High Elf

The High Elves – or Asur, as they call themselves – are among the oldest civilisations in the world; possibly, only the jungle-dwelling Lizardmen can lay claim to a longer existence. Although mortal, Elves lead incredibly long lives; so long in fact that the spans allotted to humans seem to be as fleeting as those of mayflies. From the fortress-paradise of Eodros near the centre of the world, the High Elves – although aloof and arrogant – have generally walked the path of Order, using their longevity to become warriors without peer and mages without equal. The ancient High Elves have long stood guard over the world, ensuring it remains in balance – daemonic efforts of hordes of Chaos and the foolish meddling of younger, ‘lesser’ races notwithstanding. The High Elves are both conceited and detached, no doubt due to their immense longevity and the comparative isolation of their island kingdom of Lokhtar, which encourage such a worldview to a great extent. Whereas in other races such traits could prove fatal, in the Asur’s case they are assets, for the Elves have used them to attain knowledge and skills in magic and war that far outstrip those of almost all their historical adversaries. However, the Asur are also a race in decline. Though still a great power with a powerful navy and wide influence, their once global empire has been reduced to just Lokhtar and a few outposts. The Asur were never a numerous people, and bitter wars against the Dark Elves and Dwarfs have reduced them to a fraction of their former strength. Though their numbers grow fewer with every passing year, the Asur will die before they let their island homeland fall. Some tales say that they had priests who were capable of contacting Abraxas, thus as to why they remained ahead of other races.