The Lands of Warlderia

The Elves of Warlderia

Few races have shaped the history of Warlderia more profoundly than the Elves. Long before the rise of the Human kingdoms, before the great Dwarven roads bound the mountains together and before the Orcish invasions scarred the continent, the Elves established a civilisation whose influence extended across almost every corner of the known world. Their greatest cities became centres of learning, magic and culture, whilst their scholars, diplomats and craftsmen laid many of the foundations upon which later civilisations would build. Unlike the Dwarves, whose achievements were measured in stone and steel, the Elves believed that civilisation was founded upon wisdom. They saw themselves not simply as rulers, but as guardians of knowledge whose duty was to guide the younger races towards enlightenment. Many Humans remember this period rather differently.

The First Kingdoms

According to Elven tradition, their ancestors came to Warlderia over a thousand years ago from a distant homeland now lost to history. Whether driven by war, disaster or simple exploration is no longer known, even amongst the oldest chronicles. Finding a continent rich in opportunity but inhabited largely by scattered and primitive peoples, the Elves founded a series of magnificent kingdoms whose influence steadily expanded over the following centuries. Great cities such as Radiant Melthurien, Elgathrond, Gleaming Tovaj and Majestic Oliverias became centres of learning and government, linked by diplomacy, commerce and the authority of the High Senate. Although each kingdom retained considerable independence, together they formed what later historians would describe as the Elven Commonwealth, an alliance united by culture, language and a shared belief that the Elves were destined to guide the future of Warlderia. The younger races benefited enormously from Elven knowledge. Agriculture improved, trade flourished, writing became widespread and the magical arts advanced beyond anything previously imagined. Many Human tribes willingly accepted Elven patronage, whilst others resented what they regarded as foreign domination disguised as benevolence. Both views contain an element of truth.

A Civilisation at its Height

For many centuries the Elven kingdoms stood unrivalled. Their cities were renowned for graceful architecture, enchanted gardens and centres of magical learning unequalled anywhere in the world. Elven craftsmen produced works of extraordinary beauty, whilst their scholars preserved libraries whose contents are still sought by adventurers today. The High Senate of Radiant Melthurien served as the closest thing the Elves possessed to a central government. Although individual kingdoms governed themselves, disputes between rulers were often settled through diplomacy rather than warfare, allowing the Elven realms to enjoy a long period of stability and prosperity. Yet beneath this apparent harmony, weaknesses were beginning to appear. Long lives encouraged caution. Prosperity encouraged complacency. Many Elven nobles gradually came to believe that their civilisation was eternal and that no younger race could ever threaten their supremacy. History would prove otherwise.

The Higher Wars

The beginning of the Higher Wars marked the turning point in Elven history. For generations the Elven kingdoms fought bitter conflicts against Orcs, Dwarves and other ancient enemies, slowly exhausting the strength that had once seemed limitless. Whilst individual armies continued to achieve remarkable victories, the endless wars drained their resources, divided their kingdoms and shattered the unity that had long been the foundation of Elven civilisation. It was during these desperate years that Humanity finally emerged as a major power. Led by Kaegor and a generation of remarkable commanders, the Human kingdoms challenged Elven authority across much of western Warlderia. The conflict became known as the Liberation Wars, though historians still debate whether it was truly a war of liberation or simply the replacement of one great power by another. Whatever the truth, the consequences were undeniable. The Elves lost many of their greatest cities. The authority of the High Senate collapsed. Entire kingdoms disappeared. By the end of the wars, Elven civilisation had not been destroyed—but it had ceased to dominate the continent.

The Elves Today

Although diminished, the Elves remain one of the most influential peoples of Warlderia. Their kingdoms are fewer in number and greatly reduced in territory, yet they continue to preserve traditions stretching back over a millennium.

Today their surviving realms fall into several broad groups:

• Ancient city-states such as Radiant Melthurien.
• Remote forest kingdoms hidden from the outside world.
• Maritime realms such as the Blessed Isle of Dawn.
• Isolated mountain and woodland communities.

The High Senate still meets within Radiant Melthurien, though only a handful of senators now attend. Once the voice of an entire civilisation, it has become a symbol of what the Elves once were rather than what they are today. Nevertheless, no wise ruler ignores the opinions of the Senate entirely. For although Elven power has diminished, Elven knowledge remains formidable.

A People of Long Memory

The greatest difference between Elves and the younger races is not their appearance, nor even their mastery of magic. It is time. An Elf may remember events that Humans know only through legend. Friendships, rivalries and political disputes may endure for centuries, whilst decisions are often considered in terms of generations rather than years. This long perspective gives the Elves extraordinary patience but can also make them appear distant, slow to act or unwilling to embrace change. Many Humans interpret this as arrogance. Many Elves consider it wisdom.