Elvenkind

Elvenkind, known in Ruulden as Ruul’yun (“God’s Children”), are one of the principal mortal peoples of Mundus. In early histories they travel alongside Humekind before diverging to found Ruulran (“God’s Home”), where Elvenkind today remain culturally and politically pre-eminent.

Etymology

Ruul’yun is a Ruulden compound meaning “God’s Children.” Related sacred compounds include Ruul’chtan (“God’s Mountain”), long sought by the Elvenkind, and Ruulran (“God’s Home”), the realm they established upon finding that mountain.

Mythic and early history

Aetherian tradition records a long overland journey in which the Hume tribe and the Ruul’yun traveled together for several cycles, bonded by a shared faith (Aetherian) though venerating different primarch deities—Humes, Simonius; Ruul’yun, Odivia. The alliance ended when the Humes settled fertile plains while the Ruul’yun continued in search of Ruul’chtan; soon after, the Elvenkind founded Ruulran to the south.

Language

Elvenkind are the historic speakers of Ruulden, the oldest surviving language in Mundus and the official tongue of Ruulran. While Ruulden once spread widely, it diverged in Directionland into Common Directian; today Ruulden is reserved for rites, diplomacy, and ceremony.

Faith

Within the Aetherian Faith (the Faith of the Four), Ruulran and the Ruul’yun are associated with Odivia (“the Mother”). Aetherian practice is nationalized in both Ruulran and Directionland, with nations selecting a patron among the Four (Ruulran—Odivia; Directionland—Simonius).

Society and culture

Ruulranic structures

Letters and reports describing Ruulran society depict a rigid rank system signaled by name suffixes, with children inheriting the lower rank of their parents (e.g., Tharil “peasant,” suffix -il).

Demonyms and identity

“Ruul’yun” refers specifically to Elvenkind, whereas “Ruulrani” denotes people from Ruulran regardless of race (e.g., “Ruulrani army reports,” “Ruulrani blood”).

Appearance

Sources note characteristic elven ears among the Ruul’yun; individual descriptions vary, but Elvenkind traits are otherwise quite similar to Humekind.

Distribution

Elvenkind are most concentrated in Ruulran but are present across Directionland through travel, service, or exile. Noted examples include Ruulran City natives living or operating within the Empire.