Elves

The proud and elegant elves were among the first people to dwell among the forests of Etharis. Their long history is lost in distant eons, and even elves with their long lifespans do not fully know their true origins. Tall, graceful, and extraordinarily beautiful, they claimed the forests and river lands of Caer Neiada, in what is now the Charneault Kingdom, creating magnificent kingdoms deep within the woods.

Blessed with keen eyesight and a great talent for archery, they have created a long-lasting tradition of rangers to protect their kingdoms from outside threats. Their deep knowledge of the woodlands further complimented their deadly and silent armies, making them a force to be reckoned with in these early days. Living for eons, however, the elves gradually became arrogant, often isolating themselves from the other races— especially humans, who they considered primitive and barbaric, failing to recognize them as a plausible threat.

The Era of Expansion cost the elves dearly. Their kingdoms were turned to dust, and many of their forests were turned to ash. Even though their bows were precise, they were outnumbered and unable to defend themselves on all fronts as war-hungry armies burned their sheltering forests. The elves lived for decades as nomads, trying to hide in the few remaining forests on the outskirts of the human civilization. However, their sorrow and grief for the lost beauty of their home empowered them to recreate it. They turned to the arts. Heartbreaking songs of their lost paradises would echo among the trees in the night. Most importantly, though, they turned to magic. The forest spirits that had once guided them were not vanquished, and were eager to aid old friends. They bestowed the elves with their magic—the power to restore their lands to their ancient beauty.