Elves

Elves are natives to The Forest in the west of Istar and have been in Istar as far as history is written. It is unknown where the elves came from. Some say they were born in the Forest, while others say they come from a land far away. Their oldest city lies in the northern parts of The Forest and is a capital of the Elven Kingdom. The city is known as The City Which Brings the Dawn also called Aurora. In written history it can be deducted that this city is indeed their first foothold in Istar and for quite some time also their only home. Many centuries later a few groups split from their kin and established cities all across Istar. Nowadays only ruins can be found of these other cities, only stories and myths tell off another elven city, other than Aurora, deep in the southern parts of The Forest.

Culture

The elven culture weighs heavily on tradition, belief and unity. When elves are become of age they will be blessed by one of their three Goddesses: Nadine The Goddess of Fauna, Deidra, The Goddess of Flora and Etra, The Goddess of the Elements. The young elves receive markings from their Goddessess, which determines what their role is in their society. Elves which receive the black markings become members of the army, those who receive the green markings will master a proffession and the elves blessed with the white markings will become priests or priestesses. This tradition is rarely broken and those who break it are banished from the realm.
They are a very isolated race and try to stay out of as many outside conflict as possible.

Faith

The elvish belief in the Gods of Nature is a deeply ingrained aspect of their culture, shaping their spiritual connection to the world around them. These gods represent the fundamental forces of the natural world, each governing a distinct realm.
Revered as the guardian of plant life, the Goddess of Flora is believed to have created the magnificent and diverse flora that adorns the elvish landscapes. Her touch is seen in the enchanting forests, vibrant meadows, and the blossoms that paint the countryside. It is said that her blessings ensure the lushness and vitality of the plant kingdom, making her a vital deity in the eyes of the elves.
The Godess of Fauna is the patron of all creatures, great and small. She is celebrated as the creator of the animal kingdom, populating the world with a diverse array of creatures, some of which the elves consider sacred. It is her benevolence that brought about the existence of these creatures, forging a profound bond between the elves and the inhabitants of their natural world.
As the deity in control of the elements, the Goddess of the Elements wields the power of earth, water, air, and fire. She is responsible for the natural balance and harmony of these elemental forces. Elves attribute the stability of their environment and the world at large to her influence, seeing her as a guardian against the chaos that can arise from uncontrolled natural elements.
In the earliest days of elvish history, the first of their kind found their home in a sacred tree. This venerable tree, believed to have been touched by the divine, served as both their sanctuary and the focal point of their spiritual practices. It became a symbol of the elves' deep connection to nature and the gods.
Furthermore, The Forest, a vast expanse of woodlands that encompasses the elvish territory, is considered a holy realm. Within this forest, numerous creatures are seen as sacred beings, living embodiments of the gods' creations. The elves, as stewards of this sacred domain, hold a solemn duty to protect and preserve The Forest, ensuring it remains a living testament to the divine creations of their revered goddesses. This profound connection between the elves and their gods of nature is a driving force behind their culture, guiding their actions, rituals, and way of life.

Hierachie

Within elvish society, the highest governing body is known as the "Triumvirate of Elders." This esteemed council is composed of three influential leaders, each responsible for distinct facets of elvish life and governance.
The military leader assumes the role of safeguarding the elvish realms, commanding their armies, and ensuring the protection of their lands. They are skilled strategists and fierce defenders of the elvish way of life.
The religious leader serves as the spiritual anchor of the elvish people, interpreting the will of the gods and guiding the populace in matters of faith and tradition. They preside over religious ceremonies, offer divine counsel, and maintain the sacred bond between the elves and their deities.
This revered individual is responsible for matters of governance, diplomacy with other races, and the preservation of elvish knowledge and culture. The title "Custodian of Wisdom" reflects their role as the repository of accumulated wisdom and as the voice of reason and insight in the Triumvirate.
The Triumvirate of Elders, with its three distinct leaders, brings balance and unity to elvish society. Each member plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the elves, ensuring the protection of their lands, the continuity of their spiritual practices, and the wisdom of their ancestors are upheld and cherished. Together, they guide the elves on their path, fostering harmony between the elvish people and the world they inhabit.

Architecture

The elves are adept at using the environment to fortify their positions. They strategically utilize geographical features like mountains, hills, water bodies, and dense forests to create natural defenses for their settlements. These geographic elements serve as protective barriers, enhancing the security of elvish homes and cities.
Elvish architecture is characterized by its commitment to the preservation of the surrounding natural beauty. Buildings blend seamlessly with the environment, appearing as if they are an organic extension of the landscape. This preservationist approach ensures that the integrity of the land remains intact, minimizing disruption to the ecosystems.
Elvish buildings are renowned for their timeless elegance and structural strength. Crafted from materials sourced sustainably and in harmony with the environment, these structures radiate a sense of grace and permanence. Their designs reflect a profound respect for nature's aesthetics, resulting in structures that are both functional and artistically pleasing.
The elves follow a philosophy of minimalism in their architecture. They construct only what is essential for their needs, avoiding excess or extravagance. This approach not only aligns with their commitment to preserving the natural world but also ensures that resources are used judiciously and efficiently.
The elvish approach to architecture is a testament to their commitment to coexisting with the environment harmoniously. It showcases their reverence for the natural world and their ability to create functional, elegant, and ecologically sustainable structures that stand as a testament to the enduring bond between the elves and their surroundings.

Devotion to Divine Service

In the elvish society, a fundamental principle is the unwavering commitment of every elf to the service of their gods. The belief that every occupation is equally valuable underscores their unique societal structure, where the sense of unity and shared purpose prevails.Three Distinct Paths: Within the elvish community, individuals find their calling in one of three distinct paths: military, religious, or working class. These paths represent the essence of their societal framework.
Those who choose the path of military service dedicate themselves to safeguarding the elvish realms. Their duty is to protect their people and their sacred lands, drawing strength from their commitment to the defense of their way of life.
The religious path is one of profound spiritual importance. Those who embark on this journey become spiritual guides, maintaining the connection between the elves and their gods. They interpret divine will, conduct sacred ceremonies, and provide spiritual counsel to the community. While not worshipped, those who fulfill religious roles are slightly more respected due to their spiritual guidance.
The working class encompasses a wide range of occupations essential to elvish society, including artisans, farmers, healers, and more. Each role contributes to the prosperity and well-being of the elvish community. There is no hierarchy among these roles, as each is considered vital to the collective welfare.
When an elf seeks wisdom, guidance, or answers to life's intricate questions, they often turn to the religious leaders, be they priests, warlocks, shamans, or other spiritual figures. These individuals are esteemed for their connection with the divine, and their guidance is highly valued. Elves trust the religious leaders to offer insight and direction on matters that extend beyond the immediate needs of daily life.
This inclusive approach to societal roles reflects the elves' shared commitment to their gods and the profound belief that every occupation, whether it involves protecting their homeland, guiding them spiritually, or sustaining their way of life, is equally integral to their flourishing society. The resulting sense of unity and harmony among the elves is a testament to the strength of their devotion to divine service.

Elvish Isolation and Occasional Altruism

Elvish society is characterized by a deep sense of isolation from the other races inhabiting the realm of Istar. The elves prioritize self-sufficiency and a focus on their own affairs, with limited interaction beyond their borders. However, despite their isolation, they maintain a code of ethics that occasionally leads them to assist or seek assistance from other races.
The elves' general attitude towards other races can be described as one of non-interference. They prefer to remain secluded within their own territories and communities, focused on their unique way of life and spirituality. This isolation is rooted in a desire to preserve their traditions and maintain the sanctity of their natural surroundings.
While the elves typically do not actively seek out interactions with other races, there are moments when the need for cooperation arises. They may approach neighboring communities for assistance with specific matters or when facing challenges that require collective efforts. Such interactions are pragmatic and do not entail a deep or enduring engagement with other races.
The elves maintain a moral code that compels them to assist others in times of crisis. When neighboring communities or other races experience hardships or disasters, the elves are known to extend their help. This altruistic response stems from their belief in the value of compassion and mutual support in times of need.
Despite these instances of interaction, the elves generally maintain a level of detachment from the affairs and concerns of other races in Istar. They prioritize the preservation of their way of life and the harmony of their natural environment, which often leads them to overlook or be indifferent to the matters and politics of their neighbors.
This nuanced approach, combining isolationism with a sense of moral responsibility, reflects the elvish worldview. While they primarily focus on their own affairs, their occasional willingness to extend a helping hand in times of crisis underscores their commitment to a code of ethics that transcends their isolated existence.

Lifespan

Immortal

Average Height

2meters

Average Weight

70kg