Race: Elben

What is an Elben?

The elben are a noble looking race. They stand quite tall, usually more than six feet, and though not burly can hold their own against a human. They stand out from the other peoples of the Bay primarily because of their skin, which is far darker than the others (we would call it black), save for a few dark-skinned humans (who are believed by some to have forgotten elben ancestry). Their hair matches their skin, being black or very dark brown, and it is usually worn quite long by both males and females.

Some elben’s green eyes are somewhat almond shaped, but there are just as many who do not have this trait. Another point of focus might be their ears; while the elben are what one would normally call elves, the elben do not have pointed ears like the elves of other settings. Finally, an elben’s facial features tend to be very angular and severe, with high cheekbones and sharp chins. Their noses are also generally longer than any other race’s, sometimes bordering on witchlike.

What are Elben like?

Compared to the average citizen of the Bay, the elben are highly intelligent beings. With that intelligence, however, comes a healthy (some would say unhealthy) dose of pride. Though they acknowledge the place of less gifted races in the world, they often make the mistake of acting dismissive and superior, which has earned them the ire of many alfar and hodekin.

Despite their frequent arrogance, the elben are usually quite willing to listen to reason and logic. If you give an elben a good enough reason to respect you, they will happily change their view. Their respect for reason permeates their culture, and it contributes to their tendency toward arcane magic, as learning it involves learning about the logic and mechanics of how the world works.

Though logic is an important part of elben culture, that doesn’t mean they shun emotions. Emotions, both positive and negative, have immense value as they give you information. The danger of emotions is that they can mislead you; not every fear should be heeded completely, and not every desire should necessarily be followed through with. Reason and logic allow an elben to evaluate their emotions and choose the appropriate response for the specific situation, rather than simply responding instinctively and perhaps acting rashly. In short, logic is a guide to better understand your emotions, not a replacement for them.

Elben Society

Magic is everywhere in elben culture. Most people know a little bit of magic, and the race’s constant exposure over the ages has resulted in an inborn ability to teleport short distances. Though the Academy is the source of complete arcane training, it is fairly common for children to be taught some simple magic in preparation for the future; whether that future includes attendance at the Academy, joining the militia, or simply becoming a farmer, herder, or woodcutter.

Equality, be it of gender, age, class, or profession, is not defended like it is among the uruks; it is simply taken as a matter of course and paid no special attention. Each person is measured purely by their own merits and accomplishments. Most elben do not seek money or fame, but instead seek to better themselves and the society of the Bay as a whole. A bladesmith would strive to make finer and finer klaethes, inching ever closer to perfection; while an arcanist might seek to increase food production through magical means.

Elben Faith

The elben differ somewhat from the other races in their view of Voland and the Order. The stories in the Libram are viewed more as parables than history; they are meant to teach lessons and instil values rather than to recount actual events. The story of the birth of the world and the encounter between Voland and Bishal is still significant, but it is a lesson about earning and using knowledge for the betterment of the world, and being ever watchful for those who strive to take without earning. Voland spent time experimenting, shaping first the crude features of the world, slowly working his way to creating life. And when he created life, he did not leap directly to the final stage, instead he worked slowly again from simple to complex, until finally, after many long ages, creating the thinking beings. They have taken that lesson to heart and value hard work towards a goal, and by extension the understanding and reason involved in that effort. If they tried to simply reach the goal without going through the journey, they would be little better than Bishal, trying to steal the world and credit for its creation from Voland.

Wednesday: The Academy