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"The history of the elves is the history of three great answers to the same question: What should civilization become?"

Elves first emerged in the central regions of Dragon's Maw during the Age of Growth, where they lived as scattered tribal communities with a natural affinity for magic and the wilderness.

Over thousands of years, those tribes grew into the first great civilization of Andórë. During the Age of the Elves, the druid Filverel Oreiner united the elven clans into the Kingdom of Oreinerius, creating the first truly global power among the mortal races.

The unity he forged would not last.

Political, philosophical, and magical disagreements eventually fractured elven society. Over time, three major elven civilizations emerged:
- The Oreinerian Elves of the Kingdom of Oreinerius
- The Velhelsinese Elves of the Velhelsinese Empire
- The Druvavarbian Elves of the Kingdom of Druvavarbia

Modern elves identify themselves primarily by culture and nationality rather than ancestry. An elf is far more likely to describe themselves as Oreinerian, Velhelsinese, or Druvavarbian than as a "high elf," "wood elf," "sea elf," or "drow."

Elven Sub-Cultures

Oreinerian Elves

The elves of Oreinerius are the direct cultural descendants of Filverel Oreiner and the ancient kingdom he founded. Their society is built around education, druidic tradition, arcane scholarship, and the belief that civilization and nature should exist in harmony.

To an Oreinerian elf, mastery is a form of service. A great wizard, druid, artisan, or ruler is expected to use their gifts to strengthen society as a whole.

Reputation

Others often describe Oreinerian elves as:
- Educated
- Idealistic
- Patient
- Traditional
- Occasionally arrogant

Velhelsinese Elves

The Velhelsinese elves, commonly called drow by outsiders, descend from the faction that broke away from Oreinerian society during the great elven schism.

Modern Velhelsinese culture centers on discipline, hierarchy, statecraft, magical achievement, and military strength. The Empire values competence above sentiment and views strong leadership as necessary for stability and survival.

Unlike Oreinerius, which seeks harmony, the Empire seeks order.

Reputation

Others often describe Velhelsinese elves as:
- Ambitious
- Ruthlessly practical
- Disciplined
- Patriotic
- Intimidating

Druvavarbian Elves

The sea elves of Druvavarbia developed along a very different path.

Living among tritons and maritime communities, they became sailors, navigators, merchants, explorers, and shipbuilders. Their kingdom built its wealth through trade rather than conquest and became the connective tissue that linked civilizations across the world.

To a Druvavarbian elf, the sea is not merely geography. It is freedom, livelihood, mystery, and destiny.

Reputation

Others often describe Druvavarbian elves as:
- Practical
- Cosmopolitan
- Curious
- Reliable
- Independent

Naming Traditions

Elven names are among the oldest continuously used naming traditions in Andórë. Most names feature flowing vowels, soft consonants, and multiple syllables. To outsiders they often sound musical, though elves themselves typically view names as reflections of lineage, history, and cultural identity rather than simple aesthetics.

An elf's full name generally consists of:
Given Name + Family Name

Family names often indicate ancient clan affiliations, geographic origins, legendary ancestors, or historical accomplishments.

Male Names

Examples include:
Abaithalor, Aeromashal, Airhell, Ardeaeryn, Balquinal, Belegireth, Cohirak, Daoathanil, Duithoridan, Eiloacvar, Eladan, Eremoth, Eyrianath, Galeandrach, Gilefin, Golaathan, Horildyn, Inteathiel, Ithendil, Kuserlion, Lasorandal, Lutrandir, Lysaaern, Mirakas, Naemrail, Oreyth, Phriarallin, Pywiondiel, Rhatari, Selthoridan, Taaeikanthae, Thurinahidon, Tiethomir, Urdairal, Venarandal, Virahuryn, Vorirdryn, Yeiuvethel, and Zhotagor.

Female Names

Examples include:
Araroris, Aredyl, Artelya, Brydove, Creanaestra, Daelynn, Eilralei, Eirehala, Filaustar, Findanae, Gwyria, Heledove, Inaleth, Ioreis, Kasera, Laeessra, Luseathria, Maesynora, Myralesca, Nerigwyn, Nexeriel, Presbella, Rubaera, Soelitia, Tsaedia, Urilyntra, Viairiel, Wyndi, Yatiraethra, Yrnaathla, and Zyllynn.

Family Names

Most elven family names are compound words derived from ancient Elvish. While modern speakers may not consciously think about the literal meaning, many families still take pride in the stories behind their names.

Examples include:

Elven Name Common Translation
Aelael Star Beauty
Amastacia Star Flower
Galanodel Moon Whisper
Holimion Diamond Dew
Liadon Silver Frond
Meliamne Oaken Heel
Miradil Ocean Flower
Naïlo Night Breeze
Siannodel Moon Brook
Sylriel Forest Crown
Sylwen Forest Maiden
Varvain Sun Mountain
Windrinde Wind River
Xiloscient Gold Petal
Yelthien Song Meadow
Zylwen Shadow Maiden
Family names are generally inherited, though noble houses, adopted lineages, and certain ancient clans maintain unique naming customs.
# Beauty Ideals
While individual preferences vary, each major elven civilization has developed distinct standards of physical attractiveness that reflect its values and history.

Elves generally place greater importance on grooming, health, posture, education, and personal accomplishment than many shorter-lived races. Physical appearance is viewed as a reflection of discipline and self-respect rather than simple genetics.

Oreinerian Ideals

Among Oreinerian elves, beauty is associated with vitality, grace, and harmony with the natural world.

Healthy hair, clear skin, physical fitness, and elegant movement are all widely admired. Excessive ornamentation is generally viewed as less attractive than natural beauty enhanced through tasteful craftsmanship.

Long hair remains fashionable among both men and women, often decorated with flowers, carved wooden ornaments, precious metals, or symbols representing family and profession.

Oreinerian art frequently depicts beauty as serene rather than dramatic. The ideal individual appears healthy, educated, capable, and at peace with themselves.

Many Oreinerian poets compare attractive people to ancient forests, flowing rivers, moonlight, and the Skyreach Trees.

Velhelsinese Ideals

The beauty standards of the Velhelsinese Empire have been heavily shaped by the image of Empress Velhelsin herself.

Tall stature, symmetrical features, silver or white hair, flawless grooming, impeccable posture, and an aura of confidence are all widely admired. Individuals who appear weak, disorganized, or uncertain are generally considered less attractive regardless of their physical features.

The Empress's image appears throughout the Empire in statues, paintings, coinage, and official art. Over centuries, her appearance became the benchmark against which beauty is measured.

Among the nobility, physical attractiveness is often associated with power, status, and personal discipline. Maintaining one's appearance is viewed not merely as vanity, but as evidence of competence and self-control.

The ideal Velhelsinese elf appears refined, intelligent, confident, and dangerous.

Druvavarbian Ideals

Among Druvavarbian elves, beauty is strongly associated with health, capability, and life at sea.

A skilled sailor, navigator, captain, or explorer is often considered more attractive than someone possessing purely aesthetic beauty.

Physical fitness is highly valued, particularly strong shoulders, good balance, endurance, and evidence of an active maritime lifestyle.

Fashion tends to emphasize practicality over extravagance, and excessive displays of wealth are often viewed as gaudy rather than attractive.

The ideal Druvavarbian elf appears adventurous, capable, self-reliant, and comfortable facing the unknown horizon.

Beauty Across Elven Cultures

Despite their differences, most elven cultures share several broad assumptions.

Generally admired traits include:
- Good health
- Confidence
- Graceful movement
- Intelligence
- Education
- Personal accomplishment
- Excellent grooming
- Strong posture

Traits commonly viewed negatively include:
- Poor hygiene
- Laziness
- Lack of self-discipline
- Needless cruelty
- Ignorance worn proudly
- Chronic incompetence

Most elves would consider beauty and character related concepts. While physical appearance matters, a beautiful fool is often considered less attractive than a capable and accomplished individual.

Gender Ideals

Elven societies generally place little importance on sex or gender as social categories. To most elves, a person's talents, choices, temperament, education, accomplishments, and relationships matter far more than whether they are male, female, masculine, feminine, or something between.

Androgynous dress, presentation, and beauty are common across elven cultures. Some elves present in ways outsiders consider masculine or feminine, while others move freely between styles, or reject the distinction entirely. Elves usually regard this as unremarkable.

Same-sex relationships are common and socially accepted. Elven families, courts, academies, military orders, ships, and druidic circles rarely treat such relationships as unusual.

Because elven cultures do not attach much social meaning to gender, elves have little concept of rigid gender roles. There are no professions, arts, offices, magical traditions, or forms of service considered inherently male or female.

Among elves, disputes over gender are usually seen as strange preoccupations of shorter-lived peoples.

Sex and gender become more socially relevant when elves form romantic relationships with non-elves, particularly among cultures where inheritance, marriage, titles, family lines, or religious law are strongly gendered. In such relationships, elves may need to navigate expectations they did not grow up sharing.

Relationships and Courtship

Most elven cultures place a high value on compatibility, shared interests, mutual respect, and long-term partnership.

Because elves live for centuries, courtship is typically deliberate rather than impulsive. Most elves expect a romantic partner to remain part of their lives for generations, and they approach such decisions accordingly.

While physical attraction plays a role, elves generally place greater importance on character, competence, intelligence, and shared goals. Relationships are viewed as partnerships between equals, with each individual expected to contribute to the growth and success of the other.

Oreinerian Relationships

Among Oreinerian elves, relationships often develop through shared study, artistic collaboration, magical research, religious service, or participation in druidic circles.

Many relationships begin as friendships or professional partnerships that deepen over time. Oreinerian elves are often attracted to those whose talents complement their own and whose presence encourages personal growth.

Partners are expected to support one another's education, artistic pursuits, magical studies, and service to their communities. It is common for couples to spend decades pursuing shared projects, managing estates, conducting research, teaching students, or tending sacred sites together.

To an Oreinerian elf, the ideal partner is someone with whom they can learn, grow, and build a meaningful life.

Velhelsinese Relationships

Among Velhelsinese elves, particularly among the nobility and political elite, romance and ambition are rarely viewed as separate matters.

Relationships are frequently evaluated through the lens of status, influence, magical talent, family connections, military achievement, and political advantage. Love matches certainly exist, but even genuine affection is often expected to strengthen the position of both individuals.

Successful couples often become influential power centers within society, advancing one another's ambitions and achievements. While outsiders sometimes view this as calculating, most Velhelsinese see no contradiction between love and mutual advantage.

To a Velhelsinese elf, the ideal partner is someone who makes them stronger.

Druvavarbian Relationships

Among Druvavarbian elves, relationships frequently develop through shared voyages, exploration, trade, and service at sea.

Life on the ocean demands trust, competence, and reliability. As a result, Druvavarbian elves are often attracted to individuals who remain calm under pressure and can be relied upon during difficult circumstances.

Many relationships begin while serving aboard the same vessel or participating in long trading expeditions. Partners are expected to be dependable, honest, and capable of facing hardship together.

To a Druvavarbian elf, the ideal partner is someone they would trust aboard a ship during a storm.

Relationships with Other Species

Relationships between elves and shorter-lived peoples are common but often complicated.

Most elves understand that they will likely outlive Human, Halfling, goblin, or orc partners by centuries. Such relationships are not discouraged, but they are often approached with a degree of emotional preparation.

Many younger races find elves unusually patient and deliberate in relationships, while elves often find shorter-lived peoples refreshingly spontaneous.

The challenges of differing lifespans have inspired countless poems, songs, and stories throughout elven history.

Common Etiquette

While customs vary between civilizations, most elves place a strong emphasis on courtesy, patience, and respect for the time and expertise of others.

Elven etiquette tends to be less concerned with rigid formalities and more concerned with demonstrating consideration for those around you.

Visitors are most likely to offend an elf by appearing careless, disrespectful, or dismissive.

Common Mistakes Made By Outsiders

Interrupting Someone Who Is Speaking

Elves generally allow others to finish their thoughts before responding. Interrupting a speaker, particularly a scholar, elder, artist, or teacher, is often viewed as rude and impatient.

Mistaking Age for Authority

While elves respect experience, age alone does not automatically command respect. An accomplished young scholar may be held in higher regard than an elderly fool.

Assuming that every old elf is wise is often viewed as naïve.

Demanding Immediate Decisions

Elves are comfortable taking time to consider important matters. Attempts to pressure an elf into a quick decision are frequently interpreted as disrespectful or manipulative.

Mocking Tradition

Many elven customs are centuries or even millennia old. Visitors are not expected to understand every tradition, but openly mocking them is rarely received well.

Disrespecting Places of Importance

Sacred groves, ancient ruins, memorial sites, magical academies, and historic landmarks are generally treated with great reverence.

Careless behavior in such places is often viewed more harshly than insults directed at individuals.

Treating All Elves As The Same

Perhaps the most common mistake made by outsiders is assuming all elves share the same culture.

Referring to a Velhelsinese elf as Oreinerian, or assuming a Druvavarbian elf shares Oreinerian customs, is often comparable to confusing entirely different nations.

Most elves view such assumptions as evidence of ignorance rather than malice, but they remain a frequent source of annoyance.

A Simple Rule

When in doubt, listen more than you speak.

Most elves are willing to forgive unfamiliarity with their customs. They are far less forgiving of arrogance.

Common Dress

Dress varies significantly between the three major elven civilizations, reflecting their differing histories, values, and ideals of beauty.

Because elven societies place relatively little importance on gender roles, clothing is generally chosen based on personal preference, profession, status, and practicality rather than expectations tied to sex or gender.

Oreinerius

Oreinerian clothing emphasizes harmony with nature, comfort, and understated elegance.

Natural fabrics such as linen, wool, silk, and plant fibers are common. Clothing often incorporates floral embroidery, leaf motifs, living plant decorations, carved wooden jewelry, or dyes derived from local plants and minerals.

The distinction between formal and practical clothing is often less pronounced than outsiders expect. Even wealthy nobles frequently wear garments that would not seem entirely out of place in a forest grove or magical academy.

Seasonal colors are popular, with wardrobes often changing throughout the year to reflect local festivals and the natural world.

To outsiders, Oreinerian fashion is often described as graceful, timeless, and effortlessly beautiful.

Velhelsinese Empire

Velhelsinese fashion is dominated by two major influences: the military and the Empress.

Military-inspired clothing emphasizes structure, discipline, and authority. High collars, fitted jackets, tailored uniforms, decorative medals, rank insignia, polished boots, and precise tailoring are common throughout the Empire, even among civilians.

The second influence comes from Empress Velhelsin herself. For over four thousand years, her image has shaped the Empire's standards of beauty and fashion. Garments inspired by the Empress frequently feature plunging necklines, dramatic leg slits, sheer fabrics, flowing sleeves, exposed shoulders, and form-fitting silhouettes designed to project confidence and elegance.

These two traditions often merge in surprising ways. It is not uncommon to see clothing that combines military precision with deliberate displays of beauty and status.

Dark colors remain popular, particularly black, charcoal, crimson, violet, and silver. Expensive fabrics, enchanted jewelry, and symbols of rank are commonly worn by those who can afford them.

To outsiders, Velhelsinese fashion often appears simultaneously intimidating, seductive, and unmistakably imperial.

Druvavarbia

Druvavarbian clothing reflects centuries of life shaped by the sea.

Practicality is highly valued. Even wealthy citizens tend to favor clothing that allows freedom of movement and can withstand wind, saltwater, and long voyages.

Layered garments, weather-resistant cloaks, sturdy boots, and clothing suitable for travel are common sights in ports and coastal settlements.

Decorative elements often draw inspiration from the ocean. Shells, pearls, coral, wave patterns, knots, nautical symbols, and polished sea glass frequently appear in jewelry and formal attire.

Unlike the carefully cultivated elegance of Oreinerius or the theatrical grandeur of the Empire, Druvavarbian fashion tends to communicate experience and capability. A weathered sea captain may attract more admiration than a richly dressed aristocrat.

To outsiders, Druvavarbian fashion is often described as practical, adventurous, and unmistakably maritime.

Customs and Traditions

While the three major elven civilizations share common ancestry, centuries of separation have produced very different customs and traditions.

Many elven traditions are designed to connect individuals with their communities, preserve historical memory, and reinforce the values that each civilization considers most important.

Oreinerius

Oreinerian traditions focus on learning, stewardship, artistic expression, and humanity's relationship with the natural world.

The Turning of the Seasons

The changing of each season is marked by local celebrations, communal feasts, artistic performances, and public works projects. While customs vary from region to region, most Oreinerian communities treat the changing seasons as opportunities for reflection and renewal.

The Presentation of Mastery

When an individual completes a significant work of scholarship, magic, craftsmanship, or art, they may publicly present it before peers and mentors. Such presentations are often accompanied by celebrations and are viewed as important milestones in an elf's life.

The Grove Oath

Many Oreinerian communities maintain sacred groves where citizens swear important oaths, celebrate marriages, welcome children into the community, and remember the dead.

Breaking an oath sworn within a grove is considered particularly dishonorable.

Public Performance

Music, poetry, theater, and storytelling are viewed as essential parts of civic life. Public performances are common, and accomplished artists are often respected as highly as scholars or political leaders.

Velhelsinese Empire

Velhelsinese traditions emphasize loyalty, achievement, service, discipline, and the enduring legacy of the Empire.

Oaths of Service

Public oaths play an important role throughout Velhelsinese society. Military officers, civil servants, magistrates, and many professionals formally swear loyalty to the Empire and their duties.

These ceremonies are often elaborate public events attended by family, peers, and local officials.

Triumph Celebrations

Military victories, major magical discoveries, public works projects, and other significant accomplishments are frequently commemorated through festivals and public ceremonies.

The Empire places great importance on recognizing achievement and reminding citizens of the accomplishments that built their civilization.

Imperial Observances

Throughout the Empire, numerous holidays commemorate important moments from Velhelsinese history. Public speeches, parades, theatrical performances, and displays of military precision are common features of these celebrations.

The Cultivation of Excellence

Many Velhelsinese traditions encourage individuals to publicly demonstrate mastery of their profession, craft, or magical discipline. Competitions, examinations, exhibitions, and formal evaluations are widely respected.

Success brings prestige. Failure is viewed as an opportunity for improvement.

Druvavarbia

Druvavarbian traditions are shaped by the sea, trade, exploration, and the dangers of maritime life.

Ship Launchings

The completion of a new vessel is treated as a major community celebration. Launch ceremonies often include feasts, blessings, speeches, music, and gifts for the ship's future crew.

The Sailor's Farewell

Before long voyages, family, friends, and crewmates gather to share a final meal. Stories are exchanged, gifts are given, and promises are made to those remaining behind.

Navigators occupy a place of special respect within Druvavarbian society. Festivals celebrating exploration, discovery, and famous voyages are common throughout the kingdom.

Returning Home

The successful return of a ship is often celebrated nearly as enthusiastically as its departure. Crews are welcomed by family and community members, and tales of distant lands quickly become the center of local gatherings.

Common Taboos

While the three major elven civilizations differ greatly in politics, religion, and culture, they share several taboos rooted in their common ancestry.

Violating these customs rarely carries legal consequences, but doing so often results in social condemnation, loss of reputation, or exclusion from important circles.

Shared Elven Taboos

Destroying Knowledge

The deliberate destruction of books, records, works of art, magical research, or historical artifacts is viewed with particular disgust throughout elven society.

Even elves who disagree politically often believe that knowledge should be preserved for future generations.

Breaking Sacred Oaths

Elves take promises seriously, particularly those made publicly or during formal ceremonies.

While circumstances may force an oath to be broken, doing so without compelling reason is considered deeply dishonorable.

Squandering Gifts

Most elves believe talent carries responsibility.

An individual who possesses great skill, intelligence, magical ability, or authority but refuses to develop those gifts is often viewed with disappointment.

Incompetence in Positions of Responsibility

Mistakes are forgivable.

Negligence is not.

An individual who accepts responsibility while lacking either the ability or willingness to fulfill it often loses the respect of their peers.

Oreinerian Taboos

Needlessly Damaging Nature

Oreinerian elves do not oppose the use of natural resources, but they strongly condemn wasteful destruction.

Destroying ancient forests, polluting rivers, or damaging sacred groves without necessity is often viewed as both foolish and immoral.

Seeking Power Without Wisdom

Oreinerian culture values knowledge and self-improvement. Individuals who pursue authority, wealth, or magical power without developing the wisdom to wield it responsibly are often regarded with suspicion.

Velhelsinese Taboos

Public Humiliation Through Failure

Failure itself is not shameful.

Failing through laziness, negligence, cowardice, or lack of preparation is.

Velhelsinese culture places enormous importance on competence and self-mastery. Publicly embarrassing oneself through avoidable failure often carries a lasting social stigma.

Open Disrespect Toward the Empire

Citizens criticize policies, officials, and institutions regularly. However, openly mocking the Empire itself—or the Empress—is often viewed as distasteful, ungrateful, or disloyal.

Even many critics of the government remain fiercely proud of Velhelsinese civilization.

Druvavarbian Taboos

Abandoning Those In Your Care

The dangers of maritime life created strong expectations of mutual responsibility.

Captains who abandon crews, sailors who desert companions in danger, or merchants who place profit above the lives of their crews are remembered poorly.

False Claims of Experience

Druvavarbian society places great value on earned reputation.

Claiming knowledge, experience, or accomplishments one has not actually earned is often viewed as both dishonest and foolish, as such deceptions are usually exposed eventually.

A Common Saying

A common elven saying states:

"Mistakes reveal ignorance. Choices reveal character."

Most elves are willing to forgive ignorance.

They are far less willing to forgive poor character.

Historical Figures

Filverel Oreiner

Filverel Oreiner was wounder of the Kingdom of Oreinerius and the unifier of the elven clans. Widely regarded as the father of elven civilization.

King Eilauver Oreiner

Eilauver Oreiner was ruler of Oreinerius during its height and a symbol of the kingdom's ideals of learning, magic, and stewardship.

Empress Velhelsin Oreiner

Velhelsin Oreiner was founder and ruler of the Velhelsinese Empire. One of the most influential—and controversial—figures in all of Andórëan history. Her actions permanently reshaped elven civilization.

Simic Holimion

Simic Holimion ("Diamonddew")
The infamous Velhelsinese biomancer who pioneered the creation of Simic Hybrids during the Age Of The Great Nations.

Though celebrated within parts of the Empire for his brilliance, Simic remains a controversial figure throughout Andórë due to his willingness to push ethical boundaries in pursuit of magical discovery.

Modern discussions of magical ethics frequently reference "The Holimion Question":

Does the ability to do something grant the right to do it?

Ithendil Sylriel

Ithendil Sylriel ("Forest Crown")
The greatest druid since Filverel Oreiner and one of the most influential voices in Oreinerian history.

Living during the late Age of the Elves, Ithendil traveled throughout the kingdom helping establish many of the sacred groves that still serve as centers of community life.

His writings on the relationship between civilization and nature remain foundational texts within Oreinerian druidic circles.

He is often credited with transforming druidism from a collection of local traditions into a coherent philosophical movement.

Daelynn Galanodel

Daelynn Galanodel ("Moonwhisper")
Widely regarded as the greatest poet and playwright in elven history.

Daelynn's works span nearly three centuries and remain popular throughout all three elven civilizations despite their political differences.

Her epic cycle The Seven Seasons of Filverel helped shape the modern image of the founder of Oreinerius and remains required reading in many academies.

Numerous common elven sayings are incorrectly attributed to Filverel when they actually originated in Daelynn's plays.

Inteathiel Xiloscient

Inteathiel Xiloscient ("Goldpetal")
An Oreinerian archmage and one of the founders of modern magical theory.

Living during the early Age of the Great Nations, Inteathiel sought to catalog and classify magical phenomena using systematic observation rather than inherited tradition.

Many modern magical academies trace portions of their curriculum back to his work.

Students throughout Andórë still complain about reading The Twelve Principles of Arcane Resonance.

Araroris Miradil

Queen Araroris Miradil ("Ocean Flower")
The first Sea Elf Queen of Druvavarbia and wife of the Triton King of Tides who united the kingdom's elven and triton populations.

A skilled diplomat, navigator, and explorer, Araroris helped transform what had been a loose alliance of coastal settlements into a lasting maritime kingdom.

Many Druvavarbian traditions concerning mixed-species families, inheritance, and maritime law originated during her reign.

Among Druvavarbian elves she is remembered as:

"The Queen Who Taught Two Peoples To Share One Tide."

Elf Stats

Use the standard elven stat blocks for High Elves, Wood Elves, Sea Elves, and Drow on D&D Beyond. Please note, there is no method known in Andórëan society to avoid the Drow's Sunlight Sensitivity trait. They have been cursed by the gods.

Scientific Name
Homo sylvanus gracilis and Homo sylvanus obscurus

Lifespan
600 Years

Average Height
5'8"

Average Weight
150 lbs

"Three peoples. Three civilizations. One shared ancestry."

Referenced by