Library of Venoria: Races: Elves
Elves
The elves of Horeilifei can be found in the Pits of Sand. They are generally nomads who wander about their land in search of food and water. They are a cruel race with little love for outsiders who sometimes enter their realm. They walk about the land wearing veils and carrying curved swords and cruel bows while hunting for food. When a male of a tribe reaches the age of 15 he is expected to cross the Barrier Mountains and live within the Deserted Wastes for a year. If he fails to do so he is not considered a man and is banished from the tribe forever. The elf tribes of the Sand Pits produce exceptional warriors, a favorite being Blade Weavers and archers. The weapons that the elves use all come from the same place, a forge at the base of the Barrier Mountains on the side of the Sand Pits. These blades are usually magic endowed, but the magic only works within the realm of the Sand Pits. For this reason the Elfish weapons are not as sought after as those of other races. In general the elves are not a magic people, except with a few exceptions, and they live their lives moving from place to place in their large caravan like tribes. If they are not killed or do not die from the elements elves will live for around 600 - 700 years.
Life of an Elf:
When an elf is born their hardships begin immediately. The mother must teach the child to take solid food as soon as possible as water is scare in the Pits of Sand and a baby could drain the mother completely dry. This weaning is sometimes more then a baby can take and it dies. However, if a baby can survive the initial birthing and weaning it's training in the ways of the nomadic people begins as soon as it can walk. As it grows older it must learn to live with the customs of it's tribe. For instance some tribes will wait until the child is older to be given a name. This name is given by judging certain aspects of the child's life, like looking good or being a strong hunter. A name is usually given to a child by the age of ten or sooner.
All tribes though follow the same rule when it comes to last names. When the elf child reaches the age of 15 it is sent into the Deserted Wastes, across the Barrier Mountains, to live there for year, both male and female. If this child is successful and manages to last the entire year they are then given their last name and proclaimed adults. This last name is not that of their parents, but rather the name of the tribe in which they were born. However, if the child fails and returns home before the year is over they are banished from the tribe forever and given the last name of "Livyanu" meaning "Failure."
The succeeding elf then grows up within the tribe contributing to it in all ways possible. They will fight the wars against other tribes if the need arises and hunt for food and water all the time. They will gain great honor amongst their people and could even one day lead the tribe. However, the banished child is never allowed to return to it's people, and is an outsider to all other tribes. Wandering has become it's life and survival is nearly impossible, many die from this, but a few have managed to leave the Pits of Sand and find their own way in the wide world.
