Ellurian West Teldanari

The Ellurian West Teldanari, most commonly called Etenari, are a group of Teldanari people who were relocated to Elluria from Aslar in the time before the Southland War. Most of these people were from the middle regions of Aslar and spoke Aslar as their native language. Due to their relative isolation from other Teldanari peoples, they have developed their own unique spin on Teldanari customs. Also due to geographical relocations over the period of their history, these people tend to have a lower number of the very pale-white (perhaps albino) features that their eastern cousins display. Many Etenari people look indistinguishable from very fair Ellurian or Aslarian humans (excluding, of course, mode of dress).

After their relocation, many Etenari found work in the docks and fishing cities. They quickly became expert seamen, known for their patient mastery of many ocean-related skills. Etenari-prepared fish is a local delicacy in some parts of western Elluria.

Culture

Etenari revere Alou, the "nameless god" (also "the faceless god"). From the age of 12 on, both men and women cover their faces and their bodies with loose white cloth as a display of faith.

Beliefs

The Etenari have a song which is passed from generation to generation, telling of the greatness of Alou and how Alou spun the world into existence off of a great wheel. The world and all creations of Alou were beautiful and flawless, but Man grew too enamored of the power of the Wheel and tried to use it for his own amusement, thus irreparably altering both the nature of humanoids and the world. Alou vowed to fix the mistake Man had made by removing Man from being, but one child's innocence and purity stopped his hand. Mankind was saved, but the Etenari wear the veil still, to remind themselves to be humble and think always of the mercy of Alou and the beauty of the natural state of things.

Redemption

Unlike with their Eastern cousins, the Etenari make special exceptions to the general rule of laadakh, allowing for those who have shown great skill and bravery in service of Family and Oaths to remove their laadakh after a rite called Redeeming. This exception applies only to the person who is Redeemed via the rite, and does not pass to their children or relatives, unlike most Etenari honors. A Redeemed Etenari person may still wear the laadakh at special occasions, such as the naming of a child or funerals. A notable Redeemed Etenari person is Sarah Killian.

Peculiarities

Etenari people place high value on Family and Oaths. A person will gladly lay down their lives to protect their kinsmen, and will do what is necessary to ensure the continuation of their clan. A promise made by an Etenari person is widely considered as good as a deed already done.

Language

Ellurian West Teldanari speak an Aslar-influenced dialect of Teldanari which is written with Aslarian glyphs.