All things (FR) elvish...
- Thread starter Arravis
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MarauderX
Explorer
IMC I usually roleplay common elves as intellegent but lazy, sorta like a disenchanted teenager.
As a player (only twice), I play them something like a sterotypical brit (sorry for the harsh generalization
); always making understatements, being generally unimpressed by anything, and having perfect recall of others' mistakes. 
As a player (only twice), I play them something like a sterotypical brit (sorry for the harsh generalization
); always making understatements, being generally unimpressed by anything, and having perfect recall of others' mistakes. 
Djeta Thernadier
First Post
I play a 1/2 elf and I play her as a very curious, sometimes skittish, other times bold teenager with a love for nature and shiny magic artifacts. 
Kae'Yoss
First Post
As I usually play in the FR, I never play an elf. I play a moon elf, or a sun elf, or a drow... The subraces are quite different (in fact, elves in the Realms are quite a diverse lot!)
Avariel: Usually, they're quite arrogant. Their arrogance stems from their perceived superiority: They pity the landbound humans (and whatever), and think of them little better as of cattle.
Your avariel, on the other hand, has lost his wings (I always wonder why so many people play a wingless avariel), so he has lost his self-esteem. Such a character would probably be quite a gloomy fellow (he's not better than those who he has pitied before).
That's what I would expect if I met an avariel without his wings. (Of course, you can differ from that).
Elves usually bid people farewell with the words "sweet water and light laughter till next we meet". They often greet friends with "glad homeagain".
Elves share an empathic bond with all of the race. In the presence of other elves (a settlement, for example), they can feel them. In the reverie (that dreamlike trance they have instead of sleep - which is much more restful than sleep), they join their minds, making that bond even stronger. They feel a backlash when many elves in the area have the same, strong feelings (so their grief or joy is really catching).
It usually takes years or even a decade for elves to fall in love. "Love in first sight" is an alien notion to them. They often don't understand the difference between human love and human passion - so they may wonder why that human stares at them with hunger in his/her eyes, since they don't know each other long enough for the human to fall in love (of course, the elves that mingle with humans often probably know of that aspect of human nature). The Wood elves, on the other hand, are known for their fondness of the finer things of live - they like to party, like to dance, to drink, and disappear into the undergrowth in couples (they don't associate that with love, and usually aren jealous, for they find that perferse).
They have no sense of modesty concerning their bodies, either, and many an elf has drawn startled (and often quite hungry) stares as she stripped stark naked to bath in a pool or stream - while the human males she travels with are right beside.
Elves also have a deep connection of Magic (and are magical creatures themselves). Because of their long life-span, they can afford to plan decades and centuries in advance, and especially gold elves never rush to create a magic item.
You might consult Races of Faerûn for mor specific information about Avariel
Avariel: Usually, they're quite arrogant. Their arrogance stems from their perceived superiority: They pity the landbound humans (and whatever), and think of them little better as of cattle.
Your avariel, on the other hand, has lost his wings (I always wonder why so many people play a wingless avariel), so he has lost his self-esteem. Such a character would probably be quite a gloomy fellow (he's not better than those who he has pitied before).
That's what I would expect if I met an avariel without his wings. (Of course, you can differ from that).
Elves usually bid people farewell with the words "sweet water and light laughter till next we meet". They often greet friends with "glad homeagain".
Elves share an empathic bond with all of the race. In the presence of other elves (a settlement, for example), they can feel them. In the reverie (that dreamlike trance they have instead of sleep - which is much more restful than sleep), they join their minds, making that bond even stronger. They feel a backlash when many elves in the area have the same, strong feelings (so their grief or joy is really catching).
It usually takes years or even a decade for elves to fall in love. "Love in first sight" is an alien notion to them. They often don't understand the difference between human love and human passion - so they may wonder why that human stares at them with hunger in his/her eyes, since they don't know each other long enough for the human to fall in love (of course, the elves that mingle with humans often probably know of that aspect of human nature). The Wood elves, on the other hand, are known for their fondness of the finer things of live - they like to party, like to dance, to drink, and disappear into the undergrowth in couples (they don't associate that with love, and usually aren jealous, for they find that perferse).
They have no sense of modesty concerning their bodies, either, and many an elf has drawn startled (and often quite hungry) stares as she stripped stark naked to bath in a pool or stream - while the human males she travels with are right beside.
Elves also have a deep connection of Magic (and are magical creatures themselves). Because of their long life-span, they can afford to plan decades and centuries in advance, and especially gold elves never rush to create a magic item.
You might consult Races of Faerûn for mor specific information about Avariel
KaeYoss, I appreciate the info . I should have mentioned I was looking for FR info on elves though 
(I had assumed that since Avariel's in 3rd edition are FR only, it was implied). Anyway, I've DM'd Faerunian elves since the original FR box set release (though I had retired from it for 7 years until 3ed) and I'm fairly familiar with them, but I'm looking for social subtleties, etc. I have all the WoTC 3rd edition FR books and the Complete Book of Elves (since it's not FR specific, I'm not sure how useful it is) but there isn't much info on Avariel society, etc.
I'm looking for more common phrases sort of thing like the ones you gave, perhaps elven poetry, etc. I was hoping there would be a site out there with examples. but perhaps not.
As far as playing a wingless Avariel... I like to make my characters with an ethical or psychological theme in mind. My last character was about issues of self-esteem, family expectations and duties, and how the road to hell is paved with good intentions. It was a journey from light into darkness. With the Avariel I'm looking for something in reverse. I want the character to start off from darkness and make his way into light. I want a character that's based on the concept of redemption and I had this in mind when I first bought Races of Faerun. As I was reading through it, Avariel's seemed perfect for the role. Not only for their amazing lightheartedness and joy they express (which shows how much this character has fallen) but for the obvious real-life metaphor of a fallen angel.
I had only heard of Avariel's in the Complete Book of Elves and nowhere else, and we didn't use them in our old FR campaign. Anyway, I didn't realize, until you mentioned it, that playing a wingless Avariel was a cliche. Oh well...
Anyway, here's the basic character history (I haven't even started the game yet, lol) that I wrote a while back. I need to make changes to it to show the cold climate they are in and include more regional information. Well, if you want to take a look, I'd love your opinion.
The character, Mithras, and his brother Daros, as kids, used to sometimes fly in a region of their mountain range that was forbidden. During one such trip, they spied on three very young blue dragons. Instead of fleeing, the two brothers watched in fascination as the beautiful creatures played in the air. They found a hiding spot and watched. They were taught that dragons were their mortal enemies, but that only added to their awe. After an hour the dragons left and the brothers went back to their aerie, telling no one of what they saw.
As the brothers grew up, they would often sneak away to spy on the young dragons. But as the responsibilities of age came upon them, they went less and less. Or so Daros thought, for Mithras would still sneak away from time to time.
Mithras and Daros both were diligently training to be fighters and master the sorcerous abilities that ran in their bloodline. One day they were to become bladesingers, as many members in their family are. Both brothers excelled in the martial aspects, but only Daros did well in the sorcerous arts. He did more then well; it was clear that he would become a powerful caster one day. Mithras on the other hand, did not take well to magic. He tried and tried, but nothing helped. The more he sought the gift of magic, the more it eluded him. He tried to keep this hidden since their expectations were so high and the tradition of magic so strong in their family.
In a few months there was to be a diplomatic envoy from Evereska visiting to meet with the elders and hold discussions. Among the many events planned during their visit, there was to be a display of talent and skill by the young avariel bladesinger trainees.
Daros became quite worried about this, since he had long suspected that his brother did not posses the magical spark and that the display would be a disaster for Mithras. So his brother finally confronted Mithras, telling him to withdraw from the event and to drop his dreams of becoming a bladesinger. In anger, Mithras lashed out at Daros, breaking his jaw. Seeing what he had done, Mithras fled to calm himself and collect his thoughts. He went to the one place that always brought him a sense of wonder.
He flew as fast as he could to the dragon's area, wishing to loose himself in their dance. When he arrived, he saw that none of the dragons were there; but Mithras knew it was a matter of time. So he found a comfortable spot, hidden from the view of most, and slept.
When he awoke, a gigantic blue dragon filled his vision as it carefully studied Mithras. The blue dragon did not attack him, but with a soft sibilant voice it spoke to him. She introduced herself as Zariathanos and simply asked his name and why he watched her children as they played. She seemed pleased by his fascination and spoke kindly to him, letting him know that all the tales he had heard of dragons were exaggerated and that Zariath wished his people no harm. The blue dragon told him that Mithras might visit her anytime he wished; but not to tell his kin because they would not understand.
Mithras returned to the aerie, tearfully apologizing to his brother. He begged him not to tell their parents about it all. Mithras planned to feign an injury so he could excuse himself from the demonstration. Daros was satisfied by this, but made Mithras promise to tell their parents once the dignitaries left. Combat and magical practice continued over the weeks and Mithras continued to visit the Zariath as often as he could.
Zariath would share stories of ancient kingdoms, gods long lost, and even older tales of the time of dragons. As much as the blue dragon told him, so did Mithras tell of his own people, of his troubles and the events in his aerie. The wyrm was expressive in all, telling him of secrets and things he wished to know but few dared speak of. She spoke with an elegance that Mithras had never known. They were words and ideas that planted seeds of doubt on all the things that Mithras believed.
After several such visits, the dragon told Mithras that she could solve many of his problems. That she was a very powerful sorceress herself and could impart the gift of magic upon Mithras. On hearing this he was overjoyed; but quickly asked what she wanted in return? Zariath told him that she feared that the envoys from Evereska were here to slay her and her children. She explained that evil men had committed many foul deeds near Evereska and that these brigands had blamed it on the blue dragons. She simply wished to know when and where the meeting would take place, for she wanted to send a representative to explain what had happened.
Mithras agreed, seeing only good coming from all of this. He would be hailed as a hero for having found out the truth of the attacks, and he would have the magical ability he so craved. He would finally be able to take his place by his brother’s side. Zariath took the avariel to one of her lairs. There, an agonizingly painful ritual was performed, but in the end, Mithras had what he wanted. Sorcery was his. What once was completely out of his reach, now came to him easily and quickly. It was as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes and the world was new. As you can imagine, things did not work out as Mithras had hoped when he returned to the aerie.
A large flight of blue dragons attacked the meeting. Mithras begged the Zariath to stop the slaughter, but was knocked unconscious during the slaughter. His last memory was Zariath laughing and whispering to him that she had other plans for him.
Mithras awoke in chains; the few survivors had heard his pleas to the dragon, which branded him a traitor to his people. His brother was nearby; his head hung low and quietly sobbing. Daros confessed to their past infractions at seeing what their foolishness had wrought. In the end, Mithras was cast out from his people; his wings removed by their strongest magics so that only the gods themselves could return them to doomed avariel.
P.S.: The history was written hastely and at 4 in the morning... so I realize it's more then rough. I plan on re-doing it soon though, just wish I wasn't so busy.
. I should have mentioned I was looking for FR info on elves though (I had assumed that since Avariel's in 3rd edition are FR only, it was implied). Anyway, I've DM'd Faerunian elves since the original FR box set release (though I had retired from it for 7 years until 3ed) and I'm fairly familiar with them, but I'm looking for social subtleties, etc. I have all the WoTC 3rd edition FR books and the Complete Book of Elves (since it's not FR specific, I'm not sure how useful it is) but there isn't much info on Avariel society, etc. I'm looking for more common phrases sort of thing like the ones you gave, perhaps elven poetry, etc. I was hoping there would be a site out there with examples. but perhaps not.
As far as playing a wingless Avariel... I like to make my characters with an ethical or psychological theme in mind. My last character was about issues of self-esteem, family expectations and duties, and how the road to hell is paved with good intentions. It was a journey from light into darkness. With the Avariel I'm looking for something in reverse. I want the character to start off from darkness and make his way into light. I want a character that's based on the concept of redemption and I had this in mind when I first bought Races of Faerun. As I was reading through it, Avariel's seemed perfect for the role. Not only for their amazing lightheartedness and joy they express (which shows how much this character has fallen) but for the obvious real-life metaphor of a fallen angel.
I had only heard of Avariel's in the Complete Book of Elves and nowhere else, and we didn't use them in our old FR campaign. Anyway, I didn't realize, until you mentioned it, that playing a wingless Avariel was a cliche. Oh well...
Anyway, here's the basic character history (I haven't even started the game yet, lol) that I wrote a while back. I need to make changes to it to show the cold climate they are in and include more regional information. Well, if you want to take a look, I'd love your opinion.
The character, Mithras, and his brother Daros, as kids, used to sometimes fly in a region of their mountain range that was forbidden. During one such trip, they spied on three very young blue dragons. Instead of fleeing, the two brothers watched in fascination as the beautiful creatures played in the air. They found a hiding spot and watched. They were taught that dragons were their mortal enemies, but that only added to their awe. After an hour the dragons left and the brothers went back to their aerie, telling no one of what they saw.
As the brothers grew up, they would often sneak away to spy on the young dragons. But as the responsibilities of age came upon them, they went less and less. Or so Daros thought, for Mithras would still sneak away from time to time.
Mithras and Daros both were diligently training to be fighters and master the sorcerous abilities that ran in their bloodline. One day they were to become bladesingers, as many members in their family are. Both brothers excelled in the martial aspects, but only Daros did well in the sorcerous arts. He did more then well; it was clear that he would become a powerful caster one day. Mithras on the other hand, did not take well to magic. He tried and tried, but nothing helped. The more he sought the gift of magic, the more it eluded him. He tried to keep this hidden since their expectations were so high and the tradition of magic so strong in their family.
In a few months there was to be a diplomatic envoy from Evereska visiting to meet with the elders and hold discussions. Among the many events planned during their visit, there was to be a display of talent and skill by the young avariel bladesinger trainees.
Daros became quite worried about this, since he had long suspected that his brother did not posses the magical spark and that the display would be a disaster for Mithras. So his brother finally confronted Mithras, telling him to withdraw from the event and to drop his dreams of becoming a bladesinger. In anger, Mithras lashed out at Daros, breaking his jaw. Seeing what he had done, Mithras fled to calm himself and collect his thoughts. He went to the one place that always brought him a sense of wonder.
He flew as fast as he could to the dragon's area, wishing to loose himself in their dance. When he arrived, he saw that none of the dragons were there; but Mithras knew it was a matter of time. So he found a comfortable spot, hidden from the view of most, and slept.
When he awoke, a gigantic blue dragon filled his vision as it carefully studied Mithras. The blue dragon did not attack him, but with a soft sibilant voice it spoke to him. She introduced herself as Zariathanos and simply asked his name and why he watched her children as they played. She seemed pleased by his fascination and spoke kindly to him, letting him know that all the tales he had heard of dragons were exaggerated and that Zariath wished his people no harm. The blue dragon told him that Mithras might visit her anytime he wished; but not to tell his kin because they would not understand.
Mithras returned to the aerie, tearfully apologizing to his brother. He begged him not to tell their parents about it all. Mithras planned to feign an injury so he could excuse himself from the demonstration. Daros was satisfied by this, but made Mithras promise to tell their parents once the dignitaries left. Combat and magical practice continued over the weeks and Mithras continued to visit the Zariath as often as he could.
Zariath would share stories of ancient kingdoms, gods long lost, and even older tales of the time of dragons. As much as the blue dragon told him, so did Mithras tell of his own people, of his troubles and the events in his aerie. The wyrm was expressive in all, telling him of secrets and things he wished to know but few dared speak of. She spoke with an elegance that Mithras had never known. They were words and ideas that planted seeds of doubt on all the things that Mithras believed.
After several such visits, the dragon told Mithras that she could solve many of his problems. That she was a very powerful sorceress herself and could impart the gift of magic upon Mithras. On hearing this he was overjoyed; but quickly asked what she wanted in return? Zariath told him that she feared that the envoys from Evereska were here to slay her and her children. She explained that evil men had committed many foul deeds near Evereska and that these brigands had blamed it on the blue dragons. She simply wished to know when and where the meeting would take place, for she wanted to send a representative to explain what had happened.
Mithras agreed, seeing only good coming from all of this. He would be hailed as a hero for having found out the truth of the attacks, and he would have the magical ability he so craved. He would finally be able to take his place by his brother’s side. Zariath took the avariel to one of her lairs. There, an agonizingly painful ritual was performed, but in the end, Mithras had what he wanted. Sorcery was his. What once was completely out of his reach, now came to him easily and quickly. It was as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes and the world was new. As you can imagine, things did not work out as Mithras had hoped when he returned to the aerie.
A large flight of blue dragons attacked the meeting. Mithras begged the Zariath to stop the slaughter, but was knocked unconscious during the slaughter. His last memory was Zariath laughing and whispering to him that she had other plans for him.
Mithras awoke in chains; the few survivors had heard his pleas to the dragon, which branded him a traitor to his people. His brother was nearby; his head hung low and quietly sobbing. Daros confessed to their past infractions at seeing what their foolishness had wrought. In the end, Mithras was cast out from his people; his wings removed by their strongest magics so that only the gods themselves could return them to doomed avariel.
P.S.: The history was written hastely and at 4 in the morning... so I realize it's more then rough. I plan on re-doing it soon though, just wish I wasn't so busy.
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Angcuru
First Post
I remember this character of yours quite vividly from a previous thread, Arravis. If you wanna just write something in english, you know who can do the ol' switcheroo into elvish for ya.
Well, I love Avariel. Just love 'em. But sorry, my library doesn't have any Avariel poetry.
I think that the wingless avariel became cliche with the release of Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn. You all remember Aerie, don't you? *Read my story hour, consarnit!*
"Sweet water and light laughter till next we meet." He's right about that one. Or as us elves say: "Lissinen ar' maska'lalaith tenna lye omentuva."
YaeKoss is also dead on as to how elves approach love and sexuality. Love at first sight is alien to them (attraction at first sight is not so rare, of course), and they have no problem with being in the nude, since they don't expect sexual feelings from anyone other than their significant other. This is the general attitude for most elves. While I like this aspect of the elves, it must be pointed out that Tolkein, who we all know is lord of all things elven, was a conservative catholic and when it came to sex/love, *WHAM*, the elves are 'conservative' in that sense as well, but not so ambiguous. But it does make a lot of sense. If your race lives that long, they'd realize the benefits of such an attitude concerning love and sexuality. They associate love with sex and sex with love, and they are very picky when it comes to chosing a life partner, since they have LONG lives. But when that partner is chosen and the candles are blown out, turn on the slow, sensual music because, as we say: "Nardone ron kaime e' i'ranquie en' ilye n'at...au' e' au' e' au'..."
Wood elves on the other hand, they like to party hardy and get frisky. Common pick up line used by wood elves when they meet foxy humans: "Y'know, a lot can be said for a century or two of experience....in bed!"
EDIT: When I eventually become a community supporter, I think I'll choose: Elves Rock!
Well, I love Avariel. Just love 'em. But sorry, my library doesn't have any Avariel poetry.
I think that the wingless avariel became cliche with the release of Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn. You all remember Aerie, don't you?
*Read my story hour, consarnit!*"Sweet water and light laughter till next we meet." He's right about that one. Or as us elves say: "Lissinen ar' maska'lalaith tenna lye omentuva."
YaeKoss is also dead on as to how elves approach love and sexuality. Love at first sight is alien to them (attraction at first sight is not so rare, of course), and they have no problem with being in the nude, since they don't expect sexual feelings from anyone other than their significant other. This is the general attitude for most elves. While I like this aspect of the elves, it must be pointed out that Tolkein, who we all know is lord of all things elven, was a conservative catholic and when it came to sex/love, *WHAM*, the elves are 'conservative' in that sense as well, but not so ambiguous. But it does make a lot of sense. If your race lives that long, they'd realize the benefits of such an attitude concerning love and sexuality. They associate love with sex and sex with love, and they are very picky when it comes to chosing a life partner, since they have LONG lives. But when that partner is chosen and the candles are blown out, turn on the slow, sensual music because, as we say: "Nardone ron kaime e' i'ranquie en' ilye n'at...au' e' au' e' au'..."
Wood elves on the other hand, they like to party hardy and get frisky. Common pick up line used by wood elves when they meet foxy humans: "Y'know, a lot can be said for a century or two of experience....in bed!"
EDIT: When I eventually become a community supporter, I think I'll choose: Elves Rock!
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Dark Jezter
First Post
KaeYoss said:
Interesting... where are you getting this information?
I can't find anything in the 3E core rulebooks or any of the 3E FR publications about elves sharing an empathic bond. It sounds suspiciously like something that would be in the 2e Complete Book of Elves, which portrays elves as being so perfect that they could take a leak in a bottle and sell it as a potion of Cure Light Wounds.
Please, prove me wrong.
Angcuru
First Post
Dark Jezter said:
Interesting... where are you getting this information?
I can't find anything in the 3E core rulebooks or any of the 3E FR publications about elves sharing an empathic bond. It sounds suspiciously like something that would be in the 2e Complete Book of Elves, which portrays elves as being so perfect that they could take a leak in a bottle and sell it as a potion of Cure Light Wounds.
Please, prove me wrong.
Umm... a lot of this info generally comes from Tolkien, he wrote an essay specifially on Elf Sex and Love . But the jist of it all is refined into game info in stuff like Mongoose Publishing's The Quintessential Elf and that Complete Book of Elves, which I find to be good for flavor, bad for game mechanics.
I generally follow that essay when it comes to Elf Love, but take out the part about elves loosing interest in sex after having kids, since that's just whacked.
Other things I don't think make much sense is the wierder stuff like elves dying if they get raped, which I should hope should not have to apply to anyone's game in the first place.
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