Elven Society and Law
Elven Laws
The laws of the Elves are few but profound, rooted in their ancient traditions and the will of the Valar. These laws form the foundation of Elven society and identity. To break them is to risk the loss of one's Elven Grace—a fate of great shame. Lesser offenses may lead to banishment as a \"Wayward,\" stripped of the protection and standing of their kind.
Summary of Elven Laws
| No. | Law | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fealty to the Elven Monarch | Mandatory oath of loyalty to Arandor's monarch |
| 2 | Presence of Outsiders | Strict entry rules for non-Elves in Arandor |
| 3 | Elven Crafts | Restriction on magical or cultural artifacts |
| 4 | Joining an Order | Coercion in Order selection is forbidden |
| 5 | Moongates | Forbidden within Arandor’s walls |
| 6 | Property Ownership | Only loyal Elves may own land |
| 7 | Diplomacy | Only monarch/agents may represent Arandor |
| 8 | Upholding the Law | Laws apply even outside Arandor |
| 9 | Fallen Clans | Claiming descent is criminal |
| 10 | Theft | Stealing communal supplies is a grave offense |
| 11 | Combat | Only allowed in designated areas |
| 12 | Bounties | Regulated, Elves may not be bounty hunters |
| 13 | Necromancy | Permitted only with sanction; heavily restricted |
| 14 | The Edicts of Harmony | Moral and civic guidance upheld by Justice Bringers |
Detailed Law Texts
1. Fealty to the Elven Monarch
All Elves must swear fealty to the Monarch of Arandor, regardless of where they reside. This bond affirms unity and loyalty to the Elven people and their divine purpose.
OOC: This does not require joining a guildstone or living in Arandor, but acknowledgment of the Monarch is expected.
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2. The Presence of Outsiders in Arandor
Dwarves and Humans are permitted entry if they have no criminal record. Orcs may enter only under strict conditions: accompanied at all times by an armed, sworn Elf who is fully responsible for their behavior.
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3. Elven Crafts and External Ownership
Only the Monarch may authorize gifting or sale of culturally significant or enchanted Elven items. Everyday items (food, clothing, standard gear) may be traded freely.
OOC: Restricted items include plan items, masterworks, magical jewelry, VTed items, and artifacts.
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4. Joining an Order
Order affiliation must be chosen freely. Pressuring another Elf—especially through manipulation or coercion—is forbidden and may result in censure or punishment.
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5. Moongate Restrictions
Moongates must not be opened within Arandor’s city limits. Travel portals must originate outside the city. Violators endanger the realm and may face expulsion.
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6. Property Ownership in Arandor
Only Elves who have pledged loyalty to Arandor may own property within the city. Exceptions must be granted by the Monarch or Magistrate. Deception in this regard will result in forfeiture and banishment.
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7. Diplomacy and Representation
Only the Monarch or their chosen emissaries may conduct diplomacy. Unauthorized negotiations are considered treason and punished accordingly.
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8. Upholding the Law Beyond Arandor
Elves abroad remain subject to Elven Law and are expected to uphold their people's reputation. Offenders may be summoned to return and face judgment.
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9. Claiming Ancestry from the Fallen Clans
Claiming descent from the Mist, Mountain, Moon, Sea, River, or Meadow clans is forbidden. Such claims are considered treasonous and may result in exile or the Weeping Veil.
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10. Theft or Misuse of Elven Supplies
Communal resources are sacred. Theft or misuse is a betrayal of trust and is met with severe penalties.
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11. Combat Outside Designated Areas
Combat is only permitted in training arenas or in direct self-defense. Any other combat is subject to disciplinary action.
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12. Bounties
- Bounties may only be issued by the Monarch.
- Interested bounty hunters must be approved by Arandor.
- False claims of acting on Arandor’s behalf are criminal.
- Elves may not act as bounty hunters under Arandor’s law.
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13. Necromancy
Necromancy is not illegal, but it is highly restricted. Practice requires direct approval by the Monarch or Magistrate. Unauthorized necromancy is met with severe scrutiny and may result in exile.
\"Refusing to understand something because it frightens you does not make you safe—it makes you blind...\" — Queen Ninvere Lanreci
Necromancers walk a narrow path, watched with wary respect. The balance of life and death is not to be disturbed lightly.
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14. The Edicts of Harmony
The Edicts are moral and civic codes founded on Stewardship, Unity, and Wisdom. They guide Elven behavior and are upheld by the Justice Bringers who serve in the Order of the Valiant Shield. While flexible in interpretation, violations disrupt the harmony of Elven society.
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The Silver Bough
The Silver Bough is a sacred emblem of friendship and alliance. It honors those who show loyalty and service to Arandor, regardless of race.
Membership Requirements
- Nominated by a sworn Elf
- Approved by the Monarch
Benefits
- Speak freely in the Court of the Monarch
- May request property ownership
- May pledge limited fealty
Note: Silver Bough members cannot swear The Oath to Arandor or join a recognized Order.
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Elven Family Life
Elven families are shaped by long lives, tradition, and subrace. High Elves tend toward small families focused on refinement. Hill Elves are more fertile, often with larger households. Wood Elves fall in between.
Descent follows the mother’s lineage. The child of a High Elf mother is a High Elf. There are no half-Elves in Elven society—children are either Elves or not.
Elves who bond with mortals often withdraw from society during their partner's twilight years. Some Elves disapprove of cross-species pairing—especially with Orcs—though Dwarves and Humans are more accepted.
Traits by Subrace
- Wood Elves: Nature-bound, martial, and spiritual
- High Elves: Refined, magical, and disciplined
- Hill Elves: Practical, hearty, and nurturing
Families honor the Monarch, uphold the laws, and weave their traditions into the larger tapestry of Arandor.
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Elven Society
The Kingdom of Arandor is the crown of Elven civilization—a realm of balance, grace, and unity across the subraces.
Composition
- Wood Elves: Rangers, druids, and defenders of nature
- High Elves: Swordmages, scholars, and arcane guardians
- Hill Elves: Artisans, farmers, and builders of beauty
Architecture and Spirit
Arandor is carved from golden sandstone and adorned with greenery. Rivers flow through its heart. A statue of Fanyarnir, Sky Lord and Father of the Valar, stands at the center.
Governance
The Elder Monarch holds supreme authority but rules with counsel from advisors, Orders, and magistrates. Justice flows from tradition and the will of the Valar.
Foreign Policy
While the Elves engage in limited trade and diplomacy, Arandor remains guarded. Entry is selective. The sanctity of the city and its people is paramount.
