Elves

The elves of Caith Murain are an ancient and enigmatic people, deeply intertwined with the natural and mystical forces of the world. Known for their long lifespans, ethereal beauty, and innate connection to magic, the elves have left an indelible mark on the history and culture of the Southland Continent and beyond.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Elves are renowned for their elegant and graceful appearance, with slender builds, sharp features, and pointed ears. Their skin tones vary from the pale hues of moonlight to the deep browns of ancient forests, often with a faint shimmer that hints at their feywild heritage. Elven hair is equally diverse, ranging from earthy tones to shades of silver, gold, or even verdant green.

Their eyes are their most striking feature, often described as luminous and otherworldly. Shades of emerald, sapphire, and amber are common, with some elves possessing eyes that seem to reflect starlight or the glow of the feywild itself. Several sub-species of elves are known, including High Elf, Wood Elf, Sea Elf, Drow, and Astral. More are argued for, but all elves share some common immutable traits.

Civilization and Culture

Major Organizations

Elves, with their long histories and diverse cultural expressions, have established numerous kingdoms, factions, and organizations across Caith Murain. These groups reflect the elves’ varied approaches to governance, magic, and interaction with other races.

Elven Kingdoms

The Sylvan Kingdom of Elloran (Southland)
Overview: Nestled within the dense forests of Southland, Elloran is a bastion of traditional elven values. Its capital, Mirathen, is built among colossal trees, with homes and towers suspended in their branches.
Culture: Deeply connected to the feywild, the elves of Elloran maintain strict reverence for nature, blending magic and craftsmanship seamlessly.
Politics: Ruled by the Council of Glades, a coalition of noble families and druids, Elloran is known for its diplomacy and cautious engagement with non-elven civilizations.
The Ruins of Ellefariel (Southland)
Overview: Once the largest elven city during the First Age, Ellefariel is now a sprawling ruin overgrown with enchanted vegetation. It remains a pilgrimage site and a source of valuable relics.
Culture: Several elven clans claim to be descendants of Ellefariel’s original citizens, and they work to preserve its history and recover its lost knowledge.
The Emerald Principality (Ghemjana)
Overview: A kingdom situated on the edge of the Emerald Vale, a vast, rolling plain bordered by forests. Known for its harmony between agriculture and magic.
Politics: Ruled by Prince Thalor Nyrithan, the principality balances isolationism with careful trade agreements, particularly with human kingdoms.
Significance: Famous for its magical grain and enchanted artifacts, which command high value in global markets.
The Icewood Dominion (Norvatrost)
Overview: A small but resilient elven kingdom located in the frozen tundra of Norvatrost. The Icewood elves have adapted to the harsh environment, crafting their homes within enchanted ice caverns and frost-laden forests.
Politics: Led by the Frostsinger Queen Selinthara, the Icewood Dominion is fiercely protective of its territory, relying on powerful frost magic and guerrilla tactics to deter invaders.

Elven Organizations

The Moonlit Accord
Purpose: A collective of scholars, mages, and planar experts dedicated to preserving the balance between the feywild and the Mundane world.
Activities: Researching planar rifts, mediating conflicts between fey entities and mortals, and maintaining hidden pathways to the feywild.
Headquarters: Located in Telcoviel, the Moonlit Accord operates across Southland and Hestoria.
Notable Members:
Aranir Feyshade, a fey-touched sage who bridges the divide between fey and mortals.
Lyshana Quenleaf, a cartographer known for mapping hidden planar pathways.
The Silver Bow
Purpose: A renowned military order dedicated to the defense of elven lands and the eradication of planar threats.
Activities: Guarding ancient forests, training elite rangers, and mounting expeditions against Flux creatures and corrupted fey.
Symbol: A crescent moon over a silver bow, representing vigilance and precision.
Notable Chapters:
The Glade Sentinels of Elloran.
The Tundra Wardens of the Icewood Dominion.
The Aetherweavers
Purpose: Artisans and enchanters specializing in crafting Etherweave and other magical textiles, integrating elven artistry with Rift-derived materials.
Influence: Collaborates with guilds like Barrensburg’s Weaver’s Spindle, ensuring elven designs remain highly coveted.
Notable Figures:
Lirien Dawnthread, a master weaver whose Etherweave creations are said to glow with the light of distant stars.

Elven Political Factions

The Verdant Pact
Beliefs: Advocates for absolute preservation of elven lands and traditions, resisting any outside influence or technological innovation.
Notable Leader: Tharindil Greenshade, a druid who views modernization as a threat to the elven way of life.
Conflicts: Often clashes with more progressive factions and human kingdoms over land use and trade agreements.
The Bright Horizon
Beliefs: Promotes collaboration and integration with other races, emphasizing the need for progress and shared knowledge.
Notable Leader: Selvanna Myrithiel, an ambassador known for brokering peace treaties between elves and humans.
Goals: Encouraging young elves to explore the wider world and bringing new ideas back to elven communities.
The Feybound
Beliefs: Focuses on strengthening ties to the feywild, believing that the future of the elves lies in reclaiming their lost connection to their ancestral plane.
Notable Leader: Vaeril Starsong, a mystic who claims to commune directly with the Archfey.
Practices: Rituals, planar crossings, and the study of ancient fey magic.

Elven Influence Beyond Southland

Hestorian Forestholds and Nonny
Independent elven enclaves scattered across Hestoria, each ruled by local elders.
These enclaves are known for their neutrality and their role as mediators in Hestoria’s frequent human conflicts.
The Northern Kingdom of Nonny, ruled by Drow kings, is a kingdom of Elves on Hestoria, and boasts that all creatures are welcome within its boarders. They claim to be the only true kingdom of elves, though this is hotly disputed by the Starhold Kingdom in Southern Hestoria.
Svilgard’s Dwarven Alliances
In Svilgard, elves have forged rare alliances with dwarves, blending elven magic with dwarven craftsmanship.
These partnerships produce unparalleled weapons, tools, and enchanted artifacts.
The Wandering Kin
Nomadic elves who eschew permanent settlements, traveling across continents in tightly knit clans.
These wanderers serve as bards, traders, and historians, spreading elven culture while collecting stories and relics from the world.

Religious Groups of Elves in Caith Murain

The Circle of Eternal Song

Beliefs:
The Eternal Song is the harmonious force that binds all living things in a cosmic melody. Followers believe their actions, art, and magic contribute to this universal composition.
Life is viewed as a verse in the song, and death as a transition to a new refrain.
Disharmony, such as violence or selfishness, is seen as disrupting the song and must be corrected.
Practices:
Ritual singing and music-making to align oneself with the Song’s flow.
Annual festivals where communities create new music and art to "offer" to the Eternal Song.
Major Temples:
The Harmonic Glade in Elloran, where melodies resonate through enchanted trees.
The Choral Spire in Telcoviel, said to amplify songs directly to the gods.

The Verdant Covenant

Beliefs:
The Verdant Covenant worships the balance and sanctity of nature. Its followers view the forests, rivers, and mountains as living embodiments of divine will.
Gods of growth, seasons, and natural cycles are central to their faith.
They believe the elven purpose is to protect and steward the natural world.
Practices:
Sacred rituals during solstices and equinoxes, celebrating the changing seasons.
Planting trees and restoring lands as acts of worship.
Major Temples:
The Sanctuary of Greenlight in the Emerald Vale.
The Rooted Basilica in Ellefariel, an ancient site where nature has reclaimed the temple.

The Feybound Order

Beliefs:
This group venerates the Archfey as intermediaries of the divine, believing the feywild is the realm closest to the gods.
They seek to strengthen ties between the elven people and their fey ancestors.
The Feybound Order considers the Flux a sacred manifestation of divine intent.
Practices:
Planar crossings to commune with Archfey and feywild spirits.
Ritual dances and offerings to maintain harmony between planes.
Major Temples:
The Moonveil Shrine, located in a perpetual twilight glade in Southland.
The Thistle Court, a planar temple that exists partially in the feywild and partially in the Mundane world.

The Luminal Seekers

Beliefs:
The Luminal Seekers worship the stars and celestial bodies as divine guides, believing their light reveals the path to enlightenment.
The stars are seen as the gods' eternal watchful eyes, guiding and protecting mortals.
Followers study astronomy and astrology to interpret divine will.
Practices:
Starwatching ceremonies where priests "read" the stars to predict future events.
Pilgrimages to high places believed to be closer to the heavens.
Major Temples:
The Celestial Terrace in Norvatrost, carved into the icy cliffs.
The Starlight Observatory in Telcoviel, famed for its enchanted star charts.

The Duskwardens

Beliefs:
The Duskwardens venerate the gods of twilight and transition, seeing the moments between light and dark as sacred.
They believe twilight represents balance, introspection, and the boundary between life and death.
Followers are often guardians of knowledge, ensuring the preservation of elven lore.
Practices:
Evening and dawn rituals where prayers are offered during the shifting light.
Preservation of ancient texts and artifacts, particularly those related to the First Age.
Major Temples:
The Shrine of Shifting Light, located in the ruins of Ellefariel.
The Twilight Archive, a hidden repository of ancient knowledge in Svilgard.

The Weavers of the World Thread

Beliefs:
This mystical sect believes that the universe is a vast tapestry, with every living being a thread in its intricate design.
They see the gods as weavers, shaping the world through time and experience.
Devotees seek to align their lives with the "World Thread," ensuring their actions strengthen the tapestry.
Practices:
Ritual weaving and embroidery as meditative acts to represent one's place in the universe.
Storytelling as a sacred act, with tales viewed as threads that bind communities.
Major Temples:
The Threadspire, a towering temple in Elloran adorned with endless tapestries.
The Loom of Eternity, a mysterious artifact said to weave threads of fate itself.

The Embershade Reverence

Beliefs:
This group worships the gods of fire and renewal, viewing destruction as a necessary precursor to growth.
Fire is both a tool and a symbol of transformation, cleansing, and creation.
They revere volcanic and desert regions as sacred spaces where the divine is most evident.
Practices:
Ceremonies involving controlled burns to "cleanse" and renew the land.
Fire-dancing rituals during festivals to honor the gods of renewal.
Major Temples:
The Ashen Sanctum in Ghemjana’s volcanic heartlands.
The Cinder Citadel, a temple built from volcanic stone in Hestoria.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Elven Life

Elven culture is deeply rooted in harmony, magic, and artistry. They view life as a continuous cycle of creation, preservation, and renewal, a philosophy that guides their approach to everything from governance to crafting.

Settlements:

Elven cities and towns are seamlessly integrated into their natural surroundings, often built into trees, alongside rivers, or within glades.

Their architecture emphasizes beauty and functionality, with flowing designs that mirror the natural world.

Art and Magic:

Art and magic are inseparable in elven culture. Their songs, paintings, and sculptures are often imbued with enchantments, creating works that inspire and endure.

Music holds a special place, with elven melodies said to heal wounds, calm tempests, or even shape the emotions of those who hear them.

Governance:

Traditional elven governance revolves around councils of elders, often composed of the wisest and most skilled members of the community.

Leadership is seen as a responsibility to serve, not a position of power, and decisions are made with the welfare of the land and people in mind.

In the current age, elves are a more scattered and enigmatic people. Some dwell in grand cities that preserve the glory of their ancestors, while others live in small, isolated communities hidden deep within forests or glades. There are even those who have embraced the cosmopolitan life of mixed-race cities, adapting to a changing world while retaining their distinct identity.

Though their numbers have diminished, their influence endures through their mastery of magic, their unmatched craftsmanship, and their long memories. Elves are often seen as keepers of knowledge, guarding the secrets of the past while subtly shaping the future.

Elven Myth and Culture

Elven culture is deeply intertwined with their myths and legends, shaping their values, traditions, and worldview. Whether viewed as historical truths, symbolic teachings, or spiritual parables, these stories have left a profound mark on how elves live, govern, and interact with the world.

1. The Woven Pact

Cultural Influence:
The Woven Pact underscores the elves’ reverence for balance and harmony with nature. This myth is taught to elven children as a reminder of their role as stewards of the natural world.
Rituals: Annual festivals like the Weaving of Harmony are held in Elloran, where communities gather to create enchanted tapestries symbolizing unity with the land and the feywild.
Architecture: Many elven structures, especially in forested regions, incorporate woven designs in stone and wood to honor the pact and their connection to the feywild.

2. The Fall of Ellefariel

Cultural Influence:
The cautionary tale of Ellefariel’s fall has become a central teaching about hubris and the dangers of unchecked ambition. Elves see it as a warning to balance progress with responsibility.
Education: Ellefariel’s story is taught in elven academies as a historical and moral lesson.
Art and Literature: Plays and poems often depict the city's grandeur and tragic downfall, inspiring both awe and melancholy.
Pilgrimage: Many elves undertake pilgrimages to the ruins of Ellefariel to reflect on their legacy and meditate on the balance between ambition and humility.

3. The Eternal Grove

Cultural Influence:
The Eternal Grove is a sacred site and a symbol of elven spirituality. It embodies their belief in the interconnectedness of life and the guidance offered by nature.
Rituals: Priests of the Verdant Covenant conduct ceremonies in similar groves, invoking the wisdom of the trees to guide their communities.
Music: Elven compositions often mimic the melodies said to emanate from the grove, blending natural harmonies with magical resonance.

4. The Seven Stars of Guidance

Cultural Influence:
This legend is central to elven astronomy and navigation, symbolizing hope and guidance during troubled times.
Festivals: The Festival of Guiding Lights celebrates the Seven Stars, with elven cities lighting lanterns to honor their protective glow.
Art: Star motifs are common in elven jewelry, murals, and ceremonial attire.
Spiritual Practices: The Luminal Seekers use this legend as the foundation for their star-watching rituals, interpreting celestial movements as messages from the gods.

5. The Whispering River

Cultural Influence:
Elves see the Whispering River as a reminder of their ancestors' wisdom and a bridge between the past and present.
Tradition: In regions near the river, elves drink its water during rites of passage, believing it imparts ancestral guidance.
Storytelling: Tales of whispers inspiring great deeds are a staple of elven folklore, encouraging listeners to honor their heritage.
Magic: Enchanters sometimes use water from the river in their spells, claiming it enhances divination magic.

6. The Veil of Elunara

Cultural Influence:
The Veil of Elunara is celebrated as a symbol of sacrifice and the clever use of magic for the greater good.
Ceremonies: Elves reenact Elunara’s story in Shadowveil Day, a festival where participants create illusions to represent her legendary veil.
Magic Philosophy: Elves emphasize magic as a tool for protection and service rather than domination, inspired by Elunara’s legacy.

7. The Moonbirth

Cultural Influence:
Although largely symbolic, this myth inspires elven aesthetics and poetry, reflecting their connection to light and celestial beauty.
Art: Lunar themes dominate elven art and architecture, with crescent-shaped designs adorning temples and palaces.
Naming Traditions: Many elven names reference the moon, stars, or light as a nod to this myth.
Songs: The Ballad of the Moonborn is a traditional elven lullaby, sung to children as a reminder of their celestial origins.

8. The Blade of Ylindrel

Cultural Influence:
The legend of Ylindrel has inspired generations of elven warriors and adventurers, serving as a paragon of honor and righteousness.
Combat Philosophy: Elves who train as rangers or knights often strive to embody the virtues associated with the mythical blade—courage, integrity, and balance.
Quests: Adventurers frequently seek Ylindrel, with many claiming to have found fragments or echoes of its power.

9. The Twin Suns

Cultural Influence:
The Twin Suns myth serves as a parable about preservation and responsibility.
Rituals: Solar-themed ceremonies honor the "last sun," emphasizing the elves' role in maintaining balance in the world.
Art and Architecture: Dual solar motifs appear in ancient elven ruins, representing their guardianship over light and life.

10. The Weeping Forest

Cultural Influence:
The story of the Weeping Forest is a powerful reminder of the costs of heroism and the burden of sacrifice.
Pilgrimages: Some elves journey to similar forests, hoping to honor the hero’s memory or uncover gemstone-laden trees.
Jewelry: Gemstones crafted into tears are a popular motif among elves, symbolizing sorrow and hope intertwined.
Legends of Redemption: Elves often tell the tale as a moral lesson, reminding listeners of the price of their ancestors’ struggles.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Reverence for Nature:

The Flow of Time:

Spiritualism:

History

Elven myths speak of their origin as children of the feywild, a parallel plane of existence where magic flows freely, and nature flourishes in its most vibrant forms. According to legend, the first elves stepped into the Mundane world during the Dawn of the Gods, drawn by curiosity and the call of mortal lands. Their initial presence was transient, as they returned to the feywild at will, but as they grew more attached to the Mundane forests, rivers, and skies, they began to anchor themselves permanently in Caith Murain.

This connection to the feywild is evident in the elves' natural affinity for magic and their ability to manipulate nature without disrupting its balance. Many elven rituals and practices reflect their reverence for the feywild, and even in modern times, they are seen as bridges between the two worlds.

Elves have played pivotal roles in many of Caith Murain's eras. During the First Age, they established sprawling civilizations across Southland, most notably the city of Ellefariel, a hub of culture, trade, and magic. While their early unity faltered, leading to fragmentation, their influence persisted through the ages.

Even in their decline, the elves remained formidable. They resisted external conquests, relying on their deep connection to their lands and the feywild to protect their homes. Over time, many elven communities chose seclusion, retreating to hidden enclaves in forests and mountains, where they could live in peace away from the conflicts of younger races.

Historical Figures

1. Aelindor the Builder (c. -14000 to -13200 BCE)

Accomplishments: Aelindor is credited with founding the city of Ellefariel and designing its early architecture. He introduced the practice of weaving living wood and stone with magic, creating structures that were both beautiful and sustainable.
Best Known For: His masterpiece, the Arborium Archives, a library said to hold knowledge from both the feywild and Mundane worlds.
Lasting Legacy: Aelindor’s architectural principles still influence modern elven design, and fragments of his archives are sought after by scholars to this day.

2. Sylvena Myralis, The Whisperer (c. -12750 to -11950 BCE)

Accomplishments: Sylvena negotiated peace treaties between rival elven city-states during the First Age, stabilizing the region for centuries. She also acted as an arbiter for disputes within elven communities.
Best Known For: Her uncanny ability to “hear” the true intentions of others, earning her the title The Whisperer.
Lasting Legacy: Sylvena’s principles of diplomacy are studied by elven ambassadors, and her writings are preserved in the Scrolls of Unity.

3. Elunara, Weaver of Shadows (c. -8100 to -7400 BCE)

Accomplishments: Elunara created the legendary Shadowveil, a magical artifact used to shield her people during an invasion by planar beings. Her leadership inspired her people to endure in the face of great loss.
Best Known For: Her sacrifice—she gave her life to complete the veil’s enchantment, ensuring her people's survival.
Lasting Legacy: The Shadowveil Day festival honors her memory, and her story is a symbol of courage and ingenuity.

4. Vaeryn Starforge, The First Astral Smith (c. -5100 to -4600 BCE)

Accomplishments: Vaeryn pioneered the forging of weapons and artifacts using materials from planar rifts, including Astral Ice. His creations became critical in defending against planar incursions.
Best Known For: Forging the Aegis of Stars, a shield said to be impervious to both physical and magical attacks.
Lasting Legacy: Modern elven smiths trace their craft back to Vaeryn, and the Aegis of Stars is a treasured artifact in elven lore.

5. Lirathen Quensar, The Exile (c. -2050 to -1300 BCE)

Accomplishments: Lirathen was an outspoken critic of elven isolationism, advocating for closer ties with other races. After his exile, he founded a mixed-race community that prospered in Hestoria.
Best Known For: His eloquent speeches, particularly the famous "Bridge of Words" oration.
Lasting Legacy: Lirathen’s ideas paved the way for future collaboration between elves and other races, and his descendants are celebrated as champions of unity.

6. Maevira Nightbloom, The Feyblade (c. -400 BCE to 100 CE)

Accomplishments: A warrior-poet who defended elven lands during the Flux Wars, Maevira wielded the legendary blade Sylvanlight, said to be a gift from the Archfey.
Best Known For: Her martial prowess and poetic chronicles of the battles she fought.
Lasting Legacy: Maevira’s poetry remains a cornerstone of elven literature, and Sylvanlight is rumored to still exist, hidden in a feywild grove.

7. Thaelorian Quindris, The Dreambinder (c. 1150 to 1750 CE)

Accomplishments: A mage who mastered the manipulation of dreams, Thaelorian used his magic to broker peace by entering the dreams of rival leaders and resolving disputes before they escalated.
Best Known For: Binding a rogue Archfey known as Nyxaris the Nightmaiden, preventing her from unleashing chaos in the Mundane world.
Lasting Legacy: The Dreambinder’s Codex, a collection of spells and techniques for dreamwalking, is a treasured tome among elven mages.

8. Alyssara Moonveil, The Wayfinder (1800 to 2550 CE)

Accomplishments: A famed explorer who mapped hidden pathways between the feywild and the Mundane world, Alyssara expanded elven understanding of planar travel.
Best Known For: Discovering the Moonveil Pass, a planar shortcut that connects Southland and Ghemjana.
Lasting Legacy: Her maps are still used by adventurers and scholars, and her discoveries have made planar travel more accessible.

9. Thaloris Dawnshade, The Scholar of Shadows (2300 to 2995 CE)

Accomplishments: A historian who uncovered lost knowledge from the ruins of Ellefariel, including fragments of Aelindor’s architectural blueprints and Sylvena’s diplomacy scrolls.
Best Known For: Documenting the mysterious Weeping Forest and its gemstone-laden trees.
Lasting Legacy: Thaloris’s work revived interest in ancient elven history, inspiring modern elves to reconnect with their past.

10. Selanna Starbloom, The Radiant Speaker (2450 to Present)

Accomplishments: A visionary leader who redefined elven diplomacy in the modern era, forging alliances with human kingdoms and dwarven strongholds.
Best Known For: Her charisma and ability to unite diverse factions during the Treaty of Telcoviel, which ended decades of intercontinental conflict.
Lasting Legacy: The treaty still stands, and Selanna’s statue in Telcoviel is a symbol of unity and progress.

Common Myths and Legends

Elves, with their long lifespans and deep ties to history and magic, have developed a rich tapestry of myths and legends that blend truth, possibility, and outright fantasy. These stories, passed down through generations, serve to inspire, warn, and explain the mysteries of the world and their own origins.

True Myths

The Woven Pact
Legend: In the early days of the First Age, the elves made a pact with the Archfey to anchor themselves to the Mundane world. The Archfey gifted them the knowledge to weave magic into nature, allowing them to build their flourishing civilization without harming the land.
Truth: Scholars agree that early elven mastery of magical weaving stems from this pact. Ruins such as the Moonveil Shrine contain carvings that depict elves meeting fey-like beings under shimmering auroras.
The Fall of Ellefariel
Legend: Ellefariel fell when a magical experiment went awry, unleashing a planar rift that consumed the city in chaos. Survivors claim to have seen creatures from other planes devouring its once-great towers.
Truth: Historians confirm that Ellefariel’s collapse coincided with reports of planar instability. Remnants of the city show signs of powerful magic that spiraled out of control.
The Eternal Grove
Legend: Deep in the forests of Elloran lies a grove where time flows differently. Trees there are said to sing, and those who listen gain insight into their destiny.
Truth: The grove exists, but time doesn’t truly “flow differently.” The singing trees are enchanted, their melodies drawing on ambient magic to evoke visions.

Maybe True Myths

The Seven Stars of Guidance
Legend: During the Dawn of the Gods, seven stars descended from the heavens, each embedding itself into the earth to guide the elves. These stars became the first temples, their light eternal.
Possibility: Archaeological sites near ancient elven temples often reveal stones that glow faintly at night. Whether they are fallen stars or enchanted artifacts remains a mystery.
The Whispering River
Legend: A river that flows through the ruins of Ellefariel is said to whisper the secrets of the past to those who drink from its waters. Some claim the whispers come from the spirits of fallen elves.
Possibility: The river does emit strange sounds, likely caused by enchanted stones along its bed. Whether the whispers are intelligible or supernatural is still debated.
The Veil of Elunara
Legend: Elunara, a legendary elven seer, wove a veil so powerful it could obscure entire armies from sight. She used it to protect her people from an invading force, but the veil was lost after her death.
Possibility: Ancient scrolls reference an artifact known as the Shadowveil, but its existence has never been confirmed.

Obviously Mythological

The Moonbirth
Legend: The first elves were born from moonlight that touched the world during the Dawn of the Gods. Their glowing forms wandered the forests, learning to speak by listening to the wind.
Fantasy: While poetic, there is no evidence to support this origin. Most scholars attribute the story to early elven attempts to explain their feywild connection.
The Singing Mountain
Legend: A mountain in Norvatrost is said to sing once every thousand years, summoning all elves to hear the gods’ will. The song is said to be so beautiful that it drives listeners to tears.
Fantasy: No mountain has ever been found to emit sound, and the idea of a divine song summoning all elves is considered symbolic rather than literal.
The Forest of Living Statues
Legend: In Hestoria, a forest is said to contain statues of elves frozen in lifelike poses. The story claims they were turned to stone for defying the gods.
Fantasy: While petrification magic exists, no forest of living statues has ever been discovered, making this legend a cautionary tale about hubris.

Myths with Mixed Purposes

The Blade of Ylindrel
Legend: A sword crafted by the gods themselves, Ylindrel is said to grant its wielder unmatched power and the ability to command nature itself. However, it can only be wielded by one who is truly pure of heart.
Truth or Fantasy?: Stories of Ylindrel are often used to inspire courage in times of war, though no verifiable accounts of the blade exist. Some believe it may be hidden in the ruins of Ellefariel.
The Twin Suns
Legend: During the First Age, the world was lit by two suns. When one faded, it became the elves' duty to preserve the light of the remaining sun through their magic.
Truth or Fantasy?: Astronomical records do not support the existence of two suns, but some elven artifacts feature dual solar motifs, suggesting a symbolic meaning.
The Weeping Forest
Legend: A cursed forest in Southland cries out during full moons, its trees weeping sap that transforms into gemstones. It is said the forest mourns the loss of a great elven hero.
Truth or Fantasy?: While no such forest has been conclusively found, rumors of gemstone-laden trees persist, making it a favorite tale among treasure seekers, and there are whispers of a forest in Hestoria that no one enters for fear of never leaving. Who knows what really is truth, though.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Humans

Synopsis: Elves and humans share a complex relationship marked by mutual curiosity and occasional friction. While elves admire human adaptability and ambition, they often view their short lifespans as leading to impulsive decisions. Humans, in turn, regard elves with awe for their wisdom and magic, though some resent their perceived aloofness.
Current State: Relations vary by region, from strong alliances in places like Telcoviel to wary coexistence in more isolationist elven kingdoms. Collaborative trade, especially in enchanted goods and agriculture, fosters mutual benefit.

Dwarves

Synopsis: Though fundamentally different in culture and temperament, elves and dwarves have forged rare but enduring partnerships. Dwarves respect elven artistry, and elves admire dwarven craftsmanship. However, philosophical divides—elves prioritizing nature and magic, dwarves favoring industry and practicality—often create tension.
Current State: In places like Svilgard, alliances blend dwarven engineering with elven magic, but in other areas, the two races prefer to keep their distance.

Halflings

Synopsis: Elves and halflings generally maintain friendly relations, united by a shared appreciation for harmony and community. Halflings’ grounded, simple lifestyle contrasts with elven refinement, fostering an endearing dynamic where each learns from the other.
Current State: Trade and cultural exchange thrive, particularly in regions where halfling villages neighbor elven settlements. Elves often serve as protectors of halfling communities in times of need.

Orcs

Synopsis: Relations with orcs are often strained, rooted in historical conflicts over territory. Elves perceive orcs as destructive, while orcs see elves as arrogant interlopers. However, in recent centuries, efforts toward understanding and diplomacy have emerged in neutral territories.
Current State: While distrust lingers, certain elven factions—like the Bright Horizon—advocate for cooperation, especially against shared threats like planar incursions.

Tieflings

Synopsis: Elves and tieflings share a cautious but respectful relationship. Elves are intrigued by tieflings’ infernal heritage and see their struggles for acceptance as echoing their own battles with prejudice.
Current State: In cosmopolitan areas like Telcoviel, tieflings and elves coexist and collaborate, though rural elven communities may harbor suspicion toward tieflings due to their planar ties.

Gnomes

Synopsis: Elves and gnomes share a strong bond through their mutual love of magic, art, and curiosity. Gnomes admire elven grace and tradition, while elves appreciate gnomes’ creativity and boundless energy.
Current State: The two races frequently collaborate in magical research and invention, with gnomes often playing a vital role in elven guilds like the Artificer’s League.

Dragonborn

Synopsis: Relations with dragonborn are respectful but distant. Elves are intrigued by dragonborn history and draconic heritage, while dragonborn respect elven wisdom and magic.
Current State: Trade and occasional alliances occur, particularly in areas where dragonborn clans overlap with elven territories. Cultural differences prevent deeper integration.

Planar Entities (Fey, Celestials, and Others)

Synopsis: As descendants of the feywild, elves maintain a deep connection with planar entities. They often serve as mediators or allies to fey and celestials, but relations with more chaotic or malevolent entities can be contentious.
Current State: Elven factions like the Feybound Order and the Planar Compact actively maintain these ties, ensuring balance and mutual benefit.

Other Species

These really aren't much worth talking about, as far as the elves have to say. If they live long enough, or do something important enough, then they can figure that out. Unless you're a creature of darkness, however.....
Elves harbor a profound disdain and vigilance toward evil creatures like demons, devils, and aberrations, viewing them as unnatural disruptions to the balance of the world. Their long lifespans and deep ties to the feywild have ingrained in them a respect for harmony, making the chaotic and corrupting influence of such beings anathema to their philosophy. Elves often see these creatures not just as threats to mortal life but as blights on the fabric of existence itself. While some factions, such as the Duskwardens or Silver Bow, actively hunt and destroy these entities, others—like the Planar Compact—seek to understand and contain them. Regardless of approach, elves rarely tolerate the presence of such beings in their lands, and alliances with mortals who consort with them are met with deep suspicion or outright hostility.

Origin/Ancestry

Feywild

Geographic Distribution

Southland