The Ultimate High Elven Guide of High Elven Knowings!
Well, hello there, my good fellow! Welcome to the ULTIMATE GUIDE OF HIGH ELF KNOWINGS! The place where YOU get to read and learn the ways of the long-eared isolationist bigots! I'm sure you have plenty of intriguing questions for Ol' Mithradites!
"How do I get into the city?"
"Why don't any high elves like my high elf?"
"Why are the high elves constantly insulting me?"
"Why is this high elven lady batting off my saucey one-liners?"
"Why isn't this high elven man going mad for my delightful lady-lumps?"
"Why is Kalenz trying to murder me?!"
Hush, fine reader! All will be explained in the most detailed, wonderous...
ULTIMATE GUIDE OF HIGH ELVEN KNOWINGS!
The one you are reading right this second, bucko! So, sit on your buttocks, put on your favourite monocle, pour a glass of your most expensive wine, and read on...
PART ONE
So, you want to get in the city!
For all those not in “the know,” part one is written with all the information you’ll need to both get inside the city, and how to act and look. The other parts are mostly for reference, and if you want to look super-duper cool to any of the older high elves--but it’s not necessary!
High elves are suspicious of outsiders at their gates, and even more-so should they not be up to their standards. You see, every high elf has a different idea of whom they allow inside. You have to keep in mind that they, as default, -don't- want you in there, and they will be judging anyone who asks for entry very, very closely. They will most likely probe your character with multiple questions to test your patience, your guile, and your understanding of their culture. However, should you wish to get in, there are different things they look for in visitors.
For the non-High Elf.
Step 1. Do -not- be impure.
An impure is a character who has a high elf feature prominently in their family line. High elves detest this, and will gladly throw innumerable insults at you, and possibly high-speed arrows.
This means no half high-elf, no quarter high elf, and no 1/64th high elf. Should you be a crossbreed, or your family has a distinct amount of high elven blood in them, then you will be found out, and likely killed (via insults, or just plain regular stabby-death). Do not think you will be able to hide these impurities with disguises, unless you are an illusionist. Theirs is a culture based upon racial purity, and for more than a century they have been analysing those that come to their gate. They are well-aware of the tell-tale signs. Should impurities be too small to be noticed (theoretically past 1/6 of blood being high-elven) then it is advised that you -do not- tell them. The high elves have access to acid, and they -will- throw you in their acid-pit. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Step 2. At the gates.
You are automatically at a disadvantage, here. High Elves tend to distrust any and all outsiders, and will most likely say dreadful things to you. The trick to not fail this "test" is
DO NOT INSULT THEM BACK.
They have heard every slander conceivable directed towards high elves, and shooting one back will just seal your fate of staying cold and lonely outside the gate. Don't expect to come back anytime soon, either. High Elves have long memories, and they will remember those who annoy them. You must remain completely calm, and accept their nastiness.
Step 3. Proving your "worth."
Before you can get yourself inside, you must prove that you are of sound mind. Speak clearly, thoughtfully, and with detail, and they will look upon you favourably. Speak poorly with foul language, and they might think you an unwashed brute! Outrageous!
To make them look upon you more favourably, you should bring them something they like. The high elves, though entirely disinterested in the pursuit of money, tend allow other races inside with a sort of "transactive" method. The visitors give something to the city, and then they can see the city. Should they give something pleasant towards the library, they may enter and see the library. Those that go into the city without giving anything towards it would be considered greedy, and disliked in an equal measure.
The most reliable "gifts" for the high elves are books. Specifically ones that contain -knowledge-. Fiction has been known to be approved, but it is rarely encouraged. Though, the high elf at the gate will judge the books quality, and they all, as said before, have differing opinions.
Should you manage to pass all these high-elfy requirements, you have a great chance of being allowed inside. However, once again, this entirely depends on who answers the gate.
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Should you continue to be a "pleasant" guest, and prove useful to the citizenry, they may be given access to a "permit" to enter and leave the city as desired. Those who prove themselves useful might even be rewarded with a small dwelling within the city, which is ultimately the greatest achievement any non-high elf has managed thus-far.
But remember--break any of their laws or irritate them enough, and your punishment will likely be harsh, and acid-related.
For the High Elf.
Step 1. Do -NOT- be Impure
Mainly for the same reasons as before. Ironically, for a city made for high elves, non-high elves have an easier time getting inside. Pure mali'aheral, being the superior creatures that they are, obviously hold possible citizenry to a far higher standard.
Step 2. Looking the Part
Regardless of what I wrote before, it is fairly simple for a pure mali'aheral to get inside, and far easier to gain residence. However, there is a bit of general stuff a new high elf will need to know prior to entrance. You must act the part of a pure high elf, as well as look the part. Allow me to first start with appearance--
This is "saiko the dediest warior."
He set his subrace as "high elf." He is undoubtedly not one accepted by the city's residents.
But whatever could be wrong with Saiko?
1. His hair is black--an immediate sign of impurity.
2. His eyes are red--another immediate sign of impurity.
3. He drinks blood.
4. He doesn't really look like an elf in general.
5. He... just... well... look at some screenshots.
(Many thanks to SerahLove for providing this hilarious late-night event.)
Not exactly the kind of guy high elves like.
1. A pure high elf tends to have lighter tones to their hair--oftentaking the shadeofplatinum, grey, blond, orwhite.
2. Eye-colours tend to be within a green-blue spectrum, but in rare cases they may take on shades of purple. In even rarer cases, gold.
3. Ears are often longer than those of dark elves and wood elves.
4. High elves are almost always devoid of piercings or tattoos.
5. Pure high elves never drink blood. Probably.
Step 3. Acting the Part
If you're just getting into our group as a new high elf, and all the weird customs are throwing you off and confusing you, there are a couple of simple things you need to know to keep yourself head-above-water in high-elf-land. And yes, it's in the form of another numbered list.
Stuff a New High Elf Should Know
1. High Elves tend to dislike other races. This does not have to be excessive, snarling hatred, but disdain is encouraged. To avoid being ostracised by this very gossipy and judgemental city, it is advised that characters who -do- appreciate other races keep it to themselves.
2. High elves do not appreciate strangers in their city. Allowing them in on a whim is highly frowned upon.
3. High elves dislike emotional thinking. The race as a whole tends to favour logic and reason over emotion, and publicly displaying it would upset the vast majority of the city. Flirtatious or "ugly" courting will be seen as outrageous and repulsive (There is a guide to proper high elven courting within this post, so keep on reading).
4. Violence upon fellow high elves is highly discouraged. Challenging one to a duel will have you insulted, laughed at, and heritage questioned.
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Well, I'll be a donkey's shoe-polisher! You've made your way into the city! Congratulations! Now that you're in, you may start wondering why the high elves are such stingey blighters when it comes to letting folks inside! Well, that all comes down to their culture...
PART TWO
Maehr'sae hiylun-what?
The Centre-points
The culture of the high elves is based around their society's driving philosophy of maehr'sae hiylun'ehya. This phrase - taken from old books left in the original College of Haelun'or - roughly translate to "The pursuit of wisdom and health" or "progress and health."
Progress (Maehr’sae): This refers to the overall development of wisdom the Mali’aheral uphold as their ideal. A fulfilled life should be one filled with knowledge, arts and science.
Health (Hiylun): This is about retaining the purity and continued existence of the High Elven breed while ensuring every Mali’aheral can live with dignity (have a proper house, proper clothing, proper education, etc.). It’s highest priority is protecting their own while outlawing any sort of cross breeding within their kin.
"Purity" within the culture is defined by how closely a high elf follows the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya, and is arguably split into two forms--mental, and physical purity.
Physical purity pertains to the "health (Hiylun)" of the mali'aheral in question. A bloodline untainted by non-high elven influences is essential for any high elf within the city. Great respect is afforded to those with records of their pure lineage dating back the farthest. Physical purity can be foremost sundered by engaging in sexual relationships with non-mali’aheral. Oftentimes this can lead to imprisonment, banishment, death, or (for the luckier ones) social ostrocisation. Other forms of physical impurity that are not punishable by law (but heavily frowned upon by society) are: invasive jewelry, tattoos, dyed hair, and anything else that changes “natural” appearances. Cosmetic items that would enhance/compliment their natural beauty, such as make-up, would be acceptable.
Mental purity pertains to a high elf's self-discipline, capacity for illegal/impure desires, and their personal demeanor. Wanton desires that counter the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya would be considered an immediate sign of impurity. Pure high elves that live outside the city and do not follow the philosophy would be considered mentally impure. A desire to engage with multiple sexual partners or "disgusting" relationships would also be considered tabboo, and outrageous. Openly declaring the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya to be incorrect is the ultimate sign of mental impurity, and may or may not lead to incarceration, banishment, punishment, or re-education.
Make note of the literal and abstract concepts of “maehr’sae hiylun’ehya” however. Many debates over its interpretation often ensue.
But why do they like purity?
To the mali’aheral, the health/wisdom of the society and race is of the utmost importance. Like an illness or spout of ignorance, problems within the community need to be repaired to cease its spread. The maehr'sae hiylun'ehya is the expression of what a high elf is, and to have it sundered destroys the meaning behind their existence. In many ways, the maehr’sae hiylun’ehya is much like a religion.
That's the stuff you need to understand most of all. Now is the time for the fun stuff! Random cultural things!
Critique and Debate
Haha! Tricked you! More boring stuff!
High elves are a vocal race, and will argue for purpose, or for sport. They are a highly critical people, and will poke holes in ideas, ideals, philosophies, or actions out of curiosity's sake, or for their own amusement. In numerous situations they speak critically without any regard for that person's feelings. Oftentimes this can come off as cruel and cold, but to a high elf, speaking their mind and identifying perceived errors is both natural, and intelligent. Of course, that doesn't stop others from critiquing them back.
But why do they do this?
High elves raised in their natural, snobby environment are often engaged within debates and arguments from a very young age. They learn that not acknowedging faults is illogical, and being unable to understand them means nothing can be learned. The only way to advance themselves mentally is through the elimination of fault, and is thus an extension of the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya. As a high elf would say, "why should anyone feel insulted by the truth?" This leads us to the final point.
Why do they outright insult others?
After many, many years of seeing faults repeat themselves continuously despite their identification, frustration and annoyance take hold of a high elf. This frustration, for the sake of this guide, will be just known as "impatience." An impatient high elf has no desire to repeat arguments and critique ad hominem, and will simply be angered when they see things believed to be done incorrectly. Rather than say something rational, they will strike out at the person through words (think of it as smacking them up the back of the person's head). Sometimes, the high elf in question may not even understand how their cruel jabs are different from an insult. They are just the high-elven devolution of critique.
Just for a bit of fun, here is an example of the differences between patient and impatient elves.
An elven lady marries a human gentleman, and they conceive two children. A (impatient) high elf meets them while on the road, and upon seeing the half-elven children he begins to speak with a callous tone:
"You blithering imbecile! It is my hope these half-breeds you spawned were worth the coming century of withering, gnat-like existences. One would suggest you choose wisely upon your next inevitable coupling, but I feel my breath is wasted on a worthless pursuit."
Note that the words are undeniably rude. You can tell that the high elf is angry, but still trying to make a point in his words.
Distraught, confused, and angry at the pale elf's cruel words, they continued onwards until they met another pale elf (Patient). This one seemed to glare at them emotionlessly, before speaking to the female elf.
"Does it worry you?"
"What do you mean?”
"Do you not worry that you will observe your children and partner die whilst yourself remaining unchanged? Elven lifespans are incompatible with non-elves, and logically they should be avoided. One suggests choosing an elven spouse upon your next coupling."
Though it is certainly cold, it's not exactly rude. Merely blunt.
The Artistry of Courtship
High elves are known to be uptight about stuff involving sex and other perversions, but since there are high elven children, there must be marriages and relationships as well.
"But Mithradites!" You ask, whilst tugging at my sleeve. "How does such a pale, scowly creature find love in their life?"
Well now! That comes down to what a high elf finds alluring...
Stage 1: Choosing your partner
A high elf seeks out certain aspects in a possible partner--this being their intelligence, their family heritage, their scholarly works, or their inherent talents. Both male and female high elves can approach the prospect and court a favoured partner without social repercussions (male and female high elves being equal to one-another, after all) Physical attraction is secondary, and those who would seek out partners purely for physical reasons are heavily looked down upon. Though, lets be honest, such an attraction would not be discounted in a high elf's mind, but social prerogative is first and foremost! Public displays of affection, such as hugs, kisses, or overtures of “love” would be looked down upon, and likely only embarrass or insult the one you desire.
Stage 2: Garnering his/her Favour
To draw a possible partner's attention, you must impress them. This is usually done in the form of scholarly works. Dedicating a large, impressive scientific thesis to your possible partner or perhaps creating a magnificent work of art in their name would be a fine way to appear desirable. Other methods include impressing them with your intellect (quickly deducing complex riddles, debating philosophy in-depth, or discussing scientific/magical works), as well as subtle drops in conversation about your family's long, pure lineage ("This reminds me of my great, great, great grandfather, who lived in a minor enclave of high elves during Aegis...").
Stage 3: Making Intentions Known
Now that the desired one has a fairly apt understanding of what you are capable of, you need to actually show that you are, in fact, romantically interested (didn’t think high elves were capable of romance, eh? Fair enough. I wouldn’t either). Being the sort of people who would have grave trouble finding the place or situation to speak about such things, initial overtures of “love” tend to be handled via written correspondence, usually in the form of a poem, and almost always anonymously. Presumably, this is so the emotionally-repressed logicians can accurately judge if their love-interest is interested in love (romance is often a gossip-topic, and the receiver is likely to speak to many citizens about it). It is recommended that poems should flatter the receiver in innumerable ways, along with being as sappy as physically possible.
Stage 4: Acting on Intentions
Should you be satisfied with your love’s reaction, you may either continue to send poems to have them swoon further, or you can pluck up your courage, and announce to said person (privately, or publicly) that you were the one sending the letters. The rest, then, is up to the two of you. Should you find one-another compatible, marriage is expected of you.
Court wisely, mali’aheral.
Marriage
High elves are creatures of tradition, and since the original revitalization of their culture during Asulon, they have typically held weddings in places of knowledge, usually libraries. This is why you will often find a large, central area within most Mali'aheral libraries for ceremonies to take place. Though there have been attempts to have specific buildings, such as "churches" for this ceremony, it has been so often shot down that very few dare to make the attempt (Far too much religious iconography around purpose-build wedding buildings. Scandalous!). A ceremony would usually be performed like so--
1. All the pure citizenry of the city (as well as invited outsiders) would gather within the library, and the two to be wed would stand before the crowd.
2. Upon a lectern (usually borrowed from a classroom), a respected and prominent Mali'aheral citizen would address the crowd with a speech, wherein he would praise the purity of the united couple. The position of "speaker" in such an event would be considered an honour.
3. The speaker will remain silent for a short period, where those who believe the marriage to be impure or foul may raise their voice. This act of silence is never spoken of, as it would be rude for the couple to have it addressed directly.
4. The speaker declares them joined.
5. The couple will now receive gifts and adulation from the gathered members.
Clothing, Fashion, and Colour
High elven clothing tends to be based around symbolism more than for comfort or practicality. Primarily, high elves prefer longer, flowing robes and dresses more than their dark and wood-elven counterparts. A high elf who's personality can be determined simply by examining their apparel would be considered highly fashionable within their society. Items such as non-invasive jewelry and cosmetics that compliment said symbolism are encouraged.
Colours of clothing tend to be softer, lighter shades, such as whites, light blues, and golds. Colours in general, however, can take on different general meanings.
Purple: Symbolises magic, life (Tanya), and the unknown.
Red: Symbolises might, protection (Evarir), and pride.
Yellow/Gold: Symbolises wealth, gold (Acal), and prosperity (can also be attributed to curses, but this will be discussed further on).
Green: Symbolises harmony, diplomacy, foresight, beauty (Leyun), and affection.
Brown: Symbolises art, nurturing, the land (Nor), and festivities.
Blue: Symbolises logic, science (Indor), and knowledge, and curiosity.
Silver/White: Symbolises purity (Thilln), and the maehr'sae hiylun'ehya.
Black: Symbolises guidance, contemplation, and the Maheral (King/Emperor).
Note that though these colours hold weight in mali'aheral culture, they will be disregarded outside of it. For example, a wood elf who dresses in all green wouldn't be considered implying they're beautiful.
Architecture and Art
Art and architecture are considered synonymous for the high elves, thusly their buildings are often designed for beauty rather than practicality. Similarly, architects are more-often referred to as "artists" than anything else.
Traditionally, the high elves based their modern architecture on Asulon's ruined Old Haelun'or. Plaster-covered stone and blue roofing-tiles dominated the buildings of the mid/late Asulon period. Due to the lack of space on the high elven island, they favoured towers and buildings that took advantage of vertical space for efficiency's sake.
This style became perfected in the designs of Vallel'yuln Aelysea for the city of Lin'evaral--utalising a more naturalistic and curving manner to the original forms. The plastering was left out in the new forms for efficiency's sake, but the iconic blue tiles remained.
Items like statues and portraits are rare within the city, as few "conventional" artists exist. Art of that form is down to the individual artist’s preference.
Faith and Religion
High Elves practice no religion, due to their belief that placing faith in an invisible deity (and as such one that cannot have its motives or intentions explained rationally) would be an illogical thing to do. Believing dogma to be of no use to them or even detrimental to progress and innovation, the word 'religion' itself has a stigma attached to it. However, the extreme adherence High Elves have to their attaining of knowledge and wisdom is of no less intensity than the zeal of those that excessively practice religion.
Gold, and Insults
It’s a common misconception that high elves dislike gold. However, this is only half-true. Gold being given to another high elf, by a high elf, is a “curse” of sorts, due to “acal” meaning both gold, and curse. A high elf who presents a portion of gold to another is both questioning their purity, as as their ancestry. It is the ultimate of high-elven insults, and should not be used lightly--especially if said purity is confirmed.
However, it is not the act of giving gold that makes the gesture an insult. It is the intent behind it. This can be a highly abstract concept, as sometimes mali’aheral will not even know they are being insulted. Furthermore, the gravity of the insult is directly proportional to your own purity and respect within high elven society. A known thief will not injure the sensibilities of the Maheral with his gift of gold.
People who are not pure high elves cannot use gold as an insult to pure ones. Why?
“I give you gold, thus I question your purity!” “You’re a half-dwarf prostitute. Your insult is invalid when you yourself are not pure.”
“Touche.”
PART THREE
The Personalities, and Demeanor!
(Warning! Opinion-onions!)
I am of the opinion that an elf past a century in age is incapable of living with any of the younger races for long periods of time. A creature that lives nearly a millenia longer than any others would slowly become wiser, more contemplative, and abstract. To spend time with, say, humans, an elf would quickly become irritated with the ensuing rashness, brashness, and seemingly "infantile" behaviour. They would regard most other races as "children" in comparison, and would treat them as such. This is why it has always irked me a little when I see so many elves living outside of Malinor/Haelun'or. It would be the equivalent of living in a house run by toddlers. But, like I said, just my opinion.
Wait, what was I talking about...?
Oh right! Personality!
The Archetypes
When I write "archetypes" I refer to common kinds of personalities within the high elf world. For the sake of argument (and because, heaven knows, this guide isn't long enough already) we shall refer to very prominent forms of the high elven mindset.
Disclaimer: I am aware that the following words mean multiple other things, but for the sake of this... whatever this is, just revert to the meanings provided here.
Racism: The distinct (often irrational) hatred of races other than your own.
Arrogance: Complete belief in your own assertions, and a refusal to listen to other interpretations.
Supremacism: The ideal that you own race is superior to all others.
Logic/Rationality: The ability and desire to deduce the workings of the world through observable events.
Curiosity: A desire to seek out and learn things that are currently unknown to you.
Placidity: Being extremely difficult to anger, or pushed to any emotional extreme.
Altruism: The desire to help people without want of reward.
The Puritan
(Ultra-conservative)
~Kalenz~
"Your existence revolts me, filth. Nothing a sharp knife and a healthy dose of acid cannot fix."
-Racist
-Arrogant
-Supremacist
The Logician
(Moderate)
~Lucion~
"Though your farce of intelligence intrigues me, speaking to you entails no inherent value."
-Supremacist
-Logic/rationality
-Curiosity
The Regressor
(Liberal)
~Suika~
"When we ourselves have so much cake, why do we not share it with those beyond the walls?"
-Curiosity
-Placidity
-Altruism
The Impure
(Impure)
~saiko the dediest warior~
"good waters not good when nourishment best come from excellent blood"
-Impure
-Impure
-Impure
Remember, these are just examples!. If you want to mix and match (or create some of your own) then you're completely at liberty to! Don't feel pressured to make one exactly like those listed.
PART FOUR
The Epilogue?!
Good gracious and howdy-do! That was one heck of a guide-adventure, huh? I am fairly sure that this is the longest thing have ever written on the forums! Or anywhere! Imagine all the things I could have done in the space of writing this? I could have painted a portrait, found a new hat in Team Fortress 2...
...or played a high elf in the way outlined in this guide! Eh?! C'mon, guys! We're fabulous! We have books, and tea, and wine, and science, and magic!
Okay, it isn't for everyone, and you're completely entitled to playing a high elf in the way you prefer and enjoy. That isn't up to me or anyone else to decide. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.
We're still cool, though. Have fun, sneaky HE's-to-be!
Love, kisses, and virtual bigotry,
- Ol' Mithradites
And now, for some SPECIAL thank-yous!(I was feeling extremely sentimental after writing this monster. Judge me not)
To the original Asulon high elf RPers, for taking in a dark-haired high elf with short ears and a silly eyebrow.
To the other races, who put up with our delightful nonsense.
To my high elf compatriots, who are, as I said previously, fabulous.
To anyone who decided to read this absurdly long guide. Props to you, fellow masochists.
To me, for being fabulous. Thank you, me. Without me, none of this would have been possible. I
may or may not be some variety of god, and now you've had the chance to read my words. I wish I could be you. But I really don't. Because I'm me.
To anyone who puts up with my nonsense, and doesn't take it seriously.
Edited by Mithradites
