From time to time I get i get respectful, and even disrespectful questions, regarding the origins of the Elders of Atys. By way of explaination I try to relate the origins of these people and allow the listerners to come to their own conclusions as to why the Elders of Atys are dying out.
My father says that this rare breed of homin that you see from time to time are members of the last generation that was born before the homin races returned to the root surface. Around 40 years ago our ancesters retreated to the Prime Roots as the Kitin Invasion ravaged the roots surface and the Kami and Karavan fought to repel them.
He says that the Elders were born during the dark days of exile in the Prime Roots or before. They were the peoples who choose the sites for the first cities and began the reconstruction of civilisation above ground. Many have moved into positions of responsibility and hold titles such as 'Intendent' and 'Guard Chief'. Their generation, which is largerly that of my parents, along with the Kami, Karavan and Jena, are the major forces which shaped Atys as it is now. Therefore they are the founding fathers, and mothers of the homin civilisations and are respected as such.
Why then do i bear this title? Well, I was only a fingerling when my parents brought me to the surface for the first time and have only a weak claim to this title. But it is something you grow into.
PS I can not answer any questions about the rumoured ability of Elders of Atys to perform special dance moves or secret handshakes. Those are questions for another day.