Ælves shirk technology in the traditional sense, instead taking a much more organic approach to progress by embracing their connection to magic. The advancements their mages have wrought over the years rival, and even surpass in some regards, the technology of Dullahan. Due to their long lives and extensive records, they have also skirted the consequences of losing libraries or knowledge dying with individuals, thus granting them a cutting edge above the rest of the world. Education
An Ælven child is an incredible rarity, and thus are given every opportunity to pursue anything their heart desires. Ælves are a free spirited people and prefer to allow their children to define their own futures rather than heavily guide them, so many youths are encouraged to explore a variety of fields before settling for anything in particular. They are also encouraged to take their time.
Education is considered a communal affair. Literacy is achieved very young and from there, the child is encouraged to experiment with whatever interests them through a robust apprenticeship system. For most, there is no shortage of potential teachers as many older Ælves are eager to impart what knowledge they've fostered over the years onto the novelty that is an Ælven youth.
Due to the apprenticeships everyone ends up going through in their youth, Ælves find a way to support both themselves and their society one way or another, whether these careers be practical, artistic, academic, social or what have you– all eventually find their place. And if one is struggling to find a career, many elders take it upon themselves to help guide those who feel lost.
For the most part, the Ælven economy is facilitated through a barter system. While coins and banknotes exist, most prefer to trade directly with objects or services when applicable. Since
Ældrassil's unique environs ensure that resources are always plentiful, everyone's basic needs are provided for at no cost to them. Therefore, the 'value' of an object or service when trading is entirely subjective and at the whimsy of those involved with whatever deal is being struck.
With the exception of the Ældnar'i and the Odoln'i, the Ælven caste system is loose and largely used to organize people by role rather than assigning value to individuals. People who switch careers also switch castes, with the system being built around facilitating change when necessary. For the most part, the castes are utilized to facilitate necessary networking between individuals.
Ældar'i: The council of 11 Ælves leaders in charge of ruling over Ælven society.
Odoln'i: The resilient. This caste is reserved for consummate mages, diplomats and military personnel. This caste is given special consideration because they are the few who are tasked with venturing outside of
Ældrassil's influence, something most are loath to do. Being part of this caste is seen as an honor.
Leder'i: The 'politician' caste. Those within the Leder'i class are those whose professions include lawmakers, judges, arbiters of law, all law enforcement and other, similar careers.
Hjarter'i: The 'social' caste. Those within this caste include counselors, spiritual guides, faith leaders and the like.
Sindar'i: The 'mind' caste. Those within this caste include doctors, academics, researchers, inventors, and similar.
Skæper'i: The 'artist' caste, encompassing all life paths meant to create art or entertain others.
Byggær'i: The 'builder' caste. Likely the most populated class, those within Byggær'i include everything from architects to those who actually do the building as well as merchants and businessmen.
Søger'i: Those who do not have employment or otherwise don't fit into any of the other castes are designated Søger'i, a caste meant to be a transitional stage until they find a place in one of the others. There are members of the Hjarter'i whose job it is to specifically guide Søger'i into finding purpose.
In theory, all castes are valued equally, but this can vary subjectively from person to person. Even the Søger'i are not to be frowned upon, as they are viewed to be 'searching' for purpose, not without it.
The main governing body of the Æld'Norai is known as the Ældar Assemblage, with its members as a collective or individuals being referred to as Ældar'i. Each Ældar'i holds office over a particular facet of society, and they as a collective make decisions that affect more than one office or society overall as well. In addition, they hold each other accountable when one is suspected of going against the tenets of their seat. Ældar'i seats are chosen by the previous tenant some time before they retire, though the other members of the Assemblage may veto any prospective successor if necessary.
Dommær: Adjudicator of both the Assemblage and the High Court, conservator of law and order.
Forskær: Collator of records and research, historian and rhetorician.
Kouzælnir: High magician, master of arcane advancement.
Vyslanær: Emissary, traveler, and lead of diplomatic affairs.
Fredsbævar: Voice of the people, enactor of public will and investigator of wrongdoing.
Reznikær: Martial leader, consummate warrior, brilliant strategist.
Helbredær: Overseer of medicinal and therapeutic practices.
Arkætir: Scion of innovation and architecture.
Umælir: Aesthete, curator of arts and entertainment.
Jegær: Master huntsman, presides over maintaining Ælven balance with the fauna of the Myrkvior mountains.
Rostlær: Cataloger of flora and fungi, conservator of nature.
The Æld'Norai military has three branches, each with their own head and hierarchy that report directly to the Reznikær.
Trnova Legie: The bulk of the Æld'Norai military forces, the Trnova Legie (Legion of Thorns) is largely a defensive force designed to protect
Ældrassil and the land it influences.
Fjælle Kniver: Marginally smaller than the Trnova Legie, the Fjælle Kniver (Blades of the Mountain) is a largely offensive force utilizing ruthless and clandestine measures to further the goals of the Æld'Norai.
Grønn Vakænatt: The Grønn Vakænatt (Emerald Vigil) are reconnaissance agents who work with both the Trnova Legie and Fjælle Kniver; they are non-combatants and also serve to facilitate communication between the two martial forces.
