Atlantic Roleplay Community Boards

[Adin Blackwind]

---

Keep in mind that this is for Elves in General. This does not include the Drow. Again, I invite those who play elves of any nature to post their opinions on what is an acceptable elf and what is not. just remember to keep it friendly.

Elven Personality (Taken from Asur'Herenion's Society page)

1. Elves are cultural beings, they have an extensive history reaching back to the creation of time itself. They are divine, because of their connection with the weave, they have incredible magical powers and knowledge. However, if you wish to role-play a knowledgeable elf, do a little research on your own, don't act smart if you don't know… you may be asked to state arguments, and you will make a fool out of yourself. (Some good sources for Elvish lore would include Tolkien's literature about elves [The Silmarillion is a good place to start learning about the extensive history of Tolkien Lore], Any number of the AD&D books. R.A Salvatore has several books about drow [Homeland is a good place to start if you want to learn about dark elves], and other elves based on the AD&D Lore, as do many other authors.)

2. Elves do not contradict their teachings, as they make up Elvish Culture. It has been carried on for ages, Elvish laws and beliefs are more spiritual (compared to RL beliefs that change constantly and Laws are broken daily) and connected to what they hold as virtuous in their hearts.

3. In UO Humans worship their Virtues, represented by symbols and shrines. Elves hold the virtues in their hearts and are all imbued together in their spirit. Virtues are inane for elves, while humans need to learn about them.

4. Elves are immortal, and they are connected to nature on a spiritual level.

5. Elves have spirits, not souls, and many believe they will reincarnate themselves as animals, plants, faerie-folk, or elves once again after they die.

6. The fact that elves are immortal doesn't mean they cannot die from non-natural reasons. The can come to a violent end, and when an elf commits in marriage with another race, that is not an elf, he/she will renounce their immortality and live a mortal life.

7. The Elvish word for Elf is Tel'Quessir which means "the people". The Elvish word for all those who are not Elves is N'Tel'Quessir which means "not-people". The Elvish word for those in between (half-elves) is Na'N'Tel'Quess which means "almost-not-people". That should give you an idea of what elves think about all those who are not elves.

8. Most elves are conscious of their superiority to other species, however, not all manifest it crudely. It is in your hands whether you wish to manifest your thoughts of superiority, or be humble about it when addressing non-Elves.

9. Elves take love very seriously. When two elves marry, they do much more than exchange vows, they bind their spirits together. This is why there are no arranged marriages in Elvish society, nor is there divorce. Love is just not something they play around with (like most humans do), they cherish it.

10. Elves do not find pleasure in death, or killing. They will come to this only in self defense, they would never make a profit out of it. For example: an Elf cannot be a necromancer, this is highly frowned upon, and may be seen as blasphemy.

11. Elves believe in the equality of genders within their own race. The fact that a male Elf will take care of a female Elf is purely an act of love, care, or interest. There is no such thing as Elf machismo or feminism.

12. Elves hate Drow (dark elves), and goblin-kin (orcs, goblins, hobgoblins, bugbears, kobolds, and urds). However, if you wish to remain neutral to them, you may, depending on your character's attitude and beliefs.

13. Elves have great respect for their deities, however, deities are rarely seen acting on the material world. You may invoke the name of your god or goddess to give you strength/valor/courage, but invoking the god itself is rarely if ever seen. Gods and goddesses have to deliberate and discuss the matter of altering anything in the material world, so as you can see, its almost impossible to summon a god.

14. Elves do not have facial hair. Hair color however can vary provided its not an outragous neon color.

15. Elves in general have light skin tones (Except for the Drow). Many elven guilds will not accept members with dark skin tones.

16. Clothing tends to be more naturalistic to the elf's suroundings. Elves who prefer to live in the woods tend to wear greenish to brown colored clothing while royalty might wear something a bit more flashy such as gold or white.

[Arcana]

---

For comparison, here is what is written about "UO" elves from EA's UX:O site. (For anyone who doesn't know, UX:O is a Ultima-based MMORPG that will run in conjunction with UO sometime in the near future.):

"If you ever forget the strong points of being an elf, just ask an elf and he'll be sure to tell you. These confident, capable creatures are known to tend toward bragging, although their intentions are usually good. Elves concentrate their efforts on impressing those around them and this trait can make them annoying, helpful, and amusing-all at the same time. Elves also fancy themselves the "caretakers" of the other races in Alucinor, always willing to lend a helping hand or a listening ear.

Elves are generally shorter than humans, although the tallest elf would take great pride in standing an inch or two above the shortest human. Elves have smooth faces and light hair, although their skin can be very dark. Of course their most recognizable feature is a pair of big, pointy ears sticking straight out sideways from their heads. Elves stay very well-groomed and wear the latest elf fashions if they can afford them.

Elves live in towns or small cities in warm climates. Their strong personality traits and showy style often put them into conflict with others, despite the fact that elves really want to help those they meet. Once in combat elves rely on speedy, efficient attacks in an attempt to win the fight early. Elven warriors choose showy weapons and armor, and elven spell casters often use wildly dramatic gestures. Notwithstanding their exaggerated antics, elves are highly successful users of both weapons and magic."

Reference: http://www.uxo.ea.com/feature_races_elves.html

Personally, I really didn't like this somewhat unflattering physical description for my elven characters and prefer a more Tolkien-based model.

[Nazralte]

---

We should really have two seperate Elf races. Why would we you might ask? For a couple of reasons.
One, not everyone wants to go by Tolkeins standards. Two, in that realm, there arent half elves, and there are some people who play them.

So, here is a rough draft of the basic D&D type elf.

Elves are short and slim, standing about 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet tall and typically weighing 85 to 135 pounds, with
elven men the same height as and only marginally heavier than elven women. They are graceful but frail. They tend to be pale-skinned
and dark-haired, with deep green eyes. Elves have no facial or body hair. They prefer simple, comfortable clothes, especially in pastel
blues and greens, and they enjoy simple yet elegant jewelry. Elves possess unearthly grace and fine features. Many humans and members
of other races find them hauntingly beautiful. An elf achieves majority at about 110 years in age and can live to be over 700 years old.
Elves do not sleep, as members of the other common races do. Instead, an elf meditates in a deep trance for 4 hours a day. An elf
resting in this fashion gains the same benefit that a human does from 8 hours of sleep. While meditating, an elf dreams, though these
dreams are actually mental exercises that have become reflexive through years of practice. The Common word for an elf's meditation is
is "trance", as in "four hours of trance."

As for how they act, they act like most other elves. Looking down on the unrefined humans. They feel pity for half elves, although some members of royalty might think of them as humans, or even worse. Because they are so long lived it is very hard for them to change thier ways once they are set. They arent immune to anything, like poisons or viruses.
They usually live in forested areas, protecting them from humans or beasts that would cause the forest harm. They live with nature, either by living totally with it or using thier magic to sculpt it to thier needs.

Now, most of thier traits are the same as Tolkiens, but I like them more because they arent as powerful as Tolkiens seem to be. There are even more types of elves than this. Gray Elves stand taller, (and are gray in color) and much more attuned to magic than thier cousins. Wild elves are much more barbaric than thier cousins, living fully with nature and keeping to themselves. They also are a bit smaller on average. There is also Wood Elves, but they are pretty much the same as wild elves, only more civilized.
_________________

Nazralte
Former Regent of Britannia

[Alarin]

---

Actually D&D elves are more powerful than Tolkien's elves. Tolkien's elves are immortal, and have some benefits(not getting sick), yes. But Tolkien's elves are not inherently magical, nor can they ascend to god-hood, traverse between realms, cast amazing feats of magic etc.
Also, the Tolkien universe does have half-elves, but they are very rare since elves are discouraged from falling in love with humans.
But besides those points, having two elven races makes a lot of sense.

[Mark Randerstill]

---

This is why I am pro-human.

Here is what it takes to rp a human.

NOTHING.

*Plots to write a "How to role-play a Humanis" essay*
_________________
For Humanity...

[Adin Blackwind]

---

Two versions of the same race kinda defeats the purpose of going by one standard don't ya think? None the less, this is why I would like everyone to put down what they feel an elf should be on Atlantic UO. As much as we base them off of certain movies and game, keep in mind that we can create our own idea of Elves in UO.

Regardless of the outcome, I'd mostlikely roleplay Silmadil by the agreed upon standards of the community.

[Cecil]

---

Marky Mark, man, just post the Manifesto if you want to make a 'how to roleplay Humaniz' thing.

[Arcana]

---

There are indeed half-elves in Tolkien. The half elves are able to choose whether they wish to follow their elven or human heritage

Elrond was a half-elf who chose his elven side. I forget the exact geneology with his brother, but basically the human elements of Elrond's family were the ancestors of the line of kings of Gondor.

[Molly]

---

As I see it most of the similarities are close enough to make the elves not necesarily different races but the same race but different branches. Their origins would be the same but their habits over the years due to environment and life experinces over time have changed their basic behavior. A separation of geographic location could explain most of their differences.

As an example perhaps a poor one is within the tolkken story of Golum who was once a hafling. That is a drastic example but shows what I am thinking how the environment can change simple things and base beliefs over time.

And knowlege of power would be determined on their education in how to use these things and effected by the land as they are natural creatures and would draw from the land much of their powers. There again it would be environment and location explaining many of their differences. As within many worlds there are places of power. Strong sorces of power within the environment. These are epicenters. Their learning to control or use these powers available to them are how elves become powerful. Depending on their immediate community focus would be another determining factor. (ie if their focus was higher learning they would most likely would not be a strong magic wielding, or waring group.)

If you read tolkken you would know that there were not just two branches of elves (ie. Rivendell elves and golden wood elves) but also cave dwelling elves and they were darker. This group was not shown in the movie because they were met by Bilbo in the Hobbit not by Frodo. These elves were very secluded, were hidden away from the world by their own choice. They did not even keep in touch with their counterparts within the elven community, almost like outcasts from their own kind. So even within the elven race there were differences. These elves were not Drow but they were a darker group and not the high and mighty high elves as depicted in Lord of the rings. Still regal but their habits were much different than those shown in Lord of the Rings. As a matter of fact when I think of D & D elves they are what I beleive that D & D used to form their elves. They strongly dislike humans because they were betrayed in the past by them and other groups. They are basicly good hearted and want what is best for the world but are protective to a fault of their secrecy and their homes. They prefer seclusion. They are very distrusting and are strongly nature driven and draw all their powers from the earth.
_________________
Grand Duchess Molly Kaldhel
Oracle of Truth
The House Gauntlet
Sanctus, Luna, Malas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXoGDbJ5nLU
_______________________
"In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman."
-Margaret Thatcher-

[Adin Blackwind]

---

Although I agree with you on most of what you said Molly, I have to remind everyone that we are looking for a standard to Elves in general(with the exclusion to the drow). As an elf, I consider such races as Drow, Elf kind, but they are their own seperate race with seperate behaviors and customs. Thus, requiring their own standard. Just as Humans have many customs that we are very familiar with, we can not get too mixed up in what different kinds of races of elves there are. We are looking for a single standard to go by when we are considering elves in general. Each elven race can have its perks and disadvantages, but obviously all elves should live long life spans and such. I know based on research (knows the women are going to like this) that the Drow are a hierarchy ruled by their females. Males have little to no power in Drow society. Other elven culters are lead by both male and female alike. There is a big difference.

We can include general information on other races of elves, as it adds flavor to each character, but all elves should follow general guidelines with the exception of the drow. Then we can include what other types of elven races have as specific standards to roleplay.

I'm all for making various elven races such as wood elves and high elves and such, but are they all going to have the same guidelines to follow? or are they going to vary. If so, then they need to make their own standard as we did with the vampires and a few other races. If not, then Elves should stick with one standard and add only a few perks and disadvantages to their character based on what race of elf they have chosen.

[Arcana]

---

I'm not sure which is the best method. I agree that Drow should really be separate. "Drow" as a race are truly a Forgotten Realms creation, mainly by R.A. Salvatore, and their characteristics are pretty clear-cut.

In both D&D and Tolkien, as Molly said, there are many types of elves. In Tolkien, for example, there are three main categories - the most holier-than-thou kind who went to the West and never looked back; the wood elf kind that never left middle earth in the first place (like Legolas); and the kind that went to the West to be with the gods, and then went back to Middle earth (Galadriel). Even within those three familes, there are still different kinds of elves. I could go on and on and on, but if one is really interested in elf-lore, I consider the Silmarillion to be essential reading

So assuming that there is a lot of variation among elves (wood elves, high elves, etc) perhaps we can agree on some basics. This is my effort to merge D&D and Tolkien elves in a very generic way. Please comment!

ELVES

1. Elves are elegant and beautiful creatures. They are always well-dressed, well-groomed, neat, and clean. Some elves are more taken with their own good looks than others. Elves are fair to medium skinned and do not have facial hair.

2. Elves have lifespans that cover many centuries. Some elves may even be immune to disease and death by natural means. Note however, that if your elf character is 3000 years old, you as the player need to do your research in order to make your character seem believable... simply putting it in your profile does not accomplish this!

3. Elvish culture is refined and sophisticated. In general, elves look down upon all other races as having lesser, soemwhat barbaric cultures. This attitude can range from amusement, to easy tolerance, to outright disdain and arrogance. Elves live in a variety of places, from trees to caves to cities, but always their dewllings are of surpassing beauty and posess a strong element of naturalistic design, as if the buildings grew into their shape rather than having been built.

4. All elves are spiritual beings and are deeply contected to the natural world. When they die, they remain a part of the world, perhaps to be reborn again. Humans, by contrast, pass beyond the world with their deaths and into the realm of the gods. Elves take love and other emotions very seriously. Also, elves believe in equality of genders within their own race.

5. All elves possess an innate potential for a spiritual connection with nature and magic. An elf's actual profficiency at such skills depends upon their education and training.

6. As they are a part of the world, elves feel they are caretakers of the world. How the individual elf expresses this depends upon their specific culture and upbringing. Because of this, they do not kill for fun or enjoyment and typcially abhor evil beings that are not part of the natural world (daemons, undead, orcs, drow, etc.).

7. Elves have great respect for their deities, however, deities are rarely seen acting on the material world. You may invoke the name of your god or goddess to give you strength/valor/courage, but invoking the god itself is rarely if ever seen. Gods and goddesses have to deliberate and discuss the matter of altering anything in the material world, so as you can see, its almost impossible to summon a god.

And now my attempt at some Drow guidelines based on what I know-

DROW

1. Like their surface cousins, drow are also beautiful and elegant creatures. Their subterranean cities are filled with many works of powerful magic, great wonder and beauty. Drow have black skin and white hair. They do not have facial hair. They can see prefectly well in complete darkness, and their eyes will appear with a red (or rarely lavender) glow when they use this ability.

2. All drow are religious. Their society is built around the worship of their chief goddess, Lolth. Drow society is structured around Houses, each lead by a matriarch and her daughters. All noble drow females are raised to be priestesses. All noble drow males are raised to be either warriors or mages.

3. Drow society is matriarchal. Drow females are slightly larger and stronger than males and consider themselves to be vastly superior to drow males. The exception to this are mercenary groups, which are often composed of houseless male drow. Mercenary groups are tolerated by ranking female drow because of their usefulness in warfare. Mercenary groups may tolerate the presence of non-drow in their ranks.

4. All non-drow are considered to be upon the same level as animals. Drow will only make alliances with non-drow if they see an advantage to themselves.

5. Drow do not think of themselves as evil. In fact, there are rigid codes of behavior and status among the drow. Drow ethics, such as they are, simply do not apply to non-drow.

6. Assassination and murder (as long as one isn't caught) is a common means of advancement in drow society.

[Nazralte]

---

I dont see why there cant be two different kinds of Elves. ELF has a long history and why change it? I see it as letting a different elf come into play, one that isnt immortal, one that looks a bit different, that acts a bit different. I really do not see having two elves be that difficult of a thing.

As for D&D elves being more powerful...they arent. The things you said about them being to travel planes and those types of powers are available to ALL D&D races....its part of the game. The basic elf is much less powerful than Tolkiens. The only thing Elves have over humans in D&D is thier appearance, their longer life (only about 500 years on average) and the fact they are closer to nature.

About half elves. When I say half elf, I mean someone that looks like a cross between a human and elf, not human who chose to be human or vice versa.
_________________

Nazralte
Former Regent of Britannia

[Arcana]

---

I was trying to make my elf standards draft as applicable to both D&D-type and ELF-type elves, with enough generalities in it to allow many, more specific variations of elf to exist. Do you think that they accomplished that or perhaps need some additional revision? I was really hoping that it would be possible to create an all-inclusive standard that allowed for both types of elves, since there is a history of both on this shard.

[Adin Blackwind]

---

Arcana, I have to commend you on your effort. Its greatly welcomed. As it stands, I like your idea of Elves and drow a tad better. As for the comments about those who would like more types of elves based off of AD&D, or Tolkien for that matter, need to remember that this is UO and not AD&D or Tolkien. Its fine to take both ideas and intermix them or simply go with one all together, but there are those of us who would like to see one Elven guidline to follow.

It creates less confussion for those new to creating such races and give existing roleplayers a new perspective on how to be elven.

[Nazralte]

---

As for the comments about those who would like more types of elves based off of AD&D, or Tolkien for that matter, need to remember that this is UO and not AD&D or Tolkien.

I agree with you on that statement Kotare. But as you stated before, ELF has been going by tolkien for so long. Which is why I just say let them use that, and put another in for those that wish to be a bit different.
_________________

Nazralte
Former Regent of Britannia