Yosei Elves

Basic Information

Alternative name(s) Origin Akitsushima Isles Lifespan ~800 - 1000 Years Diet Omnivore Subspecies

Physical description

Height between 5’ 7” and 6’ 2” Distinctive features Dark eyes, pointed ears, hollow cheeks, dark or silver hair

Cultural

Organisations Feudal Clans Languages Yoseigo (Yosei Elvish), Elvish, Common Locations Northern Islands Ra Gnamh Sea

Out-of-character information

Image source Legend of the Five Rings RPG

North of the Ra Gnamh Sea lies to islands, on these isles, consisting of warring feudal clans and ancient spirits are the elves known in their language as the Yosei (pronounced Yow-say). Masters of armed warfare and arcane magic, they are much like their cousins of the continent – as well as vastly different. Far more warlike and keenly isolationist, these elves are for more likely to expel foreigners than accept them, however even this has begun to change.

In the realm of the Yosei warrior prowess and keen adherence to the Code of the Five Rings is revered above all. In recent centuries, the resistance to foreigners has been broken down. Trade has flourished between the Yosei and the continent. They are especially more welcoming to their elvish cousins than others however.
In the realms of the Yosei, the sword and the warrior (samurai) are king. Families of power are separated into ruling feudal clans which carve up their lands into fief provinces and then into smaller domains. It is widely believed that all clans draw lineage from the grand progenitor clan of the Asakaze (the Clan of the Morning Wind).

Legend tells that the Asakaze were elves that flew to the island on the backs of behemoth serpentine dragons. When they arrived the dragon scarified itself for its adopted children. Its flesh became their food and its blood became their drink, empowering them with powerful magicks. Whether this origin is true or not, there indeed was a Clan Asakaze, which ruled the entire Yosei for 10,000 years.