Elves

Believed to originate from a land beyond the Eastern Wastes, Elves are a long lived species with a rich history. While many of the Elves inhabiting Ásaterra are descended from the former Elven land of Ulaidh, which now makes up much of the Eastern Province, others are refugees from Valclya, an Elven realm with a strict caste system currently run by a tyrannical king. While one might expect that Elves would make up the majority of the Ásaterran population due to their long lives, they reproduce very slowly, with most only having a maximum of three children. Half-Elves are very common, as elves often find it easier to reproduce with those of another species.

## Elven History

It is unknown when the first elves set foot in Ásaterra, but it is believed to be over ten-thousand years ago. Due to many cultural similarities to Valclya, it is thought that this area may be where the elves of Asaterra originated from. Whilst one might expect that the elves, with their long lives, would easily be able to recount many of the historical events that other species had long forgotten, their culture is unfortunately one which has been plagued with tragedy. Little is known before the year 2500BU, a period referred to as ‘The Age of Darkness’. It is thought that there was some great terror across the land at this time, which claimed the lives of most of the elven population. Most records start in 2368BU, with the formation of the Monarchy of Ulaidh, a former elven land in what is now the Eastern Province of Ásaterra. Other elven civilisations which developed were a system of nomadic clans, which traversed the forests of what is now central Ásaterra.

### Ulaidh

The exact circumstances surrounding the founding of the Elven Kingdom of Ulaidh has been lost to the annals of history. It is believed that elven clans migrating from across the Eastern Wastes discovered the forests within what is now considered to be Eastern Ásaterra. Many decided to stay and establish permanent settlements - venturing deeper into the great forests that are now known as the Hunsow, Myghtsow and Spryonsow. Whilst not all of these colonies were successful, and over the decades most lost contact with one another as they became more independent, the Elven population did begin to grow.

After thousands of years of expanding and unifying the settlements within the Myghtsow, in 2368BU the Kingdom of Ulaidh eventually came to be, and the forest earned its name, which translates to ‘The King’s Forest’. Over the following course of time, Ulaidh spread its borders - first confederating the Spryonsow settlements, then invading the Hunsow; which had seemed to be inhospitable to anything apart from feral Elves, until the campaign known as “The Great Hunsow War'' of 570BU - 480BU resulted in its successful annexation. Following these successes, through either diplomacy or conflict, the lands and peoples surrounding the Elven forests were gradually absorbed into the Elven Kingdom, until it covered much of what is considered to be Eastern Province of Ásaterra today.

The Kingdom of Ulaidh ceased to exist when it unified with Ásaterra, under the rule of King Haldin III and Queen Ása, during the year 20BA. Whilst the Kingdom, and now Province, became a true mixing point of cultures and species, there is still a lot of evidence of the old Elven traditions and values which founded it. A large population of Elves still dwell throughout the Province, particularly in their old holds within the great forests, though almost all of these are now home to a diverse range of people; and the Elves themselves have come to create many mixed-species bloodlines.

### Nomadic

The nomadic Elven clans are thought to be a line of elves which either originated in Ásaterra, or who migrated here earlier than the Ulaidh elves. They originally inhabited an area west of the Koloven Mountains, stretching from the forest of Capricossia to the forest of Milos. Deeply spiritual and versed in ancient magics, the nomadic Elves would often wear intricate tattoos over their faces and/or bodies to represent their clan origin and their talents. They lived in harmony with the forests, establishing few permanent settlements and instead roaming the lands tending to and living with nature. Their lands were initially invaded by King Melchor I in 197BA, who greatly angered the tribes by cutting down many of their sacred forests. Relations between the monarchy and the tribes only improved in the 3rd century BA, when the then Princess Adlanniel, the first fully Elven heir to the throne, spent many years with the clans learning about their culture and beliefs. When she became Queen, she drafted several laws to preserve their culture and way of life. These days, while many Elves live in cities and villages, there are still descendants of the clans who still practise the nomadic way of life. Some traditions have changed slightly; such as some of the younger generations now wearing decorative paint instead of tattoos.

## Appearance

Elves are humanoid in form, and can be indistinguishable from their human neighbours, with the exception of their ears. Elves have pointed ears; these can range in size, but will always be distinctively pointed. Half-Elves can have round ears, slightly pointed ears, or fully pointed ears.

Elves generally have the same range of hair, skin and eye colours as humans, however there is sometimes some variation. Elves may have brighter or more vibrant coloured hair or eyes than their human neighbours, for example purple or bright blue eyes, or silver hair. Some rarely have hair in colours such as pink or blue, a trait that others may try to emulate via dyes.

## Elven Society

Although all Elves are now part of the mixing pot which is Ásaterra, due to their long lives, many still remember or cherish older traditions, and may choose to live in areas they are accustomed to. The Eastern Province currently has the highest population of Elves in Ásaterra, primarily thanks to its former status as the Elven kingdom of Ulaidh.

### Ulaidh Elves

The forests of the Hunsow, Myghtsow and Spryonsow in the Eastern Province are the ancestral homelands of the Ulaidh Elves. Whilst descendants of the Ulaidh Elves can be found across the entirety of Ásaterra, and are a common sight throughout the Eastern Province, they retain a high population within these ancestral areas. It is here that the culture of the Ulaidh Elves is most apparent; particularly within the Hunsow and Myghtsow, which have managed to maintain much of their heritage.

The Ulaidh Elves developed strong connections to their forests, which are steeped with magic, and as such the pathways and structures therein were often constructed from the living forest itself; formed into shape by arcane lore. However, as the traditional Elven population has declined, so too has their ability to maintain their architecture and way of life, which is particularly apparent in the Spryonsow.

Those who have chosen to live outside of the ancestral homelands hold a variety of personalities and perspectives, which have developed as they have come to dwell within the societies of other species, but these usually still hold some relation to one of their founding Territories.

Whilst all of these Territories keep their doors open to any species wishing to reside within those lands, as has been tradition dating back into the days of Ulaidh’s power, there are notable differences within the societies of each:

The Elves of the Hunsow hold stoically to their traditions, and are slow to change their methods or opinions, should any change occur at all. They typically go to great lengths to maintain their heritage; as such, despite the welcome presence of other species within their society, all are expected to adhere to the old laws and tenets that have been set down by the Elven population, which have stood for centuries.

It has been noted that the lineage of the Hunsow Elves is typically pure-Elf; only a small percentage of the Elven population contains any indication of mixed-species bloodlines. This is not generally accredited to any xenophobic beliefs, however, rather a traditionalist pride and approach to how their families operate. It is traditional for Hunsow elves to have one partner for life, meaning that any Hunsow elf who mates for life with someone of another species faces unavoidable heartbreak due to the unstoppable nature of time.

The Elves of the Myghtsow have worked tirelessly to maintain their ancient structures and causeways, following the traditional methods which have been passed down since the first settlements were founded. However, unlike in the Hunsow, whilst they take great pride in their history and culture, they are far less rigid in their societal adherence to the old ways. As such, they have become a very open minded people, who are able to adapt to changing circumstances, without sacrificing their own beliefs and values.

The Elves of the Spryonsow have now largely mixed their culture with those who have come to live in their former lands. Many of the Spryonsow’s Elven families either left their homeland to move to the Myghtsow following the calamity of the destruction of Lyverva and the Civil War that followed, or disappeared, leading to the superstition that there are Elven cities hidden within the lost depths of the great forest. The Spryonsow Elves who still live openly in society have largely set aside their own traditions and heritage, adapting to the changing times. It is very common for them to mingle with the other species which reside there, and as such have the highest proportion of mixed-species bloodlines.

### Nomadic Elves

The nomadic Elves of Ásaterra now generally roam the entire land, finding their homes in the forests and green places. They typically travel using horses or oxen to pull their particular wagons called *karvenow*, which often feature contraptions which can fold out to form a temporary shelter. Many clans will also have an elemental mage specialising in earth magic, who can use the trees and earth around them to help form a shelter if needed.

It has become more common now for older clan members to retire and form a caravansarri, similar to those seen in the deserts of the North. These provide stops along the traditional routes, where clans can rest on their travels.

Once a clan has reached their destination, they may set up camp for anywhere between a week to several months. Clans will normally make twelve stops on their journey, each related to one of the Deities.

Nomadic elves often have intricate patterns either painted or tattooed on their faces. These are believed to hold some magical properties.

## Elven Culture

### Names

Unlike Humans, Ásaterran Elves do not appear to have family names to state their lineage. It is sometimes noticed, especially when mixing with other species, that those of Elven lineage (either pure or mixed-species) may take on additional names; either from a spouse, non-Elven parent or to honour an accomplishment, place or event. For example, Ewain Hawk-Eyed, so named after spotting and foiling a well hidden bandit party’s ambush, which would have otherwise destroyed the trade caravan that they were travelling with.

In contrast, elves from Valclya have very complex family names relating closely to their lineage.

### Elves and Religion

As beings capable of particularly long life, Elves fear the change that they cannot control. This typically results in their leaning towards refined and traditional mindsets, which do not always adapt or take well to changing circumstances. Due to this, many Elves fear the possibility of drawing the attention of Cosmia. As such, many shrines dedicated to Cosmia contain tokens and tributes from Elven families, who wish for Cosmia to pass their gaze over them, and so remain protected from their influence.

As a species intrinsically involved with knowledge, be it in retaining it, acquiring it, or making use of it, Skiaselveyn is frequently associated as the patron deity of the Elves. Whether or not Skiaselveyn had any involvement with their initial creation is unknown, for it is not recorded in Elven lore or mythology. However, whether or not they are truly devoted to Skiaselveyn, it is very common for Elves to make praise and provide tribute to them, in the hope that their knowledge shall never be lost.

### Aging and Lifespan

Elves finish going through puberty at the age of around 40-50 years old, where they physically become adults. In the culture of the nomadic elves, this is the sign they have passed into adulthood, and they receive their ceremonial tattoos or markings at this age, showing that they have become adults. However, more culturally Ulaidh elves will not view an elf as an adult until they have reached 75, believing that they must continue to expand their minds and educate themselves before they can become part of adult society. In Valclya, the legal age of adulthood is 100.

Under Asaterran law, elves are legally adults at the age of 50, although some of their parents may not agree!

Elves can live up to a maximum of 1000 years old. It is believed that in the past, elves used to live longer, however in the present day it is as rare for an elf to hit 1000 as it is for a human to hit 100.

Half elves can live up to 200 years old. They generally age at the same rate as a human until the age of about 20, when the aging process suddenly slows down.

### Elves and Fashion

Elven fashion largely depends on age and upbringing. Younger Elves are more likely to dress according to the latest fashions, however older Elves will often stick to more traditional dress. Nomadic Elves will often dress in their own style, predominantly forest colours and practical clothing which may emphasise and display their tattoos. These are often made of practical wool and leather; however, the increase in trade due to the carvansarri’s have made fabrics such as silk and lace more accessible.

Elves descending from Ulaidh are more formal. They often favour flowing gowns with trailing sleeves made of silks and velvets, and many older Elves will wear their hair long and loose, or woven into intricate braids. Like nomadic Elves, they favour forest colours, however many of them will wear pastel or jewel tones as well.