Beliefs
The Elves of Ravenwood are a deeply spiritual people, steeped constantly in the visions and dreams of their ancestors. They visit their Kin Lodges and enter trances, and believe that the spirits to which they are Bonded speak to them in their dreams.
To an Elf the forest both home, shelter and a sacred place all at once. Every tree, rock, river and glade has it's own spirit, which is as much kin to the Elves as are the beasts, Centaurs and Treants. These are commonly known as the slow spirits, because they do not speak clearly to the fast living races. Only when they reach the Grey Years do Elders find it possible to speak with the slow spirits and communicate their wisdom and guidance to the rest of the Ravenwood.
Even so many places in the forest have their own little shrines, maintained by hunters as they move through the forest. Chains of feathers and beads are strung around rock and trees, while carved wooden totems are set into the ground beside limpid pools and in the hearts of isolated glades. Ancient trees, which are respected by the Elves and Treants alike, are particularly sacred, as are certain mountains and caves which are thought to be gates to the spirit world.
Principles
The following principles are often held to be truths by the people of Ravenwood
- Honor the spirits, who make us what we are
- Honor thy family, who created your flesh
- Honor your Kin, who are the family of your soul
- Guard the trees of the forest, which shelter us from harm
- Respect that which you hunt and eat, it has given its life for you
- Kings are tyranny, cities are prisons