Elves
History
Origin
Ancient and venerable, the Elves are an Elder race, tracing their origins back to a time beyond memory. They stand as the inheritors of the Precursors' legacy, surviving the fall of the once-great Kleriel Imperium, a catastrophe that left them scattered and fragmented. Undaunted, the Elven peoples reformed, rising from the ashes of their fallen empire into new realms, chief among them being Valleria and Xia. These nations remain in a perpetual contest, each vying to prove themselves as the rightful successor to the ancient Kleriel and thus, the rightful rulers of the entire continent. However, their dreams of regaining old dominions are tempered by the reality of new and vibrant races that emerged amidst the ruins of greater Elvendom. Despite their shared lineage, Elven societies are as diverse as the lands they inhabit: the noble Vallarei of Valleria, the mystic Xianchi of Xia, the forest-dwelling Feynarin from the fallen realm of Arboria, the sun-kissed Kemmeti of the southern sands, and the dark and enigmatic Azzarati, all hold unique cultures and traditions. Yet, a common thread binds them all: a profound, natural affinity for magic. Elves are known for their magical prowess, capable of mastering any magical discipline with an ease unparalleled by other races. As their world trudged slowly through the gears of technological advancement, their magical prowess allowed the Elves to claim dominion over the continent while the industrious Dwarves sequestered themselves underground. Yet, this continent and the realms of Kleriel were never their original home. Elves trace their lineage back to an ancient people who journeyed across the vast Whispering Ocean, fleeing from the western lands now known as the cursed realms of Albion and Pandora.
Present day
The catastrophic event known as The Cataclysm, followed by the chilling grip of an Ice Age, shattered the mighty Kleriel Imperium, fracturing Elvendom. It took centuries, and the emergence of exceptional leaders and courageous heroes, to reunite the scattered Elven kingdoms. Beset by aggressive Human tribes to the north and relentless Orc hordes to the south, the Elves faced an uphill struggle to maintain their sovereignty. The reunification of Elvendom occurred differently across regions. In Xia, faith and honor led the way. Valleria, on the other hand, consolidated through merit and warfare, while Illyum relied on wisdom and knowledge. Each realm having a different interpretation of what values Kleriel embodied, a disagreement that often hampers unity, save when faced with a common threat, such as the existential dread upon loosing Arboria to the Humans during The Great Migrations. Although their days of demi-god-like prowess have receded into the annals of history, the memory of such times lingers. Not all Elves carry this aura of superiority, but many cling to it, cherishing their unique culture and heritage.
Description
Despite their varied cultures, Elves are usually characterized by their tall, slender physique, lengthy hair across genders, and distinctive elongated, pointed ears. They exude a sense of beauty and elegance that's hard to ignore. Elves, with their fair manners and refined demeanor, are often considered the paragon of cultural sophistication, although some might interpret this as pomposity. Though not all, they typically see themselves as elevated above other races, with the Drakkin perhaps being the only exception. Their affinity for magic is an innate part of their being. Magic is deeply woven into their society, serving various purposes, from healing wounds and securing dwellings to enriching their arts, enhancing equipment, and even executing mundane tasks. This deep connection to the arcane infuses their everyday lives, contributing to the enduring enchantment of the Elven race.
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