The Tribes
Elves
Last updated 8/15/2015.
In the years before the Tri-leaf Pact and the forming of the Lands of Order, the elves used to believe that the Lady created their race alone in Her image. Though lost to time, ancient artwork by the elves depicted their deity as they were; with long, pointed ears and a slender figure. Since the Pact was signed, the elves have accepted the more widely understood image of the Lady, though there are some who still consider their race to be Her divine favorite.
Though no creature can escape the dense forest that completely covers the world, the elves revere it more than any other. To the elves, growing things are sacred, especially trees. An elf caught cutting down a tree is tried the same as an elf who commits a murder. Even breaking off branches is considered sinful. Elves use only what has naturally fallen. They search the forest floor for twigs and vines that the Lady has provided for them. Add fresh mud from Sky Lake and the elves are able to find all the building materials they need.
The small frames, long limbs, and slender builds of the elves makes them agile climbers. Many elves build their homes in the branches of the trees around Moon-hollow, though the largest structures are still built at ground level. Elves pride themselves on living simply, feeling that such is the way the Lady intends. They hunt for wild game and forage for nuts and berries. They make their clothes from simple fabrics and animal skins. Most elves hunt and fights with bows and arrows. Swords and knives are not uncommon, but are made with ores mined by the dwarves and acquired in trade.
Elves are ruled by their high priestess. The elf holding this position sees to all the needs of the tribe, both politically and spiritually. The high priestess acts as the elven representative to the Tri-Leaf Council. The elves have a matriarchal society where most positions of power and influence are held by women.
When an elven youth turns 17, they go through a right of passage known as a Naming Ceremony. During this event, the young female or male is allowed to choose a new name for themselves. Many elven youths spend all their young lives coming up with what name they will choose, though some decide to keep the name their parents gave them for all their lives. Either way, the ceremony is carried out and the youth is officially considered an adult once it is complete.
Spoilers for Eternal Forest below.
Ever since the end of the Blight and the signing of the new Tri-leaf Pact, the elves have relaxed their strict rules on cutting down trees. Though elven culture still uses no wood not already fallen, they have developed a civil understanding and respect for the humans and their vastly different way of life. Though elves caught cutting down trees or breaking off limbs are still tried as criminals, the punishments received are far less severe than in generations past.
Though no creature can escape the dense forest that completely covers the world, the elves revere it more than any other. To the elves, growing things are sacred, especially trees. An elf caught cutting down a tree is tried the same as an elf who commits a murder. Even breaking off branches is considered sinful. Elves use only what has naturally fallen. They search the forest floor for twigs and vines that the Lady has provided for them. Add fresh mud from Sky Lake and the elves are able to find all the building materials they need.
The small frames, long limbs, and slender builds of the elves makes them agile climbers. Many elves build their homes in the branches of the trees around Moon-hollow, though the largest structures are still built at ground level. Elves pride themselves on living simply, feeling that such is the way the Lady intends. They hunt for wild game and forage for nuts and berries. They make their clothes from simple fabrics and animal skins. Most elves hunt and fights with bows and arrows. Swords and knives are not uncommon, but are made with ores mined by the dwarves and acquired in trade.
Elves are ruled by their high priestess. The elf holding this position sees to all the needs of the tribe, both politically and spiritually. The high priestess acts as the elven representative to the Tri-Leaf Council. The elves have a matriarchal society where most positions of power and influence are held by women.
When an elven youth turns 17, they go through a right of passage known as a Naming Ceremony. During this event, the young female or male is allowed to choose a new name for themselves. Many elven youths spend all their young lives coming up with what name they will choose, though some decide to keep the name their parents gave them for all their lives. Either way, the ceremony is carried out and the youth is officially considered an adult once it is complete.
Spoilers for Eternal Forest below.
Ever since the end of the Blight and the signing of the new Tri-leaf Pact, the elves have relaxed their strict rules on cutting down trees. Though elven culture still uses no wood not already fallen, they have developed a civil understanding and respect for the humans and their vastly different way of life. Though elves caught cutting down trees or breaking off limbs are still tried as criminals, the punishments received are far less severe than in generations past.