LIFE IN THE HOLT:
Life in the Holt is relatively easy, unless your character has an
aversion to differences. Remember,
the Holt is essentially a large group of wandering elves from different origins
that decided to give themselves a name and make a holt. Since there are so many differences, a set pattern and
standard of lifestyle is virtually non-existent.
Since the forming of Grand Illusions, many traditions from other holts
have been incorporated and become quasi-permanent customs.
Attending or participating in these is not required; as with the rest of
the Holt lifestyle, it is strictly up to the individual elf whether or not to be
involved.
The only set way of life is
the wandering and temporary settling, which accounts for the lack of treehomes,
huts, etc. When the Holt decides to
take a break from their travels, essentially what is done and how one sleeps is
up to the individual. Generally,
the elves remain within sending distance from each other, but again, this is not
required. When the majority of the
elves are well rested and ready to resume wandering and current events permit,
the Holt packs up and begins traveling. There
is no specific time limit as to how long we journey or how long we rest.
Traveling is generally done at night, as most of the elves of Grand
Illusions are nocturnal.
While wandering, many of the
elves break off into smaller groups and follow each other at comfortable
distances (again, usually within sending distance).
Often, these smaller groups may journey farther in a direction than the
rest of the Holt, some may break off for long periods of time to experience
their own adventures. When this occurs, someone within the Holt is informed, so no
one will be concerned when they are missing.
Again, there are no specifics or requirements when traveling or breaking
away from the Holt. Returning to
the Holt is simple - just show up.
Due to the inhabitants of
Grand Illusions being wanderers from different origins, there are a wide variety
of animals as bond beasts, rides, and\or animal friends.
The majority are wolves, however, there are a number of leopards,
cougars, lions, cheetahs, horses, birds, dingos, meercats, rodents of all sorts,
bats, snakes, monkeys, etc. Animals
need to be restrained or identified as being attached to an elf if it has a
temper or looks delicious to the various carnivores of the Holt. This is
courtesy, not a requirement. It
prevents possible conflicts if the wolf and tiger get into a fight, or the
meercat gobbles someone's snake. If
in doubt regarding acceptable animals, please contact me.
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Occasionally there will be clashes among the elves, since there are so
many different personalities (and Harvesttoad).
When this occurs, the Holt generally allows those involved to work out
their problems. If the fight gets
out of control or sucks in too many other members, Amberfox and Desertmoon may
be called in. Most of the time, the
combatants are escorted out of the Holt proper to get their problems settled by
any means before they return to the Holt. It
has been rare that the squabbles have gone this far, but it has happened.
Those that return have gotten it out of their systems and are ready to
join the group again.
If the situation arises where
there has been a death as a result of the external fight and someone in the Holt
is angered, they are again led from the Holt to settle the problem.
Most Holt members will intervene in both situations to prevent such
drastic measures, but it has been known to happen in the past.
Do not feel intimidated,
however. While few elves have
clashed, it has provided the rest of us with interesting stories, art, and
interaction. Be warned...Starshadow
hates and may attack your glider character, Harvestgold (aka. Harvesttoad) loves
females and may attempt to seduce you (attempt being the key word here).
There is no definite way of
dealing with deceased elves. Those that had direct and constant interaction with the
deceased usually are the ones who decide on how to handle the body.
If no one steps forward for this task, whoever arrived first on the scene
may decide. Options for dealing
with the dead are leaving the body to the elements, funeral pyre, burning
funeral pyre, burning funeral pyre on water, burial, preserver wrapping, and
leaving the body specifically for the various carrion eaters.
There are various ceremonies afterwards, but again, that depends on those
that knew the elf as to how to remember and\or celebrate them.