As a reminder, I really don't mind it when people send me asks! I do my best to answer all of them-- even if we've never spoken before, feel free to leave a message!
Forgot to post the final version of this! I designed Cas's sword a few weeks ago, and made it a challenge to execute the design for Unreal Engine 5. I think it turned out pretty well!
Phew! A lot of y'all are loving the hairstyles from the first picture--
I wanted to take a second to elaborate on them in case you'd like to know more or use something similar in your personal D&D campaigns!
In the world I've created (based on standard D&D lore) , High Elves, Wood Elves, and Moon Elves are all part of the same culture, but they live in different geographical areas. They're the highest social class in the three cities they primarily populate (due to a variety of historical and socio-economic factors the players have been contending with throughout the campaign), and the way they pursue relationships is littered with unnecessary ceremony.
The hairstyles outlined above (aside from "Divorced" and "Widowed", which are full-time styles) are meant to be worn at social events, like galas, fundraisers, weddings, etc. Elves are serious about marriage; there's a long engagement period, and you're expected to get it right on the first go. Divorce is extremely uncommon. Additionally, all styles are unisex. High elves, moon elves, and wood elves can all change how they present over the course of an evening meditation (this was true for elves in past editions of D&D), so having separate rules for men, women, and nonbinary folks would be a little nonsensical (this isn't the case for Drow, who I might post about later).
So, without further ado!
Single, Looking: A very common style seen amongst young elves (~80-180). They're not looking for a long-term partner yet, but are interested in developing meaningful interpersonal relationships.
Single, Not Looking: The one braid down the back indicates that they're single, but the unbraided hair left to obscure the face does not invite suitors.
Looking for Marriage: Serious inquiries only! Common for elves of all ages who are interested in pursuing life-long partnerships. The intricacy of the braid implies a level of thought & effort put forth.
Engaged: The intricacy is still there to let their partner know that they're still putting the effort forward to honor the relationship, but an additional accessory is worn laced through the braids to let others know that they're taken.
Married, Looking for Third: Some elves will invite a third partner into their family depending on their personal preference. "I'm taken, but we're looking." Both partners would need to wear this style at a social event for it to be considered appropriate. Otherwise... yikes!
Divorced: Elves who get divorced are expected to cut their hair short & reflect on their choices as it grows back. After a particularly messy divorce, an elf might cut their hair extremely short. Others, who are more interested in getting back into the game, will cut it just short enough to be appropriate. The measure of when it's "long enough" comes in the form of a necklace worn during the months/years after the divorce. Once the necklace is no longer visible from the back, they're good to go!
Widowed: After the passing of a partner, the widow will not wear any braids & instead don an accessory of their choosing that occludes where the union braid was originally. They do not have effort to put towards intricate styling.
the inflection is exactly the same. I have been thinking about this for an hour. was this on purpose or is this just how people are naturally compelled to say these words in this order (via @biderverse on X/Twitter)
Help! I'm in love with that hair style as a way to show relationship status! It's so amazing! Did you come up with that yourself?
I came up with the designs for the braids, but the idea of demonstrating relationship status, gender presentation, or orientation through braids is something I've seen before! It was inspired by this: