Identity & Society

The Arkafelari understand identity as a reflection of both lineage and personal growth. From the names they carry to the houses they belong to, kinship is shaped not only by blood, but by bond. All Arkafelari trace their origins to the same place: Cradlenod. While many, especially those in Eden, may close themselves off to outsiders, it is not uncommon for newcomers to be welcomed and integrated into Arkafelari society.

Among the Arkafelari, childrearing is a communal effort. Allonursing is common, with any capable adult able to feed and support bairn regardless of descent. While a Bearer is the one who births, a Ren is the one who provides lineage. Bairn may also be born through Honor-Renning, the act of donation or surrogacy. Honor-Rens are not always parents, though they may choose to co-parent if they wish. Ultimately, parenthood is measured less by blood than by those who remain, teach, and protect. Because many newborns fade early, bairn are not given names until they survive their first semester.

Arkafelari forenames range from personal names, to single-word descriptors, to two-word or extended multi-word names. The choice of naming style depends on tradition, personality, or upbringing. Examples of simple forenames include Ceto, Atakan, Dazzle, and Heladio. Alternatively, examples of extended forenames include Charm-Bringer, Wren-preens-feathers, Turtle-Tail, and Honest-in-Blue. In daily life, individuals often use the first noun of an extended forename as a casual call-name, while the full name conveys history and character. In addition, Arkafelari may earn names reflecting honor or dishonor, marking deeds, reputation, or failure.

Surnames among the Arkafelari carry deep personal and ancestral weight. Most Arkafelari are given a lineage surname at birth, often a fusion or modification of their parents' names to honor both bloodlines: for example, Asavin, child of Asahi and Vinicius, or Vinara, daughter of Vinicius. Sometimes these lineage surnames are kept throughout generations, resulting in offspring carrying the names of their distant relatives. Others, especially orphans and outsiders, take on legacy surnames: symbolic names that reflect personal growth, deeds, origins, or beliefs, such as Stelblaed or Kurowrot. Compound surnames are rare and symbolic, often given to a fel when there is a political, cultural, or emotional importance to carry both a legacy surname and a lineage surname. Surnames are placed before the forename, and fels are often referred to by their surname when addressed by strangers or acquaintances.

Houses among the Arkafelari are extended kinship or symbolic lineages that blend ancestry, ideology, and mastery. Some are built around ancestral bloodlines, while others are forged from shared values, specialized skills, or mutual origins. Common in larger colonies like Eden, Houses often preserve heirlooms, traditions, and social influence, offering a sense of identity, belonging, or prestige. Houses may also often hold their own territories and conflict with one another, despite being part of the same colony.

In Arkafelari culture, gender is elective, and pronouns are often used to reflect identity and allegiance. Sol and Cin are pronouns culturally associated with the Trailblazer faith, most commonly found in colonies. Others may use traditional pronouns depending on personal identification, upbringing, or societal norms. Arkafelari often introduce their gender identities through poetic additives - “I am Crow of the Stone”.

Among the Arkafelari, family is defined as much by choice as by blood. While some are raised by their parents, others are raised communally or by their House. Lifelong ties such as mentor-student bonds or alliances forged in hardship are honored with the same weight as family, often viewed as spiritual and sacred.