarven
smith. Silver, gold, and platinum are not limited to jewelry,
but may also be incorporated into the very clothing of those who
have enough coin. Adornments of baser alloys such as bronze and
steel are more affordable for a wider segment of society.
Thread-of-gold or -silver embroidery may also be seen, with
complex geometric patterns and highly stylized nature themes
being most prevalent.

==Dueling==

The resolution of disputes is one of the most unique facets of
Mountain Elf culture and tradition. Rather than airing conflicts
publicly before the court of a noble or the sovereign, as is the
custom in other lands, matters are often resolved in a private
duel. Once a challenge has been issued, there is no recourse to
the court of the local aristocrat. Officially sanctioned,
dueling is not the province of the nobility alone, but the

Page 6

privilege of any subject of the Queen, regardless of station in
life. A commoner may even elect to challenge an aristocrat.
However, in practice, this rarely occurs. Individuals of noble
birth obviously have much more access to training in magic and
weapons, rendering a commoner's challenge of an aristocrat an
exercise in futility or a creative suicide, depending on the
perspective. Tangentially, dueling seems to have influenced
other aspects of Mountain Elf society, including fashion. Many
choose to wear clothing specifically designed to allow ease of
movement and quick footwork, and some tailors focus their entire
careers on this niche.

The conventions surrounding the duel itself are similar to those
found in other lands. Depending on the gravity of the matter or
the depth of the insult, a challenger will choose one of three
escalating degrees of severity. In a duel "Aldi Crauya", the
combatants will fight until the first blood is shed. The first
wound can often be quite a serious one, and so an Empath will
usually be on hand to assist, by mutual arrangement of the
parties. A duel "Aldi Sarien Howpa" only ends when one or both
combatants can no longer fight. This degree is obviously a very
dangerous one. By arrangement of the parties, an Empath may be
available at a prescribed distance, ranging from quite near to
very distant. The pain suffered en route to the healer is

Page 7

considered a part of the duel. Dying is an acknowledged risk.
Finally, a duel "Aldi Oluma" is fought to the death. Displays of
mercy are few and far between in duels of this degree.

A challenge can be issued by letter or in person. When the
challenge is received, an individual may of course decline. This
serves as an acknowledgement that the matter will be resolved in
favor of the challenger, without bloodshed. However, declining a
duel is considered to be a mark of extreme cowardice. Mountain
Elf custom dictates that the individual who has been challenged
receives the privilege of choosing the rules of engagement. This
includes the weapon set, whether magic will be involved, and the
time and place of the duel. Most often, a very loose set of
rules will be chosen, leaving both combatants free to press any
advantage they have with spell or steel. As previously noted,
the presence or absence of Empaths is left to mutual agreement.
If no agreement can be reached, the default rule prohibits a
healer. Nevertheless, death is far less common than one may be
led to believe. Most duels occur among the nobility, and the
vast majority of those are fought "Aldi Crauya". Oftentimes, the
parties will have reached an accord on the matter in question
before the duel ever takes place. It is quite common for the
combatants to arrive at the duel and unsheathe blades. The party
in whose favor the matter has been decided will then inflict a

Page 8

small cut on the other duelist, so that honor may be satisfied.
The combatants, or their survivors, are honor-bound to abide by
the results of the duel. Those who attempt to thwart the system
are subject to unspeakable punishments. Thus, in great measure,
the peace is kept.

==Visiting a Mountain Elf Home==

When a guest enters a Mountain Elf home, it is customary for the
host or hostess to offer a drink. It makes no difference if
the guest was expected or unexpected, as long as he is not
unwelcome. In the wealthier homes, wine or tea should be
offered, while in the poorer homes, only tea or fresh spring
water is generally available. If the guest has any manners at
all, he or she should accept the drink, offering a toast to Her
Majesty as well as the host. A favorite starts, "To Her Majesty
the Queen, may She reign forever." To this would be added
something like, "And may your line be unbroken", implying the
health and prosperity of the host's family. Less polite parties
may say, "Here's to spilling Dwarven blood" or simply, "Dwarves'
blood", before drinking. This toast is very old, hearkening back
to the earliest history of the Mountain Elves.

After the traditional quaffing of drink, the host should present

Page 9

the guest a thick cloth dampened with warm water, perhaps scented
with floral essences. The guest will always wash his hands, and
if he has just arrived from a journey or engaged in combat, it is
also appropriate to clean the face with the cloth. At this
point, if the guest has brought a gift for the host, it is time
to present it. The question of whether or not to bring a gift
will be dictated by the level of formality between the parties.
Old friends need not bring a gift for every visit. However, for
those who do not know each other well, or where a difference in
social strata ensures permanent formality, a gift is always
polite and necessary.

There are two types of gift. One is simply characterized by
the expense incurred in procuring it. A noble lord or lady
visiting his vassal's home may appropriately bring a relatively
expensive gift that would never do if he were visiting an equal.
This does not work in the opposite situation. It is not polite
for the vassal to expend a great deal of coin on a gift for his
lord. This is considered rather vulgar, and a mark of bad
manners. This brings us to the second type of gift, which is
proper for any and all parties, regardless of familiarity or
social stratum. These are characterized by the thought that goes
into them, the special skills required to craft them, or sheer
rarity. Actual cost is irrelevant. An intricately folded piece

Page 10

of origami, or a rare flower from Aesry Surlaenis'a would be
examples. In the instance of a lord and his vassal, the vassal
might bring something he made himself, such as a piece of
furniture or a sample of his crop.

When the time comes to say farewell, and if all the formalities
are being observed, then the host should offer bread to the
guest. Nowadays it may be any amount, ranging from an entire
loaf to a mere mouthful. In the distant past, more than just
bread was included. In offering the food, the host should say,
"May this bread sustain you", to which the courteous guest will
respond, "And may the Queen grace this house with Her favor." A
final cup, always filled with spring water, is then brought out
and offered to the departing guest. Drinking can be a test of
will and trust, for this has often been the poisoned cup that
destroyed an unwitting enemy. Hence the roughly translated
couplet, "In water drawn from honest well / Does oft a black
intention dwell."

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:26, 12 April 2007
Line 2:		Line 2:
	<center>'''by F. V.'''</center>		<center>'''by F. V.'''</center>

	The Mountain Elves are a mysterious people. This stems in part		The [[Mountain Elves]] are a mysterious people. This stems in part
	from their tendency never to leave their domain, and in part from		from their tendency never to leave their domain, and in part from
	their characteristically secretive and private natures. Although		their characteristically secretive and private natures. Although
	others may have different views, I have written this in the hope		others may have different views, I have written this in the hope
	that sharing the perspective of my family will result in a better		that sharing the perspective of my family will result in a better
	understanding of Mountain Elf culture and an increased respect for		understanding of [[Mountain Elf]] culture and an increased respect for
	our Queen and customs. -F.V.		our Queen and customs. -F.V.

Line 14:		Line 14:
	Any discussion of Mountain Elf culture must begin with a few		Any discussion of Mountain Elf culture must begin with a few
	words on the Queen. For thousands of years, Her Majesty Queen		words on the Queen. For thousands of years, Her Majesty Queen
	Morganae Sunderstone has been a constant. During this time, she		[[Morganae]] Sunderstone has been a constant. During this time, she
	has created a culture of absolute loyalty through rather interesting means. The Mountain Elves have a natural penchant for		has created a culture of absolute loyalty through rather interesting means. The Mountain Elves have a natural penchant for
	intrigue, and this may be seen in no greater measure than among		intrigue, and this may be seen in no greater measure than among
Line 60:		Line 60:
	Lords and Ladies of the Mountain, or simply Mountain Lords and		Lords and Ladies of the Mountain, or simply Mountain Lords and
	Ladies. They may also receive honorary titles such as Lord or		Ladies. They may also receive honorary titles such as Lord or
	Lady Consul, Defender of Elamiri, and Sheriff of the Southern		Lady Consul, Defender of [[Elamiri]], and Sheriff of the Southern
	Watch, among others. Honorary titles are granted for life, but		Watch, among others. Honorary titles are granted for life, but
	are held at the Queen's pleasure, and often entail a certain set		are held at the Queen's pleasure, and often entail a certain set
Line 69:		Line 69:
	noble house. Below these are subjects of the Queen who have been		noble house. Below these are subjects of the Queen who have been
	raised to the nobility for life, meaning the rank is not hereditary. Their titles might be loosely translated as Barons and Baronesses of the Mountain, obviously with a very different		raised to the nobility for life, meaning the rank is not hereditary. Their titles might be loosely translated as Barons and Baronesses of the Mountain, obviously with a very different
	social position than the Baron of Therengia. Of course, the		social position than the Baron of [[Therengia]]. Of course, the
	dignity of baron or baroness is also held at the pleasure of the		dignity of baron or baroness is also held at the pleasure of the
	Queen. Only very rarely will a life-noble be awarded an honorary		Queen. Only very rarely will a life-noble be awarded an honorary

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:40, 12 April 2007
Line 46:		Line 46:
	are relaxed slightly. In these instances, a deep bow or curtsy		are relaxed slightly. In these instances, a deep bow or curtsy
	will suffice. When addressing her, the standard forms for		will suffice. When addressing her, the standard forms for
	addressing royalty are appropriate. "Your Majesty" is the most		addressing royalty are appropriate. "Your Majesty" is the most typical honorific. It is generally considered best to speak when

	typical honorific. It is generally considered best to speak when
	spoken to, and not before. Anything else may be met with varying		spoken to, and not before. Anything else may be met with varying
	levels of tolerance, with unsavory results not uncommon.		levels of tolerance, with unsavory results not uncommon.
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	wide variance in the power, influence, and wealth held by each		wide variance in the power, influence, and wealth held by each
	noble house. Below these are subjects of the Queen who have been		noble house. Below these are subjects of the Queen who have been
	raised to the nobility for life, meaning the rank is not ~~heredi-~~		raised to the nobility for life, meaning the rank is not hereditary. Their titles might be loosely translated as Barons and Baronesses of the Mountain, obviously with a very different
	tary. Their titles might be loosely translated as Barons and

	Baronesses of the Mountain, obviously with a very different
	social position than the Baron of Therengia. Of course, the		social position than the Baron of Therengia. Of course, the
	dignity of baron or baroness is also held at the pleasure of the		dignity of baron or baroness is also held at the pleasure of the
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	duel. Once a challenge has been issued, there is no recourse to		duel. Once a challenge has been issued, there is no recourse to
	the court of the local aristocrat. Officially sanctioned,		the court of the local aristocrat. Officially sanctioned,
	dueling is not the province of the nobility alone, but the		dueling is not the province of the nobility alone, but the

	privilege of any subject of the Queen, regardless of station in		privilege of any subject of the Queen, regardless of station in
	life. A commoner may even elect to challenge an aristocrat.		life. A commoner may even elect to challenge an aristocrat.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:38, 12 April 2007
Line 15:		Line 15:
	words on the Queen. For thousands of years, Her Majesty Queen		words on the Queen. For thousands of years, Her Majesty Queen
	Morganae Sunderstone has been a constant. During this time, she		Morganae Sunderstone has been a constant. During this time, she
	has created a culture of absolute loyalty through rather ~~inter-~~		has created a culture of absolute loyalty through rather interesting means. The Mountain Elves have a natural penchant for
	esting means. The Mountain Elves have a natural penchant for
	intrigue, and this may be seen in no greater measure than among		intrigue, and this may be seen in no greater measure than among
	their own Court. The Queen's retainers and liege aristocracy		their own Court. The Queen's retainers and liege aristocracy
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	rewarded, and those who fail to do so are severely punished.		rewarded, and those who fail to do so are severely punished.
	Entire families have been elevated to the nobility for continued		Entire families have been elevated to the nobility for continued
	service to the Queen. By the same token, bloodlines have been		service to the Queen. By the same token, bloodlines have been

	Page 2

	destroyed, literally and figuratively, for their shortcomings.		destroyed, literally and figuratively, for their shortcomings.
	The highest-ranking nobles -- members of the Queen's own extended		The highest-ranking nobles -- members of the Queen's own extended
Line 51:		Line 47:
	will suffice. When addressing her, the standard forms for		will suffice. When addressing her, the standard forms for
	addressing royalty are appropriate. "Your Majesty" is the most		addressing royalty are appropriate. "Your Majesty" is the most

	Page 3

	typical honorific. It is generally considered best to speak when		typical honorific. It is generally considered best to speak when
Line 78:		Line 72:
	raised to the nobility for life, meaning the rank is not heredi-		raised to the nobility for life, meaning the rank is not heredi-
	tary. Their titles might be loosely translated as Barons and		tary. Their titles might be loosely translated as Barons and

	Page 4

	Baronesses of the Mountain, obviously with a very different		Baronesses of the Mountain, obviously with a very different
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	life, with styles ranging up to the thigh for men, and the hip		life, with styles ranging up to the thigh for men, and the hip
	for women.		for women.

	Page 5

	Mountain Elves seem to prefer the complex beauty of intricately		Mountain Elves seem to prefer the complex beauty of intricately
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	the court of the local aristocrat. Officially sanctioned,		the court of the local aristocrat. Officially sanctioned,
	dueling is not the province of the nobility alone, but the		dueling is not the province of the nobility alone, but the

	Page 6

	privilege of any subject of the Queen, regardless of station in		privilege of any subject of the Queen, regardless of station in
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	dangerous one. By arrangement of the parties, an Empath may be		dangerous one. By arrangement of the parties, an Empath may be
	available at a prescribed distance, ranging from quite near to		available at a prescribed distance, ranging from quite near to
	very distant. The pain suffered en route to the healer is		very distant. The pain suffered en route to the healer is considered a part of the duel. Dying is an acknowledged risk.

	Page 7

	considered a part of the duel. Dying is an acknowledged risk.
	Finally, a duel "Aldi Oluma" is fought to the death. Displays of		Finally, a duel "Aldi Oluma" is fought to the death. Displays of
	mercy are few and far between in duels of this degree.		mercy are few and far between in duels of this degree.
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	combatants to arrive at the duel and unsheathe blades. The party		combatants to arrive at the duel and unsheathe blades. The party
	in whose favor the matter has been decided will then inflict a		in whose favor the matter has been decided will then inflict a

	Page 8

	small cut on the other duelist, so that honor may be satisfied.		small cut on the other duelist, so that honor may be satisfied.
	The combatants, or their survivors, are honor-bound to abide by		The combatants, or their survivors, are honor-bound to abide by
Line 212:		Line 193:
	to the earliest history of the Mountain Elves.		to the earliest history of the Mountain Elves.

	After the traditional quaffing of drink, the host should present		After the traditional quaffing of drink, the host should present

	Page 9

	the guest a thick cloth dampened with warm water, perhaps scented		the guest a thick cloth dampened with warm water, perhaps scented
	with floral essences. The guest will always wash his hands, and		with floral essences. The guest will always wash his hands, and
Line 239:		Line 217:
	social stratum. These are characterized by the thought that goes		social stratum. These are characterized by the thought that goes
	into them, the special skills required to craft them, or sheer		into them, the special skills required to craft them, or sheer
	rarity. Actual cost is irrelevant. An intricately folded piece		rarity. Actual cost is irrelevant. An intricately folded piece

	Page 10

	of origami, or a rare flower from Aesry Surlaenis'a would be		of origami, or a rare flower from Aesry Surlaenis'a would be
	examples. In the instance of a lord and his vassal, the vassal		examples. In the instance of a lord and his vassal, the vassal