Elven History

History

(Each age is roughly three thousand to four thousand years long, the beginning of the Age of Discovery is known as year 0 on the Elven Calendar)

The Age of Discovery marked the birth of Elven civilization. This era began with the awakening of the Elves under the stars and their initial encounter with the Valar, the celestial beings that first nurtured and guided them. Here, the Elves came to understand their immortality, refined their knowledge, and laid the foundations of their future societies.

During this age, the Elven race split into the nine primary clans based on traits they had developed as they communed with their patron Valar:

The High Elves gravitated towards scholarly pursuits and the study of the stars, residing in magnificent cities and towers.

The Wood Elves embraced the depths of the forests, becoming one with nature and developing deep-rooted magic tied to the earth and its creatures.

The Hill Elves, humble and earthbound, chose to live in harmony with the hills and mountains, honing skills in mining, craftsmanship, and lesser magics.

The Mist Elves were a mysterious and wise clan, known for their deep connection to the ethereal and the unseen realms. They lived in secluded, fog-shrouded valleys and were revered for their ability to commune with spirits, foresee the future, and unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.

The Mountain Elves were a formidable clan, renowned for their strength, endurance, and martial prowess. They lived high in the mountains, where they built fortresses and strongholds that overlooked the Hill Elves' domains.

The Moon Elves were a clan of scholars, astrologers, and philosophers, deeply attuned to the cycles of the moon and the stars. They resided in celestial observatories and towers, where they studied the heavens and recorded the movements of celestial bodies.

The Sea Elves were a clan of seafarers and oceanic guardians, who lived along the coastlines and on island strongholds. They were masters of the seas, skilled in navigation, shipbuilding, and the control of water magic.

The River Elves were a pragmatic and resourceful clan, known for their skills in trade, commerce, and survival. They lived along the major rivers and waterways, establishing bustling trade routes and thriving communities.

The Meadow Elves were a gentle and compassionate clan, renowned for their healing abilities and deep connection to the earth’s natural life forces. They lived in serene meadows and fertile plains, where they cultivated herbs and practiced the healing arts.

The Age of Exodus was a period of migration and exploration. The Elves left the comfort of their birthplaces, seeking to establish new colonies across the vast expanse of the world. With their inherent fascination for knowledge, they wanted to learn more about the mysteries that the world had to offer.

The High Elves traveled far and wide, forming grand cities that sparkled with magic and knowledge. They established themselves as leaders of the Elven societies due to their intelligence and wisdom. The Wood Elves, on the other hand, went deeper into the wilds, forming close-knit communities within forests and jungles. The Hill Elves established hamlets nestled amidst rolling hills and craggy peaks.

The Age of Peace was a golden era for the Elves, a time of flourishing cultures, prosperity, and peaceful coexistence. Elves had settled across the lands, their colonies and settlements matured into dazzling cities and serene communities, with their capitol, Arandor, standing tall as the symbol of their unity.

During this period, Elven society reached its peak in magical prowess, arts, and philosophy. All three Elven subraces lived in harmony, sharing knowledge and traditions while also maintaining their distinct cultural identities. Relationships with other races, including humans and dwarves, were also established, although they were sometimes marked by condescension from the Elves, who considered themselves the firstborn and superior race.

The Age of Chaos marked a dark time in Elven history. A faction of Elves, who had grown arrogant and power-hungry, betrayed the Valar, leading to discord and strife within the Elven societies. These 'graceless' Elves sought domination over their kin and incited rebellions, resulting in devastating internal conflicts.

At the same time, tensions grew with other races, escalating to wars that ravaged the Elven lands. Humans, dwarves, orcs, and others, once seen as lesser races, began to challenge Elven supremacy. The Elven cities crumbled, their forests burned, and their beautiful mountains were desecrated. By the end of the Age of Chaos, Arandor stood as the last beacon of hope for the Elven race.

As this age came to a close the surviving Elven Clans retreated to Arandor, and largely withdrew from the world. No longer able to sustain their immortality without pause, as the other six clans had been destroyed during the war, the Elves began to enter long periods of hibernation. This is referred to as the Slumber of Renewal.

After the Age of Chaos, the Elves entered what is now known as the Modern Era, a period of recovery and introspection. The Elven societies began to rebuild, slowly regaining their strength and unity. The 'graceless' Elves, responsible for the Age of Chaos, were either banished or chose self-exile, seeking redemption for their action, with their ringleaders largely put to death.

In this era, the Elves strive to reclaim their former glory, using the wisdom gained from their past to guide their future. Their relations with other races are more equal and respectful, even though the scars from the Age of Chaos still linger. The High Elves, Wood Elves, and Hill Elves have been able to maintain their distinct identities, but they are more integrated than before, working together to ensure the survival and prosperity of their race.

While Arandor still stands as a symbol of their past glory, it is also a reminder of their fall, serving as a constant motivation for the Elves to rise again, be it in the realm of magic, knowledge, or harmony with the nature. The Modern Era is not just a testament to the resilience of the Elves, but also a story of their continuous evolution.