Vilir

Vilirë (s. Vilir) are an elven ethnic group hailing from Ithályra, and more specifically the Realms of Anumyniar. They descend from the first elvenfolk of Andrithiel, who were called the Dróhanar by the Sylvanar.

Culture

Vilir culture is one of the oldest and most unchanged in Andrithiel. Major events that have caused significant alterations in Vilir custom include the first two dragon wars and the great exodus of elves that are now known as wood elves, or Duannarë.

Architecture

Most walls, floors, courtyards and pillars are fashioned with lighter stones, and particularly marble, which is abundant in the nearby Tûlnuriam range, north of the Vilir capital of Ithandúr. Marble wasn’t introduced until after the Sundering of Tuldé, when it was created by the extreme devastation of the event. Prior to the destruction beech wood was primarily used. The crafting of such wood was introduced by their Sylvanar teachers, and remained in their post sundering buildings. The current use of beech is for some arch decorations, supports, and roofs and is usually bleached to appear much paler.

Doors are almost never built, save for the most private quarters, such as protected archives or personal rooms. And so, pillars are put to use to allow open living spaces and easy access into certain rooms. Such pillars meet in arches, which are tall and three pointed with intricate vine-like detailing in the arch head. Pillars are often thin in comparison to more recent born cultures, and range from six inches to two feet in diameter.

Roofing is often domed to create high pavilions with the aforementioned arch supports, and could be colored a dull grey and occasionally darker teal. Main halls, however, are traditionally gabled with high vaulted ceilings. Smaller structures also have gabled roofs with high balconies to overlook gardens and courtyards, which frequently surround any Vilir structure.

Interiors are floored with light stone bricks on the first floors, and sun treated pine on any higher floors. Ceilings are ribbed with beech supports, unless built directly after the sundering, which most would have been made with light stone instead.

The objective found in almost all Vilir design is to allow for as much natural light to fill the interior space as possible. Large windows (built without glass, but occasionally with iron lattice in the design of vines) generally face east and west to catch the morning and afternoon sun, but that is just the beginning of the millennia old Vilir art of capturing light. By the craft of the Vilirë it is almost as if sunlight (or moonlight in the evenings) may pass through the very roofs and gables above, without need of windows. This is a craft unseen by any other culture in Andrithiel, and its making is a secret that Vilirë are reluctant to share.

Buildings are used mainly for sleeping, private activities, and studying while all other interests are performed outside. Open courtyards are used for eating, smithing, carpentry, the arts, and any other job that doesn’t require the use of books (which can get wet).

Art

Sculpting and painting are the two competing arts of the Vilirë. Paintings are primarily muralised depictions of battles, gifts of life, or other important events. Usually the medium itself is an egg pigment, with a pine resin glaze to finish and preserve the murals. Sculptures, on the other hand, contain much more variety. Many elves are depicted out of marble, and are carved tall and slender. A traditional Ithandúr pose, for example, is standing up straight with the head bowed, and hands held out clasping a sword or spear pointed to the sky.

The weaving of cloth is little practiced for anything but clothes and simple war standards, the latter being introduced by Men. Some long banners can be found in some great halls, but most styles have been borrowed by other people of other lands.

Customs

Knowledge of ancient lore is ascribed with collective advancement, and as such, few secrets are held between Vilirë, though many secrets may be kept from outsiders. While closed guilds may thrive in other societies, knowledge of all craft is shared freely amongst the Vilirë. Those who work hard labor still have high knowledge of their histories and traditions, especially surrounding their craft.

There are different houses that an elven Vilir is a part of, but that doesn’t necessarily mean family. A house is generally a place of learning, and sometimes of a specific craft. Each house is made up of a feasting hall, personal quarters, a number of libraries, and varying services.

Food

Tilling is little utilized by the Vilirë. Orchardist and animal husbandry are among the "lowliest" of tasks involving food production. Hunting, however, is widely practiced, and usually for sport. Grapes and berries are grown for drinks like white wines, and some red wines. Other staples and delicacies that can be enjoyed in a Vilir hall are venison, honeycomb, oranges, lettuces, simple breads, sweet almonds. Common ingredients may include, but are not limited to, crushed herbs and salt, various oils and vinegar, and dried fruit.

Language

Many languages are spoken amongst the Vilirë , but primarily Vilirno when speaking to those of their own culture. It is expected to know commonspeech and Serithë. Other languages that are occasionally spoken are Sylvith and Entyn.

Music

A passage from the Unhar Udallam reads this:

They were a gladsome people, and no food nor water they took. They had no need of the world, but enjoyed the cool streams of the Nendil, and the soft green grasses upon its banks, and the gleaming starlight in its flow. Their song was simple and soft. Long verse was intertwined with the song of the world, ever evolving. With bird and beast they sang their song into the deeps of the sky, floating above the trees in their sapling years. At this the Sylvanar named them Dróhanar, which is to say song people.

A voice in song is one of the most important aspects to Vilir society. Most histories, communications, and arts, begin as song and poem. Five part choirs are common, and can generally be heard on the wind at any given time in Vilir communities. The parts consist of soprano, alto, and tenor, and two parts for droning.

Lyre, harp, and pipe are the three primary non-vocal instruments that Vilirë utilize.

Sovereignty

Leadership is never voted on, nor given argument. It is simply chosen by who is longest living in the house. Those who have been touched by the Sylvanar are given the most authority, as they are expected to have the most wisdom. Council in a Vilir city is often held between the eight oldest elves, and one representative of each house.

Spirituality

By Vilir tradition it is said that when an elf dies Eledheldas, the Great Owl, will ferry their soul to Tyellë-myr, the Great Mountain of the Heavens. There they will live on in peace amongst the High Gods.

War

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Clothing

Dull jewel tones made from linen, silks, and other plant fibers are worn most. Usually crafted as simple collard tunics for travel or work, and long robes for study or sleep. Silver is used for buttons and accessories, and leather for belts or simple ties and utilities.