Elf Thoughts on other Races

If anyone should spend time with the elves, they quickly learn that they call themselves Tel'Quessir, or the people, and all non elves are N'Tel'Quess,. or not people. While some assume that the elves are elitist and demeaning the other races by calling them thus, elves mean little by it. For them, the terms only distinguish that the People are linked physically and spiritually with each other by their communal lifestyles and their innate connections to the Weave of magic about Toril. The Not People are removed from these links to the elves, their own people, their magics, and their gods. While they may be confusing or annoying, elves harbor few racial hatreds, even for the ever-present orcs and goblinoids. The only N'Tel'Quess that sur-face elves truly hate with a passion are the drow, and the drow equally hate and likewise refer to all other elves as N'Tel'Quess.

Another reason the elves may hold other races at arms length and not associate too closely with them is painfully simple. With lifespans merely a fifth or a tenth of elves, humans and gnomes and halflings make bittersweet comrades to elves. No matter how true a friendship might be had, elves are reluctant to open themselves up to the pain of losing good friends; even if one should be friend a human and his progeny, that elf will outlive his old friends great-grandchildren. In most basic and emotional terms, no elves want to suffer the loss of friends whose lives lit up their own for so brief a time, and it is easier to avoid contact.

Dwarves, to elves, are a source of consternation. While both races have a lengthy lifespan, the dwarves spend their time in labor and toil, while the elves toil only when necessary and enjoy life to its fullest. The dwarven fixation for solid construction and straight lines offends the elven sensibility for growing, living, flowing lines and structures. Still,elves admire the dwarven drive to carve order out of chaos and their zeal in fighting goblinoids and giants. While they can become the closest of friends by embracing and countering each others differences, elves and dwarves never quite understand the others idea of the good life even after centuries of trying.

Very few gnomes exist among the shady trees of Cormanthor, Those few that have joined the allied races of Myth'Drannor have become fast friends with many elves. Their passion for illusions and lesser magics, as well as the intricacies of dwarven stonework, make them able students for a number of teachers in Myth Drannor. These intuitive, humorous beings are almost a perfect cross of elven love of life and growth and the dwarven work ethic. In fact, a number of elves joked that gnomes must have resulted from the children of a elf that married a dwarf long in the past; unfortunately, a few humans overheard this, and took it for fact. The apocryphal idea of gnomes as half-dwarf/half-elf hybrids is laughable, but it is a theory that never seems to disappear.

Elves, to the halflings point of view, are creatures of great power and mystery, and they approach them either with a sense of awe or fear. The few things halflings and elves share are a love of life and relaxation, though they differ there too; the enjoyment of good meals and a comfortable hearth are not shared, since the elves eat sparingly and prefer long discussions about other matters far less important than the meals before them. And when a halfling gets beyond his plate and begins exploring, using his talents and curiosity, elves don't appreciate the trouble it takes to uncover secrets (and if anything's better than a good meal and a pipe, its a solved mystery or an uncovered secret). Elves, on the other hand, see and treat halflings like children whose curiosity can land them in trouble if they aren't careful. As the elven sensibility hardly allows admiration for their thieving tricks, they have rarely found a halfling they might respect enough to treat otherwise. Given this attitude, some halflings make it their life's ambition to poke fun at the elf and make him be less aloof to them and everyone; elf and halfling friendships either occur with much self-effacing, gleeful laughter or an explosion.

Humans, the most numerous of the short-lived races are both fascinating and terrifying. From a dispassionate viewpoint, their ease at grasping magic and technology, their unbelievable birthrate, and their ability to adapt to nearly any environment impresses elves. However, their hubris at laying claim to all they survey is idiotic and condescending to any natives already within their lands. On personal levels, elves see humans either as intelligent, friendly folk slightly in awe of them or as bigoted, close-minded hostiles whose only motivations are power and greed and only actions are to fight and kill. The elves of Myth Drannor have accepted the presence of humanity, given that there is little choice with their expanding populace, and they strive to teach them more of the elven ideals in life, magic, and all things. In that way, the current generations of humanity won't bring disaster upon the Realms as the Netherese did.

The half-breed races are viewed either with disgust or they are judged by individual merit; elves will either outright dismiss a half-elf from their presence, or they will attempt to make them into the best elf they can be despite their halfbreed status. Half-orcs most often are dismissed as vermin, though an exceptional and honorable half-orc gains respect from an elf simply for exceeding the racial limitations and drawbacks of your sires.

I hope that Elven players will read this. It will be of use to most races tbh.

Hope this will stop people, some elves included, from looking at Kivan with a wierd look (more than usealy) when he speaks of the bond all elves share :-)

Thanks Wyvern XD..great post truely.

edited to make the english-teacher happy ..*shakes fist at cursed 3'td language* grrrrr..damn you for spreading all around...*grumbles*

Gjallahorn wrote:

grrrrr..damn you form spreading all around.

\\ I am afraid that I have no clue what this is supposed to mean.

yay lore!

Wood elves(also known as copper elves) or Or-tel-quessir are the most populous of the elven races. Wood elves see themselves as guardians of the Tel-quessir forest homes that were largely abandoned after the Crown Wars and before the Retreat, but unlike most Tel-quessir they do not view themselves as a people apart from the rest of Faerûn.

To wood elves, the trappings of civilization, including the mightiest of fortresses or tallest walls, are transient and impermanent things that will eventually be overcome by the long processes of nature. To many, this attitude seems condescending, weakening the bonds between wood elves and other races. Additionally, wood elves can sometimes seem off-putting compared to other Tel-quessir, with a gruff manner that makes them less charismatic, in spite of their avowed compassion and humility.

Lichy Popo wrote:

yay lore!

Wood elves(also known as copper elves) or Or-tel-quessir are the most populous of the elven races. Wood elves see themselves as guardians of the Tel-quessir forest homes that were largely abandoned after the Crown Wars and before the Retreat, but unlike most Tel-quessir they do not view themselves as a people apart from the rest of Faerûn.

To wood elves, the trappings of civilization, including the mightiest of fortresses or tallest walls, are transient and impermanent things that will eventually be overcome by the long processes of nature. To many, this attitude seems condescending, weakening the bonds between wood elves and other races. Additionally, wood elves can sometimes seem off-putting compared to other Tel-quessir, with a gruff manner that makes them less charismatic, in spite of their avowed compassion and humility.

YES! So many times I get asked why my wood elf ranger is such a 8!(@#

All that aside, the OP is a good general post for elves, but each subrace has it's own variation of personality, and tolerances. It is a good idea for people to read all that they can about their chosen race/class before really getting into the RP. Not only will it make it more fun, and fullfilling for you, but also for those around you.

read and thanks for it, all should indeed read it

//I would like to add some lore on Star elves.. as i met quite a few players who didnt have any clue what they are playing mainly because its harder to find lore on them or they didnt bother to.

Ruar´tel´Quessir, Star elves, Mithril elves:

The history of the Star Elves, or Ruar’Tel’Quessir, is shrouded in mystery. It is not known whether or not they are native to Toril, or if they immigrated to the planet from Faerie, like most of the other Elves that exist today. It is not known why these records do not exist. There is no physical evidence of any Star Elven empires, asides for the ancient realm of Yuireshanyaar. There are no other records, be it in text or by oral tradition, which speak of a Star Elven empire, asides for ancient Yuireshanyaar. Apparently, Star Elves used to live amongst other Elves, disguising their heritages and claiming to be Moon Elves.

Long ago, the Star Elves began a mass exodus to the Yuirwood. The reason for this has been lost to history. But, for whatever the reason, Star Elves from various nations around Faerûn simply began congregating in the Yuirwood. Eventually, the Star Elves would form the nation of Yuireshanyaar with the Wood and Wild Elves who already lived in the area.

It is possible that the Star Elves fled east due to the Crown Wars. Star Elves are extremely pacifistic, as I will demonstrate now, and it may be that they were fleeing the devastation of war.

The Star Elves of Yuireshanyaar lived in peace for thousands of years. The young- by Elven standards- upstart nation of Unther, eyeing the southern coasts of Yuireshanyaar, began attacking Elven trade vessels. Finally, in DR –1250, Unther formally declared war on Yuireshanyaar. Rather than putting up a prolonged fight, the Star Elves simply gave up a great deal of their territory, and fled deeper into the Yuirwood.

Shortly after, the Orcgate Wars began. Yuireshanyaar’s decision not to fight Unther actually proved a good idea, as they were now in a better position to defend themselves from the invading Gray Orcs. Though they accrued many dead and wounded, they were able to keep the Orcs from invading the Yuirwood.

These conflicts determined the next course of action for the Star Elves. Tired of conflict, they began to construct their very own world, where they could live free from the terrible wars that had been ravaging their lands and their people. The High Magi of Yuireshanyaar began constructing a demiplane, known as the Sildëyuir, which would serve as their secret refuge.

In DR –699, the Sildëyuir was mostly completed, and the majority of Star Elves left Faerûn to live in their new home. Very few Star Elves remained in Faerûn, and the majority of these people were simply rear vanguards, who would rejoin their kinsmen in the Sildëyuir in short order. The number of Star Elves living in Faerûn is estimated to be between one and two hundred.

For hundreds of years, the Star Elves have lived in the Sildëyuir, enjoying peace. There have been some conflicts, but for the most part, they have had their pacifistic wishes granted.

Recently, their extraplanar realm has come under attack. Nilshai, alien sorcerers who seem to be from the Ethereal Plane have invaded, and have begun corrupting the Sildëyuir. So far, the Star Elves have been content to retreat to their citadels, studying their enemy and the nature of the corruption they are blighting the Sildëyuir with. However, the Star Elves do not have forever, as the corruption to their world has increased as of late.

In the past, the Star Elves have run away from their problems. Their current predicament seems to be one that the Star Elves cannot simply run away from. Now that Myth Drannor has been recaptured, and the Elven Crusade ended, the Elves of the Sildëyuir will have an ally to turn to for help, should they request it.



To others, Star Elves are cautious and aloof. They keep a distance, often both physically and mentally, from events. They can be judgmental, even though they do consider many factors before passing a judgment on a particular person or place. For example, Star Elves have a natural distrust for Humans- it was because of Humans that the entire race had to retreat into their extraplanar refuge. But, there have been cases where once a Star Elf has gotten to know a particular Human, they have put aside their racial prejudice against them.

Once won, a Star Elf’s friendship is long lasting. Conversely, their enmity is long lasting, as well. The Star Elves have had apathy for Humans for well over one thousand years, and it does not seem this feeling will go away any time soon.

Star Elves, like all Tel’Quessir, enjoy beauty. This beauty can take on any form, and can be anything natural and Elf-made. Sometimes, Star Elves even enjoy taking in the beauty of Human-made items and structures.

Among their own, Star Elves enjoy song, dance and celebration. Star Elf songs are usually upbeat, but even the most joyous song has a slight hint of underlying sadness to it. Star Elf death requiems are particularly haunting, and profoundly impact those who hear them. A Star Elven death requiem would cause even Szass Tam’s eyes to well over in tears.

When they are not among their own, Star Elves are reserved. While not in the Sildëyuir, they often try to pass as Moon Elves. They fear that should anyone else learn of the Sildëyuir, it would spell doom for the extraplanar realm and the Star Elves. Among N’Tel’Quessir friends, they act less reserved, but continue their façade. Only under magical enchantment or in extreme circumstances would a Star Elf reveal any information about the Sildëyuir.

The Mithral Elves, because of their situation, actually have access to ancient magic and ancient magical techniques. The nation of Yuireshanyaar existed for over five thousand years, and all five thousand years were in more or less peace. The two thousand years of isolation in the Sildëyuir have also been more or less peaceful. So, the archives of the Star Elven can theoretically date back seven thousand years, which is ancient, even for a long living species, such as us Tel’Quessir.

Star Elves are pacifistic. Since the earliest recorded mentioning of the Mithral Elves, they have been running from danger and conflicts, rather than confronting them head on. Against Unther, the Star Elves fled, rather than fighting. Against the Gray Orcs, the Star Elves fled, rather than fighting, to a degree. When confronted by Human expansionists, the Star Elves fled, rather than fighting. While now confronted by the Nilshai, the Star Elves seem to still be following the same pattern.

Star Elves gather in groups composed by lineage. The elders are most commonly the matriarchs, or patriarchs, of each family, though some are led by Star Elves who are still middle-aged.

Mithral Elves have a long tradition of poetry, art and sculpture. They are graceful, but frail, so magic plays an important role in their daily lives.

Star Elves are quite reclusive. Most Star Elves never leave their towers and citadels, and only do so briefly, so they can visit other towers and citadels. The main reason for this is because of the Star Elf population and birthrate. Their numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate. By staying in their fortresses, the safest places on the Sildëyuir, they ensure the safety of each individual, and the survival of the race.

The Star Elves are not a particularly devout people. There are very few Star Elves to begin with, and Star Elf priests and priestess’ are nearly unheard of. The Mithral Elves venerate the Seldarine, like all other Elves do. Of all the Seldarine, they have a special reverence for Corellon Larethian, and are far more likely to pray to him, rather than any other members of the Seldarine.

Asides for the Lythari, the Star Elves are the least spiritual of all the many different Elven subraces. There seems to be no particular reason for this. The Star Elves are the only Elven subrace without a clear creator. Aerdrie Faenya created the Avariel. Sehanine Moonbow created the Moon Elves. Corellon Larethian created the Sun Elves. Deep Sashelas created the Aquatic Elves. It may be that, subconsciously or inadvertently, the Star Elves shun the deities, who seem to have shunned them

Most Star Elves have removed themselves from Faerûn, so they don’t have to worry about interacting with other races. There is no such thing as an ‘intruder’ in the Sildëyuir. Only the Star Elves themselves, and the Masters of the Yuir (a benevolent organization dedicated to preserving the Yuirwood, and keeping it safe) know how to travel to and from the Sildëyuir. It is because they removed themselves from Faerûn that the Star Elves really have little experience dealing with a wide variety of races.

The one exception to this rule is the Nilshai, a strange race of alien sorcerers that resemble purple flying snakes. The Nilshai are slowly corrupting the Sildëyuir, and turning it into a place of corruption and rot. Obviously, the Star Elves don’t appreciate that these creatures are destroying their home. The Nilshai are powerful creatures, and thus far, the Star Elves are content to sit back in their towers, and their citadels, and wait.

For the most part, the Mithral Elves see Humans as aggressive expansionists, who are willing to quickly resort to violence in order to get what they want. Bad past experiences with the nation of Unther, and with colonists from the Wizard’s Reach have shaped this belief.

Star Elves, like most other sentients, dislike Orcs. Thousands of years ago, the Orcgate Wars brought hordes of Gray Orcs to the border of Yuireshyaar, the Star Elven empire in the Yuirwood. The Orcs caused much destruction and much chaos, and the Elves spent a lot of their resources defending the outer perimeter of their empire, to make sure that these Orcs never penetrated into the Yuirwood.

Star Elves obviously get along well with other Elves. The Star Elves once interacted a lot more with other Elves in the past, and it is with these relations that the Star Elves judge the Elves of today. The Mithral Elves get along with Sun and Wood Elves the most. They don’t hold any particular animocity towards Moon Elves, but they do see them as somewhat naïve, for interacting with Humans so freely and unguarded.