Vindalaeran Elves

Th Vindalaerans are an ethnic and cultural group of elves inhabiting the heavily forested western coast of central Aeboria. Most Vindalaerans are High Elves or Wood Elves, although most elven subraces are represented within the culture. Vindalaerans are thought to be the most ancient of elven cultures, with their forested homeland of Vindalaeris being the original homeland of all elves.

## Vindalaeran States

* Vindalaeris
* Kelestia

## History

The first migration of Vindalaerans from the homeland of Vindalaeris happened many thousands of years ago. Vindalaerans who were persecuted, outcast, suffering from strife or simply possessing an adventurous spirit would travel north to the once uninhabited northern forests of the Karolessian river valley and over time create the Karolessian culture. The Karolessians would later migrate towards other parts of the world, spreading the heritage of Vindalaeris far and wide.

## Culture

### Vindalaeran cultural mindset

Vindalaerans are generally known to be a prideful and somewhat aloof people who revere their rich cultural and historical heritage. There is a general consensus amongst most Vindalaerans that their ways and customs are the most sophisticated and righteous. It is not uncommon for Vindalaerans, especially the high class urbanites, to look down upon other places in the world, seeing other cultures as being barbaric and prone to needless violence. In spite of their aloofness, Vindalaerans pursue giving foreigners a good impression of their culture and lifestyle and thus treats them with respect and courtesy.

### Isolationism

Vindalaeran culture is very reserved to the outside world, only dealing with outsiders when it is absolutely necessary, such as through trade and dealing with the occasional foreign threat. Vindalaerans rarely ever go to war unless it is to defend their homeland. This pacifist and isolationist mindset has made Vindalaeran states exceptionally peaceful and stable. On the flipside, this mentality has also blinded Vindalaerans when they have faced direct threats from foreign powers, taking them off-guard when cunning enemies have invaded their lands.

### Craftsmanship

Vindalaerans are noted for their extremily high quality of different crafts, whether it is their intricately ornamented buildings, well-tailored clothes, exquisite jewelry or high-quality weaponry and armor. Much of their craft is based on traditions older than most existing civilizations, giving Vindalaeran arts and craft a timeless and highly aesthetic quality. Vindalaeran wares are highly sought after and sold at exhorbitant prices in other countries, especially since Vindalaerans do limited trade with the outside world.

Young Vindalaeran wood elfHigh elven urban nobleVandalaeran footsoldierNorthern Vindalaeran druid
## Subgroups

### Uryat Vindalaeran Elves

The Uryat Vindalaerans are descendants of the Vindalaerans inhabiting primarily the Uryat Woodlands, having migrated eastward more than a millennia ago. The Uryats are primarily wood elves and live in close-knit tribes. They have intermingled with the Chernavian people, adopting parts of their culture and language and have been intermarrying for many centuries. In more recent times, with the expansion of the Chalkan Empire, the Uryats have become vassals of the steppe people of the Mankhegi Steppes, although they still maintain a lot of autonomy.

## Given Names Examples

Male

* Aldagas, Alvalon, Feniris, Fweneris, Fwinias, Ganderil, Lendir, Mithandias, Osewadir

Female

* Aerysa, Emeraldiel, Eomilla, Eowyn, Miriviel