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{{see also|Tel-quessir}}
{{cleanup}}
{{Fey
{{Creature
| image        = <tabber>
| image        = [[File:elf-2e.png|250px]]
5e = [[File:Moon-elf Tom-Babbey PHB5e.jpg|250px|A female high elf]]|-|
| caption      = A high elf, art by Jeff Butler. ''Monstrous Manual'' (1993).  
4e = [[Image:4e eladrin.jpg|250px|A female high elf]]|-|
| name        =  
3e = [[File:Elaith Craulnober.jpg|250px|A male high elf]]</tabber>
| othernames  =
| name        = High elf
| size5e      = Medium
| size5e      = Medium
| type        = [[Humanoid]]
| subtype      = [[Elf]], [[Fey]]
| alignment    = Usually Chaotic good
| type5e      = [[Humanoid]]
| type5e      = [[Humanoid]]
| subtype5e    = [[Elf]]
| subtype5e    = [[Elf]]
| alignment5e  =  
| alignment5e  =  
| challenge5e  =  
| challenge5e  =  
| refs5e      = <ref name=PHB5e-p21-24">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 5th edition|21-24}}</ref><ref name="DMG5e-p286">{{Cite book/Dungeon Master's Guide 5th edition|286}}</ref>
| refs5e      =  
| origin4e    = [[Fey]]
| origin4e    =  
| size4e      =  
| size4e      =  
| type4e      = [[Humanoid]]
| type4e      = {{csb|Player's Handbook fifth edition|21-24}}{{csb|Dungeon Master's Guide fifth edition|286}}
| subtype4e    = [[Tel-quessir]]
| subtype4e    =  
| alignment4e  =  
| alignment4e  =  
| refs4e      = {{Fact}}
| refs4e      =  
| size3e      = Medium
| size3e      = Medium
| type3e      = [[Humanoid]]
| type3e      = [[Humanoid]]
Line 23: Line 25:
| alignment3e  = Usually [[chaotic good]]
| alignment3e  = Usually [[chaotic good]]
| challenge3e  = {{Frac|1|2}}
| challenge3e  = {{Frac|1|2}}
| refs3e      = <ref name="MMv.3.5-p102">{{Cite book/Monster Manual 3.5|102}}</ref>
| refs3e      = {{csb|Monster Manual 3.5|102}}
| size2e      =  
| size2e      =  
| alignment2e  =  
| alignment2e  =  
Line 30: Line 32:
| alignment1e  =  
| alignment1e  =  
| refs1e      =  
| refs1e      =  
| height      = 5'5" &ndash; 6'1"{{Fact}}
| height      =  
| weight      = 130&ndash;180 lbs.{{Fact}}
| weight      =  
| skincolor    = White to brown
| skincolor    = White to brown
| haircolor    = White, silver, pale gold
| haircolor    = White, silver, pale gold
| eyecolor    = Blue, violet, or green with golden speckles
| eyecolor    = Blue, violet, or green with golden speckles
| vision      = [[Low-light vision]]<ref name="MMv.3.5-p102" />, [[Darkvision]]<ref name=PHB5e-p23">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 5th edition|21-24}}</ref>
| vision      = [[Low-light vision]]{{csb|MM35e|102}}, [[Darkvision]]{{csb|Player's Handbook fifth edition|21-24}}
| distinctions = Pointed ears, no facial hair, slim but athletic build, keen mind, magical gifts and ability to make short-range teleportations by way of the [[Feywild]], able to enter fully aware sleep state ([[Reverie]]); do not suffer infirmities with age{{Fact}}
| lifespan    =  
| lifespan    = Usually up to 750{{Fact}}
| location    = [[Material Plane]], [[Feywild|the Feywild]]
| location    = [[Feywild|The Feywild]], [[Prime Material Plane]]
| language    = [[Common]], [[Elven language|Elven]]<ref name="MMv.3.5-p102" />
| language    = [[Common]], [[Elven language|Elven]]<ref name="MMv.3.5-p102" />
| subraces    = [[Moon elf|Moon elves]]<br />[[Star elf|Star elves]]<br /> [[Sun elf|Sun elves]]<br />[[Dark elf|Dark elves]]
| subraces    =  
| based        = J. R. R. Tolkien's [[wikipedia:en:Calaquendi|high elves]]
}}
}}
'''High elves''', also known as '''eladrin''',<ref name="PHB4e-p39">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 4th edition|39}}</ref> were graceful [[warrior]]s and [[wizards]] who originated from the realm of [[Faerie]],<ref name="Demi-p93">{{Cite book/Demihuman Deities|93}}</ref><ref name="RoF-p26">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|26}}</ref> also known as the [[Feywild]].<ref name="MagicInRealms">{{cite web |url=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/drfe/20080130a&authentic=true |title=Magic in the Forgotten Realms |accessdate=2008-07-30 |date=2008-01-30 |author=[[Bruce Cordell]] |work=Countdown to the Realms |publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]]}}</ref> They lived in the forests of the world. They were magical in nature and shared an interest in the arcane arts. From an early age they also learned to defend themselves,<ref name="RoF-p27">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|27}}</ref> particularly with swords.{{Fact}}
Occasionally the term "[[noble eladrin]]" was used to denote more powerful variants, who had become so infused with the magic of the Feywild that they took on the characteristics of natural phenomena such as seasons.<ref name="PHB4e-p39"/> Prior to the [[Spellplague]], the term "eladrin" referred exclusively to [[celestial eladrin]], the [[chaotic good]] [[celestial]]s residing in [[Arvandor]]. After the Spellplague and the reemergence of the Feywild to [[Toril]], certain races of the [[Tel-quessir]], previously referred to as "[[Elf|elves]]," began to self-identify as eladrin.{{Fact}}


==Description==
==Description==
High elves were roughly of [[human]] height, standing from 5'5" &ndash; 6'1" (1.65 &ndash; 1.85 meters) on average, but were lighter, weighing from 130 &ndash; 180 lbs. (59 &ndash; 82 kg). Even exceptionally strong high elves looked rather slim compared with other races, looking athletic rather than muscular.<ref name="PHB4e-p39"/> Most high elves were fair-skinned rather than dark, though [[sun elf|sun elven]] skin was a hue darker than that of the [[star elves]], [[moon elves]], and [[dark elf|dark elven]] skin, in particular, was dark brown. Most high elves had black hair, with silvery hues common among moon elves and star elves while blond or copper hues were more common among the sun elves.<ref name="FRPG-p14">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Player's Guide|14}}</ref> This hair was often worn long and loose.<ref name="PHB4e-p39"/>
'''High elves''' are the [[Elf|elves]] most likely to interact with other peoples of the [[Flanaess]], particularly [[Human|humanity]]. High elves dress in pale forest colors when in their villages, typically pastel and of blue or green or violet but often covered by a greenish gray cloak<ref name=":1">Monster Manual 1, Gary Gygax, 1977, 1e</ref>, and intense, deep colors when in urban settings. Men wear loose blouses belted over close fitting hose with soft leather shoes or boats. Women often wear frocks with sashes, or blouses over ankle length skirts. When hunting, elves favor neutral brown leathers. They are typically dark haired and have green or hazel eyes. High elves can live up to 1,200 or even 1,600 years. <ref name=":2">Dungeon Master's Guide (1e), Gary Gygax, 2012 (Premium Edition)  ISBN: 978-0-7869-6241-9</ref>


High elven eyes were most commonly green, with sun elves commonly possessing golden eyes and moon elves commonly exhibiting blue hues.<ref name="FRPG-p14"/> Violet eyes were also not unheard of, though rarer. Unlike moon elves or sun elves, high elves native to the Feywild lacked pupils and had eyes that appeared to be solid orbs of color<ref name="PHB4e-p39"/> while more common varieties of high elves exhibited eyes of normal color except for the gold-speckled appearance of moon elf eyes.<ref name="FRPG-p14"/>
High elven architecture seems to adapt to their location. In woodland realms they prefer wooden buildings, with elegant arches and steeples, occasionally elevated into the trees. In other regions they have mountain keeps of stone. <ref name=":0" />


High elves, like elves, grew at a decelerating rate throughout their lives. Very young high elves matured at a rate comparable with humans but during adolescence slowed to a near stop until about 110 years of age, at which point high elves were considered mature. Elves then remained vigorous and active until the middle of their third century. Even so, after this, most high elves suffered few of the infirmities of old age that plagued other races, remaining full of life until the end.<ref name="PHB4e-p39"/>
High elves seem more used to horses as mounts than some of their kin, and make great light cavalry as archers and lancers, such as in the army of the Duchy of Ulek and the [[Knights of the Hart]] of the [[Ferrond]] area.<ref name=":0" />
 
Common to all high elves was the fact that they didn't sleep. Instead, they entered a trance, also known as a “[[reverie]]”,<ref name="RoF-p26" /> for four hours a day. During this time they meditated on recent events.{{Fact}}


==Abilities==
==Abilities==
High elves were graceful, intelligent beings, with a greater capacity for intelligence than most humanoid races while also possessing an agility comparable with their elven kin. High elves were also unusually strong-willed and had a natural resistance to the effects of [[enchantment]] [[spell]]s. High elves also had no need for sleep in the same way most humanoids did, instead going into a trance. While in a trance, high elves remained fully aware of their immediate surroundings. Furthermore, high elves needed only rest for four hours to get the same effect that most other humanoids got from six hours of sleep.<ref name="PHB4e-p38">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 4th edition|38}}</ref>
High elves are graceful, intelligent beings, with a greater capacity for intelligence than most humanoid races while also possessing an agility comparable with their elven kin. High elves are also unusually strong-willed and have a natural resistance to the effects of enchantment spells.  
 
Perhaps most notable, however, was an ability possessed by high elves prior to the [[First Sundering]] and regained after the [[Spellplague]]. This ability, known as ''[[fey step]]'', allowed a high elf to slip out of the Prime and into the Feywild, or vice versa, with relative ease.<ref name="PHB4e-p38"/>
 
==Psychology==
Due to their longevity and strong ties to the otherworldly [[magic]] of the Feywild, high elves had a detached view of the world outside of their sphere. High elves as a whole had difficulty believing that the events occurring over mere "years" affected them in any major way,<ref name="PHB4e-p39"/> with the exception of major tragedies such as the [[Time of Troubles]] or the [[Spellplague]]. High elves instead looked at things from a much longer perspective, unconcerned with anything that had consequences that stretched over anything less than decades.<ref name="PHB4e-p39"/> However, while some high elves were content to seclude themselves, others stalked the lands as champions battling the evil just outside of a high elven city's magical wards.<ref name="FRPG-p14"/>


This detached view of the world could make high elves seem distant and intimidating, not to mention haughty and arrogant. Furthermore, the powerful fey nature of high elves might frighten less magically talented races. High elves, however, took friendships quickly to heart and could react with rage when their compatriots are threatened. Combined with their general intelligence, bravery, and arcane power, this loyalty to friends made them formidable allies and dangerous enemies.<ref name="PHB4e-p39"/>
High elves also have no need for sleep in the same way most humanoids do, instead going into a trance often known as the "Reverie".{{csb|PHBR8|34}} While in this trance, high elves remain fully aware of their immediate surroundings. Furthermore, high elves only need rest for four hours to get the same effect that most other humanoids got from six to eight hours of sleep.{{csb|PH3e|16}}{{csb|PH4e|38}}{{csb|PH5e|23}}  During this time they meditate on memories and events.


Though perhaps haughty in their view of it, many felt a need to explore the world around them and were curious, particularly in their youth. However, the tragedies of the Time of Troubles and Spellplague checked this adventurism to an extent and many high elves retreated into their strongholds where magical wards held off the evils around them. Overall, moon elves had a stronger impulse for exploration and discovery than sun elves or star elves, both of whom were more cautious in their dealings with the outside world.<ref name="FRPG-p15">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Player's Guide|15}}</ref>
Some high elves also have another unique ability. This ability, known as ''fey step'', allows a high elf to slip out of the Prime and into the Feywild, or vice versa, with relative ease.{{csb|PH4e|38}}


==Society==
==Society==
===Culture===
While high elves, more than many other elven kin, are tolerant and open with humans, many of the lands still considered to be high elven nations are that way through partial elven reclusiveness. High elf nations like [[Lendore Isles|Lendore]] (before the cult of [[Sehanine]]) and [[Highfolk]] communicated and are allied with human nations, but kept the heart of their own communities separate. The [[Duchy of Ulek]] is a high elf ruled land, but has a higher human population then elven. Aside from the recent developments in the Lendore Isles, many high elf communities are against strict isolationism, and many elves in the [[Knights of Luna]], a movement in [[Celene]] resisting the [[Grey elf|grey elven]] queen's staunch isolationism, are high elves. Most nations with the highest populations of high elves are not elven ruled lands, but part of human ones.<ref name=":0">Living Greyhawk Gazeteer, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, Gary Holian, Frederick Weining, 2000, 3e</ref>
High elven society long straddled the boundary between the [[Prime Material Plane]] and Faerie. High elven cities were magnificent marvels of elegant architecture made of wondrous towers and structures that blended seamlessly into places of natural beauty. Many high elven cities were found in locations where the border between the Prime and the Feywild was particularly thin—isolated mountain vales, green islands, storm-wracked coasts, and the deepest reaches of ancient forests. Some high elven realms existed entirely in the Feywild, or at least partially so,<ref name="PHB4e-p39"/> most famously in the case of [[Evermeet]].<ref name="FRPG-p14"/> Many of these cities crossed over occasionally into the Prime before winking out of existence entirely.<ref name="MM4e-p103">{{Cite book/Monster Manual 4th edition|103}}</ref>


High elves lived in grace with the touch of magic found throughout their lives, as exemplified by [[Corellon]], the patron god of all fey but particularly his chief creation the high elves. High elven practices of all sorts were influenced by this from dance and song to swordplay and wizardry. The cities of the high elves were stunning locations of beauty, formed and shaped by the blending of magic with graceful and elegant designs.<ref name="PHB4e-p39"/>
=== Homelands ===
Within the Flanaess the [[Fairdells]] and [[Vesve Forest]] have been occupied by High Elves, long before humans pressed across the mountains from the west, although the Vesve Forest is shared with the more abundant [[Wood elf|wood elves]]. About twenty high elf clans live around Highfolk. The Isles of Lendore were under high elven rule long before they allowed humans to settle there.<ref name=":0" />


High elven clothing was often simple and functional, but did not lack beauty and grace any more than other clothing, with complex and beautiful patterns woven into the cloth. The clothing, while otherwise non-fanciful, was often made of superior materials to those used in other clothes. Most high elves preferred clothing of natural colors such as green, but others wore garments of garish hues, particularly during holy days or festivals.<ref name="FRPG-p14"/>
High elven architecture seems to adapt to their location. In woodland realms they prefer wooden buildings, with elegant arches and steeples, occasionally elevated into the trees. In other regions they have mountain keeps of stone.<ref name=":0" />


Most high elves trained themselves in the use of a [[longsword]], a weapon important to their culture, religion, and heritage.<ref name="PHB4e-p38"/>
High elves seem more used to horses as mounts than some of their kin, and make great light cavalry as archers and lancers, such as in the army of the Duchy of Ulek and the [[Knights of the Hart]] of the [[Ferrond]] area.<ref name=":0" />


===Relations with other races===
{| class="article-table"
Although most high elves resided in isolated communities of their kin, a few had interests or dealings in the outside world, and it was not uncommon to find high elves living among [[dragonborn]], [[dwarves]], [[elves]], [[gnome]]s, [[halfling]]s, [[humans]], and [[tiefling]]s. Overall, moon elves were more open in their dealings and eager to make friends outside of the high elven race while sun elves were cautious<ref name="FRPG-p15"/> and star elves nigh xenophobic.{{Fact}}
! colspan="3" |Places of Notable High Elven Population.
|-
|'''Name'''
|'''[[576 CY]]'''{{csb|WoG|18}}
|'''[[591 CY]]'''<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[Highfolk]]
|12,000<ref name=population group=note>[[World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting|WoG]] boxed set only gives numbers for "fighting males" of demihuman populations, "as more complete data is unavailable."</ref>
|21,804
|-
|[[Lendore Isles]]
|1,500+<ref name=population group=note />
|27,839
|-
|[[Duchy of Ulek]]
|12,000<ref name=population group=note />
|55,888
|-
|[[Veluna]]
|10,000<ref name=population group=note />
|60,192
|-
|[[Geoff]]
|6,000<ref name=population group=note />
|<630
|-
|[[Lordship of the Isles]]
|<4,000<ref name=population group=note />
|23,940
|-
|[[Yeomanry]]
|2,000<ref name=population group=note />
|15,295
|}


==History==
===Culture===
[[Wood elves]] were descended from eladrin. In fact, to many other races both wood elves and high elves were simply known as elves, or they would refer to eladrin as "high elves" or "gray elves".<ref name="PHB4e-p39" /> It didn't help that both high elves and elves spoke the same language, [[elven language|Elven]], and had many similarities.{{Fact}}
High elven society long straddles the boundary between the [[Material Plane]] and [[Plane of Faerie|Faerie]]. High elven cities are magnificent marvels of elegant architecture made of wondrous towers and structures that blend seamlessly into places of natural beauty. Many high elven cities are found in locations where the border between the Prime and the [[Feywild]] is particularly thin—isolated mountain vales, green islands, storm-wracked coasts, and the deepest reaches of ancient forests. Some high elven realms exist entirely in the Feywild, or at least partially so,{{csb|PH4e|39}}.  Many of these cities cross over occasionally into the Prime before winking out of existence entirely.{{csb|Monster Manual fourth edition|103}}


High elves, unlike wood elves who appeared conspicuously absent from the Feywild, were not in fact native to the Prime, having emigrated to Toril from the realm of Faerie during the [[Dawn Ages]].<ref name="Corm-p21">{{Cite book/Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves|21}}</ref>  This migration started ''circa'' {{Yearlink|-27000}} when the fey opened gates from the Faerie realm allowing large numbers of [[green elves]] (who later became the true elves), [[avariel]]s, and [[lythari]] to migrate to Toril. Further migrations to Faerûn occurred around {{Yearlink|-25400}}, when the sun elves and moon elves, the modern variants of high elves, first arrived.<ref name="GHoR-p8">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|8}}</ref> These early settlements were early enough that, when [[Abeir-Toril]] was split into two, elves and high elves ended up on both worlds.{{Fact}}
High elves live in grace with the touch of magic found throughout their lives, as exemplified by [[Corellon]], the patron god of all fey but particularly his chief creation—the high elves. High elven practices of all sorts are influenced by this from dance and song to swordplay and wizardry. The cities of the high elves are stunning locations of beauty, formed and shaped by the blending of magic with graceful and elegant designs.{{csb|PH4e|39}}


Through the efforts of these early high elf settlers, the [[Time of Dragons]] was brought to an end and the [[First Flowering|First Flowering of the Fair Folk]] would begin, resulting in the temporary dominance of wood elves and high elves over all of Toril. High elves concentrated themselves primarily in the west, with sun elves along what would become the [[Sword Coast]], founding the nation of [[Aryvandaar]] while moon elves forged the nation of [[Orishaar]] in what would become the [[Shaar]].<ref name="RoF-p27">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|27}}</ref>
High elven clothing is often simple and functional, but do not lack beauty and grace any more than other clothing, with complex and beautiful patterns woven into the cloth. The clothing, while otherwise non-fanciful, is often made of superior materials to those used in other clothes.  


Eventually, however, these nations were brought low by the [[Crown War]]s, a series of destructive conflicts between all branches of the [[Tel-quessir]] race. These wars, while partially inspired by the cruelties of [[Ilythiir]].<ref name="RoF-p27">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|27}}</ref> The resultant conflicts tore the Tel-quessir apart, causing both the creation of the [[drow]] and the destruction of most green elf nations. Eventually, the [[Seldarine]] found the high elves of Aryvandaar, particularly its ruling family the [[Vyshantaar]], culpable and in the last Crown War the nation was exterminated.<ref name="RoF-p27">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|27}}</ref>
Most high elves train themselves in the use of a longsword, a weapon important to their culture, religion, and heritage.{{csb|PH4e|38}}


Another traumatic event followed shortly after the Crown Wars: the [[First Sundering]]. During this event, which resulted in the creation of Evermeet, [[arcane spellcaster]]s from across Faerûn gathered to try and bring part of the Feywild into the Prime. The [[ritual]] used, however, backfired and killed most of the mages involved and destroyed entire nations. Although the ritual's purpose was ultimately successful in creating a new homeland for the Tel-quessir people, Evermeet would eventually prove a drain on the high elven people, causing many to abandon Faerûn for its greener pastures,<ref name="EI-p157-174">{{Cite book/Evermeet: Island of Elves/MMP|157-174}}</ref> a practice triggered in large part by the fall of another great high elven nation, [[Myth Drannor]], in the [[714 DR|Year of Doom, 714 DR]].<ref name="RoF-p27">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|27}}</ref>
==Psychology==
Due to their longevity and strong ties to the otherworldly magic of the Feywild, high elves have a detached view of the world outside of their sphere. High elves as a whole have difficulty believing that the events occurring over mere "years" affected them in any major way.{{csb|PH4e|39}} High elves instead look at things from a much longer perspective, unconcerned with anything that has consequences which stretch over anything less than decades.{{csb|PH4e|39}} However, while some high elves are content to seclude themselves, others stalked the lands as champions battling the evil just outside of a high elven city's magical wards.{{cn}}


Eventually, however, the [[Retreat]] came to an end, brought about partially by drow attacks on Evermeet and other ill portents. Following these events, many of the high elves who had taken refuge there began to return to the mainland, boosting their numbers during the [[Era of Upheaval]].<ref name="RoF-p27">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|27}}</ref>
This detached view of the world could make high elves seem distant and intimidating, not to mention haughty and arrogant. Furthermore, the powerful fey nature of high elves might frighten less magically talented races. High elves, however, took friendships quickly to heart and could react with rage when their compatriots are threatened. Combined with their general intelligence, bravery, and arcane power, this loyalty to friends made them formidable allies and dangerous enemies.{{csb|PH4e|39}}


After the disruptive events of the [[Spellplague]], the Feywild moved closer and back into parallel with Toril, making the barriers between the two planes much more porous.<ref name="MagicInRealms" /> As a result, the race reacquired their ability to fey step.{{Fact}}
===Relations with other races===
 
Although most high elves reside in isolated communities of their kin, a few have interests or dealings in the outside world, and it is not uncommon to find high elves living among [[dragonborn]], [[dwarves]], [[elves]], [[gnome]]s, [[halfling]]s, [[humans]], and [[tiefling]]s. Grey elves, in general, show their xenophobia towards both elves and non-elves.
==Homelands==
High elves were found most commonly either in the Feywild or on the Prime Material Plane. In the first case, high elves were found throughout all of the fey equivalent of Toril, but were particularly common in places such as [[Evermeet]]<ref name="FRPG-p14"/> or [[Sildëyuir]].<ref name="FRCG-p68">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|68}}</ref> The high elves of the Prime, on the other hand, were more common in the kingdom of [[Myth Drannor]],<ref name="FRPG-p14"/> though many were found in the more cosmopolitan regions of Faerûn such as the [[Sword Coast]].{{Fact}}
 
==High elven subraces==
[[File:Morwel RonSpencer.jpg|thumb|200px|''Two "noble" eladrin.'']]
Many varieties of high elves or eladrin existed, though some later went extinct or evolved into entirely separate races.
;[[Green elf]]
:An extinct race of high elves who were the first to arrive in the Prime during the ancient past when [[Abeir]] and [[Toril]] remained united. Eventually, the Crown Wars drove this race into isolation, wherein they became the [[elf|sylvan elves]].<ref name="FRPG-p15"/>
;[[Moon elf]]
:The most numerous of all [[Tel-quessir]], so numerous that when someone uttered the word "elf" they most likely meant a moon elf. They were also known as "silver elves". They were friendly, outgoing, curious and bold.<ref name="FRPG-p15-16">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Player's Guide|15-16}}</ref>
;[[Noble eladrin]]
:Fey of immense power, noble eladrin were eladrin who had become intensely close to the arcane power of the Feywild.<ref name="PHB4e-p39" />
;[[Sun elf]]
:Also known as "gold elves", they were cautious, detached, considered, and always took the "long view".<ref name="FRPG-p15-16" />
;[[Star elf]]
:Also known as "mithral elves".<ref name="FRCG-p68"/>
;[[Dark elf]]
:Dark-brown-skinned, high elven ancestors of [[drow]].
;[[Llewyrr]]
:High elves that were geographically and culturally isolated for millennia on the isle of [[Gwynneth]] in the [[Moonshae Isles|Moonshaes]].<ref name="Moonshae-4">{{Cite book/Moonshae|4}}</ref>


==Appendix==
While high elves, more than many other elven kin, are tolerant and open with humans, many of the lands still considered to be high elven nations are that way through partial elven reclusiveness. High elf nations like [[Lendore Isles|Lendore]] (before the cult of [[Sehanine]]) and [[Highfolk]] communicated and are allied with human nations, but kept the heart of their own communities separate. The [[Duchy of Ulek]] is a high elf ruled land, but has a higher human population then elven. Aside from the recent developments in the Lendore Isles, many high elf communities are against strict isolationism.  Many elves in the [[Knights of Luna]], a movement in [[Celene]] resisting the [[Grey elf|grey elven]] queen's staunch isolationism, are high elves. Most nations with the highest populations of high elves are not elven ruled lands, but part of human ones.<ref name=":0">Living Greyhawk Gazeteer, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, Gary Holian, Frederick Weining, 2000, 3e</ref>
===References===
== References ==
{{refs}}
=== Notes ===
<references group="note" />
=== Citations ===
<references />
=== Bibliography ===
{{index|title=Elf, high%' OR Description LIKE '%Elf, high}}


===Further Reading===
* {{Cite book/Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves}}
* {{Cite book/Demihuman Deities}}
* {{Cite book/Evermeet: Island of Elves}}
* {{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Player's Guide}}
* {{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms}}
* {{Cite book/Monster Manual 4th edition}}
* {{Cite book/Player's Handbook 4th edition}}
* {{Cite book/Races of Faerûn}}


===Connections===
[[Category: Creatures]]
{{Tel-quessir races}}
[[Category: Races]]
[[Category:High elves]]
[[Category: Elves]]
[[Category:Fey]]
[[Category:Humanoids]]
[[Category:Tel-quessir]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[Category:Creatures of chaotic good alignment]]
[[Category:Creatures]]

Latest revision as of 13:31, 4 January 2024


Greyhawk Creature
High elf
A high elf, art by Jeff Butler. Monstrous Manual (1993).
General information
Alignment:Usually Chaotic good
Type:Humanoid
Subtype:Elf, Fey


Description

High elves are the elves most likely to interact with other peoples of the Flanaess, particularly humanity. High elves dress in pale forest colors when in their villages, typically pastel and of blue or green or violet but often covered by a greenish gray cloak[1], and intense, deep colors when in urban settings. Men wear loose blouses belted over close fitting hose with soft leather shoes or boats. Women often wear frocks with sashes, or blouses over ankle length skirts. When hunting, elves favor neutral brown leathers. They are typically dark haired and have green or hazel eyes. High elves can live up to 1,200 or even 1,600 years. [2]

High elven architecture seems to adapt to their location. In woodland realms they prefer wooden buildings, with elegant arches and steeples, occasionally elevated into the trees. In other regions they have mountain keeps of stone. [3]

High elves seem more used to horses as mounts than some of their kin, and make great light cavalry as archers and lancers, such as in the army of the Duchy of Ulek and the Knights of the Hart of the Ferrond area.[3]

Abilities

High elves are graceful, intelligent beings, with a greater capacity for intelligence than most humanoid races while also possessing an agility comparable with their elven kin. High elves are also unusually strong-willed and have a natural resistance to the effects of enchantment spells.

High elves also have no need for sleep in the same way most humanoids do, instead going into a trance often known as the "Reverie".[4] While in this trance, high elves remain fully aware of their immediate surroundings. Furthermore, high elves only need rest for four hours to get the same effect that most other humanoids got from six to eight hours of sleep.[5][6][7] During this time they meditate on memories and events.

Some high elves also have another unique ability. This ability, known as fey step, allows a high elf to slip out of the Prime and into the Feywild, or vice versa, with relative ease.[6]

Society

While high elves, more than many other elven kin, are tolerant and open with humans, many of the lands still considered to be high elven nations are that way through partial elven reclusiveness. High elf nations like Lendore (before the cult of Sehanine) and Highfolk communicated and are allied with human nations, but kept the heart of their own communities separate. The Duchy of Ulek is a high elf ruled land, but has a higher human population then elven. Aside from the recent developments in the Lendore Isles, many high elf communities are against strict isolationism, and many elves in the Knights of Luna, a movement in Celene resisting the grey elven queen's staunch isolationism, are high elves. Most nations with the highest populations of high elves are not elven ruled lands, but part of human ones.[3]

Homelands

Within the Flanaess the Fairdells and Vesve Forest have been occupied by High Elves, long before humans pressed across the mountains from the west, although the Vesve Forest is shared with the more abundant wood elves. About twenty high elf clans live around Highfolk. The Isles of Lendore were under high elven rule long before they allowed humans to settle there.[3]

High elven architecture seems to adapt to their location. In woodland realms they prefer wooden buildings, with elegant arches and steeples, occasionally elevated into the trees. In other regions they have mountain keeps of stone.[3]

High elves seem more used to horses as mounts than some of their kin, and make great light cavalry as archers and lancers, such as in the army of the Duchy of Ulek and the Knights of the Hart of the Ferrond area.[3]

Places of Notable High Elven Population.
Name 576 CY[8] 591 CY[3]
Highfolk 12,000[note 1] 21,804
Lendore Isles 1,500+[note 1] 27,839
Duchy of Ulek 12,000[note 1] 55,888
Veluna 10,000[note 1] 60,192
Geoff 6,000[note 1] <630
Lordship of the Isles <4,000[note 1] 23,940
Yeomanry 2,000[note 1] 15,295

Culture

High elven society long straddles the boundary between the Material Plane and Faerie. High elven cities are magnificent marvels of elegant architecture made of wondrous towers and structures that blend seamlessly into places of natural beauty. Many high elven cities are found in locations where the border between the Prime and the Feywild is particularly thin—isolated mountain vales, green islands, storm-wracked coasts, and the deepest reaches of ancient forests. Some high elven realms exist entirely in the Feywild, or at least partially so,[9]. Many of these cities cross over occasionally into the Prime before winking out of existence entirely.[10]

High elves live in grace with the touch of magic found throughout their lives, as exemplified by Corellon, the patron god of all fey but particularly his chief creation—the high elves. High elven practices of all sorts are influenced by this from dance and song to swordplay and wizardry. The cities of the high elves are stunning locations of beauty, formed and shaped by the blending of magic with graceful and elegant designs.[9]

High elven clothing is often simple and functional, but do not lack beauty and grace any more than other clothing, with complex and beautiful patterns woven into the cloth. The clothing, while otherwise non-fanciful, is often made of superior materials to those used in other clothes.

Most high elves train themselves in the use of a longsword, a weapon important to their culture, religion, and heritage.[6]

Psychology

Due to their longevity and strong ties to the otherworldly magic of the Feywild, high elves have a detached view of the world outside of their sphere. High elves as a whole have difficulty believing that the events occurring over mere "years" affected them in any major way.[9] High elves instead look at things from a much longer perspective, unconcerned with anything that has consequences which stretch over anything less than decades.[9] However, while some high elves are content to seclude themselves, others stalked the lands as champions battling the evil just outside of a high elven city's magical wards.[citation needed]

This detached view of the world could make high elves seem distant and intimidating, not to mention haughty and arrogant. Furthermore, the powerful fey nature of high elves might frighten less magically talented races. High elves, however, took friendships quickly to heart and could react with rage when their compatriots are threatened. Combined with their general intelligence, bravery, and arcane power, this loyalty to friends made them formidable allies and dangerous enemies.[9]

Relations with other races

Although most high elves reside in isolated communities of their kin, a few have interests or dealings in the outside world, and it is not uncommon to find high elves living among dragonborn, dwarves, elves, gnomes, halflings, humans, and tieflings. Grey elves, in general, show their xenophobia towards both elves and non-elves.

While high elves, more than many other elven kin, are tolerant and open with humans, many of the lands still considered to be high elven nations are that way through partial elven reclusiveness. High elf nations like Lendore (before the cult of Sehanine) and Highfolk communicated and are allied with human nations, but kept the heart of their own communities separate. The Duchy of Ulek is a high elf ruled land, but has a higher human population then elven. Aside from the recent developments in the Lendore Isles, many high elf communities are against strict isolationism. Many elves in the Knights of Luna, a movement in Celene resisting the grey elven queen's staunch isolationism, are high elves. Most nations with the highest populations of high elves are not elven ruled lands, but part of human ones.[3]

References

Notes

  1. ↑ a b c d e f g WoG boxed set only gives numbers for "fighting males" of demihuman populations, "as more complete data is unavailable."

Citations

  1. ↑ Monster Manual 1, Gary Gygax, 1977, 1e
  2. ↑ Dungeon Master's Guide (1e), Gary Gygax, 2012 (Premium Edition) ISBN: 978-0-7869-6241-9
  3. ↑ a b c d e f g h Living Greyhawk Gazeteer, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, Gary Holian, Frederick Weining, 2000, 3e
  4. ↑ PHBR8 The Complete Book of Elves (1992), p.34.
  5. ↑ Player's Handbook (2000), p.16.
  6. ↑ a b c Player's Handbook (2008), p.38.
  7. ↑ Player's Handbook (2014), p.23.
  8. ↑ World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting (1983), p.18.
  9. ↑ a b c d e Player's Handbook (2008), p.39.
  10. ↑ Monster Manual fourth edition, p.103.

Bibliography

Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index

The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.

Topic Type Description Product Page/Card/Image

Chimee of Psychicia Non-player character Female, Elf, high (VR), Pre-gen [Sor2], Expedition to the Barrier Peaks: Original Adventures Reincarnated #03, D&D 5e 280, 335
Elf, High Monster Native of: Material Plane, CGR1 The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook 10
Elf, High Monster Native of: Material Plane, Dragon magazine #315 53, 54
Elf, High Monster Native of: Material Plane, From the Ashes: References Card #08
Elf, High Monster Native of: Material Plane, From the Ashes: References Card #09
Elf, High Monster Native of: Material Plane, From the Ashes: References Card #10
Elf, High Monster Native of: Material Plane, From the Ashes: References Card #11
Elf, High Monster Native of: Material Plane, From the Ashes: References Card #12
Elf, High Monster Native of: Material Plane, GDQ1-7 Queen of the Spiders 16, 17
Elf, High Monster Native of: Material Plane, Monster Manual 1, D&D 3.5e 101-102
Elf, High Monster Native of: Material Plane, Monster Manual 1, D&D 3.5e (Premium Edition) 101-102
Elf, High Monster Native of: Material Plane, Monster Manual 1, D&D 3.0e 85-86
Elf, High Monster Native of: Material Plane, PHBR8 - The Complete Book of Elves 10, 11, 12, 13, 18-19, 27, 33, 37, 66, 81
Elf, High Monster Native of: Material Plane, World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) 8, 9, 10, 12, 15
Fonkin Hoddypeak Non-player character Elf, high, Pre-gen [F5/M8], Against The Giants: The Liberation of Geoff 46, 77
Fonkin Hoddypeak Non-player character Elf, high, Pre-gen [F5/M8], D1-2 Descent into the Depths of the Earth 21, 22
Fonkin Hoddypeak Non-player character Elf, high, Pre-gen [F5/M8], Dead Gods 87
Fonkin Hoddypeak Non-player character Elf, high, Pre-gen [F5/M8], G1 Steading of the Hill Giant Chief 9
Fonkin Hoddypeak Non-player character Elf, high, Pre-gen [F5/M8], G123 Against the Giants 31, 32
Gelleflair Entrell Non-player character Elf, high, [F9/M9], WGR4 The Marklands 78, 91, 92
Kashafen Tamarel Non-player character Elf, high, [F12/M13][3e M14/F4], Living Greyhawk Gazetteer 52, 54
Kashafen Tamarel Non-player character Elf, high, [F12/M13][3e M14/F4], WGR4 The Marklands 48, 51, 54, 56
Kashafen Tamarel Non-player character Elf, high, [F12/M13][3e M14/F4], WGR5 Iuz the Evil 31
Kashafen Tamarel Non-player character Elf, high, [F12/M13][3e M14/F4], WGR6 City of Skulls 47
Niatara Non-player character Elf, high, [M7/T7], Polyhedron magazine #043 27, 30
Ymaris Blue Eyes Non-player character Elf, high, [F12], Dragon magazine #AN3 20, 21, 22, 26
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