HIGH ELF
In many ways, high elves stand starkly apart from the majority of their brethren, while at the same time often epitomizing some of the less flattering stereotypes ascribed to elvenkind. Legends say that their origin dates back to the very first proto-elves that of ancient Hyboria, when their deities were young and before their number diverged into different sub-races. When the gods inquired of their children how they might govern themselves, they thought long and hard – for many centuries – before coming to a conclusion. They asked that their creators manifest a dozen relics of great power through which the best, brightest, and most virtuous of their number might ascend to become leaders. So it was done and in this way the original dozen high elf houses were made, with each generation of would-be rulers having to undergo the Relic Challenge in order to consolidate their power. Those high elves who were found wanting by the Relics were excommunicated from their Houses and stripped of all special privileges.
This went on for thousands of years. The system seemed to work perfectly... Until the Relics were destroyed. This was an event called The Obliteration, in which a group of powerful, excommunicated high elf spell casters, called The Ignoble, sought infernal aid in order to try to wrest control of the Relics from the rightfully-imbued. The cabal betrayed everything the high elves held dear when they struck on their holiest day, the day on which the twelve noble families gathered together to reaffirm their duties to and powers over their Relics. The battle was fierce, warping the very fabric of reality temporarily, but slowly The Ignoble seemed to gain the advantage thanks to their devilish allies. Rather than allowing these traitors to gain control over the Relics, however, the defenders gathered all of their power and cast a great spell of harmonic shattering magic that destroyed not only the Relics, but all living things in attendance. The once-great floating Relic Tower was gone and when the fabric of magical reality snapped back into its proper place, hundreds – perhaps more – of elves from the surrounding lands were simply... gone.
So began the high elf history in the Exiled Lands. Despite lacking the Relics, they are no less dedicated to doing what they think is best for the elven people, with a severe zeal and severity that boggles the mind of their brethren. They no longer have the Relics to judge them but in this hostile place, being decisive and passionate is the only way for the elves to survive. It all falls on their shoulders.
STATISTICS
AGE
APPEARANCE
To some, high elves are the most beautiful of their kind. They have fair, unblemished skin, with hair of golden-yellow, platinum, copper, or rarely, black. Their eyes are particularly intense hues of gold, amber, or green. High elves tend to be taller than most Elves (IQoL 1.0 - 1.2) with a lithely muscled build that is often camouflaged by their clothing. Traditional preferred colors of apparel include gold, silver, black, blue, red, yellow, and white.
DEMEANOR
There is a reason why many talk about "high" elves with a rolling of their eyes or annoyance in their voice. To outsiders – and even some other elves – they come off as commanding, haughty, arrogant, and pedantic. The depth of truth in these qualities varies between individuals. High elves remember that there is a reason for their name; they remember the Relics and the ancient history of their people. While they are no longer in Hyboria and don't have the Relics to justify their rule, this means little to the populace in the Exiled Lands. Just because their crowns are gone doesn't mean they are any less fit to command. What most people don't realize is how true the meaning "heavy wears the crown" is for high elves. They are their own worst critics and set themselves to higher standards than they would ever dream of holding others. Whatever they do, they do big.
SOCIETY
In the Exiled Lands, there is no formal hierarchy of nobility or established kingdoms with which the high elves may govern, but that has not stopped them from trying to do so. How a given high elf chooses to seek to guide his chosen people depends largely on the individual and the traditions of their family, if any exist. However, in general, high elves hold rank in high regard, as well as personal merits of skill, magic, and wisdom.
FAVORED PROFESSION
High elves strongly favor the Mystical Professions, specifically taking to the paths of Sorcery and Faith with great frequency and inborn talent. They are also well-known for the warriors which tend to be more heavily-armored and armed than those of their cousins. Artisans are also a respected life path for high elves. Nomads, Entertainers, and Outlaws are the professions least likely for a high elf to take up.
ENEMIES
Varies, but most often orcs, half-orcs, goblins and dark elves.
RESTRICTIONS
High elves do not consume any kind of meat or fowl, although they can eat fish. They prefer nuts, berries, fruits, and vegetables.