Etymology

Saelfsidhedal (say-ELF-shee-head-all) comes from the same Elvish root as their word for themselves, Saelfsidhedai, meaning “the people”. Saelfsidhedal is the “place of the people”.

Geography

The elf-lands lie between the mountain ranges of Hadurk-Sur and The Riftpeaks. The lands are heavily forested and mostly left in the wilderness state. The lands are bordered along the north coast by the Noskan Sea.

Cities and Places of Interest

The two largest cities of the Elvish nation lie on tributaries of the Iamari River. The city of Imdarinis is known as a center of culture and learning. The capital city of Almathriel is known for its court intrigues and more decadent culture.

Orielle is a large settlement located at the pass between the Hadurk-Sur and the Uralda Mountains, where the Iamari River flows into the Lower Iamari River.

The elves have two large port cities, Sirinidis and Celandacair on the northern coast.

History

Before The Rivening, the Saelfsidhedai (Elves) lived in great forest cities ruled by an aristocratic class with several great Houses. After the great disaster destroyed their civilization, they, too, joined The Scattering, becoming nomadic tribes for a time, fighting each other and the other races for vital resources. Now that civilization is reemerging from the ruins of disaster, the Elven clans have banded together into settlements that, while dwarfed by the cities of their past, can now be called sizable and thriving.

The Imperial Period

Saelfsidhedal was largely left unaffected by the empires of humanity. Its isolation, both geographically and racially, allowed it to grow and prosper at its own rate.

While the Acheran Empire grew in the west, Elven clans fought their own wars for territory within the swath of land settled after The Rivening. After centuries of bloody and constant conflict, the majority of the Elvish clans unified under the banner of Tilendren Theisadalra, leader of the Moonshadow Clan. Theisadalra was later crowned Tilendren I, and founded a dynasty that exists to the present day.

Post-Imperial Saelfsidhedal

With much of their internecine conflict settled, the Elves have thrived as a nation-state. The current Queen Imraela Theisadalra, is known to be a benevolent and creative ruler. She sits on Rose Crystal Throne in the capital city of Almathriel.

Laws and Governance

Saelfsidhedal is ruled by an absolute monarchy, the scions of the House of Theisadalra. Nevertheless, the monarchs of the Elves have always had a profound respect for the freedom of the individual to live the life of their choosing.

The monarch is advised by a Council of Seven, seven aristocrats that are chosen from within to advise and guide the monarch in their many duties. While the monarch’s word is law, the Council often handles the more mundane aspects of rule. Many issues must be filtered through the seven to the monarch.

Elvish law is skewed toward individual freedom and a respect for the natural order.

Royal, Noble, and Political Titles of Saelfsidhedal

Economy

The Elvish economy utilizes a great deal of trade with other nations for their fine creations of glass and metal. Elvish sorcerers are prized for their prowess and the subtlety of their craft. Though they are largely self-sufficient, the nation thrives on its trade of fine goods and services.

Money System

*CP = Copper Piece, SP = Silver Piece, GP = Gold Piece, and PP = Platinum Piece

Ethnic Groups

Racial Characteristics

Generally taller than humans, Elves possess a graceful, fragile physique that is accentuated by their long, pointed ears. Their eyes are wide and almond-shaped, and filled large vibrantly colored pupils, while Elven clothing often plays off the beauty of the natural world, those elves that live in cities tend to bedeck themselves in the latest fashion.

Languages

Saelfsidhedasligas, the language of the Elves, is a musical tongue that is as ancient as it is mysterious. It has a high form (High Elven) that is spoken amongst the nobility and in the high court. It also has a low form spoken by the common Elf.

Popular Names

• Noble houses : Theisadalra (Moonshadow), Miristaêana (Dawnmist), Mítrilacelanda (Silverstar), Forlasthalinas (Sweetwinds), Sinâragalandil (Bloodroot)

Male : Aelaldan, Aeramdel, Caldriel, Crisemlas, Darsithonel, Heldalel, Lanliss, Meirdrarel, Railras, Rilinior, Seldlon, Sindevorn, Talthel, Tilendren, Variel, Zordlon

Female : Adraestaia, Amrunelara, Anadadel, Dardlara, Faresriel, Faunra, Imadedel, Jathal, Lendthalwen, Merisiel, Oparal, Rilolwe, Soumral, Tessara, Yalandlara

Religions

Elves are emotional and capricious, yet value kindness and beauty. Most Elves are Chaotic Good. Most worship the primary Elven goddess, Celandian the Stargazer, though others worship Eltheriel, the Spellweaver, and Findenrior, the Huntsman.

Sorcery and Wizardry

Elves revere magic as part of their birthright. The nation of Elves is not a signer of the Athanasius Pact simply because they do not see it as valid. It is an artificial construct of humanity to contain an art that was never meant to be contained. Elves, through their long lifespans, gain the wisdom to use magic wisely, whereas humanity requires such legislation to control their impulses.

Culture

Many Elves feel a bond with nature and strive to live in harmony with the natural world. Most, however, find manipulating earth and stone to be distasteful, and prefer instead to indulge in the finer arts with their inborn patience making them particularly suited to wizardry.

Elves are prone to dismissing other races, writing them off as rash and impulsive, yet they are excellent judges of character. An Elf might not want a Dwarf neighbor, but would be the first to acknowledge that dwarf’s skill at smithing. They regard Halflings with a measure of pity, for these small folk seem to the Elves to be adrift, without a traditional home.

Elves are fascinated by humans, as evidenced by the number of Half-Elves in the world, even if they usually disown such offspring.

They regard Half-Orcs with distrust and suspicion.

Architecture

Elvish architecture tends to work with the natural world rather than against it. Buildings will be designed to incorporate the arboreal growth of an area rather than rely on having it be cleared out by logging. The style features long, narrow spires and elegant elevated walkways between buildings.

Music

Elvish music is known for its ethereal beauty and delicacy. They often use soft pipes, bells, and chimes. Many pieces are known for their length—it is not unknown for an Elvish symphony to last for a day or more when played in its entirety.

Cuisine

The food in the Elvish lands is delicate and subtle. They are not vegetarians by disposition or philosophy, though much of their cuisine favors the cunning use of herbs and plants over the use of meats.

Weapons and Armor

Elvish smiths are known for the delicate beauty of their craft. Even the most crude weapon of Elvish make is thin, subtle, and probably filigreed.

Clothing

Elvish fashion favors a blending with the natural world. Woodland colors and flowing gowns of silk dominate.