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Post by Lady Whimsy on Nov 17, 2008 23:55:37 GMT -5
I know the request for characters of the elven kind was voiced very early on in conception of Kalidore, and now that I think I have a handle on *this* world (as well as a few others, heh) I think I'm ready to bring elves into the mix! Plus, the elves have been a part of Kalidore in the past; they are the ones who built Muse's temple, and who created the beautiful jewellery the unicorns wear. In past ages the two races shared and easy comradeship. The Elven world and Kalidore were never shut off from one another the way Kalidore was "blanketed" from earth. But it does seem at this point in Kalidore's history that Elves have not been around for a while, and none of the current Guardians are very familiar with them, outside of having a diplomatic knowledge. The two worlds just sort of fell out of touch. BUT... with things to be revealed during the course of the Ulysses RP, I have a hunch the Elves will be showing up again (and no, this is not a subtle jab to hurry up the current one, lol) And before they do, I think it would be useful to have elven society planned out a wee bit, so I believe we have a great little world-building opportunity ahead of us ;D As for a jumping-off point... I think the LOTR elves were a likable rendition of the race, and probably what most people now think of when you say "elf". (outside of Santa). I certainly do like the idea of a race that is creative, able to use tools and build, and have a whole history-rich civilization (this is better then my childhood concept of elves which were little mischievous folk who hung out in the forest making trouble for you). They would also have their own kind of magic, I imagine. And, being similar to humans in build would have a definite advantage when spying on earth, hehe. So, things to think about:Physical Description - what do we want our elves to look like? Abilities - if they use magic, what kinds? What are their strengths, their limitations? Personality - while I'm sure two elves could be as different form one another as two humans, there should be specific traits associated with the race, or at least tendencies/idiosyncrasies, that will set them apart World View - what do the elves think of the other creatures of the world? Unicorns, Human, etc... and what do they think of themselves for that matter? Elven Culture - what's important to them? How does their world work? Relationships with one another - ie, are they a monarchy, etc History - this is a toughy... i'm not so worried about this as the basic character plotting, because I figure this will be unraveled as we go. Though knowing where a character's been is often intrecle to explaining why they are were they are, so.... whatever happens first *taps brain* If there are more points I'll add them here to, but I think this is a good start. Adding elves could certainly be interesting (and will probably make some people very, very happy, heh) and it will probably add another interesting dimension to be explored while rping (perhaps, as an elf?) And I know we'll have fun visiting the elven kingdom one of these days... Lady Whimsy ~
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Post by Delicious on Nov 18, 2008 1:08:09 GMT -5
First question while I mull over the rest - Elves n' Unicorns ... Elves == potential Companion fodder?
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Nov 18, 2008 11:31:00 GMT -5
I really don't see why not; in theory, there's no reason why a unicorn couldn't companion-up with just about any sentient race (in theory). However, pairing outside of the unicorn-human bond would not have the same "potential". The relationship of magic, the other races of the universe, and the significance of companions, will be explained in more detail during Ulysses' RP, but in a nutshell it works kind of like this - The races of the universe can be categorized by their sensitivity to, and ability to use, *magic* -- an underlying energy that runs throughout the universe, which, when harnessed, can grant the user exponential potential. As far as elves go, I believe they are middle of the road; sensitive to, and with a decent magical potential. Unicorns are unique in the universe in that they *are* magic, can create/hold magic within themselves; they bring magic into a place simply by their being there. They are potential. However, they are also virtually unable to use any of it themselves, except in passive ways (healing, purification, shielding). Humans, on the other hand, hold an enormous magical potential, yet seem unable to focus it. Without this magical susceptibility they are more stable then, say elves, but without the ability to harness it there's not much they can do on thier own. Pairing with a unicorn does two-fold - it enables humans to tap into the magic and unlock their potential, as well as providing them with source; thus, an aptly trained unicorn and companion pair is one of the most formidable forces in the universe. The Daiga, companion to Kal, is an example of this. (Though, at this time in our story, the Daiga is very old, and fading). Pairing a unicorn with an elf would probably help "stabilize" said elf (and I again, how stable/unstable or magically sensitive any elf is probably has a lot of wiggle room) but they would in no way have the magical potential a human/unicorn pairing would. Elven magical potential simply is what it is; while surely their are some powerful elves, most will not achieve that level. So... I guess the only question remaining....did I actually answer your question anywhere in that soliloquy? Lady Whimsy ~
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Post by shazzadee86 on Nov 22, 2008 17:48:02 GMT -5
ok - here are some of my ideas - probably just whole stacks and bunches of ramblings but there's nothing wrong with that Physical Description: like alot of people - when i think elves - i think tolkien - tall, pointed ears and such - but i've also liked the idea that katherine kerr had with her elves - she gave them cat's eyes - which just makes them that bit more different from humans so in short - tall, pointed ears, cats eyes and in general a more feline appearance - lithe and such *nods nods* Abilities: tough call - i guess it depends on where we want our elves to go - but i was thinking a more direct healing ability, also since when i think elves i think trees - maybe some ability to manipulate plants and such? or possibly the elements would be a better path to take then that - like air, water... yeah. General Ramblings: ok - the rest of my ideas - just not certain what heading i was to put them under so i thought stuff it i was contemplating life spans and some possible reasons why they haven't been straying far from their homes as much - and a few things popped into my head. I'm pinching this idea from david eddings primarily, though tamora pierce used something very similar - just with rocks/mountains. moving on. in the belgariad series - they had dryads - and they lived for as long as their trees did - which could be cool if we did the same for our elves - tamora pierce's was a heart of a mountain, he was fine if his mountain was fine and vica verca, but they could leave the general vicinity and such. this theory could also work if we made our elves very pro trees and nature - they may also not like humans in general very much due to their abuse of their natural resources. so i guess if we went for the trees idea (bonded trees?) i guess the area where they tend to grow would be by default their 'city' - home, capital, thing. and if they have the more feline grace and agility - we could make them have more the tree top type residences (huh - i think i got that from dinotopia - i'm starting to wonder if i've ever had an original idea at all - maybe not )
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Nov 23, 2008 20:02:02 GMT -5
*nods* So... talking with Lady E too... I think we're defiantly going to have tall, lithe & limber elves. As cute as ElfQuest people are, I myself see the advantage of smexy elven folk, if only for the eye candy, lol. But I like the idea of having something distinctive about them, asides from the tapered ears. Eyes would be a good place to start. Cat's eyes might be a bit overt, but on the right track. More thoughts required here... As for magic use, currently we're in the middle of maping out the progress / types of magic, which will play a role in the upcoming RP (you see, the longer a human remains in Kalidore, the more... magically inclined they become ) The elves definitely have some of their own, and I like the idea of it being tied into nature. Maybe not quite to the extent of a Dryad, but perhaps along the lines of that the further they are from it, the less affective their powers are. I also agree they should be pro-nature. They are going to help build Kalidore up a little for the more-frequent human residences, and I think the elves are the only ones the unicorns would entrust to such a feat. (Humans just have a bad track record, what can I say) As far as Humans and Elves go... Elves were one of the races that had supported the "leaving the humans to their fate" clause during the Great War; in fact, it was only Kal who spoke up on behalf of the humans, when she then chose the Daiga as her companion, and showed the entire universe the value of a good human being... It's not that elves... dislike humans... simply... I think they are a bit of a proud race. I wouldn't say they think humans are beneath them... well, not in so many words... but I think they believe them to be rather juvenile and a bit reckless. In general, they do not approve. A human must then prove themselves worthy adversaries to the elves before the elves are going to take them seriously. On the other hand, I think their might be a difference between the *old* generation, and the new one; like many cultures, the elders are a wee bit fixated on tradition and the old ways of doing things. Their beliefs are routed in the past, and they are hesitant to give someone the benifit of the doubt. The younger generation... is not so stoic. They uphold the old traditions but allow a lot more flex. They probably even spends time on present-day earth, and some of them even like it (I do not believe that the more mystical parts of the universe were "lost" - only, people stopped knowing where to look, and what to believe. Just like with unicorns) Thus, elves could be strolling along downtown and people never gave them a second look. Of course, they are still bound by the same rules that govern all elves in terms of magical use, strengths and weaknesses (and personality flaws). But the might be more willing to get involved with things that are happening outside thier world. Haha, no worries... one has to wonder if there is such thing as the truly original idea. As it's been said, it's all been done before - it's just a matter of how well you do it!
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Post by varuna on Feb 7, 2009 17:30:16 GMT -5
All righty. Here's my ideas. Although a lot is... not filled out.. But I had a couple ideas and ran with it! >.> So now they're everyone else's to pick apart and examine and do with what they will. ! Hope it helps. High ElvesPhysical Description - They are usually taller than the rest of the elves(5 ½ feet to 6 ½ feet). Generally have slender and narrow features, tending to be more angles. Usually pastel hair and skin colors. Ranging from soft pinks and purples to light blues and greens, to white and yellow-blonds. Their ears are straight upright against their skulls. Skills - They are artists and entertainers Magics - Healing? Personality - They tend to be self-centered and narcissistic. World View - Elven Culture - They are a monarchy. History - The largest city carved into the side of a mountain, where their walls are made of crystal, is held currently by the High Elves. Though they deny it, the wood elves were actually the first to create this great and well fortified city. Plains Elves Physical Description - Their heights range from 5 foot to a rare 6 foot. They have more feline features. Eyes are more natural tones of greens, coppers, ambers, and browns. They are naturally tanned ranging from a dark brown to a light honey, very very rare (virtually nonexistent) is the fair skinned plains elf. Their hair colors are natural as well; blacks, browns, reds, oranges, darker blonds. But the hair colors are almost -always- two toned. Like red and orange mingled together. Their features are shorter and on more roundish faces. Smoother jaw lines, too. Their ears, though pointed as all the other elves, curve slightly away from the body at the tips. A lot of the times, different tribes have different, but distinct, tattoos. Skills - They are tanners, farmers, trackers, huntsmen, foragers. Magics - Personality - Sly, World View - Elven Culture - They are Nomadic with Tribal leaders. History - Wood ElvesPhysical Description - Wood elves looks vary unfathomably. They can have various similarities to animals, but not being animalistic as a majority. Skills - Artisans, druids, shamans, and tinkerers. Magic - shape-changing? Personality - World View - Elven Culture - They make their home within the woodland realms, often times being vast cities in the treetops alone, a capital for their race as an entirety. They are patriarchal and accepting of all the other types. They are the central system for trade. History - Sea ElvesPhysical Description - They are roughly (51/2 feet to 6 feet). Their skin and hair both tend to mimic the colors found in the seas, ranging from bright blues, to creamy whites, to aqua, to reds, oranges or pinks, It’s not uncommon for their skin to have a shimmer to it, like fish scales. Skills - Fishers, Seamen, treasure hunters, Magic - Talk to water creatures Personality - World View - Elven Culture - They are Matriarchal. History -
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Feb 7, 2009 17:44:04 GMT -5
A lot of good ideas in there, Varuna I think most of these would actually be a good jumping off point for some of the "other" species of the elven world - such as fauns, woodspeople, etc. Yes; I suppose THOSE will all need fleshing out too.... it never ends, eep! I've actually done quite a bit of brainstorming & fleshing out of the elves as a whole since last posted here, so I'll see if I can organize it enough to update what's already here!
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Post by geob on Feb 8, 2009 13:39:27 GMT -5
Spinning off of that, what about sprites that are usually mistaken for butterflies? They would generally cover the island, but the wing design would vary for the region the tend to mostly be found. ie. while the ones with wings like a Morpho Helena is found primarily in the woodlands it is not unusual to see them on the plains; ones patterned like Flying Handkerchief are seen mostly in the mountains, etc. (those come from facebook's Butterfly Collector, btw. I am not that knowledgable in butterflies!)
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Post by Lady Whimsy on Feb 9, 2009 22:42:42 GMT -5
Allrighty... here is some of the mostly-official world on the Elven Race; there are somethings that will obviously be tweaked as we go, but this is what I've been working on in the meantime. Feel free to question/comment/add/debate as you see fit! Topics to be covered herein: * The Elven World * Elven Society * Elven Magic(All of these are outlines and will need building upon. Place names, actual locations – those things still need defining) The Elven WorldThe elven world is a very green place, heavily forested with huge trees; British Columbia comes to mind, a temperate forest and silver-backed mountains, just with less rain. The “Palace”, for lack of a better term, is the crowning building in the capital city. The buildings rise from the rock in perfect harmony with the nature around them, so it is not a city in the familiar sense of the word because the structures are so harmonized a hurried glance might miss the whole thing; a great deal of buildings are entwined in the mountain and knit through the trees. The elvan population in this area might number a couple thousand; in general, elven population does not seem to be as huge and sprawling as their human counterparts. Elven architect is organic; think of Art Nouveau, which was in turn inspired by the gothic era; high arches and fluid lines, nature motifs and sprawling open spaces – these are the things it defines. So while the typical home might be small and tucked into a living tree, there is still at feeling of extension and openness, and for the great buildings – the palace, for instance – this grandeur is tastefully applied with high-vaulted ceilings, intricate tile work the flows from one room to the next, and suspended horizontal plains – balconies, catwalks, turrets, towers, staircases, and walkways. Elves have a sophisticated mechanical fortitude, (though not electricity, as they feel it to be a rather wasteful and unpredictable type of technology) thus their cities have all the creature comforts – running water, plumbing, etc – and none of the pollution; power is drawn from wind, water, and waste is recycled back into the process. Also an understanding of “earth energies” – forcefields, magnetism, crystals – allows them to make up for the lack of electrical power quite effectively. Elven Society:
Government ~The parliamentary system of the elves is similar to what can be found in modern shared-monarchy. The head-of-state (ie, “king” but need a better term) is a position loosely defined by inheritance, through blood; the rest of the officials would be appointed/elected. The king doesn’t have absolute power, but he is well respected an probably given the final say on most matters. Culture ~The Elves are a proud, idealistic race; they favour harmony and eschew discord. Thus, they are fond of ideal beauty, and do put quite a bit of stock into physical appearance (and maintaining their own). They are a quiet, contemplative race, not rushing into things without a good deal of reflection. And yes, while elves were one of the races that would have let mankind parish in the Great War, it's not that they dislike humans... it's just they haven't really a use for them. I see elves as being rather utilitarian. They're not cruel, they're just practical, though it often comes off as them being cooly unemotional, at least by human standards. I wouldn't say they think humans are beneath them (well, not in so many words) but they believe them to be rather juvenile and a bit reckless. In general, a human must then prove themselves worthy adversaries to the elves before the elves are going to take them seriously. The elves themselves were very lucky in the Great War and took very little hit; by nature they tend by tradition to keep themselves, and resist involvement with the outside/others cultures. Of the unicorns, there has always been an easy comradeship, and trade has existed between the two worlds for centuries, though had trailed off as of late; the elves after all did create the beautiful jewellery the unicorns wear, and in turn they have delicately mined the isle for ore. They were also the builders of Muse's Temple, too.
Dieties & Mythology ~Like Unicorns, Elves have their own creation myth, and give thanks to a pantheon of various gods and deities. Their myths do echo some human myths, which hints at a past familiarity between the two races. Indeed, one of their myths bares a striking resemblance to the story of Eve, yet in this case there were two sisters: one departed from the garden, who became mother to humankind, and one who stayed – and founded the line of elves. Since Elves have more of a human life-span, they're many, many generations removed from those deities, as opposed to the Unicorns (descended directly from Kal & Kaedon). Thus their deities would certainly have more of a "mythological" feel to them as opposed to a spoken history. Therefore, while it is romantically considered that the royal line might trace back to the First Sister, nobody knows if that's really true or not, nor really cares. After all, a lot of things can get misinterpreted in the re-telling! Elven Magic:
Core Magic ~ Nature BasedIn the grand scheme of things, Elves are middle-of-the-road users. There's probably a great variance between individuals, too. And while their base magic level might start much higher then a basic human, their potential would be easily and far exceeded by a skilled unicorn/human bond-pair. Elves can also be companions to unicorns, and while it would never yield the same magical potential as a human/unicorn bonding, it could certainly work to stabilize the elf nature-influenced sensitivities. It’s also interesting to note that while referred to as "earth magic", their special brand of power does not follow the classical pattern; instead it draws a bit from what we know earth magic and from water magic as well. They have a certain empathy to the natural world, and thus have great influence over natural things; possibly, once removed from it, an elf might find themselves somewhat unbalanced. They also have sixth sense that provides them with a great deal of foresight and luck. Perhaps a bit of mindspeak, too, or at least between skilled individuals. Of course, they also use Spells. In a nutshell, spells allow users to tap into other magic types through invoking phrases in the old language. It can be learned by all, but it is a very coveted and protected type of magic, for it can be very powerful, and thus very dangerous. Elves use them to work beyond the limitations of their own natural-based magics. In fact... maybe... the elves invented them? Elves cannot summon gates, but can support fixed natural ones. There are a few such fixed gates in the elven world, one of which resides on the Palace grounds. ((That's the nutshell.... feel free to start cracking!))
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