ROLE PLAYING AIDES
(For the un-educated elf)
Story of the elves
There are many creation stories
of how the elven race came about. Elves and magic originated
close to the same time, and it was only later that the creation
of humans, dwarves and other lesser races came about. Although
interesting, the following is where we are at today as this world
often becomes a confusing place. There are four primary branches
of the elven race, most common being the high elves, then gray
and wood elves and unfortunately, dark, drow elves. Elves tend to
be a bit slimmer than most humans, and depending upon variety,
either taller or shorter than humans, but rarely an average
height. They do not have facial hair. (Although some elves have
been seen with beard disguises) The spoken language is one that
is as flowing as a melodic brook. An elf may live to be older
than 1,200 years and is generally about 130 before he earns the
stature of being accepted as mature by other elves. It is very
rare, if ever, that an elf is ever known to pass from this life
due to the wearing of years. Before that happens, they become
compelled to depart the realms of men. Where they go is
uncertain. Elves are generally not evil, with few exceptions such
as the drow. Most would be considered neutral as the world is
seen more as gray or a balance of good and evil, life and death.
Often times there will be a tendency to lean towards being good,
just because of the caring of others and nature. Elves are quite
handsome and have a greater appreciation for nature\rquote s
beauty, dancing and singing. Their humor is clever, as well as is
their song and poetry.As compared to human and dwarves, elves are
generally brave and not foolhardy. Their common drink is, unless
of course a good Fey wine would happen to be available that of
mead, preferably heated to a blood warm temperature. Drinking to
the excess is uncommon, although there are times when a bit of
Fey wine or a bit of Dwarven spirits are misjudged. Ale is a very
uncommon and somewhat bitter beverage. However some of us have
traveled so much with the dwarven clan, a slight taste has been acquired in order
to become a gracious acceptor of an offered mug. Relationships
with humans is often times distant. Whether it is by choice or
that a human is often hasty, indecisive, and comparatively short
lived is questionable. Dwarves are competent allies and some make
good friends, but they have different lifestyles that are not
generally compatible with elves. Elves do not care for the
caverns, caves or mines that our dwarf neighbors are so fond of.
To some other races, elves are sometimes considered aloof, snooty
and frivolous and have personalities that are impossible to
fathom. In fact they are not, perhaps because of their longevity.
Elves have learned the benefits of patients before passing
judgment and take time before making judgments. This is also why
the waiting period before acceptance into the Grey Company is
generally one month. For an elf to not even have patience that
long sometimes shows traces of having spent to much times with
the other races and their values. Although they do not make
friends easily, elves consider oftentimes associates and friends
as near equals. An elf-friend is a very close, dear and honorary
title that is difficult to earn and given to those who are stoic,
honorable and follow many elven ways. Likewise, an enemy of the
elves is never forgotten, especially the evil ones of the woods.
All and all it becomes apparent why the elves have always endured
throughout the years and are the most superior of races. With
values, pure hearts, respect, honor and closely held blood ties,
the elven race will continue far long after man has gone. Elven
holidays Yenearsira - Winter Solstice, the Elven new year. A day
of rebirth. Sheelala - A day of games and practical jokes
celebrated in early spring. Ehtele'mele - Vernal equinox. A week
of romance and song. Faradome - Summer Solstice. A celebration of
the battle between Corellon and Gruumsh One-Eye. A night of orc
hunting. Yavieba - Autumnal equinox. A week of reflection and a
time to remember those who have left this world. Most important
decisions and judgments are made during this week. Favorite Elven
Wines Saerloonian Glowfire-pale wine, luminous, taste reminiscent
of pears. Saerloonian Topaz-yellow amber wine w/ nutty quality
and bold fruit overtones.Mead-sweet wine of fermented honey.
Elverquisst- a ruby-colored liquor magically distilled from
sunshine and rare summer fruits. Utterly smooth, the liquor is
nonetheless flecked with gold and has an iridescence of both
color and flavor. It is highly prized at all times, but in the
autumn rituals it is savored as if it is the gift of one final,
perfect summer day.\par \pard Evermead-THE elven mead, imported
from evermeet. The one to which all others are compared and found
wanting Clarry-table wine blend sweetened w/ honey and spices.
Arabellan Dry-fine red wine, very dry woodsy overtones and a
slight berry taste. Berdruskan Dark-heavy sweet and burning,
almost black, HIGH alcohol content. Morimatra-a spiced wine
favored by the Drow. Other Items Of Interest Kholiast-elven card
game consisting of a 1000 card deck, dice and a very difficult
method of counting points. A high elf favorite. Shalaquin-long
necked elven instrument, plucked or strummed string tension is
controlled by a ratcheting wheel