Ahh, elves. Are there any creatures more beautiful, elegant and deadly than the elves? One could argue fey, but technically speaking, elves are descended from those magic folk too. While they no longer have ties to the fairy realm, a touch of magic still resides among the race.
The elves of Duir’Aion are a varied race. Once upon a time there were eight elven empires, one for each of the most powerful elven subraces. Like the proud dwarves, they suffered greatly during the Triad War where the kingdoms of the elves and dwarves fought to usurp the empire of the dragons. Now only one empire remains for all elves to call home, and it is well hidden. Tanar’atalai is said to be the most beautiful realm in all the world, hidden with ancient magic in the folds between Duir’Aion and the Dreamwild, where both Fey Courts hold sway. Every elf is a citizen of Tanar’atalai, though most believe its existence is a myth.
Do not fret, for the elves, while in decline, are not quick to shuffle off to legend. The elves are just as stubborn as the dwarves in that regard, another thing that makes the ancient rivals bristle if that comparison is mentioned.
Most of the civilized world have met only two branches of the elven race, the noble spire elves, and the more common valley elves. Most elves build communities of their own, ranging from villages to cities. Only in the cities are you likely to find various branches living together in relative harmony.
Here are a quick note on the elves of Duir’Aion. Each deserves much more detail than I have time to give at the moment. I will give each race its proper due in time.
- Valley Elf – Also known as wood or forest elves. When most people think of elves, they think of a valley elf. Tall, slender and beautiful, these elves favor villages in forests or hidden valleys where they get their name. It is said, no valley elf home has a ceiling, to allow both sun and moon to bless their homes. Valley elves skin ranges from pale to olive, and their hair favors brown or black. On occasion a valley elf is born with blonde, pink or green hair. These births are viewed as portents of greatness. A valley elf’s eyes ranges from brown to deep blue. Light eyes are rare among them. Valley elves are friendly towards most other races, except for orcs. Like all elves, they have an intense hatred for that race.
- Spire Elf – Also known as mountain or sky elves, spire elves are the most magical of all the elves. The elusive spire elves build cities in remote mountains. Once they had the secret of floating citadels, but that secret was lost ago. A little known fact is that the city of Kor’Korai, now lost within the cursed Forest of Souls was one of those floating cities. Spire elves are pale, and their hair tends to reflect that. Dark hair is seen as a sign of coming tribulations. Their eyes tend to be similarly light, ranging pale yellow to light purple. Spire elves have distinction of being the last of the elven kingdoms to fall. They tend to be quite arrogant towards other elves, and often derisive towards non-elves.
- Sea Elf – The little known sea elves have the only actual kingdoms of their own. Zan’zriah is hidden well within the depths of ocean. About a dozen regions make up the underwater realm. Sea elves skin ranges from grey to deep blue with their hair being a shade lighter or darker. Their eyes are almost universally black, though some boast red. These are almost always descended from underwater demons. Sea elves hate all other races, including elves, with a passion. They seek to plunge the entire world underwater, subjugating all other races. They have a particular hatred for minotaurs, who they sea as rivals for mastery at sea.
There is a subrace of elves that do not fit the standard mold. By this I mean they have no place in Tanar’Atalai. Far from it, these elves wish to destroy that last refuge of elvenkind.
- Rune Elf – Also known as sundered or daemon elves, rune elves were the end result of the pact and betrayal that ended the Triad War. Once known as deep or shadow elves, they were chosen by lots to sacrifice themselves to the Martyr Compact. Forced into servitude by a demon lord, the shadow elves had their souls shattered. This forever stole from them a place in the heavens with the elven gods. In return they were gifted by the infernal powers. Rune elves tend to favor skin tones in greys and reds. All are known for a rune birthmark that glows whenever they cast spells, or call upon their natural magical talents. The glow is visible even through armor. Tragically all rune elves share a sort of communal soul, and each seeks ways to restore their own. Legend says a restored rune elf, would lose the rune that marks them as a denizen of the Pit. The rune isn’t just a curse. It allows a rune elf to steal bits of souls from enemies. A rune elf who steals enough, can actually steal a foe’s form or abilities. Ha’shiir, the sky dragon who roams the Wasteland, is rumored to actually be a powerful rune elf.
With the exception of the sea elf kingdom, the only empire of elves that is recognized by all is that of Tanar’atalai. The Queen of Stars and the Court of the Moon hold power here. Tanar’atalai is rumored to be a vast realm with sections devoted to each of the subraces. Queen Shevarash is a half-celestial spire elf, and former queen of the spire elves. Her husband ascended to become patron of the elves. The Court of the Moon is a council containing a representative of each subrace. Even a sea elf has a place here, and rumors have it only the more peaceful of the sea elves live here. All elves believe, that the Queen will usher a new age of prosperity, returning the elves to their former glory.
Well that is all for now about the elves. Perhaps I shall discuss the dwarves next. Or perhaps the Pit. Maybe even a god or two. Let us see where the music moves me.
Always take time to enjoy some music
– Chord, the Ivory Bard
A Darkness Rising 