Inalt Elves

## Origin

The Inalt Elves, Talmin's first sentient beings, were brought into existence by the Water Giants using their potent magic. These elves originally hailed from the Mother Isles, now known as the Isles of Arcadia.

## Brief History

The Inalt Elves emerged as the first elven race, brought forth by the powerful Water Giants on the verdant Mother Isles. Alongside their brethren, the Dinak and Kalandor elves, they thrived under the benevolent guidance of their creators. It was an era of splendor and harmony, where the Inalt Elves, recognized for their inherent leadership, were revered as the rightful stewards of their kin.

This idyllic existence transformed dramatically with the giants' historic decision to embark on a great migration. Vast ships, known as arcs, carried the majority of the elven population across uncharted waters. It was a journey of hope and sorrow, leaving the fabric of elven society forever altered. Visarys, the first elf appointed by the giants, was left to rule the Mother Isles, his heart heavy with the departure of his own daughter aboard the arcs.

The elves who ventured to new shores found a haven on Edoria, establishing the city of Galendale. Yet, their arrival was the catalyst for a series of cataclysmic events - the gruesome Monster Wars followed by the Dragon Wars. United with dwarves, humans, and wild folk, the elves emerged victorious but not unscathed. Tensions rose, culminating in the tragic Edorian Race War, which decimated their numbers and forced the survivors, including the once-proud Inalt Elves, into a secluded existence in the city of Turian.

Back on the Mother Isles, those who stayed behind flourished under Visarys' rule, ushering in a new golden elven age. However, the loss of his daughter to distant lands drove Visarys to madness and dark magic, desperately seeking the power to traverse the seas like the giants. His ambition was derailed by the arrival of refugees from the Monster Wars, sparking the War of the Two Kings. The conflict ended disastrously for the elves, with Visarys unleashing a cataclysmic spell that brought forth the god mist, annihilating most of his forces and ending the elven era on the Mother Isles.

Amidst the turmoil of the Monster Wars, a rogue band of Inalt Elves, along with a coalition of dwarves and wild folk, embarked on a daring voyage from Edoria, aiming for the Mother Isles but fatefully landing on the distant shores of ancient Dwal. Encountering the native centaurs, a new conflict, the War of Dwal, erupted. Victorious, the Inalt Elves and their allies proclaimed this land Val Matyr, establishing a new kingdom, a testament to their enduring spirit and unyielding quest for a homeland.

## Geographical Presence / Population

Inalt Elves can be found primarily in two regions of the world.

* The **Imperialist Inalt Elf** population can be found on the continent of Val Matyr. This is the largest population.
* The **Edorian Inalt Elf** is a small population on the continent of Edoria, primarily in the elven occupied city of Turian.

## Physical Characteristics

*These are generic characteristics and are subject to change depending on the individual.*

* Lifespan: Long lifespans. (600-1000 years)
* Skin Tone: Golden skin
* Size: Medium
* Personality: Prideful, Confident, Esteemed, Superior

## Culture

The Inalt Elves, esteemed as the "First Race" of Talmin, carry a sense of self-importance and believe in their right to rule. This pride, however, is tinged with a feeling of betrayal by the Giants during the Great Migration and the Monster Wars, leading to a natural resentment towards gods and deities. They are formidable in defending their beliefs and value elegance and class.

The Inalt Elves of Talmin evolved into two distinct cultures. This divergence was triggered by the events leading to the Inalt Elves' return to their ancestral Mother Isles. A significant group landed on what was then ancient continent of Dwall, now claimed by the elves as Val Matyr. Meanwhile, the remaining Inalt Elves chose to stay on Edoria, endeavoring to coexist with the human inhabitants.

### **Imperialist Inalt Elves**

The majority of the Inalt Elf population resides on the continent of Val Matyr, aligning themselves with the Aetherian Empire. Known as 'Imperialists,' these Inalt Elves take pride in their extensive and noble lineages, forming influential family dynasties. The Imperialist Inalt are staunch adherents to the laws, beliefs, and ideologies of the Aetherian Empire.

In their cultural evolution, these elves have grown to resent gods and deities, viewing them merely as elements of fairy tales and folklore. This shift in belief is a direct result of their unwavering allegiance to the Aetherian Empire. They regard themselves as supreme beings, a sentiment that has been reinforced by their unyielding and uncontested dominance over Val Matyr. These elves show an unwavering allegiance to the Aetherian Empire. Nostalgically, they reminisce about their time on the Mother Isles and revere Visarys, their ancient leader and the first of their kind.

### **Edorian Inalt Elves**

After the Monster and Dragon Wars, the Inalt Elves who remained on Edoria endeavored to coexist with the other races. However, during the Edorian Race War, the elven population, including the Inalt Elves, faced relentless persecution by humans, drastically reducing their numbers. Today, the surviving Inalt Elves have found refuge in the city of Turian on Edoria.

In Turian, a unique cultural blend has emerged among the Inalt, Dinak, and Kalandor Elves. This mixed population lives a reclusive life, having developed a culture that harmoniously integrates aspects of each elven race. The Inalt Elves of Turian, in contrast to their Imperialist kin, are markedly more humble. Yet, their turbulent history has left them deeply wary of other races. They prefer a secluded existence in their mystical haven, treasuring their elven peace and solitude.

## Significant Inalt Elf Events

* Creation of the Elves
* The Great Migration
* The War of the Two Kings
* Voyage to the Mother Isles
* The War of Dwal
* The Edorian Race War