Yu'Lorei

Yu'Lorei
Race
Pronunciation	You-lor-ay / Lor-eeh
Archetype	Elven
Nicknames	Lori, Machine Elves, Cultured Elves, Spice Elves, Ashen Elves
Languages	Common (Change Later)
Vampiric Conversion	Possible
Aetherial Affinity	Level 1 - Hard to Cast Magic
Roleplay Difficulty	Hard
Racial Traits
Aetheriality	Physical
Max Age	200 Years
Strengths	Intelligent, Creative, Social
Weaknesses	Cold Vulnerability, Low Adaptation
Height	5' Homogeneous
Weight	90 to 180 lbs
Eye Colors	Green, Blue, Lilac, Purple, Brown
Hair Colors	White
Skin Tones	Gray
Average Physique	Slender to Athletic
Aetherial Limit	Class 1 Alpha
Significant Demographics
While this doesn't mean your character has to come from one of these places, it's recommended they do. Island of Ae'Tezan

A highly spirited race of elves who hail from the tropical paradise of Ae'Tezan. The Yu'Lorei, usually referred to in common by their endearing nickname lori, are a highly collaborative race that have an impressive culture and equally impressive personalities. Their many technological insights over the last few centuries have made them the most advanced society, aetherial knowledge excluded. Yu'Lorei have a bond so strong between each other that nothing can separate them even if there are disagreements between them. Their extreme vulnerability to the cold has led them to avoid visiting or settling in colder regions. Their society is very accommodating to their unique needs on an individual level and as a result most lori live a life of happiness and luxury. It remains to be seen if the lori's many blessings end up being the tools of their own destruction, as their ancient prophecy of cataclysm has yet to transpire.

Physical Characteristics

The Yu'Lorei are a very unique race and possess exclusive features that are not commonly associated to the other elven races. They possess exclusively gray skin and white hair, which has led to the more diverse races mocking lori for all looking the same. They also possess considerable strength that is comparable to humans, which is unheard of among other elven races. Their average height is the same between both genders at around 5 feet tall at full maturity. The men also have fairer and more feminine facial features and physiques then the men of other races, contributing to a very sensitive and empathetic overall image. Their eye colors are predominantly green but can also be blue, lilac, purple, hazel, and brown. There are very rare instances where they might have silver eyes, a trait commonly associated with having a strong connection to the aetherial field. The Yu'Lorei fall under Elven Physiology, which means they will not visually age past full maturity (age 18) until the day they die. Elven specific physiology also prevents them from gaining excess body fat, however they are vulnerable to starvation and will not be able to survive as long without food compared to other races. A healthy lori can live up to 200 years, the shortest lifespan of any elven race. Unlike the resilient aesiri, lori are extremely vulnerable to cold temperatures and will die of hypothermia far more quickly and at warmer temperatures then a human. Surprisingly lori have excellent night vision, a trait that many scholars are still confused about as it is usually only associated with subterranean or nocturnal species. For clarity, the lori can just as easily see in bright environments as well.

Mental Characteristics

The Yu'Lorei are a highly sensual, intelligent, and expressive race. Despite their intellect, everything a lori does will always come from their heart. They have a natural gift for solving complicated problems that other races would find excessively difficult, and are in fact the second most intelligent race. Lori have a strong mental and physical need for social interaction, and will suffer from depression, loneliness and even severe health problems if they do not sufficiently interact with others. In fact if left alone for too long, they will almost certainly lose their sanity and even die of depression. They are also highly expressive and almost incapable of holding back any feelings they harbor inside. This has resulted in their culture being very open, even things which are considered private or taboo among other races are publicly embraced within lori society. As a highly sensual race, it is no surprise that lori are incredibly erotic and very open about everything related to their eroticism. There are very few boundaries between the genders, and they hardly even care if they are naked. They are highly empathetic and care deeply about others, especially those of their own race. They are attracted to each other like magnets, and constant body contact is crucial to their happiness (they need lots of hugs). There is no crime, scandalous activity or otherwise in lori culture. Any infractions against public morality and law are treated with care and tenderness with an emphasis on change and understanding as opposed to outright punishment. If a lori has committed an act that was not acceptable to others, they feel an extreme sense of shame. This powerful sense of shame has in part caused most lori to avoid repeating instances of bad behavior. Yu'Lorei are almost incapable of adapting to other cultures, and when venturing beyond their homeland will always travel in groups in order to provide sufficient moral and emotional support to each other. Unlike most races, lori hardly feel the aetherial field at all. They have an even harder time trying to channel aetherial energy, and have completely given up on any attempt to practice magic many millennia ago in favor of technological progress.

History

The origins of dark elves leads to the tales of seafaring explorers encountering them while sailing in the Exodian Sea. They were considered mysterious and were thought to bring good fortune upon those who encountered them. They made their first connection to the continent of Exodius when the Kingdom of Rivera made a trade with travelling dwarf merchants from the Island of Thandolin. The dwarf merchants had sold intricate small trinkets capable of keeping track of time to a wealthy merchant who lived within the Kingdom of Rivera. These 'clocks' proved to be a very profitable item within the kingdom, and it did not take long for the king himself to demand where these devices had come from. The wealthy merchant referred the king to the dwarf merchants, whom a decade later had returned. The dwarves were hesitant to divulge the origins of their goods, but the king ultimately offered considerable wealth to them. The dwarves accepted the deal and told them of an island in the Exodian Sea where the goods had come from.

The Island of Ae'Tezan is a large post-volcanic landmass located in the Southwestern Exodian Sea. Abundant in resources, the dark elves have lived here for millennia. They claim to have originated from the Exodius Continent, and migrated to the island thousands of years ago. There are no dark elven ruins or traces on the Exodius Continent however, so their claims are still under investigation by historical societies. The dark elves have since provided all their historical accounts to the various historical societies of Amestria.

Dark Elven History

Dark elves are said to have migrated to the Island of Ae'Tezan thousands of years ago, and made the island their permanent home. Over many centuries the elves transitioned from a tribal society living in thatch huts to a sprawling civilization nestled at the base of the island's volcanic mountains. Over the years they have dug mining tunnels through every mountain, and have farmed every open plain on the island. They constructed sailing vessels and rediscovered the Exodius Continent, even establishing trade with kitsune villages during the clan wars period. Their connection to the feudal kitsune villages was severed after the clan wars approached it's climax and the villages they traded with were destroyed. Some kitsune have been integrated into dark elven society, in fact there are more kitsune living in Ae'Tezan then there are on the entire Exodius Continent.

Around the same period of time, the dark elves established contact with the Dwarven Island Kingdom of Thandolin. Trade was quickly established between the two races. The dwarves would provide raw materials, while the dark elves would provide countless goods made from said materials. Dwarves are known to all as masters of brewing, and dark elves society fully benefits from a broad assortment of exotic alcoholic beverages provided by the dwarves.

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Society

Highly progressive and sensual, Yu'Loran society is abundant with strong social bonds and the winds of change. The concept of aristocracy is foreign to the lori, who care far too much about each other to ever consider a non even distribution of resources. The basic and essential lori need to socialize has given rise to countless kinds of locale which allow them to socially interact and participate in various activities. Possibly one of the most well known and erotic of these establishments are Yu'Loran Bath Houses. Other common locales include the likes of restaurants, auditoriums, dance halls, and beautiful public gardens. No matter what the occasion, the elves have countless locales to choose from when wanting to interact with friends, family, and even common folk. This leads to another phenomenon, there are no strangers in lori society. Every lori is open to every other lori, and the only boundaries are the ones they impose after they know each other and their personal obligations. In fact, lori only form opinions on people after they know them well. They treat everyone friendly at first sight, and form opinions of people as they know more details about them. There are many forms of art in lori culture, such as paintings, sculptures, fashion, music, dance, and theatrics. The Yu'Lorei hate anything that is bland or lacking in embellishment, and will imbue everything they create with their strong cultural flair even if it isn't practical. There are many social customs, formed not out of necessity or by aristocratic means, but by a pure desire for there to be variety and for every situation to be uniquely expressed differently. This has led to countless ways to say hello, social mannerisms, and courtship rituals. When customs are violated, the lori take on a supportive and reformative approach towards the malpractitioner rather then social ostracization. The lori tendency to not cause any harm towards each other has resulted in very loose rules that usually only pertain to matters involving ignorance. Such as laws relating to certain dangerous jobs, and laws for operating certain devices. There are also social laws, but if broken are usually responded to by reforming the individual in question in a positive way. Repeated infractions will involve the lori reluctantly punishing the individual, but often this will never happen as they will feel strong shame for doing wrong in the eyes of others. There are no other known cultures that could support a Yu'Lorei, as their needs are too finely attuned to the utopian nature of their homeland.

Politics

The Island of Ae'Tezan is ruled by a council where each member is elected through skill and ability. Masters of crafts and socially connected individuals are elected into the council by the common folk, and the council members will discuss and decide on matters regarding laws and the state. Decisions are not based on majority consensus, and instead are based on every member agreeing to the same outcome. This results in a very slow bureaucracy, but one that truly has the people's best interests in mind.

In regards to foreign relations, the lori are allied to the Kingdom of Thandolin. The dwarves prove to be powerful and friendly allies, providing the elves with many dwarven riches and especially alcoholic brews. Alcohol has become an important part of lori culture since it's introduction upon meeting the dwarves, and continues to be supplied by the dwarves in exchange for the finely crafted goods the lori are renowned for making. The dwarves are also important allies when it comes to defense, their powerful warships are intimidating to any prospective warmongers. It is possibly for this reason that no one has ever tried to conquer Ae'Tezan since it's discovery a couple centuries ago.

The lori have shown little to no interest in establishing formal relations with other major nations such as the human empires or the aesir, and are content with basic trade. In the past lori have traded with some villages in Feudal Senkyou during the clan wars period, but this was brought to a close when the villages in question were destroyed following the last few years of the clan wars.

Culture

One of the most prominent aspects of Yu'Loran culture is celebration, lori literally celebrate everything. The smallest of accomplishments are usually accompanied with an outing to a locale where the individual and their close circle of friends will eat, drink, and be merry. Larger celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, and major professional accomplishments compel the formation of major gatherings usually involving every family member, friend, and even common folk. These gatherings are also accompanied by artists, writers and musicians who create pieces documenting the event. Yu'Loran history has always been easy to track due to the enormous amount of cultural evidence surrounding even minor events. Unlike other races, lori do not grow bored of constant celebration and in fact is is necessary for them to retain self esteem and a sense of belonging. A lack of celebration can cause a lori to feel unconnected and isolated from the world and can lead to depression. Lori do not forget celebrations, and will definitely remind anyone else if they are unaware of an upcoming celebration.

Most of lori society is embellished with countless pieces of art, be it statues, buildings, or even paths. Colorful flags are strung high above the streets in rows, and banners hang from almost every building. Historians can immediately recognize if a historical piece is lori in origin simply by it's excessive embellishment. Clothing tends to lean towards the minimalistic side due to the tropical climate and the lori's erotic nature. Food is very diverse, since lori have tried countless ways to make the same things taste entirely different. Fermented and pickled goods are common, and excessive use of seasonings have given them the nickname of 'spice elves' to many across amestria. Buildings are mostly stone and clay based, with an emphasis on intricate bricklaying patterns and sculpted plaster walls. The elves make frequent use of arches and domes using locally made concrete. Houses tend to be lined up in tiers along hillsides, with commercial and industrial buildings being located closer to sea level. The reason for this is that lori like being able to overlook their town and appreciate excellent views. There have been many travelers from other races who visit Ae'Tezan to experience the lori's unique culture.

Lori are very playful and open when expressing their affection. This is so prevalent in lori culture that they are susceptible to major disappointment if they try to start any kind of relationship with a different race. In order to avoid any serious problems, it is advised that other races treat lori with great care as they have very sensitive emotions when dealt with intimately.(expand)

Sports

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Theatrics

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Aqueducts

The elves have used their extensive knowledge of masonry and concrete to build aqueducts which carry water from hot springs high in the mountains down into their city on the Island of Ae'Tezan. These aqueducts provide flowing water to various public facilities and to many restaurants and even bath houses. There are public areas throughout the city where the elves can take an open shower that is fed by the aqueduct, and there are even rows of open latrines with constantly running water which flows into the sewers. Lori will often socialize with friends while using these public latrines. There are also basins with running water where they may clean themselves afterwords. Lori normally use the public showers in the morning before they begin work, and go to a bath house in the evening after they are done with work. The lori are possibly the cleanest race in amestria and take hygiene very seriously, which is important due to their love of close physical proximity.

Restaurants

Similar to taverns in other nations, restaurants offer food and drink. However unlike the establishments they are often compared to, restaurants do not have lodgings for guests and put a great amount of effort into the preparation and variety of their culinary offerings. They are usually elaborate and unique in design, to attract more guests since every locale competes for business. In order to compete in a highly saturated market, restaurants focus on unique offerings that other restaurants do not offer. This has led to every restaurant being a little different and providing a new experience to the elves. Alcohol imported from the dwarven Kingdom of Thandolin can be found in almost every establishment and is an important part of attracting guests. Despite a lack of lodgings, there are simple beds located in a corner of the main room where drunk elves are placed when they pass out. Potted plants are very common, and there are also many sculptures and paintings.

Bath Houses

Bath houses are the pinnacle of Yu'Loran leisure and socialization, and offer far more then basic hygiene. A bath house usually consists of a circular or square building with an open center where a large pool resides. The pool is usually fed from naturally occurring hot springs frequently present on the island. The elves also boil water scented with oils to make the bath more luxurious. There are usually rocks and small plant beds embedded within the bath to give it a more scenic look, however some baths instead sport colorful and attractive masonry instead. Bath houses are public locales and the participants are always nude while in the bath, usually with a towel close by for when they are ready to dry off. The baths are mixed and both genders share the same pool, however they are expected to follow moral guidelines and not act improperly during the bath. There is a wooden lattice that acts as a shelf where the elves can store their clothes for retrieval after the bath. The bath also has a raised platform next to it where a group of bards will sing and play music for the occupants of the bath. It is common courtesy to be quieter then normal while in the bath so that the bard's music can be heard. There is another room connected to the bath where the occupants can get an extensive massage with fragrant oils after the bath before they dawn their garments and leave the building. Some bath houses also have a restaurant connected to them, where occupants can enjoy lavish meals after their bathing experience. There are some among the other races that have heard about the lori pleasure palaces known as bath houses, and have ventured far to experience it themselves. This is usually accompanied by many curious looks from the native lori and great embarrassment from the outsider.

Night of the Dark Star

There is an ancient prophecy among the Yu'Loran culture which dates back to a time when they had supposedly migrated to the Island of Ae'Tezan from the continent of Exodius. Possibly the most controversial aspect of their society, the prophecy speaks of grand gifts being bestowed upon the lori. It then comes to describe an event known as the Night of the Dark Star in which great destruction shall befall their civilization and their people will be scattered across the world and doomed to live in distant lands for many millennia. While the origins of this story remain unclear, it's effects on lori culture are hypothesized to have been the initial drive that allowed the elves to progress beyond a primitive and passive tribal lifestyle and into their current progressive state.

Military

The Yu'Lorei do not have a formal military, and hardly have any militant facilities at all. A lack of conflict throughout Yu'Loran history has made the race particularly susceptible to attacks and the general malice of other races. Luckily their island remains distant to the warmongering kingdoms of the Exodius continent, making them a low priority target. It is believed that their alliance with the dwarves of Thandolin have contributed to the lack of aggression the elves have received from other nations. Lori are definitely capable of producing weapons of ingenious design, but likely only when commissioned by another race.

Economy

The lori are very generous when it comes to sharing their wealth with friends, family, and even people they don't know. Employment is easy and undemanding in most cases, and jobs are easy to find. The finely crafted goods of the lori provide the race with a generous income from other nations. There is great plenitude among the lori, allowing them to take it easy and enjoy life. There are few laws in place regarding money, as lori have a tendency to give any wealth they don't need to others who lack. The lack of an aristocracy or money hoarding in general has allowed for all lori to enjoy freedoms felt by very few elsewhere in amestria.

Alcohol has become an important part of lori society and is imported from the dwarven Kingdom of Thandolin. The numerous brews made by the dwarves are usually quite expensive among human nations due to the infrequency of dwarven trade vessels, but is quite abundant among the lori. The lori in exchange for brews and other commodities harvested and made by the dwarves, provide advanced mechanisms and finely crafted goods to the dwarves.

Technology

The Yu'Loran mind has a tendency to experiment with ideas that have never been tested before, and this has led to them becoming the most advanced society in amestria. While completely lacking in any aetherial knowledge, the elves have a solid understanding of mechanical engineering and chemistry. In ancient times they learned how to create primitive rubber, a substance that served little use at the time but has recently become increasingly useful in certain areas. They also invented intricate timekeeping devices called clocks centuries ago, only recently have these devices been distributed through trade to other nations. Every river on the Island of Ae'Tezan has been harnessed using waterwheels, and windmills are frequent among the tropical farmlands. Lori invented cement, a substance that gave rise to the usage of concrete as a building material within their society. They also discovered porcelain, which is commonly used for finely crafted pottery. Some discoveries were made in conjunction with their allies the dwarves, whom together the two races invented fireworks. The most recent discovery is that of utilizing steam as a source of mechanical power. The elves have discovered that steam can be a significant force when contained at high temperatures and pressures. This technology is still in it's infancy but may very well bring about a transformation in Yu'Lorei society if it proves useful. The lori are good at pioneering new ideas, but can have a hard time refining them into a perfected state. The lori usually do not tap the full potential of any new technology they discover simply because they want to move on to ideas they have not tried yet rather then improving upon tested ideas, and the perfecting of any technology takes far longer for them then other races.

Interbreeding

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Trivia

• Some lori have ventured into cold climates for the sake of expanding their knowledge of the world. Some people have described them as 'cute' when bundled up in countless layers of winter clothing.
• The dwarves of Thandolin have taken a liking to the Yu'Lorei and they visit Ae'Tezan often, though they are never fully comfortable with the open and uncensored mentality of the lori.
• Disagreements and conflict does happen occasionally in lori society, but they feel so guilty afterwords that they usually make amends and forget that it ever happened.