laurelorn elves

8/13/2019 Laurelorn Elves

1/65

The Elves of the Laurlorn

By Tim Eccles, Alfred Nuez Jr. and Martin Oliver

Additional Background y !yan "ileman

Background

"it# t#e returning of t#e "$!% license to &ames "orks#o', t#e c#ance of t#e muc#(antici'ated"$!% Elf sourceook making its )ay to 'rint )as reduced to nil. *t seemed t#at t#e creativity

of Martin Oliver )as destined to remain alone in #is com'uter.

T#is same fate )as s#ared y some of t#e )ork created y Tim Eccles for t#e +aurlorn Elvesduring t#e long gone, anarc#ical years of #is yout#. -ome of t#e information made its )ay to t#e

venerale "$!% Arc#ives as an army list 'rior to t#e release of t#e "$B "ood Elf army ook.

T#is 'ro/ect is an attem't to ring elements of t#e t)o vie)s toget#er )it# additional material to

'rovide &Ms and 'layers of Elven c#aracters )it# t#e ackground necessary to ring t#is little

understood and detailed 'ortion of t#e Em'ire to life.

*t also s#ould e noted #ere t#at Martin Oliver0s efforts concentrated on t#e "ood Elves of t#e

+oren $orest. %ortions of #is )ork #ave een amended for t#e "ood Elf 'o'ulation in t#enort#()estern corner of t#e Em'ire.

Introduction

1om'ared to t#eir kin in t#e enc#anted +oren $orest of sout#)est Bretonnia, t#e "ood Elves of

t#e +aurlorn $orest are little kno)n. T#is is sur'rising given t#at t#e +aurlorn Elves are not

2uite as secretive as t#eir more numerous kin.

*n fact, t#e im'ression t#at most outsiders #ave of t#e +aurlorn Elves 3 )#o call t#emselves t#e

+aurlornalim 3 is from limited interaction from t#ose Elves )#o decide to make t#eir mark on

t#e larger )orld. Any assum'tions ased u'on t#ese c#ance meetings are likely to 'romote evenfurt#er misunderstandings et)een t#e t)o races. After all, t#e individuals )#o leave t#e

sanctuary of t#e +aurlorn $orest for t#e dangers of t#e )ider )orld are #ardly re'resentative

memers of t#eir former communities. T#eir res'ective outlook on life, no matter #o) varied, isseen y t#eir forested kin as 4not 2uite rig#t in t#e #ead and #eart.5


2/65

History

The Beginning of the Wood Elves

One decision, one c#oice, determined t#e #istory of t#e "ood Elves. "#en %#oeni6 7ing

1aradryel gave t#e order t#at t#e fine, 'roud cities of t#e Old "orld )ere to e aandoned, #elost t#e #earts of t#ousands of settlers. T#ere )ere many )#o #ad never seen 8lt#uan, )#o #ad

een orn and raised in t#e colonies. "it#out )arning, )#en t#e t#reat to t#eir safety and

tran2uillity )as at its greatest, t#ese citizens )ere issued an ultimatum9 aandon your #omes and

flee to 8lt#uan, or remain, in 'eril of your very lives.

T#e sense of s#ock, of etrayal, )as incredile. %roud 'rinces raged in t#e streets like madmen,railing against t#e s#ame of aandoning t#eir lands. T#e ordinary folk )e't, filled )it# dreadand grief at t#e 'ros'ect of leaving all t#e kne), taking only )#at t#ey could carry, 2ueuing like

cattle to oard t#e oats leaving from t#e #arours t#ey #ad #el'ed to uild. All kne) t#e risks

of staying, ut )as life as a refugee, dead to t#e culture t#ey #ad #el'ed to uild, any )orse:

"#en t#e last oats sailed, many )ere left to )ander t#e deserted streets of Tol Alessi, of -it#

!ionnasc0namis#at#ir, of a dozen ot#er once('roud colonies. As t#eir kin sailed for 8lt#uan,

many settlers gat#ered )#at t#ey could and struck out for t#e remotest 'arts of t#e Old "orld.T#ey carried all t#ey could, ut t#e greatest )eig#t for eac# )as t#e sense of etrayal t#ey

carried in t#eir #earts. T#ey )ould #ave no more to do )it# t#e %#oeni6 7ing. T#ey )ould #ave

no more to do )it# 8lt#uan. As t#ey left t#eir comfortale #omes for lives of #ards#i' andsuffering, t#ey vo)ed t#at t#ey )ould never, ever rely on anyone again.

Of t#ose fe) t#at remained in t#eir cities, none survived. -uc# ric# 'ickings )ere soon 'illagedand ransacked y Orcs, demolis#ed y ;)arfs or #umled y t#e vandalism of t#e ;ark Elves.

T#ose #undreds )#o gave u' all #o'e and motivation, )#o lost t#e )ill to move on and stayed in

t#eir #omes, also gave u' t#eir lives. Not one )as left alive at t#e ne6t )a6ing of t#e moon.

The Laurlornalim

8nlike t#e


3/65


4/65

The Laurlorn

T#is magnificent )oodland is #ome to t#e +aurlornalim. *t is ordered y t#e Enc#anted


5/65

settlements and t#e At#el(+oren, forming a loose alliance of related kindreds )#o #ave agreed to

rule y a single s#ared council. T#is means t#at all settlements follo) t#e same asic 'attern9 t#e

&lade.

T#e term &lade0 is really a misnomer. $e) settlements are actually ased in a '#ysical glade=

instead, most are ased around a central clearing, or around a tree )#ic# #as s'ecial significanceto t#e community. Traditionally, eac# community consisted solely of t#e memers of one

kindred. "ood Elves still talk as if t#is is true today, alt#oug# t#e reality is t#at smaller kindreds

may live alongside one anot#er. -tragglers and travellers may also c#oose to d)ell for a )#ileamongst t#e related families.

O'en s'aces near t#e #eart of t#e community are set aside for assemly meetings, gat#erings,

celerations, and so on. T#ese usually consist of little more t#an are eart#= 'eo'le ringlankets if t#ey )is# to sit. %laces are also set aside for stores to e ke't. T#ese, like t#e

d)ellings, #ave een created y Treesingers, and are as often underground as t#ey are in t#e

trees. *n t#is manner, stores are ke't cool, making t#em less likely to s'oil.

$urt#er out are t#e d)ellings of t#e kindred. T#ese are scattered around, )it# no 'articular

r#yme or reason to t#eir layout. *n most settlements, t#ese d)ellings #ave een created in t#eranc#es of trees y Treesingers, mages trained in t#e )ays of s#a'ing nature to meet t#e needs

of t#e community. T#ese individuals egin y scaling a suitale tree, sometimes dra)ing out

ranc#es to use as a ladder as t#ey clim, and t#en end, s#a'e and unite ranc#es in order toform t#e structure of t#e d)elling. Over a 'eriod of days, Treesingers use t#eir nurturing magic

to gro) and )eave ranc#es to form t#e floor, ceiling and )alls.

$or t#e most 'art, t#ese d)ellings consist of one room )#ere 'eo'le gat#er, eat, cook, sing, andso fort#, and small rooms or alcoves )#ic# are used as slee'ing 2uarters and to store any

'ersonal effects. &uests invarialy slee' in t#e common room, as do many "ood Elven c#ildren.

T#e rooms #ave sim'le clot# #angings in t#e 'lace of doors. To kee' out t#e )ind, t#ese )ill e'inned to t#e )alls= similar arrangements are made for t#e )indo)s. Naturally, suc# #ouses are

ill(suited for fires. *n )inter, small )ood or coal fires are kindled in large metal o)ls, and #ers

or resins are often added in order to fill t#e #ouse )it# 'leasant aromas. T#ese are 'laced on to'of #eavy, dead )ood, in order to 'rotect t#e living d)elling. T#e c#ances of fires are small as

t#e material of t#e d)elling is full of sa', t#erey rendering t#e c#ances of a fire taking #old

negligile.

T#ese fires do little to stave off t#e c#ill of mid()inter. As t#e )eat#er turns colder, furs and

)oollen clot#ing are roken out of storage and s#ared around. "#en #ouses ecome too cold,

t)o or more families may move in toget#er. T#is may make 'laces cram'ed, ut is an im'ortant)ay of kee'ing t#e #ouses )arm enoug# for t#e Elves to survive in. *f t#e )intry )eat#er

ecomes 'articularly severe, t#e underground storerooms )ill e cleared out Cat t#is 'oint, t#e

freezing )eat#er )ill 'reserve stores 'erfectly )ellD, and t#e old, t#e young and t#e ill )ill emoved do)n into t#ese. "#ilst t#ey vie) t#e 'ros'ect of living underground )it# revulsion,

t#ese rooms 'rove consideraly easier to #eat.

T#e Elves0 #ouses need constant tending if t#ey are to remain #aitale. T#ose aandoned


6/65

during t#e )inter often need t#e attentions of a Treesinger come s'ringtime. $or t#e most 'art,

t#oug#, t#ese #omes are vie)ed as tem'orary structures, and it is common for families to move

aout from year to year. -ome families do )it#out #omes altoget#er, s'ending t#e summersliving an almost nomadic life in t#e land around t#e &lade, and s#aring a #ome )it# ot#ers in t#e

)inter.

Laurlorn Society

+aurlornalim society is est descried as an organised anarc#y, in )#ic# t#e rig#ts of t#e

individual are 'aramount. T#eir society is, #o)ever, #ig#ly structured and many tiered. To#uman eyes, it is im'ossily com'le6, #aving evolved over t#e millennia efore #uman

e6istence. 1om'ared )it# t#ose of t#e et#ical code t#at is in#erent in all Elves and on a total o'enness and commitment to

t#e community, 'ossily due to t#e im'ossiility of /ealousy in t#eir non(materialistic culture.

*n effect, t#e 'rinci'le of Elven society in t#e +aurlorn is t#at one must fully understand t#e

meaning of all rules and oligations, in order to t#en ignore t#em. All action )ill t#en e o'en to

t#e individual, ut t#e conse2uential results )ill also e realised and t#e conse2uences acce'ted.

Elven longevity and t#eir easy 'ace of life allo)s for t#e evolution of consensus t#at suc# a

social system re2uires. -ince Elves love t#e discussion more t#an t#e outcome, all 'rolems cane solved y interaction. *n )ar, #o)ever, t#ese lu6uries are not availale.

Government and the Kindreds

T#oug# to a lesser degree t#an t#e in#aitants of t#e +oren $orest, t#e +aurlornalim are an

insular, sus'icious 'eo'le. T#eir tales of t#e ancient decree of t#e %#oeni6 7ing 1aradryel

remind t#em constantly of t#e failings of %rinces and 7ings )#o #ave lost touc# )it# t#e

feelings of t#eir 'eo'le. T#us, "ood Elven communities #ave no governments or royalty as t#eirinde'endent s'irits rail against t#e 'ros'ect of some faceless individual controlling t#eir lives.

*nstead, t#ey o'erate more along t#e lines of an e6tended family. *n fact, t#e #uman translationof t#e name Elves give t#eir communities is kindred0.

"#en 'rolems arise )#ic# are eyond t#e aility of an individual to deal )it#, t#ey are roug#tefore an assemly of t#e kindred and discussed. -ometimes, leaders are a''ointed to focus or

coordinate any actions t#at may need to e taken. More often, individuals undertake


7/65

res'onsiility for a 'art of t#e task, negotiating furt#er su''ort or advice as needed.

T#ere are e6ce'tions to t#is, most of )#ic# re2uires unified action y all memers of t#e+aurlornalim. "#en t#e entire +aurlorn is t#reatened y some e6ternal enemy, t#e need for a

coordinated effort is vital. !e'resentatives from eac# 7indred C&ladeD assemly are sent

for)ard to re'resent t#eir community at t#e 1ouncil, 'resided over y


8/65

T#e only area in )#ic# t#e Elves seem to fall s#ort concerns '#ysical endurance, in )#ic#

#umans #ave a slig#t advantage. -ome Elves dismiss t#is as not#ing more t#an t#eir o)n more#ig#ly develo'ed senses allo) t#em to feel 'ain and suffering far more acutely t#an t#e ot#er,

less attuned races. T#is same asic Elven 'oint of vie) e6tends to t#e areas )#ere ;)arfs e6cel

and Elves do not 3 suc# as resilience and stuornness. T#e Elves sim'ly 'erceive t#is as ane6am'le of t#e estial nature of t#e ;)arfs given t#at suc# 2ualities are not ones to )#ic# any

civilised Elf )ould as'ire.

As a result of t#eir racial ias, t#e Elves feel a certain oligation to #el' out t#e less ale races.

After all, it is not t#eir fault t#at t#ey may lack t#e '#ysical and intellectual resources t#at )ould

#el' t#em make t#eir )ay in t#e )orld. -uc# are t#e res'onsiilities of t#e elite in t#e natural

order of t#ings.

Birth! "arriage and #eath

+ike ot#er "ood Elves, t#e lives of t#e +aurlornalim are governed y t#e 'assage of t#e seasons

and t#e cycle of irt#, deat# and reirt# is integral to t#eir vie) of t#e )orld. T#ey strongly

elieve t#at t#e souls of t#e dead rest in t#e s'irit )orld until t#ey #ave gat#ered t#eir strengt#and decided )#at t#ey )ant to ac#ieve in t#eir ne6t life. At t#is 'oint, t#ey are reorn to t#e

)orld.

As in most cultures, irt#s are a cause for great celeration amongst t#e "ood Elves. $easts are

#eld, and offerings made. -ickly c#ildren are often attended y %riests of -arriel, )#o #el' lead

t#e infant0s consciousness out from t#e realm of t#e dead, and %riests of *s#a, )#o also tends to

t#e mot#er.

Alt#oug# "ood Elves do marry, t#eir customs are very different from t#ose of #umans or even

t#e


9/65

once more. -ingle(se6 marriages are 'ermitted, ut t#ose involved are usually s'oken to y an

Elder as a matter of course, as t#e marriage )ill e arren.

Needless to say, t#e "ood Elves0 vie) of marriage as onds of love and acce'tance of serial

monogamy cause furt#er afflement and revulsion on t#e 'arts of ;)arfs, )#o vie) t#e clan as

an immutale and constant foundation for society.


10/65

*n addition to t#e urial, many Elves carry out an addition ritual. Many settlements )ill #ave a

Tree of !ememrance, onto )#ic# a scra' of clot# from t#e clot#ing of t#e deceased is usually

tied. -ome grieving Elves come to mourn or slee' eneat# t#ese trees. *t is said t#at t#e mosttrouled may, at times, e granted a dream or a vision of t#e de'arted soul.

$ames

T#e convoluted family lives of "ood Elves make it #ard to trace descent, not t#at t#e

+aurlornalim really care aout suc# matters. T#ere are no noles, for )#o suc# )ould eim'ortant, among t#eir numer. +ike t#ose of t#e +oren, t#e +aurlornalim tend to carry t)o

names9 t#eir given name and t#eir use name.

"#en an Elf is orn, t#e 'arents Cor closest relatives, if t#e 'arents are unavailaleD )ill give t#ec#ild a name t#at it )ill carry t#roug#out its life. *n addition, t#e Elf can c#oose a name for

itself. T#is may e t#e given name of someone t#e Elf admires, or a )ord descriing a trait oractivity t#at is im'ortant to t#em. *t is not un#eard of for married cou'les eac# to take t#eot#er0s given name as a use name. 8se names c#ange as t#e Elf gro)s, altering to reflect t#eir

develo'ing 'ersonality. T#is, of course, adds to t#e 'revalent #uman vie) t#at Elves are a rat#er

flaky unc#.

%ashion

&iven t#eir lifestyle, "ood Elves #ave little or no conce't of fas#ion. T#eir clot#es are first'ractical and t#en comfortale= only after t#ese criteria #ave een met )ill a''earance e

considered. To t#is end, "ood Elves often emroider and emellis# favourite garments, using

stylised designs. T#ese designs often incor'orate circles, re'resenting t#e cycle of life, symolsof alance, and images of nature.

*n t#e almy days of summer, Elves are often )arm enoug# to make clot#ing unnecessary.

"#ile some c#oose to )ear t#ings )#ic# en#ance t#eir a''earance, it is not unusual for ot#ers todo )it#out. Many a #uman lad #as lived to regret )andering into a forest after catc#ing a

glim'se of an Elf maid going naked.

Just as designs are used to emellis# clot#es, so it is common for "ood Elves to s'ort tattoos or,more commonly, tem'orary decorations )orked in 'aints and dyes. T#ese may e as sutle as

using 'igments to en#ance t#e a''earance of eyes and li's, or as elaorate as turning t#e entireody into a canvas for some grand )ork of art. Bot# se6es use of t#e )#ole range of decorations

availale to t#em. *n fact, it is not considered at all unusual for a man to s'ort sutle li' and eye

make(u', or for a )oman to #ave e6tensive tattoos.

On t#e very rare occasions t#at non(Elves visit an outlying +aurlornalim settlement, t#e Elves


11/65

)ill #umour t#e 'rudis# conventions of t#eir guests0 social mores y ensuring t#at all in#aitants

)ear clot#es in order not to s#ock t#eir guests.

Elven Senses

"ood Elves take great 'leasure in stimulating t#eir senses. +ike ot#er races, Elves en/oye#olding eauty in all its forms9 lig#t 'laying on t#e surface of rooks, a eautifully 'olis#ed

gemstone, t#e smile of a friend, and ot#er suc# activities. Music and singing t#at e6cite t#e sense

of #earing are also en/oyed to t#e fullest. *n addition, "ood Elves find great 'leasure )it# t#etaste of good food and )ine as )ell as e6'eriencing t#e )orld t#roug# touc#.

T#e one sense t#at t#e "ood Elves take greater stock t#an any ot#er race is smell. T#e Elven

sense of smell is far more acute t#an t#ose of #umans and t#ey take great delig#t in t#e delicatefragrances of flo)ers, t#e #eady smells of summer, musky scents of autumn. T#eir study of

'lants #as made t#em )ell a)are of #o) eac# can e used, and #o) t#e ground leaves, crus#ed'etals, urnt seeds, distilled oils, and countless ot#er sources and actions can e used to en#ancet#e scent of a 'lace or 'erson.

Elves at# fre2uently, en/oying its sensation as )ell as t#e resulting cleanliness, *n contrast,#umans )as# infre2uently, and ;)arfs even rarer still. 8nless forced to under less t#an

favourale conditions 3 suc# as travelling across country or s'ending #ours cram'ed in #ot,

s)eaty coac#es 3 "ood Elves )ill do )#at t#ey can to remain u')ind )#en dealing )it# ot#erraces. T#e odily odours of t#ese races offend t#e "ood Elves0 )ell(develo'ed senses and do

little to #el' different races to co(e6ist 'eacealy.

$lo)ers are 'articularly valued y t#e +aurlornalim as ornaments, since t#ey comine scent anda''earance. Many Elves gro) flo)ers in t#eir #omes, and some )ear fres#ly cut looms as

#umans mig#t )ear /e)ellery. T#is is not somet#ing to e done casually, #o)ever, as 'icking

flo)ers is vie)ed as damaging nature= only t#e most common of flo)ers are 'icked 'urely to eused for suc# vanities.

Work and trade

All +aurlornalim kindreds )ork for t#e enefit of t#eir small community. T#ey s#are )ork,care for t#e sick and dying, lessen t#e im'act of an individuals0 misfortunes, and distriute t#e

fruits of t#eir laour. Elves do not take turns at eac# activity as t#e skills and 'references ofindividuals are recognised, allo)ing eac# to s'ecialise. -ome are ade't at #unting, ot#ers at

)eaving, still ot#ers at singing. Eac# individual gives )#at t#ey can to t#eir communities, and

takes )#at t#ey need in return.

Bet)een kindreds, #o)ever, traders do arter and e6c#ange goods. T#is #as allo)ed some


12/65

kindreds to s'ecialise, forming )#at #umans )ould descrie as cottage industries. +acking a

monetary system, "ood Elves #ave no 'recise measures of value. A fur cloak could e

e6c#anged for far more in )inter t#an in summer, for e6am'le. %er#a's less easily understoody #umans is t#at t#e Elves actively seek to uy from traders, even t#oug# t#ey could get t#e

same item for less from t#e 'erson )#o 'roduced it. Traders form a vital link et)een

communities, and mean t#at a disaster )#ic# strikes one kindred can e alleviated y t#e goodfortune of anot#er. *t is im'ortant to t#ese communities t#at t#ese 'eo'le are su''orted.

-imilarly, traders may give a)ay goods if t#ey find a community )#o is unale to trade, not

ecause t#is )ill 'reserve t#eir market, ut ecause t#is re(distriution of goods is )#at t#eir'rofession is truly concerned )it#.

"#ere trade )it# t#e outside )orld occurs, it )ill e in t#e form of artering. 1oinage is

regarded )it# scornful amusement, and vie)ed as a )ort#less )aste of good metal. T#e#oarding tendency of t#e ;)arfs and a numer of #umans is somet#ing t#at t#e "ood Elves )ill

sim'ly never e ale to understand.

&rime

-ince "ood Elf communities consist of small grou's of relatives, eac# of )#om )ill readily give

)#atever t#ey can to su''ort a struggling neig#our, t#ere is little or no crime to s'eak of.

Wardancers

Not all Elves live amongst kindreds. T#ose )#o dedicate t#emselves to Adamnan(na(Brion#ac#oose to e6clude t#emselves and live in distinct communities. T#ese are usually marked out y

a )ooden stockade in order to 'revent Csometimes fatalD accidents caused y 'eo'le )andering

into a "ardancer settlement )it#out realising it.

*nside, t#e culture and conventions of t#e "ood Elves is left e#ind. Just as Elves vie) t#e

)orld in a far more virant )ay t#an any #uman could ever #o'e to a''reciate, so t#e follo)ers

of Adamnan e6'erience a reality t#at lies eyond t#e com're#ension of ot#er Elves= t#e resultresemles not#ing more t#an a #uman asylum. Not for not#ing is Adamnan kno)n as t#e god of

madness.

HHHHH 1olour Te6t HHHHH

Illitharion approached the stockade warily. There was no gate, no watchman; the

boundary was clear enough, and anyone who entered did so at their own risk.


13/65

Given the choice, he would gladly have turned around and left without further ado;

however, Orc scouts had been seen, and it was imperative that the Wardancers were

there when battle was joined.

Warily, he entered, and made his way towards the central clearing, trying desperately to

blot out the sights he saw around him. Off to one side, two men were biting, punching,

kicking at each other, whilst a third painted a mural in the blood which they spilt.

Almost in front of him, a naked figure recited a poem whose words meant nothing. His

eyes were closed, and his face bore an expression of near-unholy delight. He passed

underneath a couple making love in a tree, a youth glass-eyed and sweating from the

visions brought on by the Black Lotus leaves he chewed, and a young girl playing a tune

consisting of only two notes on a small bone flute.

Finally, he reached the clearing, where an old man sat, surrounded by childrens toys.

Without once looking up from his games, he said simply,

You come to ask Adamnans help in the battle to come, do you not? We will be there.

Now, I suggest you leave with all haste, for we have a ritual to perform, and I cannot

vouch for your safety once it has begun.

HHHHH End 1olour Te6t HHHHH

*n s'ite of t#e dangers to #ealt# and sanity, many as'iring artists c#oose to s'end time in t#ese

settlements, learning from t#e clerics of Adamnan, and coming to see t#e )orld in a ne) and

visionary )ay. "ood Elves elieve t#at madness and genius go #and in #and, a 'rinci'leillustrated y t#e t)o(faced as'ect of Adamnan(na(Brion#a. 8nsur'risingly, t#e d)ellings sung

y t#e Treesingers of t#ese communities are strange #aitations indeed.

$e) manual laourers or #unters ever c#oose to live amongst t#ese 'eo'le. T#ey are too sane,

too firmly involved in t#e mundane )orld around t#em. $ortunately for t#e follo)ers of

Adamnan, t#e mi6ture of grudging res'ect, 'ity and fear )it# )#ic# t#e ot#er Elves vie) t#emmeans t#at t#ey never lack for t#e asic necessities of life. -uc# acts of c#arity are vie)ed

almost su'erstitiously y many "ood Elves, )#o treat t#em as offerings to Adamnan so t#at t#ey

and t#eir kin )ill never e visited y t#e 'eculiar madness t#at c#aracterises #is follo)ers.

T#e "ardancers form t#e largest 'art of t#ese communities. T#ese are )arriors )#o as'ire to

gain some measure of t#e skill and cunning of Adamnan. Alt#oug# t#ere is no set 'attern or

routine in t#eir lives, rituals 'unctuate t#e day. A cleric of Adamnan may suddenly decide to


14/65

recite one of t#e e'ic 'oems aout t#eir god0s e6'loits. A grou' of arguing )arriors may

suddenly realise t#eir dis'ute mirrors a 'articular myt#, and s)itc# seamlessly into a re(telling of

t#at story. T#e variations are endless= )#at matters is sim'ly t#at t#eir #oly tales ecome 'art oft#eir daily life. Eac# "ardancer is trained to take 'art in t#ese re(enactments in some form,

eit#er y acting, s'eaking, or some ot#er means of e6'ression.

T#e most res'ected form of storytelling amongst t#ese 'eo'le, t#oug#, is dance. One of

Adamnan0s many titles is t#e +ord of t#e ;ance= #is follo)ers all seek to master t#e #ig#ly

e6'ressive and demanding "ardances. T#ese ritual dances are so im'ortant to t#eir society t#att#ey #ave given t#em t#eir very name.

Because of t#eir social and ritual im'ortance, all 'ros'ective "ardancers must understand and e

all to 'erform t#e various key )ardances efore anyone )ill train t#em in any ot#er skills.E2ually, no(one can ecome an *nitiate of Adamnan until t#ey #ave learnt t#e dances, and since

"ardancers refuse to teac# t#e ste's to anyone ut eac# ot#er, t#is means t#at all 1lerics of

Adamnan )ill #ave een "ardancers first.

Alt#oug# t#eir society focuses on Adamnan, t#e ot#er Elven gods #ave not een forgotten, and

most "ardancers )ill )ors#i' t#e ot#er gods of t#eir 'ant#eon from time to time. Only 1lericsof Adamnan leave t#e ot#er gods e#ind as t#ey follo) t#e 'at# of osession.

Beastfriends

"#ilst


15/65

descendents of ;ragon %rinces )#o remained in t#e colonies )#en t#eir kin returned to 8lt#uan.

T#e legends say t#at t#ese )ait, slee'ing )it# t#eir mounts in an enc#anted and ageless slee',

ut )ill rise again )#en t#e Elven race is faced )it# destruction.

Anot#er legendary ty'e of Beastfriend is t#e Caraidh PalurimC4Beastfriend of t#e $orest

Tiger5D. T#ese Elves are elieved to #ave efriended t#e large sare(toot#ed cats t#at )ere oncefound in t#e nort#ern forests of t#e Em'ire. Many sc#olars elieve t#at t#ese large 'redators

ecame e6tinct efore -igmar0s time. *n t#e very least, t#ere #ave not een any recent sig#tings

of suc# a east.

HHHHH-idearHHHHH

Side'ar( Beith)&aradan *+#ragonkin+,

Most #uman sc#olars )#o study t#e +aurlornalim say t#at t#e Elven Beit#(1aradan are onlylegend. Once, t#ey say, t#ere )ere many, and t#ey fle) across t#e great "estern Ocean et)een

t#e Elf lands of 8lt#uan and t#e Old "orld. No) no(one kno)s )#ere t#ey are, or even if t#eye6ist.

Ancient allads tell of t#em fig#ting t#e orcs and t#eir kin at t#e da)n of #uman #istory, andsome c#ronicles claim t#at a #andful of Elven dragon(riders foug#t t#e #ordes of 1#aos t)o

centuries ago, ut t#ey #ave not een seen since. -ome dout t#at t#ey )ere ever more t#an t#e

'roduct of a minstrels fancy, ut according to Elven legend t#e last ;ragon Masters slee' dee'in t#e forest, )aiting for t#e time )#en t#ey are needed to save t#e )orld once more.

And as foretold in t#e Elven legends, a Beit#(1aradan )ill a''ear from t#e minstrels stories to)reak destruction on t#e enemies of t#e +aurlorn "ood Elves. T#e Caidillean-coillteanC-lee'er in t#e $orestD is a great fire reat#ing, magic using forest dragon mounted y an

ancient Elf )arrior )#ose origin is a mystery to all ut t#e most kno)ledgeale of t#e Elf

leaders.

HHHHHEnd -idearHHHHH

The riesthood

"ood Elves ty'ically revere t#e gods of t#eir 'ant#eon )#enever t#ey undertake a task t#at falls

into a 'articular god0s realm. T#us, an Elf on t#e #unt for game )ill offer 'raise to 7urnuous fort#e ounty of t#e forest and less t#e s'irit of t#e creature )#ose life )ill e given to feed #er

kindred. Once t#e deed is accom'lis#ed, t#at same Elf mig#t t#en c#ant a song of t#anks to *s#a

for t#e erries s#e collected on #er return tri' to t#e forest. -#ould t#e Elf t#en notice t#e cloudsgat#ering over#ead, a 'lea may e offered to Torot#al to stay t#e rain until t#e #untress> gat#erer


16/65

can return safely to #er kindred.

*n contrast, Elven 'riests focus s#ar'ly on serving t#eir deity. T#ose )#o ans)er t#is callingaandon t#eir kindred and t#eir familial ties to /oin )it# ot#ers of t#e same 'assion in

communities referred to as 4Lothinieal lavintein5 Cim'recisely translated as t#e 4divine kindred5

in Old "orlderD. T#ese 'riests focus e6clusively on serving t#eir deity, even to t#e 'oint ofasking t#eir 'atron to intervene on t#eir e#alf )it# ot#er deities. $or e6am'le, a concerned

%riest of *s#a mig#t call u'on #is deity to re2uest t#at Torot#al lessen t#e torrential rains in order

to #el' a neary village t#reatened y flood)aters.

Elven 'riests strictly ad#ere to t#e strictures of t#eir cult and all t#eir activities are undertaken in

t#e #onour of t#eir deity. To t#is end, t#e rituals of t#e 'riest#ood are very elaorate affairs

)#ic# may lasts for #ours. *n contrast, t#e rituals used y normal Elves to c#ange t#eir mindsetfrom a #unter of game Csuc# as in t#e aove e6am'leD to a )arrior intent on dis'atc#ing invading

golins are sim'le, 2uick, and #ig#ly individualistic.

%an)Eltharin

As )ell as s#a'ing t#eir culture, t#e "ood Elves0 unusual attitude to t#eir 'ast influenced t#eirlanguage. T#e #ars# lifestyle t#at greeted t#e first refugees )#o fled t#eir cities made survival

t#eir most im'ortant concern. T#is led to a sense of living for t#e moment, a focus on t#e

'racticalities of t#e 'resent. T#is as'ect of t#eir origins is reflected in t#e im'ortance of t#e'resent tense in t#eir native tongue, $an(Elt#arin, as )ell as t#eir dialect of Old "orlder. *n

addition, t#e 'ast tense is seldom used. "#en it is, t#e 'ast tense carries )it# it connotations of

mysticism, legend, or arcane significance.

T#e close relations#i' of "ood Elves )it# t#e natural )orld #as also influenced t#eir use of

language. T#ey #ave derived t#ousands of ad/ectives from t#e )orld around t#em, and e6tended

t#eir terminology to e6'lain and descrie t#e 'lants, animals and natural '#enomenon )#ic#


17/65

)riting is seldom needed. No )ritten form of $an(Elt#arin e6ists= "ood Elves )it# t#e

!ead>"rite skill )ill #ave learnt to read and )rite Tar(Elt#arin, or some ot#er language relevant

to t#eir 'rofession. *t is not true to say, t#oug#, t#at t#e "ood Elves #as no )ritten language9some careers #ave t#eir o)n symols, )#ic# are used to 'ass information secretly. More

)ides'read is t#e use of generic symols, eac# of )#ic# is suggestive of a meaning. Nature

images, symols of alance, images of t#e elements or of )ar, may all e used to ornament oremellis# an item, uilding, or even 'eo'le. "#ilst #aving no 'recise meaning, any "ood Elf

)#o vie)s t#em Cand anyone else )#o 'asses an *nt testD )ill e ale to discern t#e general sense

of t#eir message.

*n most ot#er res'ects, $an(Elt#arin resemles Tar(Elt#arin, and s'eakers of one language )ill e

understood y t#e ot#er if t#e listener 'asses an *nt test.

The Wood Elves- attitudes to nature

T#e #ards#i' endured y t#e first settlers of t#e )oods meant t#at eac# and every resource #ad toe used s'aringly, nurtured, and res'ected. Ause )as ultimately self(defeating. Even )it# suc#

care, some kindreds #ave died )it# t#e drying u' of vital resources. "#en t#e "yt#el Trees of

+oren faded and died, a )#ole kindred struck out across t#e &rey Mountains, never to e seen in+oren again= normally, t#oug#, t#e community sim'ly )it#ers slo)ly, )it# t#e young leaving,

and no ne)comers staying. Eventually, only t#e dying elders remain, nurturing t#e s'ark of t#eir

tradition until is 'asses from t#e )orld forever.

T#ese #ars# necessities #ave led t#e "ood Elves to consider t#emselves in an almost symiotic

relations#i' )it# nature. T#ey tend it, and it 'rovides for t#em. T#e ;)arfen vie) t#at nature is

a resource, t#ere to e made use of, is sim'ly anat#ema to t#em.

*n recent decades, a numer of im'ortant events #ave t#reatened a s#ift in t#is attitude.

Traditionally, Elves #unt and forage, living off )#at nature 'rovides.


18/65

The Laurlorn Elves and the outside .orld

!elations et)een +aurlornalim and t#e surrounding #uman realms can only e descried asfrosty. T#e main desire of t#e forest(d)ellers is sim'ly to e left in 'eace= any intrusion, even a

friendly one, interferes )it# t#at desire. T#e Elves )ill, )it#out e6ce'tion, attem't to guide orfrig#tened interlo'ers out from t#eir lands )it#out #aving to meet )it# t#em. -#ould t#ese

efforts e ignored, or so muc# as a #and e lifted against any )oodland d)eller, t#e Elves )ill

#ave no 2ualms aout killing t#e tres'asser t#ere and t#en.

T#e Em'ire #as made several advances to)ards t#e Elven communities in t#e +aurlorn.

1ouriers from t#e *m'erial court make t#e trek to t#e Nordlander to)n of &rafenric# to meet

)it# t#e re'resentative of t#e 1ouncil. Alt#oug# no official links e6ist et)een t#e+aurlornalim settlements and t#e Em'ire, Elves #ave marc#ed into attle alongside t#eir #uman

neig#ours )#en times are des'erate. *n return, and ecause t#e #umans #ave no )is# to courttroule, *m'erial la)s #ave made it a #anging offence to enter an Elven )ood )it#out t#ee6'ress 'ermission of its in#aitants. *n 'ractice, t#is la) is almost never enforced as t#e Baron

of Nordland does not recognise any treaties unless #e #as 'ersonally signed it. T#at seems

unlikely given #is amitious claims to t#e +aurlorn. *n any event, t#e "ood Elves make certaint#at #aitual tres'assers are never seen again.

"ariness along t#e orders of t#e +aurlorn is a trait s#ared y ot# Elves and #umans. T#eElves )atc# t#e ararous #uman savages cautiously, sometimes amused, sometimes disgusted

y t#eir antics. *n contrast, #umans try and avoid )atc#ing t#e Elves for fear t#at t#is )ill ring

ad luck u'on t#em. Many 'easants on t#e orders of t#e +aurlorn leave offerings of milk,

c#eese, or eer, in t#e #o'e t#at t#is )ill )in t#e favour of t#e $aerie $olk0, and turn t#eirca'ricious attentiveness else)#ere. By t#e same su'erstitious token, soured milk, ad #arvests,

miscarriages and all sorts of misfortunes are lamed u'on t#e malicious s'irits of t#e )oods.

Iery rarely, a courteous #uman )#o s#o)s enoug# res'ect for t#e )oods may e a''roac#ed yElves and efriended.

Many #uman villages #ave stories of t#e ill(fated individuals )#o #ave fallen for a $aerie lover.*t #as #a''ened t#at a 'articularly fetc#ing young lass #as caug#t t#e eye of an Elf carrying out

#is usiness in t#e lands of men, or t#at an adventurous young lad #as come u'on an Elf maid

at#ing in a forest 'ool, #er #air edecked y flo)ers, and t#at t#e 'air #ave, for a time, gone to

live toget#er eyond t#e fields )e kno). -uc# stories are inevitaly tragedies, and are fro)ned

u'on y )iser folk of ot# races, ut t#is does little to dissuade t#e arduous cou'le. As time'asses, t#e clas# of cultures )ill mean t#at neit#er can understand t#e ot#er, or t#e arren nature

of t#e relations#i' Cfor suc# 'airings never 'roduce offs'ringD )ill cause itterness andresentment, or, 2uite sim'ly, t#e #uman )ill gro) old and frail )#ilst t#e Elf does not. One )ay

or anot#er, t#e #uman )ill eventually find it necessary to leave t#eir green()orld lover, and

attem't to return to t#e )orld of #umanity.

*f relations )it# t#e #umans are frosty, and t#ose )it# ;)arfs terse, t#e "ood Elves0 attitudes to


19/65

t#e magical 'ro)ess. 1onse2uently, t#ese leaders tend to e t#ose )#o aret#e res'ected advisers in t#e organised anarc#y t#at is Elven life. Toget#er, t#ey form T#e Tree

1ouncil, kno)n as t#e +aurelornim. T#e *nner 1ouncil is com'rised of t#e key 'ersonnel foremergency decisions, suc# as t#e


20/65

/eligion of the Laurlornalim

8nlike any ot#er race, t#e "ood Elves are as attuned to t#eir gods as t#ey are to nature. *n fact,

t#e Elves vie) t#e )#ole nature )orld and divine as inse'arale as'ects of t#eir lives and

identities. T#ey #ave no real conce't of 4religious5 and 4secular5, even t#oug# t#ey are )ell

a)are as to )#at t#e terms mean to ot#er races, es'ecially #umankind.

$rom t#is 'ers'ective, Elves are truly 'olyt#eistic in t#eir attitudes. Only %riests and certain

4religious5 )arrior orders are dedicated to one Elf deity aove all ot#ers.

"ood Elves #onour t#eir gods t#roug# use of ritual in order to ac#ieve t#e 'ro'er mindset. $or

e6am'le, an Elf 're'aring to #unt )ill 'erform a ritual to 7urnuous to ac#ieve t#e 'ro'er frameof mind to ac#ieve t#eir goal. %re'aring for )ar re2uires a different ritual to 7#aela Mens#a

7#aine so t#at t#e Elf can assume t#e mantle of a )arrior. !ituals are 'ersonalised y t#e

individual Elf and ty'ically t#ere is a different one dedicated to eac# deity in t#eir 'ant#eon. T#emanifestation of t#e ritual may range from a sim'le meditation to a com'le6 dance to an

elaorate series of c#ants and structured ceremony.

The Gods of the Laurlornalim

T#e "ood Elves of t#e +aurlorn s#are many traits, e#aviours, and attitudes )it# t#eir kin in

t#e +oren $orest. T#ey also s#are t#e same deities, t#oug# t#ere are no 'riests or oservances for

t#e cults of 7#aela Mens#a 7#aine and Morai(


21/65

-igmar. T#e 'olitical as'irations of t#e leaders of t#ese t)o cults cause great concerns and

t#reaten t#e +aurlorn.

T#e attitude to)ards t#e ;)arfen 'ant#eon varies from contem't to condescending amusement.

*n contrast, t#e 1#aos cults and t#e deities of Orcs and &olins are vie)ed )it# utter disdain and

#ostility. All )#o )ors#i' t#ese eings are to e e6terminated.

0damnan)$a)Brionha

;escri'tion9 According to t#e Elf -ongs, Adamnan(na(Brion#a )as orn in t#e mists efore t#e

da)n of time and is t#e 'ersonification of t#e union et)een t#e forces of -ound and Motion."ardancers #old t#at #e is T#e $irst Being, )#ose dance structured t#e universe. Adamnan is

also referred to as 4T#e $irst5 and 4T#e +ord of t#e ;ance.5 T#e "ardancer diety reflects t)o

seemingly contradictory as'ects of life 3 t#e /oy of dance and t#e fury of rig#teous slaying.


22/65


23/65

Isha

;escri'tion9 *s#a is t#e )ife of 7urnuous, mot#er of +iadriel, Mat#lann and Torot#al. *s#a

re'resents t#e fertility and ounty of t#e eart# and is t#e mot#er of t#e Elven race.


24/65


25/65

*t is elieved t#at 7urnuous can take t#e s#a'e of any forest creature at )ill.

-ymol9 +ike Taal, 7urnuous is re'resented y a stag0s #ead )it# large, ranc#ing antlers.*nitiates and %riests of 7urnuous dress in t#e same manner as ot#er Elves. T#ey do emroider

t#e symols of 7urnuous along t#e #ems of t#eir clot#ing. T#ese symols include t#e skull of a

stag, stylized Elf #ead )it# antlers, or t#e #ead of a unicorn.


26/65


27/65

deity is )ors#i''ed )#enever "ood Elves sing or drink, )#ic# is 2uite fre2uently. &reat feasts

and )ild celerations are #eld on t#e nig#t of every ne) moon in #onour of +iadriel Ct#e largest

of t#ese take 'lace on


28/65

rd +evel9 KBattleL 1ause 1o)ardly $lig#t, 1ause $ear, 1ause -tu'idity, ;is'el Magic, -uvert

"ea'on, Transfer Aura= K*llusionistL *llusionary Enemy, *llusion of Mig#ty A''earance,

8niversal *llusion, Ianis#

Gt# +evel9 KBattleL Aura of *nvulneraility, Bless CEnc#antD "ea'on, 1ure -evere "ound, ;rain

Magic= K;ivineL %acifyH= K*llusionistL 1om'lete *llusion, ;estroy *llusions, *llusionary Army,*llusion of ;arkness, Tele'ort

H see #ivine S2ells *rayers,elo) for descri'tion

Skills(1lerics of +iadriel may gain one of t#e follo)ing skills at eac# level9Augury, Charm,

Consume Alcohol,Dance,ypnotise,Musicianship, Scrying, Seduction, Sing, and 'iniculture.

T#e skills must e oug#t )it# e6'erience 'oints as usual.

Trials(+iadriel does not normally set trials for #is>#er follo)ers as suc#. T#ere are occasions,

#o)ever, )#ere +iadriel considered t#at t#e 'etitioning cleric did not 'erform in a manner t#at is

consistent )it# #is>#er 'rinci'les. *n suc# cases, t#e cleric may need to undergo a 'eriod of time)#ere +iadriel scrutinizes t#eir 'erformance.

Blessings(-kills favoured y +iadriel areAugury, Charm, Consume Alcohol,Dance,ypnotise,

Musicianship, Scrying, Seduction, Sing, and 'iniculture. T#ere are no favoured tests, alt#oug#

+iadriel may confer a lessing in t#e form of a tem'orary increase in %el.

Sarriel

;escri'tion9 -arriel is t#e &od of ;reams as )ell as t#e %atron of t#e #ealing arts and %rotector

of t#e "andering Elven -'irits. -arriel is descried y #is follo)ers as an es'ecially tall Elf ofregal earing and dark, lack #air. *t is said t#at s'arklings of lig#t s#ine u'on #is raven tressesmuc# like t#e stars t)inkling aginst t#e nig#t sky.

-ymol9 *nitiates and %riests of -arriel identify t#emselves )it# t#e symol of t#e )#ite )olf, asacred s'irit east t#at is said to #el' 'rotect t#e deceased Elven s'irits from t#e foul easts t#at

stalk t#e -'irit !ealm. *nitiates and %riests )ear 'lain #ooded roes of midnig#t lue )it#

symols of stars and 'lanets se)n onto t#e #ems.


29/65

;reamguiler +a2uenyar !al -ilmar. *ndividual memers of t#e society may serve t#e army as

)izards.

Strictures(All follo)ers of -arriel must e aide y t#e follo)ing strictures9

Al)ays o''ose t#e servants of t#e ;ark Elves, es'ecially t#e minion of t#eir sorcerors.

Al)ays o''ose Necromancers and any 8ndead )#enever and )#erever t#ey encounter t#em.Al)ays o''ose t#ose )#o seek to destroy or defile t#e "ood Elven #omeland.

Never refuse to attend and care for t#e ill, es'ecially c#ildren.

Never refuse to listen to t#e dreams of ot#ers.Never refuse to conduct a funeral service if re2uested to do so.

Never enter or distur a 'lace of urial )#ic# #as een 'ro'erly dedicated to t#e 'rotection

of -arriel.

S2ell 3se(%riests of -arriel may use t#e follo)ing s'ells9

@st +evel9 KBattleL Aura of !esistance, 1ure +ig#t *n/ury, ;etect Magic, ;is'irit, *mmunity from

%oison, -teal Mind, "ilt "ea'on= K;ivineL 1ure %oison, $uneral !ite C!itualDHH = K*llusionistLBe)ilder $oe, 1amouflage Area, 1amouflage *llusion, &lamour= KNecromanticL ;estroy 8ndead

nd +evel9 KBattleL Aura of %rotection, Break "ea'on, 1ause %anic, Magical Mig#t, Mental ;uel,

Mystic Mist, -teal Magical %o)er= K;ivineL ;edicate ;ivine -ymol C!itualDH= *nvisiility to

8ndeadHH, Treat *llness= K*llusionistL Banis# *llusion, 1onfound $oe, *llusionary "oods, +esserEidolon

rd +evel9 KBattleL Arro) *nvulneraility, 1ause 1o)ardly $lig#t, 1ause $ear, 1ause *nstaility,

1ause -tu'idity, ;is'el Magic, Transfer Aura= K;ivineL


30/65

Trials(Trials set y -arriel generally involve 'unis#ing t#ose )#o distur urial 'laces and

desecrate t#e dead. *n some instances, trials may e of a more enign nature suc# as going to

'lace )#ere 'lague #as overtaken in#aitants of a settlement, even a #uman one, and do )#atone can to attend to t#e diseased.

Blessings(-kills favoured y -arriel includeAstrology,Astronomy,Augury, Cure Disease,Dream "nterpretation,eal Wounds,"denti#y )ndead,Magic A*areness,%esistance to "llusion

Magic&, Scrying, and )ndead Lore. $avoured tests includeFear, $error, all %oison, ;isease,

and ot#er test )#ic# counter s'ecial attack forms of any 8ndead creature. -arriel may also granta tem'orary increase to Int, &l, and Wattriutes. $re2uently, -arriel may less a c#aracter y

sending a dream to give advice or information.

Torothal

;escri'tion9 Torot#al is t#e &oddess of !ain and !ivers and is revered almost as muc# as *s#a

for t#e #ealt# of t#e )oodland realm. Torot#al is generally descried as a tall Elven )oman )it#long flo)ing lig#t lue #air )#o makes #er #ome in t#e rivers of any "ood Elf realm. T#oug#

normally gentle, Torot#al0s anger generally manifests itself in t#e tem'ests t#at occasionallyatter t#e land. Many Elves elieve t#at Torot#al0s anger tends to e directed at t#e #umans )#o

foolis#ly encroac# u'on t#e land.

-ymol9 T#e symols re'resenting Torot#al include )ater dro's, raino)s, and lig#tning olts.

*nitiates and %riests of Torot#al )ear clot#ing ty'ical of "ood Elves )it# t#e addition of lue

trim se)n on t#e #emlines. Medallions crafted in t#e s#a'e of one of Torot#al0s symols arediscreetly )orn.


31/65

7int#ane +orfin Alf#eim, is an initiate of Torot#al and t#e unit is a semi(religious one under t#e

aus'ices of t#e clerics of Torot#al.

Strictures(*nitiates and %riests of Torot#al aide y t#e follo)ing strictures9

Never dam or ot#er)ise im'ede t#e course of a river or ot#er )ater)ays.

;o not 'ermit t#e defilement of rivers or ot#er )ater)ays.;o not allo) a fello) eing to go t#irsty.

;o not ause t#e animals of t#e air and )ater.

;o not suffer t#e enemies of Elfkind to #arm any living eing in t#e )oodland realm.

S2ell 3se(%riests of Torot#al may use t#e follo)ing s'ells9

@st +evel9 KBattleL Aura of !esistance, 1ure +ig#t *n/ury, ;etect Magic, ;is'irit, $lig#t, -li''ery&round, "ind Blast= KElementalL Blinding $las#= 1loud of -moke, 1reate -'ring, Magic +ig#t,

"alk on "ater

nd

+evel9 KBattleL Aura of %rotection, 1ause %anic, +ig#tning Bolt, Mystic Mist, -teal Magical%o)er= K;ivineL ;edicate ;ivine -ymol C!itualDH= KElementalL 1ause !ain, 1la' of T#under,

1ontrol +ig#tning, E6tinguis# $ire, *cy &round, Move O/ect, !esist $ire

rd +evel9 KBattleL Arro) *nvulneraility, 1ause 1o)ardly $lig#t, 1ause $ear, 1ause -tu'idity,

;is'el Magic, Enfeele, Transfer Aura= K;ivineL !aise $ogH= KElementalL Banis# Elemental,Become Et#ereal, ;ra) ;o)n +ig#tning

Gt# +evel9 KBattleL Aura of *nvulneraility, Bless CEnc#antD "ea'on, 1ure -evere "ound, ;rain

Magic, !everse -'ell, -tand -till= KElementalL 1#ange "eat#er C!itualD, ;is'el Elementals,-ummon CAir or "aterD Elemental, -ummon -)arm, -)ell !iver

H see #ivine S2ells *rayers,elo) for descri'tion

Skills(1lerics of Torot#al may gain one of t#e follo)ing skills at eac# level9Augury,

Boat!uilding,Dro*sing,(avigate +%iver,, rientation,%iver Lore,%o*, Sailing, Scale SheerSur#ace, Scrying, and S*im. T#e skills must e oug#t )it# e6'erience 'oints as usual.

Trials(Trials set y Torot#al ty'ically involve 'rotecting rivers, )aterfalls and ot#er )ater)ays

from t#ose )#o seek to des'oil its eauty and deny its use to ot#er denizens of t#e )oodlandsand ot#er locales. *n some cases, t#is mig#t also involve 'rotection of t#e forest )#ere t#e "ood

Elves live.

Blessings(-kills favoured y Torot#al areAugury,Dro*sing,(avigate +%iver,, rientation,

%iver Lore,%o*, Sailing, Scrying, and S*im. *n addition,

HHHHH-idearHHHHH


32/65

Side'ar( The &ult of Kern

"ood Elves of t#e +aurlorn $orest elieve t#at t#eir gods sometime take '#ysical forms to )alkand live among t#em. Occasionally t#ese visitations may result in t#e irt# of a demi(god )#o

ecomes a #ero in t#e folklore of t#e +aurlornalim and ins'ires some to dedicate t#eir lives to

follo) #er e6am'le.

One of t#e etter kno)n of t#ese semi(divine eings is 7ern, son of t#e !iver &oddess Torot#al.

*t is elieved t#at #e )as t#e eing t#at sealed t#e orders of t#e +aurlorn $orest from t#e

;)arfs )#o )ere 2uickly returning to t#e mountains after sacking t#e


33/65

allo) for t#e 'ermanent lessing of an Elven 'riest0s or sorceror0s #oly symol to act as a focus

for t#eir s'ells.

T#e ritual involves a ndlevel %riest and #er *nitiate once t#e latter #as learned t#e mysteries of

#is cult and is on t#e t#res#old of ecoming a %riest. T#e mentor )ould #ave t#e *nitiate first

craft t#e #oly symol y #and and engrave it )it# t#e )ords of 'o)er t#at )ould e uni2ue tot#at Elf and used to invoke t#e magical 'otential of #is inner s'irit. T#e mentor )ould e lay t#e

*nitiate0s symol under #er o)n and c#ant t#e cult0s litany in order to em'o)er t#e token. A

sacrifice is t#en called u'on, t#e nature of )#ic# also varies y cult. T#e cult of Adamnan mig#tuse dro's of t#e *nitiate0s lood )#ile *s#a mig#t call u'on t#e /uice of t#e rare%hathinaerry.

T#e same ritual is used y "izardly order, t#eDreinarthia Corlinalith, CEldritc# "atc#ers( see

elo)D, and ot#er "ood Elf sorcerors of t#e +aurlorn.

Ward 6egetation

-'ell +evel9 -econdMagic %oints9 'er @ 1uic Sards

!ange9 touc#;uration9 @d days

*ngredients9 None

T#e cleric is granted t#e 'o)er to 'rotect a large area of vegetation Cand t#e soil )it#in )#ic#

t#ey are rootedD from lig#t and ot#er infestations. *n addition, t#is s'ell can slo) any see'age

of contamination from 1#aos sustances suc# as "ar'stone and "ar'dust.

T#e volume to e )arded must e marked off y #oly symols inscried onto t#e arks of trees

and stems of smaller 'lants. Once invoked, t#e inscried symols disa''ear from normal vie)and can only e 'erceived y t#ose )it# t#e Magical -ense skill.

/aise %og

-'ell +evel9 T#ird

Magic %oints9 ?!ange9 G? yards

;uration9 @ #our

*ngredients9 A clum' of moss mi6ed )it# a 'inc# of algae.

T#is s'ell is similar to t#e second level Battle s'ell of Mystic Mist C"$!%, 'age @D t#oug#

)it# a greatly increased area of effect )it# a F yards radius.


34/65

S2eak .ith #ryad

-'ell +evel9 T#ird

Magic %oints9 !ange9 Touc#

;uration9 @ #our

*ngredients9 A t)ig from a tree in#aited y a dryad

T#is s'ell allo)s t#e caster to e ale to converse )it# a ;ryad even )#en t#e ;ryad is residing

)it#in a tree. T#e conversation can range from sim'le discussion of creatures 'assing t#roug#

t#e area to a )arning of a destructive force a''roac#ing.

&all #ivine &reature */itual,

-'ell +evel9 $ourt#

Magic %oints9 @!ange9 @FF yards

;uration9 G #ours

*ngredients9 A silver #orn

T#is s'ell allo)s a 'riest to call fort# a creature t#at is deemed sacred to t#e cult. *n t#e case of

*s#a, suc# creatures include 'egasi, large )#ite stags, and unicorns. T#e ritual incantation

includes t#e re2uest t#at t#e casting 'riest )is#es to make of )#ic#ever creature ans)ers t#e call.Once t#e creature a''ears, t#e 'riest #as to make t#eir case in order to )in t#e creature0s

coo'eration. T#e 'riest gains a QF modifier to t#eir $el Calong )it# any ot#er a''ro'riate

modifierD

&all #ryad */itual,

-'ell +evel9 $ourt#

Magic %oints9 @G!ange9 @FF yards

;uration9 G #ours

*ngredients9 +eaf from a lornalim tree

T#is s'ell allo)s a 'riest to call fort# a dryad. T#e ritual incantation includes t#e re2uest t#at t#e

casting 'riest )is#es to make of t#e dryad ans)ering t#e call. Once t#e creature a''ears, t#e'riest #as to make t#eir case in order to )in t#e creature0s coo'eration. T#e 'riest gains a QFmodifier to t#eir $el Calong )it# any ot#er a''ro'riate modifierD


35/65

acify

%rayer !ank9 $ourt#

Magic %oints9 @!ange9 %ersonal

;uration9 8ntil ne6t sunrise

Area of Effect9 BM% yard radius centred on cleric!esistance9 None

T#is s'ell grants t#e invoking 'riest t#e aility to calm all creatures )it#in t#e area of effect )#o

are #ostile to)ards t#e 'riest or #is com'anions. T#ese once #ostile creatures )ill lay do)n t#eir)ea'ons and sit as t#ey find contentment in t#e song or music t#at must accom'any t#is 'rayer.

Moreover, s#ould t#e invoking 'riest 'ass a $el test C)it# t#e a''ro'riate modifiersD, t#ese

creatures may e called u'on to 'rovide a service, suc# as 'rotecting t#e 'riest and #iscom'anions or leaving t#em alone. Naturally, any re2uest t#at is oviously intended to do t#e

'acified creatures #arm C"ould you mind looking t#e ot#er )ay )#ile * sli''ed t#is s)ord

t#roug# your ris.D automatically ends t#e s'ells effect. *f t#e 'riest luckily survives t#at

e'isode, #ell still #ave to contend )it# +iadriel Cafter all, t#is action )ould definitely e a grossviolation of +iadriels 'rinci'lesD.

T#is s'ell also 'rovides t#e 'riest and #is com'anions )it# a QF modifier to all #earand a Q@Fmodifier to all terrortests caused y #ostile creatures )it#in t#e area of effect.

S2eak .ith Treeman

-'ell +evel9 $ourt#

Magic %oints9 ?!ange9 Touc#

;uration9 @ #our*ngredients9 +eaf from a treeman

T#is s'ell allo)s t#e caster to e ale to converse )it# a Treeman. T#e conversation can range

from sim'le discussion of creatures 'assing t#roug# t#e area to a )arning of a destructive forcea''roac#ing.

Summon the Wild Hunt-'ell +evel9 $ourt#Magic %oints9 F

!ange9 @F yards of %riest

;uration9 8ntil t#e #unt is com'leted or da)n reaks*ngredients9 A #unters #orn


36/65

One of t#e strongest availale to %riests, t#is s'ell must e used only in t#e most des'erate of

situations Ce.g., )#en a mig#ty 1#aos )arand of t#irty strong led y a 1#aos


37/65

great 'o)er and are not restricted in t#eir magic as #uman )izards. T#e Eldritc# "atc#ers are

ale to lend Battle, Elemental, and *llusionist s'ells )it#out #aving to 'ursue eac# ty'e as

s'ecialists. &iven t#is aility, t#is ty'e of )izard is restricted to Non(%layer 1#aracters only.

*f, for )#atever reason, a &M )ants to allo) a 'layer to 'ursue t#is c#aracter, t#e e6'erience

'oints costs e2ual t#at of any s'ecialist )izard career, i.e., everyt#ing costs t)ice in E6'erience'oints )#at it )ould cost a Battle )izard. 1areer descri'tions are included in t#e section on

"ood Elf careers elo).

-'ells for Eldritc# "atc#er c#aracters can only e otained from t#e follo)ing list9

%etty9 Butterfingers, ;anger -ense, ;ark -ig#t, $ind, &ift of Tongues, &lo)ing +ig#t, 7nock

;o)n, Magic Alarm, Magic $lame, Mars# +ig#ts, Mend, %etty Animal


38/65

Laurlorn Elf characters

Wood Elven &areers

*nstead of rolling on t#e 1areer tales in t#e ruleook C'g. @?D, c#aracters s#ould use t#e tales

elo). *n all ot#er res'ects, #o)ever, t#e 'rocedure for generating c#aracters remains

unc#anged. Note t#at t#ere are fe) o''ortunities for military careers in "ood Elf society= t#evast ma/ority of +oren0s in#aitants follo) )#at are essentially !anger careers, ut are u'on to

defend t#eir land if needed.

Many of t#ese careers are descried in t#e "ar#ammer rule ook. T#ere is no difference

et)een t#e


39/65

along )it# t#e standard Elven Basic 1areer 1#arts CW%/, 'g. @?D.

W0//I1/ B0SI& &0/EE/S

#899 &areer

F@(@F Bodyguard@@( &lade &uardH

( +aourer

(Marine

P(P Mercenary

P(?F Militiaman

(Nole

?@(? Outla)

( %it $ig#ter

(%rotagonist

(-eaman

(-ervant

(-oldier

(-2uire

(Troll -layer

(Tunnel $ig#ter

?P(FF"atc#man

H denotes ne) career Csee elo)D

/0$GE/ B0SI& &0/EE/S

#899 &areer

F@(@F Boatman

@@(@ Bounty


40/65

@P(F $armerHH

@(F $is#erman

@(GF &amekee'er

G@(F &lade !iderH@(


41/65

P( &amler

(&rave !oer

(Jailer

P(F Minstrel

@(PF %edlar

P@(F !aconteur

@( !ustler

P(? -muggler

?P(FF T#ief

(Tom !oer

0&0#E"I& B0SI& &0/EE/S

#899 &areer

(Alc#emist0s A''rentice

F@(F Artisan0s A''rentice

(;ruid

(Engineer

(E6ciseman

FP(@ $orest &uardianH

@P(F


42/65

6ariations on Human careers

+ike ot#er larger Elven settlements, t#e +aurlorn #as Bounty


43/65

Tra22ings9

;o)sing !ods-ickle

-ling Bag

&areer Entries9


44/65

-trike Mig#ty Blo)

-trike to -tun

Tra''ings9-leeved Mail -#irt

-)ord or A6e

FR c#ance of a -#ieldFR c#ance of a -'ear

&areer Entries9

MercenaryMilitiaman

"atc#man

"oodsman

&areer E7its9

Mercenary 1a'tainTem'lar

Glade /iders

&lade !iders can e found in many of t#e larger "ood Elven settlements, 'atrolling t#e #eat#,

scru and do)ns t#at form t#e orders of t#e enclave. *n +oren, t#e 7indred of E2uos takes ont#is res'onsiility, as it gives t#em a 'erfect e6cuse to tend, reed and care for t#e #erds of Elven

steeds descended from t#e #andful t#at t#e first refugees managed to s'irit a)ay )it# t#em to t#e

forests. On t#ese #eat#s and moors, et)een t#e scattered clum's of trees and us#es, t#eir'recious #orses can graze freely.

0dvance Scheme

" WS BS S T W I 0 #e7 Ld Int &l W %el

Q@F Q@F Q Q@F Q@F Q@F

-kills9

Animal 1are1#arm Animal C


45/65

+eat#er Jack

-)ord or A6e

-#ield-'ear

&areer Entries9$armer

&amekee'er


46/65

-)ord or A6e

-#ield

-'ear

&areer Entries9

Agitator$orest &uardian

Minstrel

!anconteurTrader

&areer E7its9

;emagogue*nitiate

Merc#ant

"izard0s A''rentice

Wood Elf Scout

&uarding any "ood Elven settlement re2uires constant vigilance. *n a realm t#e size of At#el

+oren, t#is re2uires a full(time standing force of Elves dedicated to 'atrolling, )atc#ing, and

reconnoitring. Additionally, )#en une6'lained rumours are roug#t y travellers from ot#erkindreds, t#e scouts are usually t#e first dis'atc#ed to find out information.

*n At#el +oren, t#e scouts form one kindred, )#ose tradition e6tends unroken ack to t#e firstElves to enter +oren, even efore t#e coming of t#e refugees.

0dvance Scheme


Q@F Q@F Q@ Q@F Q@F QF

-kills9

1oncealment !ural$ollo) Trail

Orientation

-cale -#eer -urface

-ecret -igns ( "ay)atc#er-ilent Move !ural

-'ot Tra'

Tra22ings9

Elven o) and arro)s

+eat#er Jerkin


47/65

&areer Entries9

Bounty


48/65

-kills9

-'ecialist "ea'on ( $ist

-treet $ig#ter-trike Mig#ty Blo)

&araidh "uch *Beastfriend of the Boar,

T#ese famed Elven animal kee'ers live )it# t#eir )ards, )#om t#ey are dedicated to 'rotect,and #ave formed mental ties )it# t#em. T#is live in a oar family grou' e6ternal to mainstream

Elven communities, ut remain integral )it# t#em.

0dvance Scheme


Q@F Q@ Q@ Q Q@F Q@F Q@F

-kills9

$renzied Attack-treet $ig#ter

-trike to *n/ure

&araidh Iolair *Beastfriend of the Ha.k,

&reat 1la) and t#e eagles of t#e "estern $orest are #ig#ly inde'endent and nole creatures, ut

#ave good relations )it# t#e Elves and )ill assist t#em in t#eir struggle for t#ey #ave no desire to

flee t#eir nests. T#ese are, in fact, t#e last remnants of t#e once great s'ecies of forest eagle.

0dvance Scheme


Q@ Q@F Q@F Q@ QF Q@F Q@F

-kills9

;odge Blo)

$leeV-trike to *n/ure

&araidh 0ech *Beastfriend of the Horse,

0dvance Scheme


Q@ Q@ Q Q Q@F Q@F

-kills9

Acute


49/65

$leeV

!ide 3


50/65

"oodsman

&areer E7its

%riest C7urnuousD"ay)atc#er

Eldritch Watchers

T#ese +aurelornalim )izards follo) t#e same advance sc#eme as normal )izards C"$!%, 'age@GD. T#e difference comes in t#e skills t#ey can learn at eac# level. T#e follo)ing re'resents

t#e availale skills and eac# must e taken, along )it# all 'rofile advances, efore t#e c#aracter

can move to t#e ne6t level.

-kills9

@st

+evel9Arcane +anguage( Elemental MagickArcane +anguage( *llusionist Magick

1ast -'ells( Battle @

1ast -'ells( Elemental @1ast -'ells( *llusion @

Magical A)areness

Magic -ense

Meditation!ide(


51/65

1ure ;isease

;aemon +ore

*dentify Magical Artefact*dentify 8ndead

-crying

Gt# +evel9

Arcane +anguage(;ruidic

Arcane +anguage(;)arfArcane +anguage(!unicH

1ast -'ells( Battle G

1ast -'ells( Elemental G

1ast -'ells( *llusion G


52/65

-ecret -igns ( "ay)atc#er

-#ado)ing

-ilent Move !ural-ecret +anguage ( !anger

-'eak Additional +anguage ( Old "orlder Cgenerally Breton or !eiks'iel dialectsD

-'ecialist "ea'on ( +ance-'ecialist "ea'on ( T)o


53/65

Acting

Acroatics

;ance;isarm

;odge Blo)

Marksmans#i' ( t#ro)n )ea'ons only-ing

-'ecialist "ea'on ( %aired "ea'ons

-'ecialist "ea'on ( T)o(


54/65

-ome riders train t#eir "ar#a)ks to fig#t in attle= t#ese #ave given t#eir 'osition its distinctive

name.


55/65

green and ro)n, and )orking leaves and foliage into t#eir cloaks and clot#ing. "#en so

disguised, t#ey can #ide in ranc#es or us#es mere inc#es a)ay from t#eir foes. T#is e6'ertise

allo)s t#em to ac2uire t#e skills Concealment %uraland Silent Move %uralt)ice. T#is doulest#e test modifiers associated )it# Silent Move %ural. "#en "ay)atc#ers use dyes and 'aints,

and ent)ine foliage and leaves into t#eir clot#ing, t#e second 'urc#ase of Concealment %ural

increases #iding test onuses from QFR to QGFR Cor from QR to Q@FR if moving cautiouslyD.

0dvance Scheme


QF QF Q@ Q@ Q QF Q@ QF Q@F Q@F QF Q@F

Skills9

1oncealment !ural$ollo) Trail


56/65

$e. Skills

&all 0nimal

T#is skill is kno)n only to Elven Beastfriends. T#ey refuse to teac# it to any ot#ers, out of feart#at it mig#t e misused. "#en a Beastfriend is in a region Cusually a forestD )#ere t#eir

efriended s'ecies lives, t#ey may call out in t#e language of t#at s'ecies in an attem't to gain

t#e attention of allies. T#e Beastfriend makes a +d test, and if t#e test is successful, t#e animals

)ill a''ear )it#in d@F minutes, in t#e follo)ing numers9

&reature$um'er

Bear @

Boar ;


57/65

Warchant

T#is skill is only kno)n y "ardancers, and )ill not e taug#t to anyone outside of t#eir

numer. "ardancers may sing a *archant)#en c#arging an o''onent. T#ey must make asuccessful *nt test to raise a rousing *archant, and t#e effects are as follo)s9 C@D T#e "ardancer

singing t#e *archantmay c#oose to enter#ren/y= CD All friendly c#aracters gain a Q@F onus to

#earand terrortests )#ilst t#e "ardancer is c#anting= CD All #ostile c#aracters and creaturessuffer a (@F 'enalty to all#earand terrortests )#ilst t#e "ardancer is c#anting. T#e *archantlasts until t#e "ardancer is )ounded, or until s#e s'ends a round out of comat Ci.e., a round in

)#ic# s#e is neit#er attacked nor tries to land a lo)D.

Wardances

Elven "ardancers are e6'ected to master a numer of feats of e6treme de6terity, unmatc#ed y

even t#e most accom'lis#ed of acroats. As suc#, t#e skill cannot e learnt y c#aracters until

t#ey #ave ac2uired ot# Acroatics and ;ance.

Eac# dance #as s'ecial significance for t#e "ardancers, re'resenting a legend from t#e legends

of Adamnan(na(Brion#a, and forms a 'art of t#eir ritual storytelling and celerations. Becauseof t#e im'ortance of t#ese ceremonies, all "ardancers are e6'ected to learn t#ese dances as soon

as 'ossile, and t#e individuals tutoring novice "ardancers may )ell refuse to teac# ot#er skills

until t#ese #ave een mastered. Eac# dance must e oug#t se'arately, at @FF E%s eac#.

*n addition to t#eir im'ortance in rituals, "ardancers can use t#ese dances in attle, emulating

t#eir god0s #eroic feats in order to est t#eir foes. A rief descri'tion of t#e main dances,

toget#er )it# t#eir game effects, is given elo). Note t#at only one dance can e 'erformed at a

time, alt#oug# t#e dance ste's eing used can e varied from round to round.

7urnuous0 +ea'9 7urnuous #ad gro)n tired of Adamnan(na(Brion#a0s trickery, and so )#en ne6tAdamnan(na(Brion#a 'erformed #is foolis# antics 7urnuous 'inned #im to a tree )it# #is magic

s'ear, and left #im t#eir for t#ree days and t#ree nig#ts to contem'late #is folly. "#en #e )as

released, Adamnan(na(Brion#a admitted t#at #e #ad learnt #is lesson= )#at 7urnuous failed to

realise )as t#at it #ad not een t#e lesson #e #ad intended. As soon as 7urnuous0 ack )asturned, Adamnan(na(Brion#a stole t#e s'ear from its secret #iding 'lace, so t#at in future #e

could continue #is 'layful games )it#out fear of retriution.


58/65

e on you. *n "ardancer rituals, t#e individual 'laying t#e role of 7urnuous 'erforms t#e dance.

*n comat, t#is dance can e used to let "ardancers lea' to a #ig#er vantage 'oint, suc# as a

ledge or even a ranc#, or to vault over t#e #eads of t#eir foe, landing to face t#eir acks."ardancers using t#is dance can lea' C"$!%, 'g. D as if t#eir M c#aracteristic )as douled.

Alternatively, t#ey can lea' u')ards, /um'ing u' to t#eir M c#aracteristic in yards.

-torm of Blades9 7#aela Mens#a 7#aine )as not a god noted for #is #umour, and once again,

Adamnan(na(Brion#a0s )it led #im into troule. 7#aine soug#t to e6ile Adamnan(na(Brion#a,

to limo, )#ere #is madness and misc#ief could #arm no(one. Naturally, Adamnan )asn0tim'ressed y t#is idea, and told 7#aine )#at #e t#oug#t of it in no uncertain terms. T#e ot#er

gods, )#o #ad gro)n )eary of Adamnan, decided t#at t#e matter s#ould e decided y a comat,

)it# Adamnan0s fate eing determined y t#e outcome.

Adamnan kne) #e )as no matc# for 7#aine, and so decided to out)it #im instead.


59/65

s#ould #ave een a single comat, and sa) t#is as a c#ance to est #is foe. All #e #ad to do )as

touc# #im once, and Adamnan )ould troule #im no more.

Adamnan did #is est to #ide and to flee, ut 7#aine )as remarkaly 'ersistent, and eventually

caug#t u' )it# #im. 7#aine tried to attle #im, ut Adamnan kne) t#at if 7#aine0s s)ord so

muc# as rus#ed #im, #e )ould e cast out. ;es'erately, #e concentrated on dodging, lea'ing,side(ste''ing and evading eac# and every one of 7#aine0s lo)s. 7#aine )ould not give in,

#o)ever, and ke't 'ressing t#e attack. T#e 'air carried on like t#is for t)o )#ole )eeks, until

t#e full moon signalled t#e end of Adamnan0s geas. As soon as #e sa) t#is, #e nimly tri''ed u'#is foe, and fled off into t#e nig#t as 2uickly as #e could, leaving t#e fallen )ar god to )eary to

'ick #imself u' from )#ere #e #ad fallen.

"ardancers )#o #ave mastered t#e ste's of T#e -#ado)s 1oil can c#oose to use t#em in comatto evade eac# and every lo) t#eir o''onent takes. T#is gives t#em a Q@F onus to all dodge

andparrytests, and allo)s t#em to attem't to dodge u' to t)o lo)s C)#ic# must ot# e from

t#e same o''onentD in a round, instead of one.


60/65

rarely 'erformed, eing too dangerous to 'lay a 'art in any rituals. *n comat, it drives

"ardancers into an almost unsto''ale state. T#e dancers automatically ecome su/ect to

#ren/y CW%/, 'g. P?D= no &ltest needs to e made. "#ilst t#e dance lasts, t#ey cannot dodgeor 'arry. T#e killing fury is so intense t#at "ardances often drive t#emselves into a state of

e6#austion in an effort to destroy t#eir o''onents. Any missed WSroll can e re(rolled once,

ut t#is in#uman effort #as a 'rice9 eac# time an attack is re(rolled, reduce t#e "ardancer0s Wscore y @. %oints lost in t#is )ay can e regained normally. "ardancers cannot use )ounds to

re(roll attacks if t#ey are severely )ounded. *f a re(roll reduces t#e "ardancer0s current )ound

total to F, t#ey colla'se, e6#austed, and )ill not regain consciousness until t#ey #ave regained atleast @ )ound 'oint. Once egun, t#e dance of "#irling ;eat# can only e ended y t#e

slaug#ter of all of t#e "ardancer0s foes.

Being ElvenT#is c#a'ter contains a numer of ideas t#at s#ould allo) 'layers to develo' t#eir Elvenc#aracters into a truly distinctive, interesting o''ortunity for role('laying. *t is, of course,

'erfectly 'ossile to 'lay Elves as #umans )it# 'ointed ears= doing t#is may )ell feel more

comfortale, and may e more satisfying, for ne)comers to role 'laying, or to 'eo'le )#o are

more interested in t#e stories t#at t#eir c#aracters are 'art of rat#er t#an t#e c#aracter itself.


61/65

t#eir asence. T#us t#ey mig#t dra) u' lists suc# as #ot, cold, num= ric#, 'oor, un)orldly=

alive, dead, 8ndead.

-o #o) is t#e t#ird term in eac# list 'icked: T#is is )#ere t#ings get slig#tly com'licated. T#e

t#ree terms toget#er 3 t#e 'rinci'le, t#e contrary 'rinci'le, and t#eir negation 3 are toget#er

descried as a concept. T#e essence eing descried can only e identified once all t#ree termsare kno)n. Alternatively, if you t#e conce't t#at is eing discussed, it is normally 'ossile to

)ork out some or all of t#e terms.


62/65

*t0s small )onder, t#en, t#at Elves #ave never really ecome an industrial race. T#e idea of

mass('roducing t#ings is almost inconceivale to t#em. *f you don0t kno) )#o0ll #old t#es)ord, #o) can you alance it 'ro'erly: *f you don0t kno) )#o you0re making armour for, #o)

can you get its 'ro'ortions correct:


63/65

inaility to master t#eir memories at an early age. *f t#ey )ere, t#en t#e rules for generating @;P

disorders for Elven c#aracters suggested in A'ocry'#a No)C'. D could e ado'ted= ot#er)ise,

t#is could e ignored.

0ttitudes to.ards other races

-ince it0s unlikely, #o)ever, t#at many games of "$!% )ill only involve "ood Elves, it is

)ort# t#inking aout #o) t#ey vie) ot#er races.

Humans

"ood Elves are, of course, all too familiar )it# men. !elations#i's tend to e cordial, if formal=t#e "ood Elves kno) #o) s)iftly #umans0 moods c#ange, and #o) a 'act of eternal friends#i'

one decade can e forgotten in t#e need for timer for a ne) fleet t#e ne6t. $or t#e most 'art,t#ey restrict t#eir dealings to t#e noility 3 not out of snoery, ut sim'ly ecause t#is tends to

offer t#e s)iftest )ay of securing t#eir long(term 'rivacy and security. T#ey are also familiar)it# t#ose #umans )#o live rural lives, and many "ood Elves #ave s'ent some small amount of

time travelling amongst suc# settlements, even if only to 'ass from one of t#eir o)n realms to

anot#er.


64/65

#.arfs

T#e "ood Elves0 dislike of t#e ;)arfs is far more active t#an t#at of t#e ot#er Elvenkind, sincet#e ot#ers rarely come into direct contact )it# ;)arfs. T#e "ood Elves still run in to ;)arfs

from time to time, and t#e encounters are rarely civil. Many ;)arf living in neary #umansettlements still use timer rat#er t#an coal to fuel t#eir furnaces= and t#eir gold entices #uman

loggers to 'ay little #eed to im'ortant Elven 'rinci'les of forest maintenance. T#e Elves, for t#eir

'art, steer clear of ;)arfs 3 after all, t#ere is little to interest t#em underground, muc# less t#e;)arfs t#emselves 3 ut do occasionally stumle u'on an enclave )it#in #uman lands. *n ot#

cases, cool e6c#anges usually see t#e )eaker 'arty leave )it#out a struggle, ut it is not un#eard

of for t#ings to come to lo)s.

T#ere are stories of ands of adventurers )#ere Elves and ;)arfs #ave travelled toget#er= t#ese

tales are not )idely elieved, #o)ever. -#ould suc# a t#ing come to 'ass, it )ould e unlikelyt#at eit#er race )ould )elcome ack t#e errant individual )#o sullied t#emselves t#roug#'rolonged e6'osure to t#e strange )ays of t#eir age(old rivals.

Halflings


65/65

1rcs and go'lins

T#e enmity et)een Elves and golinoids is entrenc#ed. True, ;)arfs raid forests and gru

aout in t#e dirt, ut t#ey do so in t#e 'ursuit of civilisation, and t#eir )orks reveal centuries ofcraft and laour. On t#e ot#er #and, &olins and t#eir kin kno) only greed and )anton

destruction. T#ey are a lig#t t#at must e managed 3 muc# like a 'lague of locusts. Even if it

)ere not for t#e 'erverse, dark 'leasure t#at t#ese easts take in t#eir acts of desecration, it)ould e /ustification enoug# to destroy t#em 'urely on t#e grounds of 'rotecting t#e naturalenvironment.

"#at 'articularly concerns t#e Elves is golinoids0 'ro'ensity to reed. +eave t)o alone in aroom for a mont#, it )ould seem, and you mig#t )ell end u' )it# a )#ole clan on your #ands.

+ike any infection, or any infestation, it is necessary to make sure t#at every last trace #as een

t#oroug#ly cleared a)ay to 'revent t#e 'rolem from coming ack. Elves kno) it is t#eir duty toeradicate any and all golinoids t#at t#ey find 3 and t#ey kno) t#at t#ey can s#o) no 2uarter, for

if t#ey did, t#e lands )ould e over(run y t#ese teeming, s)arming #orrors. -carred )arlord,

co)ering mot#er or me)ling infant, it matters not 3 an Elf )ill not #esitate to destroy t#em all,

)it# no need for a /ustification eyond t#e sim'le management of an ot#er)ise irre'ressile 'est.

1gres

"ood Elves are uneasy in t#e 'resence of Ogres, sim'ly ecause t#eir )ay of life and t#at of

Ogres are com'letely o''osed. "#ere Elves seek to nurture and create, Ogres seek to consume.Elves are ins'ired y t#eir senses, and guided y t#eir )its= Ogres are driven y #unger, and

guided y t#eir a''etites.

T#e is anot#er reason for t#is unease, Elves instinctively recognise t#e touc# of 1#aos in t#esecreatures= t#ey see #o) #umanity #as een lost t#roug# t#e touc# of corru'tion, and t#is t#oug#t

makes t#em s#iver. $or t#is is t#e nolest t#at #umans )ould e s#ould 1#aos take t#eir race 3and )#ilst it is far, far etter t#an t#at t#ey s#ould ecome Beastmen, say, t#e t#oug#t of a

continent 'o'ulated y suc# rutes turns t#e stomac#s of t#e normally tolerant Elves.

laurelorn elves

Documents