Republic of Elvala

The largest government on Thyràsal, the Republic of Elvala is a prominent voice within the Core Alliance. From their capital of Syràla city, it oversees the care and well-being of the Elvaan people. Their national symbol is an intricate white tree with teal leaves representing the Velwood trees that are plentiful on the world. The Republic is a cultural center for not only Vaan, but for many Core races and stands as one of the highest centers of Magickal learning in all of Aeos.

## Culture

The Republic of Elvala prides itself on its social enlightenment, focus on learning and betterment, and on its rich history. One of the oldest civilizations in Aeos, Elvala stands as a leading voice in the Core Alliance and the Magick community.

### Cuisine

#### Appetizers

Many Elvaan appetizers are simple and easy to prepare, such as garlic *selan* and salted *nephits*. Others, like roasted kon chips, are served with a combination of sauces and seasonings for a multitude of flavorful choices.

### Education

Most Elvaan children are enroled into public school houses at age seven, though many are tutored as early as five. More wealthy Elvaan parents can elect to enroll their children in private academies that specialize in preparing the students for a variety of rolls, allowing the children to choose their career paths early. Many young Elvaan do not decide their careers until they have graduated the "Mid Years", with most aging around their early twenties.

Because of their advanced age, Elvaan can take many schooling courses over many years, with many scholars taking almost a century or more of various courses to become masters of their fields. More eager youths often pursue roles in security or military organizations, such as the *Heplat* Guard or the Elvalan *Imracuran* Fleets.

### Elvaan lifestyle

Being an Elvaan means many different things, depending on the Elvaan in question. For some, it means taking a leading role in shaping the universe for the better. For others, it means relishing in the comfort of academic and spiritual freedom. Many in Aeos see Elvaan as uptight or snobbish, though others can see that many Elvaan are simply sincere and have trouble portraying such to others who they might deem "unenlightened". While there are many genuinely xenophobic and arrogant Elvaan, others merely lack the social understanding of how to interact comfortably with other races. With religious and cultural acceptance being a social priority within not only the Republic, but also the entire Core Alliance, however, the Elvaan endeavor to work amicably with their fellow Core worlders and strive to aid them whenever possible.

Life on Elvaan worlds is generally seen as peaceful, serene, and idyllic, with most Elvaan occupying their time by pursuing betterment of themselves, their families, people, etc. Very few criminal elements exist within Elvaan circles, though corruption within the Senate does arise.

### Traditions

#### Bonding Ritual

The *Kirath lìn* is an old ritual still performed by modern-day Elvaan wishing to bond to their respective *Janìr*, or "Spirit Guardians".

### Language

The Elvaan generally speak Galactic, Elfric, and Inithas, the latter being the most recognized language native to all Vaan, serving as a universal trade language. Elfric is the national language of the Elvaan, serving as the primary form of communication within Elvalan lands.

### Religion

Elvaan laws are diverse, with many worshiping the Ìlthalan triumvirate while the ways of Nojaru spirituality was introduced by a cultural exchange with the Sylvaan. Shinthaeraeonism, or "Shinism", is a new prominent philosophy sweeping through academic circles in the Republic. Under the Natural Freedoms Article, all Vaan in the Republic are permitted freedom of religion, and many who have explored different cultures have returned with new faiths.

#### Ìlthali Covenant

The Ìlthali Covenant praises three deities - the sun god, Ajaru, and his two wives - the moon goddesses Mara and Nira. They are revered symbolically as the Vaethros' sun, named Ajaru by the Republic, and the twin moons of Thyràsal. The legend tells that Ajaru, with the help of his wives, crafted Thyràsal out of star dust and, on it, molded the various Vaan as their children.

As the Chronicles of Ìlthali tell it, Ajaru fought with the Avatar of Pestilence, Yandar, and ended the Great Plague that was forced on the Elvaan peoples. Having cast Yandar to the deepest pits of Atrioch to be guarded by Nira, Ajaru was forced to enter a deep slumber to regain his strength. His wives, Mara and Nira, watch over the Elvaan peoples in his stead. Mara governs the Elvaan's afterlife of Adralgard while Nira resides in the cold, wintry realm of Atrioch, both as a warden for Yandar and any accursed souls who earn the goddess' ire.

Mara is described as a warm, matriarchal figure, representing summer, love, fire, warmth, life, heart, and womanly power. She is said to be generous with her love and gifts the Elvaan with potency in Magick but teaches them the importance of empathy and protecting those who are unable to protect themselves. She watches over the grassy highlands of Adralgard, rewarding Elvaan with a place in her palace for upholding her ideals.

Nira is prayed to significantly less by Elvaan, being feared for her place as guardian of the Elvaan's equivalent of Hell.

## Economy

### Currency

The Republic of Elvala has adopted the Core's standard currency of Galactic Credits for use in their society. However, many coins from the previous Vathala Kingdom still remain though mostly as collections and for historical preservation.

## Military

### Heplat Guard

The policing force for the Republic, the Heplat Guard is one of the best trained policing forces in the Core. Their efficiency in pursuing criminals and investigating cases has been integrated into the Core Security Force. They wear a lightweight, padded dark blue armor and helm and use largely non-lethal equipment when it comes to bringing down dangerous individuals, such as stun sticks and gas grenades.

### Scáthanna

Meaning "Shadows" in Inithas, Scáthanna are not a technical part of the military but, rather, make up the intelligence network of the Republic. Known on the outside as the "Elvalan Secret Service", the Scáthanna are lead by the Cainteoir, or "Speaker", who serves as a figurehead and representative to the senate and Arbiter. The Scáthanna are divided into cells, each with their own assignments, and are lead by their own Údar or "Master".

### Vynatharas

The "Blades of Purpose", the Vynatharas are the special forces arm of the Republic, performing a variety of high risk missions including hostage rescue, securing of assets and intel, perform counter subversion, and more. They are regarded highly by not only the Vaan but the Core military in general for their effectiveness in the field and stellar military record.

#### Vynasarung

The Vynasarung are the field operatives deployed into combat zones and behind enemy lines. Favoring a mix of long-range reconnaissance with close-quarters, quiet dispatching of targets, Vynasarung are compared often with the Saleluki Sarai, often killing targets quickly before they even have a chance to notice them.