Ebonryft

The Elvar society in the Ebonryft is characterized by a hierarchical structure with an aristocratic ruling class. The noble houses hold significant power and engage in frequent power struggles and rivalries. The aristocracy enjoys privileges and positions of authority, while the majority of the Elvar population serves as laborers and craftsmen.  The common Elvar has little say or decision-making power over their fate.  

Due to the colder climate in the Ebonryft, agriculture is challenging, leading to periodic famines. The Elvar rely on cultivating crops during warmer seasons outside the rift, taking advantage of the milder climate. The most common crops include barley, potatoes, root vegetables, and cabbage.  Livestock, especially goats and sheep, are bred for their adaptability to rocky terrain and provide essential resources such as milk, meat, and wool.

The Elvar have learned to utilize the resources available around the Ebonryft efficiently. They have developed techniques to cultivate mushrooms in the caves and carved chambers of the rift, taking advantage of the natural darkness and dampness. The river flowing through the rift not only provides drinking water but may also be harnessed for irrigation purposes to support limited agricultural endeavors within the rift.  They are also able to leverage geothermal energy to heat their homes and to enhance greenhouses they have built just outside the city. 

To maintain order and regulate the overall Elvar population, there is a governing body composed of representatives from the noble houses, called the Assembly. It oversees resource distribution, manages conflicts between houses, and addresses the welfare of the population as a whole. However, internal strife and power struggles among the houses can create challenges to effective governance.  

The Assembly meets annually (and as needed) to settle legal matters, pass laws, and resolve disputes.  There is not voting; the idea of voting is foreign to the Elvar.  Rather, they negotiate, deal, and decide.  Might makes right, and by "might," I also mean money. 

The Elvar created the Savagefolk, and there have been many revolts and rebellions since their creation.  Today, they maintain a slave population of roughly 10,000 Orc and Zoa.  The Elvar's practice of enslaving others for labor plays a significant role in their society. Orcs, known for their strength and resilience, are used for various tasks, including heavy labor and resource extraction. The Elvar themselves are not as hardy as the Orcs, and do not do as well outside their city during the harsh winter months. 

The existence of slave labor contributes to the socio-economic disparities within Elvar society, with the aristocracy benefiting from the labor while maintaining control over the orc population.  It is worth noting that the Orcs and Zoa that work the land are actually somewhere in between slaves and serfs.  The aristocrats can purchase and exchange titles to them, but they generally remain tied to the land that they work.  Profits are divided according to agreed-upon percentages between the land owner and the slave owner, if different. 

More information:
- Orc
- Savagefolk
- Creation of the Orcs 

The Elvar culture in the Ebonryft is influenced by their harsh environment, emphasizing resilience, self-reliance, and survival. They may have a strong connection to the land and their subterranean dwellings, often incorporating elements of darkness, shadows, and underground symbolism into their art, rituals, and aesthetics. Traditional craftsmanship, such as metalworking and intricate stonework, are highly valued.

With agricultural production happening outside the city, a natural question is how the average individual carries his or her own weight.  The Ebonryft has the most mages per capita in the world, with Ethereum shards appearing to 50 per 1000 people.  Those not gifted with Ethereum can still use Jesnite.  Along with other professions one can reasonably imagine, such as craftsman, artisans, merchants, bookkeepers, and other services, there are also workers to maintain the geothermal heating system and watermills, and magical researchers.  There are also likely a sizeable number of unemployed and/or homeless individuals. 

The Elvar's geographical isolation in the Ebonryft limits their interactions with other societies, fostering a sense of self-sufficiency and independence. Historically, the Faelin to the north have kept them contained in their territory and prevented them from expanding, though the Faelin do nothing to prevent them from traveling by sea.  The Elvar’s society would not be remotely sustainable without the profitable trade that is abundant Jesnite brings.  Interactions with other races is generally very transactional, formal, and even shady.  The Elvar are very judicious with how much of their knowledge of magic they share, viewing their magical knowledge as a resource to be leveraged for profit.  Every little bit of profit counts when your society can barely feed its citizens. 

Since discovery of the Shallow Passage, the Elvar have begun exploring new lands. Many have also taken up piracy as a profession. 

This society is merely ALMOST sustainable.   It is a failing state and not a very nice place to live for anyone except for those at the very top.  They are dependent on the reliability of their slaves for agricultural production.  Any disruptions to their orc populations, unfortunate weather circumstances, or crop failures could pose serious problems.  External threats, should one choose to invade, could also pose a serious threat. The devious nature of the dealings among their upper echelons also perpetuate inequality and unrest, so it’s possible that someday they will destroy themselves before they starve or get overtaken by others.