True Names

TBD. The immortal races of Elantra - the Dragons and Barrani - have true names that give them sentience and self-awareness, unlike the mortal races who are alive and self-aware without possessing true names.

The true name of an immortal is core to their existence and their sense of self, and as such, it can be used to control and influence them in a way that is nearly impossible to resist. For this reason, these true names are closely guarded secrets and are never exchanged even with close family or intimate partners, but they can be given to others in rare occasions, and also they can be taken by force.

The Barrani are given their true names after birth by the Consort, who chooses them from the Lake of Life.

Dragons obtain their true names through a sort of rite of passage that happens between childhood and adulthood.