Elves

The Elves, alongside the Dwarves, belong to the older people of the light. Most of their kin reside within the borders of the great forest Finon Mir in the south of Fiara and they are known for their incredible magical abilities and tandem with nature.

Elves
State	Mortal
Patron Deity	Elen
Lifespan	Estimated around 1000 years
Preferred Magic	White, Elemental

Origins

Like the rest of the light races, the Elves descended from the Shapers after the latter went into hiding to avoid the wrath of the Dragons. Hidden away beneath the treetops of Finon Mir, these Shapers returned to barbarism, and over the following tens of thousands of years, they regressed into what would become known as the first Elves. Unlike the Humans, the Elves adapted to their new lives much quicker, establishing their first cities and cultures in the south of Fiara long before making contact with the other Light Races.

Early Days

The Elves, the oldest and noblest of all races, come from the forests of southern Fiara. The magnificent trees of the Finon Mir provided protection against the powerful dragons, allowing these children of nature to prosper and live in relative peace under the roof of leaves. Elves grow tall, yet are of delicate stature, and their lifespan is much longer than that of other races. What they may lack in physical strength is more than compensated by their bravery and wisdom.

For as long as they can remember, the elves lives peacefully in their forests, but with the demise of the dragons came humans, and with them trade and war. In the end, the elves were forced to either fight or perish – and fight they did, earning themselves a reputation as feared warriors, better as friends than as foes. Today, the elves have allied with humans and dwarves in order to face the menace of the dark races.

None can match their prowess with the longbow and they have learned to use the magic of nature and ice. The mages of the Circle knew of the elvish talent for magic and their use in battle. Thus they created many runes to make use of their skills. Since the wars against the dark races and the time of the Circle, the elves have been living in different tribes all across Fiara.

Skirmishes against Humans

After the Humans had driven away the Dragons from Fiara, they started expanding south, eventually reaching the homeland of the Elves. This led to various skirmishes around the border of Finon Mir that eventually resulted in stalemates due to no side able to win the upper hand. Though this had created some adversity between the two races, their issues would soon be put aside following the start of the War of the Six Races, during which they were allied.

War of the Six Races

In an attempt to free the Renegades, the dark races, created by Zarach in his Bone Temple, emerged from the Black Jungle, beginning their line of skirmishes against the races of the light. Though the humans were successful at halting their advance, the tides of battle shifted when hostile forces, now led by the Fial Darg, landed on the shores of Fiara, marking the start of the War of the Six Races.

Realising that they cannot remain isolated should their race survive, they allied themselves with the Humans and Dwarves in an attempt to push back the invaders. Despite valiant efforts, they were unable to decide the conflict on their own accord, however, following the end of the War of the Six Races, the Elves generally kept very good relations with the Humans and Dwarves.

The 150-year-long war was ultimately decided in their favour with the intervention of the Guardians.

Religion

The Elves live in tune with nature, worshipping the Guardian Elen as their main deity. Many dedicate their long lives to nurturing this bond in various ways. Their race is often associated with life, however, some do practice darker types of magic, as death itself is nought but another part of the cycle of life.

Some Elves may worship other guardians, but this is quite rare.

Culture

The vast majority of Elven culture is situated within the borders of Finon Mir. Following the War of the Six Races, their kin was somewhat widespread in Fiara, but the sight of them has become somewhat rare after the destruction caused by the Convocation. They are a very matriarchal society due to having a very disproportionate birthrate of males and females, similar to the Dwarves. Their kingdoms are ruled by Queens, and female Elves take care of the vast majority of tasks, from taking up arms to working mundane tasks such as providing food and construction work.

They aren't afraid of casting out groups of their sisters who have, in some way, dishonoured their Goddess, such as with the Morhir Elves of Dun Mora, nor are they afraid to leave the safety of their borders in pursuit of greater goals, such as with the Ice Elves of Tirganach.

They are generally well known for their incredibly magical and healing abilities.