Elves

## The Emergence

In the year 24,541 P.A.:, the first Elves emerged from portals in the North of Altorin, this was referred to by historians as the "Elven Emergence". During this portal transition, many Elves did not appear alongside their brethren. Some ended up in the Feywild, becoming attuned to nature itself (Eladrin) and some stumbled into much darker places, such as the Shadowfell, where those Elves were tainted by the negative energy (Shadar-Kai). As Elves can genetically change over thousands of years based on where they live, many species of Elves exist outside of the Material Plane.

The Elven empire in the Material consisted of High Elven Nobles, Lowborn Elves, Wood Elves, and the Drow, with a hierarchy in that same order: High Elves as nobles, Lowborn with more rights than Wood Elves, and the Drow as lowest. Very quickly, the Elven empire spread like a plague over the Northern land of Altorin, killing the other races that once controlled it. It was very common to see Human "Degenerates" and "Barbarians" executed in the Capital, Alderthorn. These actions did not go unnoticed, as Elves, very particularly High Elves, became despised by the other sapient races.

After many, many years under the iron fist of the High Elven rule, the Drow rose up in a rebellion as attempt to free themselves. This rebellion was ultimately crushed, the Drow defeated and enslaved. Those of the Drow that weren't executed or sent into slavery, escaped into the Underdark, becoming what they are now from countless years of living in the deep, darkness of the Underdark.

During the Golden Age of the Elven Empire, magical science and philosophy became paramount. A number of various tests and experiments were done that would push morality to its limits. One particular experiment revolutionized the way the Elven empire viewed the Drow. After extensive transmutation magic and new discoveries of alchemy, the High Elves began turning their Drow Slaves into a larger, stronger, and more servile workforce: The First Orcs.

However, all would not be well in the High Elf Empire. A portal to the Abyss opened directly in their kingdom, and from it rose a gargantuan creature know as The Esper. The Esper ravaged the Empire, destroying all in its path. The High Elves ran from their keeps and cities, to the Western Isle, leaving behind their Orcish slaves.

After the death of the Esper, the Elven Empire of Elemari was nothing more than a single, large Island, a mere morsel of its once proud self. The Elves have slowly been growing back their strength, but they are no longer outnumbering their Dwarven and Human counterparts, making their growth far smaller, but, given time, the Elves will rise again — assuming that a continent sized catastrophe doesn't happen to them again.

## Lowborn or High Elf?

There are a number of differences between a Lowborn Elf and a High Elf.

High Elves tend to be pompous narcissists who always view themselves above all others. There is a reason for this, however, as the kingdom teaches them they are to act like that because it is their right. They tend to have lighter hair, most commonly blond, as well as the strongest genetically born ones possessing white pupils, instead of black pupils. High Elves also posses the longest ears. High Elves are the tallest of the Elven sub races on the Material Plane.

It is somewhat uncommon to see a High Elf outside of Elemari. Humans generally distrust High Elves and view them as "Knife-eared Assholes." It is not uncommon for fights to break out between Human ruffians and High Elves in major cities. If a group of Dwarves, on the other hand, meet a High Elf, it is common for them to attack the Elf on the street, beat them to a pulp, and quickly — or as quick as their stubby legs can let them — run, leaving the Elf to bleed before the guard can arrive.

Lowborn Elves are High Elves that are incapable of casting magic from birth, as they lack a direct connection to the Weave. Lowborn lack the personality their High Elf counterparts have, as they are taught far more humility. Due to this, most other sapient races have no problems interacting with them. Lowborn that are born within the kingdom of Elemari, are marked with a symbol somewhere on their body, most commonly on the back of the hand, declaring their "Lowbornhood." Lowborn are born with black pupils and darker hair colors, most commonly dirty blond and light brown. Lowborn have slightly shorter ears, are more often smaller in height, and considered less "beautiful" than their High Elf counterparts. Lowborn are refused the ability to hold political positions within Elemari.

## 5e Lowborn Player Sub-race

*Ability score increase:*

Your choice of Wisdom or Charisma score increases by 1.

*Elf weapon training:*

You have proficiency with the longsword, shortsword, shortbow, and longbow.

*Quick Learners:*

You gain proficiency in two skills and a tool of your choice as well as another language, which you can write, read, and speak fluently.