The Elves
Elfish Society
The elves live quite separately to the communities of the other free races. The Dwarves and The Gnomes are active in the communities of humans and Halflings, especially in the north, while the elves have much less contact, and mostly in the warmer south. Recent events have brought closer ties, yet elves are still rare in the cities of mankind, and their presence still raises the odd eyebrow.
As the lifespan of the elves are much longer than for other races, some remember back to before The Great Disaster; those surviving in Arthea, however, are now few. Shortly after the destruction, many elves sailed from the mortal lands to the elf heavens. And since then, many more have felt the calling of their people, and a longing for the sea, and have followed. One day all the elves will have left the lands of mortal men, and will never return.
In past times, elves were held in awe by men, and they were feared for the magic they are said to wield. Little was known in human society of the race of elves or about the ways they lived or were governed. Tales were sometimes told of elf enchanters ensnaring folk in their woods, and using them to test their magic spells. Other stories told of the benevolence of the elves, how they would aid all creatures at times of need.
Since 1200, however, those tales have been forgotten. Since this date there have been occasions where elves have intervened on behalf of humans, helping to settle disputes, bring peace, and working especially with the Ticetians to solve their food-supply problems. Now there are a few elves live among the lands of men, and some even travel with the dwarves and gnomes. They still command respect wherever they go, and they are aware of the predicament imposed on human societies by the current king. They dislike the way people can be treated by the Kings Guard, and they stand in opposition to it. They are known to be concerned with the extent of the power of the human King. As always for elves, consideration of such matters take time; a good deal more time than humans would take. Eventually the elves may intervene once again, if they still have enough people, and if it is in the interest of the greater good. There are many benefits to the elves if the human King is strong, and is willing to leave elf society to rule itself.
Elves are carefree spirits, their own hierarchy does not impose the will of its ruler upon each individual elf in the way mankind does, and yet each elf follows the elf Kings whom they trust. They have little fear of death, as to die is to pass into the elfish heaven, said to be watched over by the gods of Pendaroch, Melas Uldonia, and by Nature. The dead are never grieved by elves, but they choose to celebrate the passing of a friend into heaven, an occasion joined by stories and songs of the life that is lost. They do not war without good cause, and even then will only fight to defend their homelands or where injustice has been done to those who cannot defend themselves.
Elfish society has similarities with the human feudal system, but there is no emphasis on hereditary titles. Social structures are far less marked or necessary; emphasis is placed on ability, knowledge and wisdom rather than upon hereditary power roles. This is liberating to the elves, and allows their communities to be lead by those most suited to the task. Elf rulers are those with the most wisdom, yet they do not exert power over their fellow elves - they consider themselves to have no power other than which is granted them by the respect of other elves. Elf artisans spend centuries refining their skills and elf artists spend years creating their masterpieces. To elves it seems that all they do, even mundane matters such as hunting and farming, are handled as though they were an art form to be mastered and perfected. The do not suffer from headstrong leaders with big egos and big armies, that is trait of humans, dwarves and gnomes. The elfish way seems to be to inspire rather than to control.
Changes from the Disaster
Before The Great Disaster the elves put much faith in their magic. The changing nature of magic during that time meant changes to the way elves live in these mortal lands - now the magical protections that sit over their homelands are very different. Before the Great Disaster, their magic kept their realms natural and nurturing to them in the ways they desired, protecting them from the influences of the mortal lands beyond their borders. This is not a luxury they enjoy in these days. The elves still use their power, but it seems to be waning as the numbers of elves wane. Each year fewer and fewer elf children are born, and each birth is now a festival. More elves depart each year than are replaced by these new children – there are probably only a few more centuries before the last of the elves are gone.
Immediately after The Great Disaster, the elves had little to do with mankind and the other free folk. At first the humans were blamed for the destruction, but the elves realised that even as the destruction was taking place, there were humans working to contain its effects. Despite the massive weakening of the influence of the elves brought about by the disaster, most elves cannot carry such a grudge for so many years, and have forgiven; this is easier now that magic is not such a common part of their own society.
As their numbers have dwindled, the elves have struggled to keep themselves separate. Trading is more common now with humans and elves are coming to rely on them for some supplies. Though it may not seem so, they are spending more time mixing with the mortal races, and a some elves now live in human lands. They seem so few in number, though, as there are so few elves left in Arthea. These elves can see the fear that magic now brings to the peasant humans, and hide what they know. While they contribute to the magical work of the free races, they do not make blatant displays of their magic any more.
Elf Magic
Elfish magic is no more powerful than that wielded by humans. The elves try to guard the fact that there are human magic users in society that are far more proficient in the use of magic than the elves could ever achieve. For the past thirty years, elves have been joining human magical sects, particularly The Pale Flame, to improve their own training and access to magic. In response to this, the large sects have moved directly in to elf society, and have facilities in some of the larger elf lands. Elves seem to lack the dedication needed to become really powerful wizards or sorcerers, and seem to delight in spending time perfecting even simple spells. Many also chose to become warriors as well as using their magic.
Elf Religion
The elves, while needing their own spiritual guidance, again lack the dedication needed to become powerful clerics, and instead usually choose some other form of training to accompany their religions study. As the religions are founded by gods, they span racial boundaries, and are found in all societies of the demi-humans. The elves do have some cults of their own, although these are few, and also share religions with their human and halfling brethren. See the section on Religion for more information.
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