Elves - Excerpt from Fredericks Field guide to Races
A semi-divine race, the near immortal elves have spell-bound the world of Cyrus by their strange politic. The elven race is one which has seen much change, most of which is pivotal upon the rebellion of Maingth and the civil war with the self-proclaimed God Elves. As the third eldest race (first the Elemental, and secondly the Faerie) the elves were to be the “Children of Cyrus” who would live to delight in the created world, and care for it. However, it was this innocence which first attracted some of the Archai to court the fledgling race, and a new generation of super-elves was born. Having some of the characteristics of the Archai, these elves began exploring their powers and realizing their potential as rulers of Cyrus (to maintain the created order) and subvert all other races including their own. This ideal was fostered by a few Archai, and their ringleader Maingth. Capturing the strongest race first (the ogres) the self-titled God Elves began taking the world by storm. Because of this, the races of Cyrus disbanded from their ancestral homes and settled in the furthest reaches of Cyrus.
After the defeat of the Godelves the races of Cyrus were able to expand into the world and recreate the balance that once existed. Some of the elves went into hiding and some went into a semi-seclusion in their own lands. Some dissapeared completely and the god elves that remained after the war were cursed and corrupted into the Orcs and Orc-kin.
Oaken Elves
Like all elves the Oaken Elves are tall and fair with very long ears and slender yet strong frames. They share many physical traits with their close cousins the Green Elves. Together these two tribes are considered by most of Cyrus to be the “standard” Elven race. They are in fact the most well known of all Elven tribes and bear a nobility and mysticism which causes other races to envy and fear them at the same time. The Oaken Elves, unlike their cousins, are considered to be some of the most beautiful creatures upon the face of Cyrus. They bear a strange regality that seems to come from the very borders of the real world itself as opposed to anything within the actual Elf.
After the defeat of Maingth it is said that Elos fled far south away from the Starkindlers who blamed him for not killing Maingth when the chance presented itself. Upon his flight he found the hidden Green Elf kingdom and joined with one of their maidens to form the tribe of Oaken (or Golden) Elves. Elos was the first Emperor of the Oaken and sought to unite all the races of Elves under one rule. However he was never able to achieve this as the other elves went into hiding. After his death the Oaken elves chose another ruler, but the title of Emperor was never held thereafter.
The grove and surrounding forest are a fairly advanced place, while being true to the Elves naturalistic roots. The people of the Grove live in both houses made from various building styles and also within trees formed directly by magic into living homes. Some privileged families even live in the large roots of the Great Oak which was planted by Elos and now towers as the largest known tree in all of Ithis.
Green Elves
While the Oaken (or Golden) Elves are considered the regal and highest of Elves, the Green elves are considered the muses of Ithis and the race who is most connected with nature. For everything the Oaken Elves are, the Green Elves could rival them in if they so chose. Both men and women of the tribe wear their hair long with plaits in it. Their clothing is often flowing and light—often made of cloth spun from leaves and treated with a special process to protect them from most of the problems they might encounter in the deep woods.
The dwellings of the Green Elves are made from a woven reed material that is hidden in the canopies of the trees. They also live in elaborate underground lodges which are framed by tree roots. The interior dead parts of large trees trunks are often hollowed out to form tunnels between the two. They live within an area of Ithis known as the Bright Forest While they are not so particular about their borders as the Oaken Elves they implore their own brand of defense which prevents most all people from entering their territory.
The Green Elves are expert rangers who excel above all others. It is often said that the only true ranger is a Green Elf ranger. They are so attuned to the environment that even the strongest of Druids is often outranked by a Green Elf in his home area. The Green Elves always keep a contingent of border rangers along the lines of their land and should any approach to far beyond these they often wake up the next day in a completely foreign part of the land far way from Green Elf settlements.
Rare Tribes
Dragon Elves
Another highly mysterious Elven race are the fair featured and tall Dragon Elves. The have eyes like Dragons and oddly shaped ears, more draconian than the straight long ears of their cousins. They prefer dark colors, mostly corresponding to the color of their master. Their armor is amazingly light and strong, and their weapons (usually a lance, scythe or short sword) are well crafted and almost unbreakable.
It is said that Dragon Elves dwell in the Mountains or possibly the floating continents. Neither have been confirmed. Dragon Elves are said to be the only race to maintain communication with dragonkind. Through telepathic techniques, language study, and infusion of dragon blood, they have become the servants and comrades of the lost dragons.
While most of the God Elves were twisted by their hate and thirst for power (to become orcs), the Dragon Elves made peace with the guardian dragons of the realms and agreed to carry out their bidding in order to attain salvation. A Dragon elf is trained mercilessly by it’s Dragon master and their strength is combined with their fast and hard Kuroukekaze (black wind) fighting style.One of the only known Dragon Elves is Kaisha Nayne who redeemed his corrupted master, the Blue Dragon Oren to fight against Maingth.
Moon Elves
The most noticeable distinguisher of a Moon elf is the translucent blue glow of their skin and the golden eyes. Their hair is usually dark including deep blues, reds, and blacks among other unnamed colors. They have only been seen by a few Animalia and a few Humans with whom they have occasionally traded. It is believed that this clan of elves lives only on the floating continents, the place of their self imposed exile after their guardianship of the Moon gate.
Quiet and unassuming, the Moon Elves avoid much contact with outsiders. I am unsure of their numbers but they are theorized to be the largest of the clans. Thus staying hidden for them is an impressive feat. Long long ago there was a settlement in the area of Starreach, the survivors of which can be found in the Starkindlers town. The rest remain untraceable. Within the Moon Elves order is kept by peers, and any punishment of justice must be taken before the priest. If the priest see fit to allow justice, it is executed by a deacon or guardian. Punishment is never lethal, and is often balance with a rite of reconciliation. As is tradition, the ruler of the Moon Elves is a priest of Taeos. In the past some have been paladins, and others peaceable clergy. They are well known for their use of Magic and the illusion, which they incorporate into every facet of their lives.
Sun Elves
Tan skin and golden haired, tall lean and fair, the Sun Elves glow both night and day, and grin from ear to ear. – Childrens Rhyme
A cenobitic group of Elves, the Sun elves live in small communities led each by a tribal leader. They always live near a shore and are fascinated with the ocean, using it even to travel on coated boards which ride the waves. It is rumored that they received their name from an ancient Sun Gate which does not appear in any records. However, there is speculation that this gate allowed travel to the floating continents. They are said to be the most beautiful of all Elfkind but since there has never been any official contact with them none know for sure. None even really know if they exist or if they are merely an Elven children’s tale.
Their culture is an advanced tribal culture and appears as any tribal culture in a jungle area might. They build great Ziggaraut temples and adobe houses along the coasts. They revel in the use of their boards for a sport which they call surfing and have a very close connection to the celestials which inhabit their lands.
Dark Elves
Thought lost during the God Wars this special tribe of Elves has since become an anathema upon Cyrus wherever they show up. They are known for their extreme cruelty and bitterness. At the time of the God Elves they were not a true clan of elves, but have since solidified into one. Their members came from exiled members of the Moon and Dragon elves, and the current tribe contains characteristics of both. They live in small pockets throughout the continent of Cyrus and follow their own laws seeking power and strength. They have no real solidified culture but the strongest of a group is always the leader.
The Dark elves were influenced by the power and ambition of the God Elves and willingly became their most trusted servants. They wait for the time of Maingth’s return, or the overturn of peaceful society. Their actions are unseen and wicked, but where there is dark upheaval in the world, it is usually somehow related to the “Dark Ones”.
Most dark elves who are serious about being evil will get tattoos in High God Elven. Most commonly the texts are broken due to bad translation, but the idea is that they were once incantations used to empower. These tattoos also identify the bearer of a society of Dark Elves who maintain constant secrecy. One of the most infamous Dark Elves is the elf Kar who was once the bearer of the Key of the Anak.
