Trying to design a hood for elves with really long ears like do they have little slits to slide them through, do they keep their ears in but it potentially looks really goofy and is uncomfortable, do they instead wear a wrap or head-scarf of some kind (potentially still uncomfortable), do they have little ear covers sewn into the hoods like those jester hoods, do they have separate ear covers, or do they just enchant a hood with ear slits to resist cold and pray it's enough
if you smooth out the elves in any of the elder scrolls games i personally should be allowed to smooth your face out. with sandpaper. im going to sandpaper your face. if you make my elves conventionally attractive i will remove your face.
The mage/elven kingdom is currently ruled by 400 year old elven king named Arlen Aregia. The elven king has only one child, a 250 year old daughter named Bedalia Aregia. Although it is considered normal for royalty and retire at 400, the current king has showed little to no interest in passing his power to his daughter anytime soon. The king is hardened warrior who has fought in both international and civil wars. Despite his advanced age, due to his rigorous training and exercise he is agile, moving with the fluidity of a middle aged/300 year old elf.
Although there are 9 noble blooded families in the mage kingdom, only the king is the king and the rest of the nobility acts as local lords that must ultimately report the king.
ROYAL FAMILY LIST & HIERARCHY
The Aregia family. Descendants of The First Mother's chosen. Most powerful family in the whole elven kingdom. They tend to exhibit immense skill in diplomacy, arcane weaponry, offensive/war magic, and the study/understanding of elven history.
2. The Brynaraok family. Descendants of The First Father's chosen. Considered second in command to the Aregia Family.
3. The Cheyyrth family. Descendants of Water's chosen. Third most powerful family. They tend to exhibit immense skill in elemental magic, especially water magic. They help ensure water sources are available and clear, nurture farms/gardens, and help with farming and hunting. Their work is vital to elven society & survival. Historically they have allied with Delzarian family to prevent other houses from stealing their coveted positions.
4. The Delzarian family. Descendants of Dawn's chosen. Fourth most powerful family. They tend to exhibit immense skill in light, healing and defensive magic. Their work is vital to elven society & survival.
5. The Elidyaar family. Descendants of Dusk's chosen. Fifth most powerful family. They tend to exhibit immense skill in shadow and conjuration magic.
6. The Fliyardin family. Descendants of Earth's chosen. Sixth most powerful family. They tend to exhibit immense skill in elemental magic, especially Earth magic. They perform similar duties to the Cheyyrth as well as helping construct roads and cities.
7. The Gilvia family. Descendants of Air's chosen. Seventh most powerful family. They tend to exhibit immense skill in elemental magic, especially Air magic. They perform similar duties to the Cheyyrth family & the Fliyardin family.
8. The Halueve family. Descendants of Fire's chosen. Eight most powerful family. They tend to exhibit immense skill in elemental magic, especially Fire magic. Historically they have initiated a lot of the civil wars, with this family extremely dissatisfied in their place in the social hierarchy.
9. The Iithirya family. Descendants of the Fate Caller's chosen. Ninth most powerful family. They are a jack of all trades, showing skills in more than one type of magic. However most of the members of this family are only masters at minor levels of magic (see magic post for more info).
*Please note that when it comes to surnames only the royal families are allowed to have their surnames start with the first 9 letters of the alphabet. Letters 10-13 (J, K, L, M,) are used by rich/upper class elves who are NOT of royal blood. Middle and lower classes use the later 13 letters of the alphabet to start their surnames.
RELEVANT & HELPFUL POSTS
Important locations & overview of gods here
Elves vs humans
Types of magic
FAMILY SYSTEMS / STRUCTURES (see under the cut)
Elven society is one that highly values family. And with them living up to 500 years old, they can old a grudge like nobody's business. Enemies and allies tend to remain somewhat stable/predictable for multiple generations.
Although elves respect all genders, because the ruling king is a descendant of the First Mother, femme members of families tend to take up head of household positions.
Heads of Household tend to be either the oldest of the family or a member of marrying age (elves typically get married in the 100-200 age range). Marriages help maintain alliances and help with a transition of power, with those most recently married gaining the choice to become Head of Household.
Royal Heads of Households serve on a diplomatic counsel, helping advice the king on both national and international matters. During times of war they act of Heads of Household.
Even non-royal families & poor families have Head of Households. For the middle and lower classes Head of Households are responsible for paying taxes and donating goods to their superiors as well as maintaining peace and order. If a family member breaks a law, the Head of Household is responsible for paying fines/bail as well as acting as the family lawyer in the court of law.
Wealthy families can elevate their status by marrying into a royal/noble family. They can demote their status by marrying a person of middle or lower class.
Royal/noble families can elevate their status by marrying into a noble family above theirs. They can demote their status by marrying a middle or lower class person.
Middle and lower classes can earn respect and elevate their status outside of marriage by being skills scholars, mages, and/or warriors.
[ MAGES- known in most fantasy settings as elves ]
worship multiple gods known as the Ancients (read more here)
ruled by a monarchy in which royal families are thought to be descendants of the Ancient's Chosen (see link in previous bullet)
have pointed ears that grant them suprerior hearing (when compared to steel-born)
born with the ability to cast magic but must train in order to use it adeptly
can see in the dark
average lifespan 500 years old, considered an adult at 100 years old, considered middle aged when 300
due to their long lifespans there is little pressure to have large families or multiple heirs for royal families
accepting of all genders / all genders are treated as equals
[ STEEL-BORN - known in most fantasy settings as humans]
worship one god known as the Forgemaster (read more here)
ruled by a monarchy in which royal families are typically knights/swordsmen who have a lot of $$$ to invest in private lessons (royal families are either adept swordsmen or skilled bladesmith's who use their superior talent to prove they are favored by the Forgemaster)
the man with the most power in the steel-born is the king -- only the king & his family are allowed to have no last name. Anyone whose first name matches that of the king and his family must, but law, have it changed.
unable to cast magic but are talented at making steel tools & weapons
rounded ears, can't see in the dark
average lifespan 100 years old, considered adults at 20, considered middle aged at 50
due to their short lifespans there is often pressure to have large families or multiple heirs for royal families
culture tends to favor men since the Forgemaster was male and "men were crafted in the Forgemaster's image"... women & nonbinary people CAN become swordsmen but it isn't very common