Elves

The Elves were a race that lived all across the Empire prior to the Coming of the Comet. They inhabited the largest forests and mostly kept to their own, though a superficial contact with the Empire existed. In general relations were peaceful, except when their territory was infringed and their woods deforested. This was also the reason given by the Elves for the start of the War of the Woods, though the Imperials disputed this. Nevertheless, Elves were deeply mistrusted by the common folk across the Empire, for they were entirely alien in their nature.

The War of the Woods

The Elves that lived within the Empire were rarely seen in towns, but they were easily recognised by their elongated ears and tall but lean stature. Those who deeply mistrusted Elves would boycott or curse them, sometimes even resulting in violence. This was especially the case after the War of the Woods, the conflict that sprang from the initial, hostile contact between the first Imperials and Elves. It is recorded that the Elves retaliated against poachers and lumberjacks who invaded their woods in force, after which the Empire assembled their armies to march upon the Elves.
Back then, the forests were grand and tall, and entirely hostile. Throughout the War of the Woods they were trimmed and tamed by the Imperial forces, until both sides eventually relented. The war had resulted in a stalemate, neither side willing to advance on the other for fear of being caught off-guard in territories entirely alien to their races. Peace was made, and the Elves became a protectorate within the Empire and were allowed to remain in their forests.

Magical Creatures

One of the reasons of mistrust between Imperials and Elves was their inherently magical nature, something which was on full display during the war. Tall tales of Elves and their magic reached the ears of everyone after peace was signed and soldiers returned home. Some of these rumours were true, others exaggerated. Either way, it began to portray the Elves in an arcane fashion, hidden deep within their woods. Children were warned not to wander close to the borders of forests, and the Elves and their cruelty became a bedtime story across the Empire.

Few depictions of Elves remain. Most folk do not remember their appearance at all.

The Massacre

After the Coming of the Comet despair was rife across the Empire. Despair led to hatred, hatred directed at the Elves. The Church of Illumination - a minor cult at the time - managed to rouse the Imperial populace. Archdeacon Ruimer II blamed the arcane magic of the Elves for the catastrophe that befell the Empire, and Imperial citizens took up arms against them. The Elves defended themselves valiantly, but their forests burned nevertheless, and they were slaughtered in the thousands. The coming Flood swept away whatever was left.

One of the last depictions of the Elves within the Basilica of Luminor. 

Type
Race
Age
Unknown, long-lived.
Laws
Presumed extinct, capture on sight.