Post by Lady Whimsy on Sept 6, 2015 12:52:27 GMT -5
Since our old thread on the subject was much too old, and we are that much closer to arriving in Eradael ourselves, it is time we really started to hammer out the details of Kalidore's Elves
Keeping inline with Lady E's original design, these elves are decided more Tolkin than Shoemaker-and-the, and most of what has been explored so far pertains to the renewed relationship between Kalidore and Eradael, which is set to be the storyline for the NEXT RP 
Here are the known details about Elves:
Of all the races of the High Council, the Unicorns of Kalidore have been closest to the Elves, both geographically and through a shared commerce and trade. The elves are very much a part of Kalidore’s past – from the Library Temple to the ruins of Al’therwen – and it would do well for both worlds to establish such treaties again. But as war threatens, will they share a similar vision, or be at odds with each other again?
Who are the Elves?
One of the oldest of the humaoid races, they are a proud, idealistic people who favour harmony and eschew discord; reserved and contemplative, they rarely act without much reflection and sound reasoning.
The elves were very lucky in the Great War in that their homeland was virtually untouched, but because of the losses suffered to the colonies (Al’therwen being one of several) it was decided then to withdraw themselves almost entirely. Since that time the elves have remained close to home, self-sustaining and content, resisting involvement with the outside cultures and other people.
There is, however, somewhat of an ideological shift between the old generation and the new; bolstered by the formidable heiress Melisynthe, this generation is not so stoic; they respect old traditions but allow a lot more flex. They are even eager to spend time beyond their own borders, and are, therefore, more willing to get involved with things happening outside their world.
A Shared History ~
Between the elves and unicorns there has always been an easy comradery; both are closely in touch with the natural world, sensitive to magic, and dislike conflict. Trade existed between the two worlds for centuries before the Great War; the elves create the beautiful jewellery the unicorns wear, and at its prime, the city of Al’therwen homed some 20,000 elves, human, and others at its height, including both scholars and noblemen, infantry, and the many skilled workers who excavated the mines. Most perished when Al’therwen fell at Thaedor’s hand, and that was the last time elves resided on Kalidore.
Where as Elves are indifferent towards human, they hold a good deal of respect for the Companions, which could be construed as magical snobbery. It’s more a case of Elves being extremely utilitarian, and if something is not useful, it is dismissed. A history of dismissing humankind could complicate a relationships with Kalidore going forth.
Renowned Magic ~
Elven magic is among the oldest, most well-known, and stable types. It is also claimed they were the first to hone a means of capturing magic in a spell or scroll, allowing users to manipulate magic levels normally far beyond their ken.
Typically called “earth magic” (though unrelated to the human experience of that type) it refers to magic that is both derived and enhanced through contact with the earth itself. Because of this Elves are very attuned to nature, gain balance and strength in its surroundings, and also have a great influence over natural elements. Most possess a strong sixth sense and are mildly telepathic – skilled elves can communicate with mindspeak both to other receptors and even other animal species as well.
Elves are born with this innate magic, and though there is a great deal of variance between individuals, most are middle-of-the-road users. This means that while their base magic level is much higher then a human, their limit would be exceeded by a learnéd Companion. It is untested at this time if Elves can also be Companions to unicorns, and whether this would yield the same magical potential as a human/unicorn bond. It could, at the very least, work to stabilize the elf’s nature-influenced sensitivities.
Elves cannot summon gates, but can support fixed natural ones. There are a few such fixed gates throughout elven world, one of which resides on the Palace grounds.
The Kingdom of Eradael ~
The capital of Ellasia is the Kingdom of Eradael, a bustling “metropolis” although you mightn’t realize it at first glance, so balanced and harmonious with the landscape is Elven architecture and ideals. The city is home to tens of thousands of elves, but never feels crowded or clustered, although the scope is quite impressive. The Elves enjoy a shared monarchy, with the elected parliament and a royal family, who, while extremely respected and influential, act officially as figure heads rather than dictator of laws.
Principal Elven Characters:
King Malieon - Tall, lean, thinning at the temples and going grey; he is careful, intelligent, yet sombre, an effective if impassionate ruler. The king does have a presence of power, and demands respect and receives it willingly, even if at times he seems more a shadow of a man then a whole person.
The king is definitely of the “old tradition”, so shares those common views and thoughts about the outside world. In regards to the requests from the Kalidore envoy, his concern rests upon what would be in it for the elves, were they to get involved. He does, however, have two grown children who are much more open to the ideas, and spoiled as they are, do have a great deal of sway over their father’s decision.
Queen Nareu - Pale-haired and alabaster skinned, the elven queen's beauty is renowned throughout the land; all the more shame, the people whisper, that she has been confined to her bedchamber for years with some malady or another. But they never whisper too loudly, out of respect for the king, who has been grieving his "lost" wife for years. Because of this, the children were brought up entirely by nannies, being appropriately spoiled by their father who felt sorry about the whole affair.
The Royal Children:
Melisynthe - Charming, measured, and with utmost grace, Melisynthe is what everyone expects to find in the fantasy encyclopedia under the definition of “elf”. She’s calculated, conniving, shrewd… terribly spoiled, and very used to having her way. She is not however without her redeeming qualities. She is a forward-thinker, intelligent, and articulate; unafraid to question tradition and stand up for what she believes in, she is probably the Kalidorian’s best hope for gaining the help of the elves. Because, if for no other reason then I think she thinks that humans… are kinda cute
See Mel's Full Bio Here
Dalander - As the younger sibling, Dal has always been in his sister's shadow, which shapes his outlook and expression, and while fairly alike in poise and delivery, lacks her sensibilities and tact. He is also a little more openly selfish. Not entirely ill-intentioned, merely, lacking the scope to look beyond his own needs to those of others.
Others:
Feron the Metalsmith - A bit of an anomaly among elves in that he... is really quite ugly. Grisly-haired and snubbed nosed, inflicted skin and unremarkable features, the smith keeps to himself, secluded in his cabin in the woods. A gentle soul at heart, if you can get past the grizzly, and does know some secrets the elves would probably rather have kept to themselves. His place in the working of things remains a bit of a mystery – at least for now.
Hadrien the Architect - The youngest member of the city counsel and compadre to Mel (they run in the same circles) and voted most likely to help the Kalidorians when they arrive
Eori - Mel's personal assistant and confidant, master of style and personally responsible for Mel looking fabulous as she does... in other words, he's indispensable. He is also the closet thing Mel has to a true friend, a thing she does not take lightly despite her general aloofness.
