Sidhelien Philosophy

[geeman]

We`ve been focusing so much on elven spirituality in BR lately, and I think we`ve all got a pretty good handle on the concept (even where we disagree.) So I`d like to change tacks a bit and open up the discussion to an even broader topic: That is, the elven "philosophy."

First, I should note that I think it behooves us to really think about the Sidhe as being practically an alien species. That is, their basic nature is so different from that of mortals that I think there is a tendency to describe them in ways anthropomorphize them. Most non-human races in fantasy or SF are really not very different from humans. They are, in fact, largely based on humanity. But Cerilian elves go further than biological metaphors. They are immortal. They never sicken. Their basic nature is tied to magic. They have no gods and (IMO) are biologically/physically/intrinsically incapable of worshipping those gods in a way that is definitive of humanity and other Cerilian
races. I like to describe this difference as being related to the difference between a spirit and a soul, but whatever the reasons for these difference might be it`s important to bear in mind that they are fundamentally different in many ways and would have a similarly different psychology, culture and philosophy.

So, I`ve been thinking about the role of the Taelinri in Sidhelien society and here is the intro the document I`m putting together on the subject. At first I was thinking that it was going to be a simple write up of the Taelinri alone, but I`m starting to think it`d make more sense as a 10-12 page (at a guess) document that focuses on Sidhelien culture in general ranging from issues as the elven take on magic, nature and a few other social structures. We`ll see what comes up in the next few days--and what I`ve the time to sit down and organize.

In any case, here`s the introductory text to the section on the Taelinri:

Listen, young one, for you must hear the story of the past. You are one of the few left to us. An elven child is the most precious thing upon this world, and as such you have a duty to know the stories of your people and truths of our existence. We are the first, but we will not be the last. We are lasting, but not forever. Our homes are our very lives, and as we go, so to goes the very source of life and magic of our world.

Unlike the elves of other campaign worlds, the Sidhe of the BIRTHRIGHT setting have no gods, no priests and no religion in the sense that other races have those things. The Sidhe are guided by principles and abilities that differ radically from mortal races, and their basic differences lead to several social dynamics that unique to their role in the setting. Amongst these differences is the role of the Taelinri.

For Cerilia`s elves, the Taelinri take on much of what would be the role of priests or shamans in other cultures. They are teachers, scholars, advisors as well as representatives of their culture`s moral and ethical standards. However, like many other aspects of Sidhelien culture, the Taelinri role in society is not so formalized or determined as such position would be amongst other Cerilian races. The Taelinri are respected by elves, and their advice is highly sought after, but despite that respect and the value placed upon it the Sidhe often turn from it in practice.

PHILOSOPHY
The Taelinri teach that elves sprung from the union of earth, air, fire and water. The exact means of that union is the source of several creation myths. Confusing to other Cerilian races, the Taelinri teach any and all of these creation myths, and when describing their origins the Sidhe may tell stories that seem to conflict with one another. This is due to the fact that amongst the Sidhe these creation myths are not given particular significance, for they understand that like many other stories and lessons taught by the Taelinri, the myths` purposes are essentially metaphorical, and that all the creation myths are true in meaning if not in fact. Whether the first elf sprung from the roots of a great oak that had been struck by lightning, as one creation myth goes, or if the first elf rose from Lake ??? fully formed of mist and moonlight, as is told in another, the important thing is the truth behind the tale: that the Sidhe are an expression of the natural world and made of the same stuff that makes nature itself.

As a reflection of the material world embodied in a living being, every elf is a world unto himself, and he should be guided first and foremost by himself. All decisions, when made honestly and instinctively in consideration of all elvenkind and with faith in the elf`s pure nature, can only be correct decisions. Within each elf there is a balance of the elements and just as these elements rise and fall according to the season, the weather and the fluctuations of fate, so too must the elf. Therefore, all decisions can be reworked and changed. As long as such changes are based upon the instincts of a true elf they must be as correct as were the previous decisions. Significant life changes can be made instinctively and are justified as an internal change on the part of the elf rather than a change in any external factor. No such decision can ever be "right" any more than the previous decision was "wrong" and as a result of embracing their instincts, elves live their lives without doubt, regret or indecision. The Taelinri teach and embrace a simple philosophy: "Live and do as you will."

Because the decision making process involved the good of all elvenkind there is rarely conflict amongst elves. They do not differentiate between the individual good and the communal good for what is one without the other? Crime is rare in elven lands-except that introduced by other Cerilian races, of course.

POLITICS
Within the elven community, the Taelinri almost always preach a universal message of peace and cooperation. Though it occurred nearly 5,000 years ago, the breakup of the united kingdom of the Aelvinnwode remains a pivotal moment in Sidhelien history, and for the Taelinri the millennia before the kingdom fell apart remains the ideal elven society. The Golden Age was the time of elven supremacy and even the youngest of the Taelinri long for its return. The Taelinri believe that elves should cooperate and unite, that all differences amongst elven peoples are petty and that it is the obligation of every elf to work for the glory of all.

The same decision making process gives the Sidhe extraordinary trust in their leaders, for those in power are simply following the dictates of their instinctive nature as would any other elf in the same position. Leaders do sometimes disagree with other leaders, but these disagreements are the temporary fluctuations of elements and will be resolved in due course. However, most disagreements are simply the expression of different destinies based upon the elemental makeup of the leader. Those who follow such leaders must do so based upon their own instinctive decision making process.

In regards to interaction with other Cerilian races, there is a wide range of opinion. Most believe that other Cerilian races are inferior, and that the Sidhe must rise again to dominate Cerilia. Others are less aggressive in their opinions, favoring simple relocation of other "useful" races after the reunification of the elves and the reforestation of the continent. Some Taelinri support the gheallie Sidhe, while others favor normalizing relations with humanity, at least for the time being.

Comments?

Gary