Elf, Starhelm
The Elves of Aerith were once Avariel, living in cities floating high above the earth. After the Avariel civil war that pitted brother against brother, the Avariel that did not take up sides were punished by being set gently upon the earth to protect it against their Fallen people. Two Elf cities were placed in the forests in close proximity to the Fallen cities of Exandar and Azdurok. They established themselves very quickly and though they have many different qualities and goals, the Elves of Starhelm are united in their protection of the world from the Fallen.
The Elves of Starhelm owe their thanks and survival to Lyradell, the Avariel hero of the Culling and their benefactor after the Civil War. The Elves of Brightbough pay more allegiance and faithfullness to him than their brethren in Aspenshield though. While Aspenshield pays the proper homage to Lyradell, their reverence is to their Queen above all else. Zayphos is also more prominent in Brightbough, with a smaller faction in Aspenshield.
Elves have maintained their fallen cities and blended them seamlessly into the forests they have taken as their own. There are Elves that choose to live outside the cities, and have embraced the forest, living alongside it as guardians and protectors of nature and their woodland home.
Their skin colour ranges, as the Humans and Halflings do, but their eyes are always piercing in whatever colour they possess. Their skin is smooth and fairly hairless, particularly on their face but they can grow very long and fine hair on their heads. They take great pride in their appearance.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Humanoid. Size medium.
Elves have an unearthly nature that still shines brightly in their countenance and bearing. They are slender, graceful, and lithe, ranging anywhere from four and a half feet, to over six feet tall. Male and female Elves range about the same size, and are often very similar in appearance.
Genetics and Reproduction
Elves reproduce as do most humanoids, with the females giving birth. They have a longer gestation, about 24-30 months before giving birth. Many assume with a long gestation they would produce larger children, but Elven children are small and lithe.
Elves have low birth rates and most are very attuned with their bodies to know the most opportune time to avoid or to get pregnant. That is not to say it is a guarantee, but the timing of Elf couplings often dictates their levels of success.
Half-Elf children are more often produced by male Elves, but not solely.
Growth Rate & Stages
Elves mature after around a century, though many will continue to mature well into their second century.
Elves can live to be around 1000 years old, but there have been some that live beyond that. Children are most often born around the age of 500, give or take a hundred years.
As Elves age they gain different perspectives that might shift or alter as they experience more in the world. What might be important to an Elf in their first couple of centuries may have less or altered importance in later centuries.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Elves enjoy fine foods, but never to an extreme. They favour a mix of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lighter meat, but have been known to impress even Halflings with their appetite, if their mood and circumstance allow it.
Elves of the city enjoy eating with their families, or friends in organized and formalized ways, though they do not always get the opportunity. The Elves of the woods eat in groups, with their families, or alone, depending on the nature and circumstance. Both appreciate the sharing of food with others, but strangers are more often held to ceremony or propriety.
Behaviour
Elves, as many of the civilized races, exhibit many different facets of behaviour and character.
They can be noble, patient, reserved, and thoughtful, or they can be direct, cautious, practical, and stalwart. Most have some of these traits, while a very few exhibit all of them.
The Elves of Starhelm have suffered greatly, but instead of placing blame, they look for ways to redeem themselves. They are accepting of their fate, and due to their long lives have developed great patience. They bide their time, listen intently, let others act and learn, but will not sit by idly if danger or evil threatens.
The Elves are very conscious of the actions and motivations of The Fallen on Starhelm. They try to keep their presence as integrated into the natural order as possible. Brightbough Elves will interact with other races more frequently within their immediate surroundings, but Aspenshield Elves interact with the wider world more but at a smaller capacity. Both make alliances and have gatherings freely, though.
Those that choose to live outside of their city have taken their role as guardians and protectors of the earth and its inhabitants very seriously. They roam the forests and have smaller villages throughout. These outlier Elves have a practicality that stems from a desire to get the job done efficiently and effectively and then move on to more pressing matters. They have seen what nature and their enemies can do to those who are unprepared so they are more cautious than their city cousins.
Elves can be prone to melancholy as they are reminded from time to time of what they lost. They do not dwell in it, but it does affect them. Once their melancholy is over they just get themselves back into their chosen path stronger than before, looking to expunge their past deeds from their psyche.
They do not have any real sense of nostalgia, and any melancholy they feel is solely as a remembrance of their Avariel days. They do not typically feel a sense of loss for things or relationships that have passed, though individual relationships may vary. Many see Elves as aloof and uncaring but the reality is that they enjoy their time spent and then move on.
This is not say that Elves do not mourn. They live freely in the moment and take the lessons they have learned. They just don't sit in the past and hold on to it. They prefer to take the experience and weave it into their life. To the outside it might look like Elves dwell longer, but to an Elf it is a mere fraction of the time they have in this world.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Aspenshield functions like an oligarchy in which the rule of the Crystal Queen is unquestioned and accepted. She is supported by a group of advisors, but she only uses them when she feels it is necessary; they do not hold any governmental power, but it holds a lot of sway socially. Those that can claim to assist or advise the Crystal Queen are given a lot of respect. Ultimately, her word is law. The people of Aspenshield, for the most part, are supremely dedicated to her and her rule. Those that find her distasteful will more often leave Aspenshield for other parts of Starhelm, but they are the minority.
Brightbough has maintained a monarchical structure, much as they did back when they were Avariel. The wisdom of the Elves has ensured that each successive ruler is strong and successful in their rule. Family houses make up the rest of Elf nobility, and each house provides at least one advisor to the royal household. The nobility of Brightbough do not live outside of the city, but they do have some family homes or cottages on the outskirts that they may visit from time to time. The nobility also visit villages, towns, or even cities of other races to maintain a presence in the south.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Forests; Aspenshield; Brightbough
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Elves have very keen sight and can see clearly in dimly lit environments, though not darkness. Their perception is also very attuned and they can pick up sounds and movements other creatures may miss.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Many Elf families have personal traditions they might employ, but nothing so universal across their culture. They often pick names that have direct Avariel translations, but not always.
The title Shalamair, given to the ruler of Brightbough is adopted as a surname for the King, but the children typically go by just their first name. When interacting with outsiders they may use the title as a way to distinguish if necessary, but never in Elven company if it can be avoided.
Beauty Ideals
Elves favour beauty in nature, light, and soft features. They prefer slender figures, even in items they craft. They often have long, flowing hair, but they can find beauty in any length or colour. Elves try to present a good face and appearance, but they strive to make it look as natural as possible.
Elves appreciate that others see beauty in things, even if they cannot see the beauty themselves. They have particular tastes and tend to not stray too much from them in their apprecation of beauty. Individuals will vary, of course, but for the most part Elves appreciate Elven beauty above all else.
Gender Ideals
Elves have a distinction between males and females but they do not hold sway in their opinions of either gender. Many Elves have a similar quality to each other and some outside cultures have a hard time of distinguishing a male elf to a female one at first glance.
Elves embrace and appreciate those of neutral and fluid genders and many Elves naturally gravitate that way. Since gender has no influence on an individual from achieving their goals it rarely comes up.
Courtship Ideals
Prior to courting, Elves are open and free about their sexuality. They are free to experience many different partners and enjoy what those relationships bring.
Once courting begins, however, Elves become strictly monogomous to their intended. The courting of Elves takes a very long time and they make every effort to learn as much as they can before making a final decision.
It takes a large number of years to even realize they have feelings for one another, then a decade of courtship, then finally they will get married. Courting is not a contract and can be entered into or out of freely at any point. After the marriage, however, Elves are dedicated to their partner.
Courting is a very formalized process, requiring approvals from both sides of the families. Exchanging of gifts is required but they have the freedom to choose the when and what. Elvish romances are things of popular stories. They have passionate relationships, but are more concerned with long term partnership.
Elves very rarely get married if their spouse dies. They mate for life and endure challenges and celebrate life in equal parts.
Relationship Ideals
Surprisignly, for such a long-lived race, Elves do not have much multi-generational relationships. As they have children much later in life and their birth rate is relatively low, many Elves never knew their grandparents. Exceptions exist, but more commonly the Elf relationships are with their immediate family, cousins, and friends.
Elf children show their parents a lot of respect, but they get much closer to them as they get older. Typically around the time they are courting, or getting married they start to form a deeper connection.
Similar to parents, Elves respect their siblings but do not form deeper relationsh until they older. The years that divide siblings often puts them at different stages in their life.
Extended family, including, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, or the like have a very transactional relationship with each other. When events or celebrations happen they meet and most get along well with each other. The only exception to this are cousins, which can often be around the same age as each other and might form deeper connections early on.
Elf parents care deeply for their children and they give them a lot of structure and freedom in equal parts. Learning is very important so formalized schooling and experiential learning are all methods that appeal to Elves typically. Both parents and children know they will not get close to each other until later. Elf parents are not terribly demonstrative but they show their care often and in various ways.
Friendship among Elves are deep and meaningful and can last their entire lives. Many friends are considered siblings more than their actual siblings are.
Friendship among non-Elves can be strong, but very short-lived due to the differences in lifespan, and perception of time. Elves seem to take a long time to determine if a friendship is viable, where others may deem it too long to bother to wait. If an Elf and a non-Elf becomes friends, though, the relationship is usually very deep and connected.
Average Technological Level
Elves combine their magic with technology in subtle ways, keeping to old techniques and methodology most often. They blend nature and architecture very well, and can craft wondrous items if they are so inclined. Many items of power have been crafted by the Elves, and some are very old indeed.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Most Elves can speak, read, and write Common and Elvish. Many also pick up another language or two, owing to their many advanced years interacting with other cultures.
Elvish is fluid, with subtle intonations and intricate grammar. Elven literature is rich and varied, and their songs and poems are famous among other cultures.
Many common words and names use Avariel and Elvish roots in their naming.
Common Dress Code
Elves of the cities dress very well, and even commoner elves do their best to remain clean, and presentable. Noble Elves dress in fancy attire and accessories, but are rarely ostentatious. They like blues, golds, and greens, but will often trim or accentuate with those colours over a white or silver base.
Elves of the countryside dress well, but more for function. Their attire is simpler, and less colourful, but still boasts some details that other cultures may lack with their rural counterparts.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Elves have great respect for elders, particularly those that are skilled or prominent in their field. Their respect for teachers and learning is unmatched, and they have the time to perfect their arts, sciences, or military might. They spend many years training themselves or their children in all manner of knowledge, giving them access to a variety of fields to explore. Many gravitate towards learning, diplomacy, artistic endeavours, botany, swordplay, or crafting, among many others.
History
To understand the history of the Elves, one must first go back further than their creation. Back in the early days of the Age of Aerith, when the Avariel were still whole, Flane, one of the heroes of the Culling, decided to build a 13th city of the Avariel. He was forbade to do so by Zayphos, the Pinnacle of Pinnacles. Believing he would be proven right after its reveal, Flane built this city in secret and he called it Exandar. The wrath of Zayphos was great and he demanded it be destroyed. When Flane refused, it sparked the Avariel civil war, which lasted for 115 years (a small amount of time for Avariel). It pitted brother against brother and city against city. Of the original 12 cities of the Avariel 6 had sided with Flane, and 3 sided with Zayphos, while another 3 declared neutrality.
King Aulmeweil of the Avariel city Querahpheh was wealthy and prosperous in his own right. His crystal magic could be very useful to either side but he did not believe in the conflict. He was certain it would blow over and the noble Avariel could not continue this war. He held fast in Querahpheh, secure in his safety, and just bided his time.
Queen Oreille of Behretz also believed that the conflict could not last and held numerous meetings with both Flane and Zayphos, but to no effect. Not believing in the bloodshed, Queen Oreille continued to hunt for a peaceful resolution but was never successful.
Lyradell, hero of the Culling did his best to make his friends see reason, but ultimately he sided with Zayphos during the war. He built a strong bond with Queen Oreille and they shared the desire to see the Avariel united. He encouraged her to continue to try to find a peaceful solution.
When the war finally ended, with Zayphos victorious through subterfuge and guile, he decreed that Exandar, and the other cities that sided with Flane would be punished and banished from the heavens. The citizens of those cities had their wings shorn, and their cities fell brutally and violently to the earth, with three of them landing in relatively close proximity to each other on Starhelm.
For those three cities that remained neutral, Zayphos' punishment was lighter, but they felt it nonetheless. Their wings would gently disolve, as their cities were placed on the earth, as protection against the hostilities of Flane and his Fallen.
Lyradell, as atonement for his inability to bridge the yawning gap between his friends, which allowed the war to continue, declared that he would join the neutral cities in their banishment.
Querahpheh was placed in the northern forest of Starhelm and renamed Aspisya'hr, which translates into Aspenshield in the common tongue. There King Aulmeweil would rule for 130 years before succumbing to his advanced age, caused by the loss of Avariel power. No longer tethered to the celestial realm of the heavens, King Aulmeweil's resistance to the ravages of time caught up with him quickly. His daughter, whose name is lost in time, took up the rule of Aspenshield and is still Queen today, though under a more familiar name - The Crystal Queen.
Behretz was placed in the southern forest of Starhelm, near to the Fallen capital of Exandar. Her ability to gain allies and supporters to her cause put her in a good position to befriend her new neighbours and enlist aid against the Fallen there. The city was renamed Anafyaf'hr, which translates into Beautiful Bough, or Brightbough in the common tongue. She ruled there for 137 years before succumbing to the same advance aging that Aulmeweil would suffer. Her first-born son, Avaravar took the throne and continued his mother's work of uniting those allies they could muster against the Fallen. Avaravar was the first full Elf to be born on the earth. His name translates into Promised Hope. Shalamair is a title bestowed on him when he took the throne and it translates into Worthy Ruler. The title of Shalamair is passed down to the ruler of Brightbough, which thus far have all been Kings.
Lyradell spent much of his time in the south with Queen Oreille, and subsequently her children, assisting them in gathering allies, and battling Flane. While he traveled to Aspenshield as well, he was confident in the power of Aulmeweil and his crystal network, which was maintained after they arrived on Starhelm. Lyradell's connection to Oreille and their shared sadness at their failure to find a solution kept him close to Brightbough. Exandar's nearness also kept him quite busy. Only 10 years after arriving, both Lyradell and Flane arose as Imperial Beings, taking their place alongside Pinnacles, and Luminares.
Lyradell spent the next 500 years battling Flane before both of them mysteriously and simultaneously left Aerith to continue their conflict in the heavens.
In the year 384 AE, only 38 years before she died, Queen Oreille made allies with the Dwarves of the Barrier Guard and the Portal Guard. In an effort to create stability in the region and as a defense against the Fallen of the area, they chose a prime location near the southern exit of the Vale. A Gnomish settlement there named Stonebridge was their chosen location and the two cultures agreed to work together and elevate it to a city. They provided resources, knowledge, and fostered a community of sharing and acceptance. It was a great success and Stonebridge, even to this day is a thriving Gnomish city.
Late in the year 218 PF Azdurok, the Fallen city in the northeast of Starhelm, marches on Aspenshield, expecting to wipe out the Elves there. Their army is massive and they have many items of power they have taken or created to help them in their war. Early in the year 219 PF, the Crystal Queen decimates the attacking army as they approach Aspenshield, utilizing the Crystal Network and her unquestioning power over the region. The Azdurokians have yet to fully recover and do not head north in great numbers, though they still send spies and smaller bands to create havoc in the region.
After a visit to Lady Fireeyes, in the Scar of Fire, The Crystal Queen decided, after nearly two and a half millenia, to bear children. Her first set of twins were born in 498 PF, known collectively as the Crystal Twins (Alyis and Aryis). In the year 712 PF she gave birth to a second set of twins; Alyra, the Crystal Heir; and Atynis, the Crystal Successor. She is currently grooming Alyra to replace her should the need ever arise, though it seems very unlikely. Atynis is better suited to rule but he shows no interest at this point. The Crystal Twins serve as ambassadors to the outside world and spend much time traveling the continent. They are not equipped or interested in ruling.
King Immerial Shalamair of Brightbough was the fortunate recipient of the Forest Green gem of Zayphos, a piece of the shattered crown that Alucar used prior to the Fractioning. None know of the existence of the gem, save for Immerial's wife Althea, who has since died. None of his children know, but the new Shalamair will be told of its power.
Historical Figures
King Aulmeweil - King of Querahpheh and Aspenshield
Queen Oreille - Queen of Behretz and Brightbough
Araravar Shalamair - First full Elf, and first King of Brightbough
Yelmayeer Shalamair - Second King of Brightbough
Common Myths and Legends
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Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Elves have made friends with many races, including the Humans, Halflings, and Dwarves of the north and south of the Barrier Guard. The Humans, Dwarves, and Halflings of the north are very close, and they ally themselves against the Fallen, Goblins, and rampaging Nomads.
The Fallen are the Elves most concerning enemy, and they spend most of their days trying to protect the world from their lost brethren. While they may have pity for the Fallen they cannot allow them to harm the world they have been sent to protect. Seldom will Elves and Fallen parley with each other.
The Witch Queen of Starhelm and her Undead minions are a concern also for the Elves, particularly in Brightbough, but they currently pay more attention to the machinations of the Fallen. They do keep an eye out for any incursions of Undead though.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
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