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THE
INJERÍN
ELVES
("GUIDING
TRIBE",
"GOLDEN
ELVES") |
The Injerín tribe is the largest tribe of elves in Northern Sarvonia. They make their home in the vast Shaded Forest, which is in the center of the land. The Injerín were originally a large group of refugees from the destruction of Fá'áv'cál'âr. They were led by an elven officer known as Ahman’avaesthán (lit. "In Answer To Our Fault"), who settled them in the quietude of the Shaded Forest. This elven tribe was lucky in its flight from the ruined empire, as many of the people were able to take books of wisdom and knowledge with them. Unfortunately with the coming of the War of the Chosen many of these books were destroyed, some of them were hidden and could not be found. This was indeed a dark time, but after the Battle of the Winds, this tribe was paramount in revitalizing the devastated lands during the Years of Cleansing.
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However, several hundred years later, an elven
youth stumbled upon the hiding place of some of these ancient books. The
discovery and later translation of these texts brought about the coming of the
Age of Myths. With the sharing of much of the knowledge that was discovered this
tribe was named the "Injerín" (Styrásh:
"Guides"). The Injerín have continued in their role as teachers of the races.
They were one of the few people not displaced during the Year of the Burning
Night and have maintained much of the area's histories and kept its knowledge
safe. To this day they try to counsel peace between the races, at times to no
avail. However, if necessary they will bring about an incredible and fearsome
force to protect that peace.
Appearance.
The Injerín are fair skinned and seem to have a permanent blush about their
cheeks. This blush along with their smooth skin makes their age almost
impossible to tell, even for other elves.
They average slightly more than two
peds in height and are
slim of build. The most striking thing about them is their facial features.
They have high, defined cheekbones which add to the chiseled appearance they
have. Their ears are sharply pointed, though not as swept back as some. Their
eyes are the most intriguing for they have a colour not found amongst any
human, a gold reaching from the lucid
variety said to resemble the Injèrá
herself to a deep amber with light sparkles within them. A vivid emeral green
is also seen a decent amount, though this colouration is more common for
females. Most of the Injerín have blonde hair the colour of spun gold. Their
hair along with the golden eyes has led some to calling them the “Gold Elves”.
On both men and women the hair is worn long, and is plaited with various
natural substances to keep the hair from their faces, with flowers being the
most common for women and flowering twigs for men.
Coat of Arms/Sign.
The coat of arms for the Injerín has remained the same for countless years. It
is a golden tulmine tree upon a
light blue background. A single ray of golden light shines from the top to be
incorporated into the form of the tree. Beneath the tree is a golden scroll,
unrolled with the word Bóll (Styrásh
for "knowledge", "wisdom") inscribed in black lettering. This coat of arms is
highly representative of the beliefs of these people. The ray of
sunshine is the light which
Avá gave to the world in which to view
its beauty. It is also viewed as divine inspiration given to their bards. The
tulmine tree, being very common
in the Shaded Forest is
representative of the Injerín homeland and people. The scroll is an idealized
version of the books of knowledge that were re-discovered centuries ago. The
blue background behind the whole symbol is a representation of the world, and
was chosen as the background as everything represented is just a part of the
world.
Territory.
The Injerín are located in the southern area of
Northern Sarvonia. They live in
the largest forest of the region, the
Shaded Forest. This forest buts up against the southern foothills of the
Prominent Mountains, and is north of the
Celeste Lowlands. To the east
are the Ashz’oc Orcs and the Skeleton Coast.
To the West is the Sea of Tears, and running through the forest is the Luquador
River.
People.
Without doubt, the Injerín are the most peaceful people in all of
Northern Sarvonia. Well, they
at least wish to be more so than any other people. They do not have some of the
sanctuary of the Artyrhon Elves with their well
guarded isles and stout ships, or the isolation of
Santharia across the dangerous
Tandala, but they endeavor to
have a peaceful co-existence none the less. This is made difficult by the close
presence of the Ashz’Oc orcs and their fierce
ways. Also in the past there have been battles with their hated enemy the
Diorye'oleal. The Injerín are definitely very
skilled in the arts of war, especially in the use of their famous
longbows. To them it is a matter of
necessity, rather than desire. This feeling is so deeply ingrained that you
will hardly hear a ballad or poem about the joys of battle. There are however
many a dirge for a slain warrior.
It can be said that you will not find a more learned person in
Northern Sarvonia than an
Injerín elf. This is not a boast, and in
fact is more of an understatement, as they pride themselves on knowledge and
take in new facts as another would a valued gem or gift from a loved one. For
centuries they have kept records of the North, and it is rumoured that they
know all that has happened in the lands and their libraries are without peer
even in New-Santhala. It takes a royal grant for any non-Injerín to be allowed
in though, as so much of the knowledge is in fragile books, and some histories
are better left unknown. It is said that the only
human to have such a privlege was the
famous Kuglim
Dro'go Minar'ine, and it were the
Injerín who told him of his ancestry and the once great
Mynian Kingdom.
The only thing valued as much as knowledge is art and the artistic form. This
includes all forms of poetry, song, prose, art, and dance. The Injerín view all
things of an artistic nature to be the divine inspiration of
Avá and thus the culmination of that
inspiration is sacred as well. There is even an entire city dedicated to such
it is Lyeil'soula. It is this devotion to inspiration that creates some of the
greatest of bards, included amongst those hallowed ranks is Lucirina Telor
Vevan.
As previously mentioned the Injerín are well versed in
weaponry. Since they pursue excellence
in all things, they have done so here as well. Even though it is hard for them
to kill, it is even harder for them to allow death. Their connection with their
homeland and their feeling of being the stability for the region and the
caretakers for the land, gives them such an inner
fire that they are fearless in battle.
There is nothing that puts fear into their enemies such as the sight of
hundreds of Injerín armed for battle, their bowstrings taut and golden
arrowheads shimmering in the strong
sunlight.
Housing.
Being masters of Xeuá, their ability to
train and grow their surroundings into wonderful structures and housing has
created some beautiful forms. The natural formations of bark and branch are
augmented by specifically trained vines and flowering plants. This combination
creates a natural, yet beautiful and detailed environment. A common situation
is having the common rooms at the ground floor with both inside and outside
stairs lead further and further up the tree. The higher levels are devoted to
living quarters, with the elders of the family having the highest of rooms, so
their wisdom may spread downward to those who are younger. The use of
Xeuá magic keeps the trees shrouded in
the warmth of their leaves all year. They go through seasonal change, but just
do not fall.
Following is a
list of all important Injerín cities:
Elin’dor ("City
of Wonder")
This is the heart of the Injerín Elves
accomodations as well as the grandest and most populous city. This city was
created back during the Age of Myths. Two ilyenti
trees were slowly grown on each bank of the Luquador River, their natural growth
was augmented by the use of elven
magics until the two trees towered above the
river. The city was then built along the banks and going up the trees until the
two sides of the settlement connected far above the river, settled upon enormous
branches. Elin'dor is home to the impressive and renowned library of the
Injerín. Along with this, its other principle use is for trade. As it sits above
and on both banks of the river, it controls trade along the river. Goods from
the Kurakim dwarves flow down from the
Prominent Mountains, and goods from the Kuglimz
in the south are barged upriver.
O'kroi'parda'ael
("The Everlasting War in the West")
This city was originally the gateway to the west and the
Mynian Kingdom that resided there.
However, with the destruction of the human
kingdom during the Burning Night by orcs, it
soon became a bastion of defense for the elven
tribe. Over the years of constant wars and raiding with the
elves, the city grew stronger and larger
with the help of elven
magic and
dwarven stone masons. It is now one of the largest fortifications in
Northern Sarvonia.
Avá’ewelín
("Beauty of Life")
This is an enormous complex of temples and shrines dedicated not only to the
elven High Goddess Avá,
but to the glory of nature as well. The center of this complex is a botanical
garden that is filled with many differing plants and trees from many different
areas. They are not so much arranged as put together and let grow to show the
natural beauty of all that
Avá has created,
minimal use of Xeuá
keeps all of the plants flourishing in a beautiful chaos. Many Injerín poets,
philosophers, and elderly come to this quiet place to contemplate on life and
the wonders that
Avá has given them.
Lyeil'soula
("Song of Bards")
This city is the smallest of the four large cities. Like the capital Elin'dor
this settlement contains many schools. These schools are not of
magic or history, rather they are for bards
and philosophers. This city has been likened to a Northern
Bardavos,
though admittedly it is not as large, nor quite as open in their admittance
policies.
Clothing.
Clothing is often dependent upon their trade. No matter what trade, or what
colour they are identified with, it always seems bright. The only exception to
this is that warriors wear a drab green for their usual wear. Several examples
of the colours that are used by specific trades are as follows: teachers of any
craft or discipline always wear gold, merchants wear blue, bards wear purple,
and food gatherers wear red. Others who have not become masters tend to wear
shades of brown, this is indicative that they have not been enlightened to a
specific knowledge. This clear indication of profession is used to further
expediate the quest for knowledge. If you are seeking answers you simply find
someone wearing the appropriately coloured clothing.
The clothing is made of finely woven wools and linen of such quality that it is
valued as a trade item in the region. The clothing is pretty similar for both
men and women, with the only difference being around the bosom. Long sleeves
and single piece gowns are commonly worn. A belt cinches around the middle, the
men pull some of the gown up so it folds over the belt slightly, whereas the
women keep it smooth to better accent their forms. Around the bosom the women
usually have a strip of stronger cloth, or layered cloth in a thin strip to
help support and define their bosom. The men often have a round or key cut to
the top of their clothing, and the females tend to prefer a slight “v” cut.
Diet.
The main foundation are the things that the forest provides for them.
Ho’shi roam the outer boundaries of the
forest, the woolly boar and
moss bear can be found within the
forest itself. Those animals along with the fish found in the Luquador River
are the main sources of meat for the Injerín. They also rely heavily on the
natural bounty of the forest in the form of the berries from the
tulmine tree and the flowers
from the rik’tyan. The Injerín also
eat different vegetables and fruits found in the forest and tubers and roots
found near the riverbank.
Weapons.
While the Injerín use weapons such as
the bow and the
elven
longsword, they are most well known and feared for their
longbows. The
Losh’Oc know well the piercing pain from the deadly rain of arrows that are
loosed from these bows. The warrior
contingent from O'kroi'parda'ael are rumored to be able to hit an
orc’s eye at over a hundred
peds.
Occupations.
The occupations of the Injerín are much the same as many other
elves. It must be said that they have more
teachers and bards though, than many of their brethren do. It takes many years
to become a teacher, and it is often an honour bestowed only upon those who are
acknowledged as masters of their own occupation. Another thing of note is that
there are few permanent warriors amongst the Injerín, rather it is done on a
rotational basis. If an elf feels an
affinity for a weapon he may become a
master, then teacher of that weapon but
he will not be a soldier any more. This is done to make sure all of the
elves are well versed in
weaponry, and to also make it so one
does not become tainted with many of the downfalls of a common warrior.
Another highly respected occupation is that of what
Santharians would call mage. To the
Injerín though it is natural to follow whatever disposition
Avá has dreamed for you. Some knew
Avá dreamed of them being a baker, and
others knew Avá had dreamed for them to
to work with the very stuff of the dream.
Xeua or what some call "life" magic is the most common type of energy used.
The other magical affinity of the Injerín
is with fire. While some would question
such a destructive force in association with these peaceful
elves. But, the way in which it is used, is
quite different from the norm. It is more the use of energy and the potential
for action that is used.
Government.
The Injerín have a governmental style that has a council of elders and a ruler.
The ruler is a Ránn, and the title is most often hereditary passing from
current Ránn to the eldest daughter. In rare times when there is no direct
female heir, then the eldest male of the line will assume ruler ship as Rónn.
There has been an instance where the Ránn died without any heirs at all. In
that most extreme of circumstances, the closest female relation whether, aunt,
cousin, etc. takes the position of Ránn.
The power of the Ránn has not dwindled through the years, like so many other
monarchs. It is through the ruler's wisdom that they may sway their thoughts to
those of the circle of elders, not due to a lack of power. The circle of elders
is comprised of both females and males from various occupations and
backgrounds. Entrance into this group is determined by the ruler, though
standards do exist. Most often the member is at the height of his or her
occupation or craft. While the number of people and the roles they represent
change, there are some constants. The types of people always included are, the
most renowned bard, the best warrior, the wealthiest trader, and the wisest
mage. This is at times referred to as the inner circle due to the constant
inclusion of these occupations.
Production/Trade.
The Injerín wood products are always well received as they use nature
magic to grow things into shape, rather
than crafting it. On any piece of dead wood, they will carve and shape it into
a form, which they are masters of. Another one of their main trade items is the
cloth that they produce. Their weaves are much tighter, which leads to a
natural water resistance in the
fabric.
Natural Resources.
As the Injerín reside within the
Shaded Forest, many natural resources are at their disposal. Granted, most
of these resources come in the form of wood items. It is said that using Xeuá
and fire magics that the Injerín can create nearly anything out of wood.
Fruits, vegetables, and animals are also plentiful and never make them want for
food.
Holidays,
Festivals and Observances.
There are four seperate occasions that are celebrated. These festivals also
coincide with the seasons, so serve a dual purpose.
In the first week of the fourth month the Injerín gather in the gardens of
Lyeil'soula, if they can make the pilgrimage, or in another flower filled
space. The building of the city is commemorated along with all that the city
represents. For a full week songs are sung, tales are told, and shows
presenting all manners of art are proliferant. Not only is the inspiration of
the mind celebrated, but also the inspiration of
Avá in the world, focusing especially on
the myriad of colours found in nature.
The second week of the seventh month is a week long celebration of knowledge.
This celebration is at this time, as the
Injèrá, the sun and their symbol
of enlightenment, spends the most time in the sky. During the festival all
manners of research is displayed in great open spaces throughout the city of
Elin'dor. At times peoples from other tribes are invited to share their own
research so that knowledge may ever grow. This also allows everyone of the
Injerín to expose themeselves to varying topics.
The third week of the tenth month is a celebration of life and the way in which
it changes and continues on. Avá’ewelín is the main site for this celebration,
as the many trees that are interspred throughout the city are not treated with
any Xeuá magics and thus follow the dictates of nature, shedding their leaves.
Throughout this week there are many rites done by the priests of the city. This
is the most officious of all celebrations.
In the fourth week of the first month is the time of the least celebrated
festival. This holiday takes place at O'kroi'parda'ael, and only the
elves that are stationed there take place
in the event. It is also a week long festival, but unlike the others there is
no gaiety during this week. Instead it is a week of rememberance for those who
have fallen in battle. Not only is it rememberance for those lives, but more so
for what could have been accomplished in those lives if not for the evils of
war.
Language.
Old Injerín, which is still used for formal ceremonies, is a dialect that
shares much in the way with common
Styrásh, yet it is a more
archaic form than that spoken by many elves
in the south. This is due to many of the traditions kept alive from the time of
Fá'áv'cál'âr by the books taken with
them when they fled. New Injerín, which is much more common, was brought about
by the changing of some words during the long turning of time, as well as some
corruptions that took place during the time of close conference with the
humans of the
Mynian Kingdom and the
Kurakim dwarves.
History.
The following is but a glimpse at the well storied history of the Injerín.
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Information provided by
Drogo
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