Elven History
Elven History
Each age is roughly three to four thousand years long. The beginning of the Age of Discovery is known as Year 0 on the Elven Calendar.
Jump to Era
Discovery • Exodus • Peace • Chaos • Aftermath • Modern Era
Elven Historical Timeline (Quick Reference)
| Era | Years (TR) | One-Line Headline |
|---|---|---|
| Age of Discovery | 0 – 4000 | Nine clans awaken and commune with the Valar |
| Age of Exodus | 4001 – 8000 | Colonies spread; Arandor’s foundations are laid |
| Age of Peace | 8001 – 12000 | Cultural zenith; Reformist schism seeds dissent |
| Age of Chaos | 12001 – 16000 | Six clans purged; Battle of Jyn-Pal ends civil war |
| Aftermath | 16001 – 16297 | Slumber of Renewal and search for survivors |
| Modern Era | 16297 – Present | Three clans rebuild under unified Arandor |
Age of Discovery (0 – 4000 TR)
Key Events
- First Awakening of the Nine Clans
- Valar Covenant forged
- Founding of the First Grove
Narrative
This era began with the awakening of the Elves under the stars and their communion with the Valar. Their immortality was revealed, and nine distinct clans emerged:
- High Elves – Scholars in starlit towers
- Wood Elves – Forest-dwellers
- Hill Elves – Practical crafters
- Mist Elves – Spirit-seers
- Mountain Elves – Highland warriors
- Moon Elves – Celestial sages
- Sea Elves – Oceanic guardians
- River Elves – Traders and wayfarers
- Meadow Elves – Healers in fertile plains
Cultural Notes
- Archaic dialects
- Oral tradition dominant
- Magic was informal and instinctive
Age of Exodus (4001 – 8000 TR)
Key Events
- Migration across the world
- Founding of Arandor
- Clan specialization
Narrative
The Elves left their homelands to explore and colonize. Each clan followed its nature—some built cities, some sought solitude, others wandered rivers or oceans.
Cultural Notes
- Clan customs formalized
- Magic studied academically
- Trade and diplomacy emerge
Age of Peace (8001 – 12000 TR)
Key Events
- Arandor becomes a beacon of unity
- Magical and artistic peak
- High Elven schism begins
Narrative
The golden age. Elven culture, magic, and philosophy reached unparalleled refinement. But among the High Elves, tensions stirred: Reformists challenged Orthodox traditions.
Cultural Notes
- Flourishing art and academia
- Diplomatic outreach begins
- Ideological rifts deepen
Age of Chaos (12001 – 16000 TR)
Key Events
- Six clans exterminated
- Reformist betrayal of the Valar
- Battle of Jyn-Pal
Narrative
The Reformists turned violent, rejecting the Valar and eradicating the Mist, Moon, Sea, River, Meadow, and Mountain Elves. In their final stand, the remaining clans united and defeated the Reformists at Jyn-Pal.
Cultural Notes
- Trauma and loss of kinship
- Rituals like the Weeping Veil created
- Slumber of Renewal revealed
Aftermath (16001 – 16297 TR)
Key Events
- Centuries-long search for survivors
- Establishment of memorial rites
- Adoption of fallen clan legacies
Narrative
The Elves wandered and waited. No survivors were found, but ancient relics and rites were preserved. The three surviving clans took up the mantles of their lost kin.
Cultural Notes
- Annual remembrance ceremonies
- Cross-clan cultural stewardship
- Rebuilding begins in sorrow
Modern Era (16297 – Present)
Key Events
- Unified Elven society in Arandor
- Healing and cooperation between clans
- Reconnection with other races
Narrative
High, Wood, and Hill Elves now coexist in Arandor. The Elves are no longer divided, but cautious and humble. They seek peace, preservation, and purpose.
Cultural Notes
- Unified Elven identity
- Careful diplomacy with others
- Legacy of the lost clans lives on
