Elven History

Elf

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)

Age of Discovery (0-4000 Years)

• 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.

Age of Exodus (4001-8000 Years)

• 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.

• 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. These cities became centers of learning and arcane mastery, where scholars and mages honed their crafts and shaped the future of Elven civilization.

• Wood Elves went deeper into the wilds, forming close-knit communities within forests and jungles. Embracing the untamed nature of their surroundings, they became guardians of the natural world, living in harmony with the creatures and spirits of the wilderness.

Hill Elves established hamlets nestled amidst rolling hills and craggy peaks. They built strong, earthbound communities focused on craftsmanship and agriculture. Their settlements were known for their sturdiness and connection to the land, producing some of the finest artisans and enchanters among the Elven race.

• Mist Elves sought the quiet, fog-shrouded valleys where they could commune with the ethereal and unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. They built secluded sanctuaries and temples where they served as spiritual guides, their wisdom and mysticism respected by all other Elven clans.

• Mountain Elves claimed the highest peaks and rugged mountains, constructing fortresses and strongholds to protect their kin. Known for their martial prowess and strategic acumen, they became the stalwart defenders of the Elven realms, particularly safeguarding the Hill Elves who lived in the lower regions.

• Moon Elves established observatories and towers that reached towards the heavens. As scholars and astrologists, they devoted themselves to studying the stars and celestial bodies, believing that the cosmos held the keys to understanding the universe's greatest mysteries.

• Sea Elves ventured to the coastlines and islands, where they became masters of the oceans. They built thriving port cities and seafaring vessels, commanding the waves and exploring the vast, uncharted waters. Their knowledge of the seas was unmatched, and they served as protectors of the coastal regions.

• River Elves followed the winding rivers and waterways, establishing bustling trade routes and communities along the shores. Their settlements thrived on commerce and exchange, and they became known as skilled traders and survivalists, adapting to the diverse environments they encountered.

• Meadow Elves settled in fertile plains and serene meadows, where they cultivated herbs and practiced the healing arts. Their communities were centers of healing and peace, where Elves from all clans would come to seek restoration and health. The Meadow Elves were revered for their ability to mend even the most grievous wounds.

Age of Peace (8001-12000 Years)

• The Age of Peace was a golden era for the Elves, marked by unprecedented cultural flourishing, prosperity, and peaceful coexistence. Having settled across the vast expanses of the world during the Age of Exodus, the Elven clans matured into sophisticated societies. Their colonies and settlements evolved into dazzling cities and serene communities, each a testament to the unique characteristics and traditions of the clans. At the heart of this era stood Arandor, the majestic capital, a symbol of Elven unity and a beacon of their collective achievements. Arandor’s gleaming spires, lush gardens, and intricate architecture reflected the harmony that had been achieved among the Elven clans, making it the crown jewel of Elven civilization.

• During this period, Elven society reached the zenith of its magical prowess, artistic expression, and philosophical thought. The Elves, ever curious and creative, delved deeper into the arcane arts, developing powerful magics that enhanced their way of life and safeguarded their realms. The arts flourished, with Elven music, poetry, sculpture, and painting achieving levels of beauty and sophistication that were unmatched by any other race. Philosophers and scholars from all nine Elven clans gathered in Arandor and other cultural centers, sharing their wisdom and exploring the mysteries of existence. This was a time when the Elven clans, despite their diverse cultures and traditions, lived in harmony, exchanging knowledge and ideas that enriched their collective identity. Relations with other races, including humans, dwarves, and others, were established during this era, though these interactions were often tinged with a sense of condescension, as the Elves, considering themselves the firstborn and superior race, viewed other beings as lesser.

Splintering Amongst the High Elves

• However, beneath the surface of this golden age, the seeds of discord began to take root, particularly among the High Elves. As their society reached new heights, two distinct factions within the High Elves began to struggle for control over the future direction of their race. The first faction, known as the Orthodox, believed in preserving the traditional ways, emphasizing the importance of upholding ancient customs, magical practices, and the established hierarchy that had guided the Elves for millennia. They advocated for a cautious approach to change, fearing that too much innovation could lead to instability and the loss of their cultural identity.

• In contrast, the second faction, the Reformists, sought to embrace new ideas, technologies, and alliances, arguing that the Elves must evolve to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world. They believed that progress and adaptation were essential for the survival and prosperity of the Elven race, even if it meant altering some of the long-held traditions. This ideological rift gradually deepened, leading to tensions and power struggles within the High Elven society. While the conflict remained mostly political and intellectual during the Age of Peace, it laid the groundwork for the more severe schisms that would later contribute to the turmoil of the Age of Chaos.

Age of Chaos (12001-16000 Years)

• 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.

Modern Era (16001-Present)

• 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.