Eldar (Culture)

According to the oldest legends, all of Anxia was once consumed in a great fire. From the ashes rose the Eldar. The Eldar may just be the world’s first race of humans; they certainly believe so. A vast and rich tradition of epic poetry and storytelling has preserved their history and speaks to the importance of Eldar tradition. Under the dark canopy of the great Minlelonan Forest, clans of strong, rugged folk have fought and flourished for millennia. The tribes of the vast north are accomplished hunters, fishermen, craftsmen, and warriors, living as much off the land as possible while maintaining a healthy reverence for nature itself. It is this relationship to the natural world, for ages, that results in many Eldar having inherent magical talent, specifically with elemental magic. In many ways, the Eldar have learned to harness the power of nature to benefit their lives in many ways. The only magic they fear is black magic, a sign of a soul poisoned by greed and self-interest. To the Eldar, deeds determine a person’s true worth, not lineage. Since family and community ties are strong, with a sense of cooperative living that is unseen in other human realms, personal wealth is of little importance, unless it can be used to support the clan. Status is gained through one’s merits, and circumventing that with dark power is a major taboo. Eldar religion focuses mainly on personal growth through one’s deeds and reflection. They celebrate many holidays, including on the solstices but also revolving around mighty heroes, great leaders, major events, and ancient traditions.

Many of the Eldar live in communities centered around several prominent local clans. Historically, these clans fought amongst each other for territory, resources, and survival,   although recent events have brought change. The frightful violence of the Dragonfall led to the rise of a central leadership under the Ortanyn clan (currently ruled by an aging Aidlys Ortanyn, known as a fierce protector of his people). Clans came together for mutual defense, first against draconic foes and later ambitious neighbors. The Eldar, whether in small clan holds or growing coastal cities, devote much of their lives to their communities. While a class system does exist nominally, the Eldar insist that greatness can come from all tiers of society. The fishermen who feeds his neighbor is just as respected as the warrior who mans the walls.

The Eldar family typically resides in small, round homes made of strong timbers, wattle and daub, with thatched roofs. Larger clan holds contain several larger houses connected to a main hall, and are often walled with timbers and rough stone. A central hearth serves as both a kitchen and meeting place. Many clans keep small livestock, such as pigs, sheep, or goats, and maintain fields of hearty grains like barley and rye. These are important for surviving the harsh winter months, and are stored in pits lined with stone and clay. The Eldar are exceptionally tall and muscular, with pale skin and broad shoulders. Their hair ranges from blonde to brown, and their wide eyes are often hazel or brown. Most Eldar dress simply in wool clothing dyed from local plants, often blue, green, red, and yellow. Belts and bracers of ornately braided leather are also commonplace, as are fur-lined cloaks. Women wear little jewelry, except for beaded necklaces prized more for their craftsmanship than their material value. Men of status earn torques from their clans for great deeds. Unless traveling, many Eldar prefer to go barefoot (even in the snow!)

In battle, the Eldar is a fearsome foe. Warriors wield finely crafted axes or long broad-headed spears. As a race of hunters, they are also skilled marksmen, both with the spear and longbow. They prefer speed on the battlefield, and thus prefer light to medium armor made of metal scales covered with leather. Renowned champions often ride into battle on chariots adorned with runes. Magic also plays a prominent role in warfare, and any contingent of Eldar warriors is likely to have several casters among them, capable of bringing the raw power of nature to bear on their enemies.