They Came From The Snow

[Narthok 10416]

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTJT3kcrZV8

 

The group of Elves trekked arduously through the snowy lands happily, gazing around at the expansive mountains in front of them and treacherous snowy fields to their sides. The untouched snow crunched under their feet as they continued on, the wind biting them through their thick fur cloaks and turning their faces red with irritation. Sparticus Tundrak, leader of the expedition, knew his mission. He was prepared to do all he could to succeed. It was his assignment to explore the far northern lands of Anthos in search of life, or habitable conditions for his brethren. Tundrak smiled inwardly as he remembered the sickly joy he felt when they made landfall several days ago. The never-ending sea had made him feel sick to his core.

The expedition numbered around twenty in total, from the brilliant scientist to the common soldier. Aduce continued onward with enthusiasm, the monotonous crunch of snow behind him made him turn to find Sirea Atmorice and Norad Drakon trailing behind. He slowed his pace to let them catch up, before continuing as a team. The expedition walked in silence, eventually passing under a magnificent archway. The lands beyond, were mountainous, the land covered in a blanket of snow. Tundrak shivered, thinking it was truly the coldest he had ever felt in his life.

Several days later, the expedition found itself among what appeared to be the ruins of an ancient city. The scientists and archaeologists amongst the group, stood in awe of the beauty of this city. They imagined it in its splendour, and on that thought, immediately began to explore, examining broken artefacts and sifting through the snow cover in hopes of unearthing more. The handful of soldiers stood solemn guard over the group, huddled in their fur cloaks in an attempt to stave off the bitter cold.

Suddenly, an arrow sailed through the sky, striking one of the soldiers clean through his furs. The High Elf cried out in agonizing pain, slumping to the ground in a heap. A few more soldiers rushed to his side, finding him dead. Their gazes scanned upward until on the cliffs, alert. That’s when they saw the movement of fur-clad shapes with bows.

Panic took over, and the members of the expedition ran through the unknown snow to what they thought was safety in a nearby cave. Upon entering, the entrance began to collapse and stone and ice rained down from the cave ceiling, sealing them inside. Their only choice was to venture further inside as the debris from the entrance rained upon them. They soon found themselves within a vast cave system, and being inquisitive, they continued. An extensive cavern opened up in front of them with a sizable pool of still water in the middle, with a intricate bridge of formed ice across its surface. The very appearance of still water in the freezing temperatures, was calming to the group. Looking up, they saw stalagmite-like structures jutting out from the ceiling, some with veins of an unknown ore, gracefully running through some of the stalagmites. This ore was Thaumium, yet they were none the wiser of the danger they were in.

 

Knowing that they knew they must carry on, Sparticus Tundrak led the others across the bridge of ice and the pool of water to the other side, venturing on courageously to investigate the cave systems on the other side. However, while traveling across the ancient bridge, the cavern began to rumble menacingly. Chunks of Thaumium ore encrusted stalagmites fell from the ceiling, destroying the portions of the bridge on their journey into the calm waters below. The elves sensed danger, but it was too late to escape or even try.

 

The ice bridge collapsed into the water. As they struggled and gasped for air in the cold lake, their heavy furs dragging them below, a large chunk of Thahnic Ore, hidden by the now descended stalagmites, fell from the ceiling like a giant diamond, splashing into the water. The pure Thahnic ore reacted with the water almost instantly, flash freezing all the helpless elves. They immediately fell into a dormant state, now exposed to the Thahnic ore infused water. All was still and calm in the ancient cavern once more.

Years passed, and slowly the elves changed. For the freezing water reacting with the thaumium had innately changed the very basis of their DNA causing them to become different. They remained encased in the Thaumium infused pool for decades, until the Thahnic ore had all but dissipated. As the ice began to melt back into it’s calm and still state, it did so slowly. First, Tundrak could feel his hair becoming almost warm, and before he knew it, his eyes were open. Looking around Tundrak noted that many of his comrades had not survived the horrific ordeal, yet those that had were changed. They were different. Their skin had become a soft shade of blue. Their ears, though still pointy, were not quite as long as they had once been, almost as if frostbite had taken his toll on those inside the ice. Physically, they found themselves much shorter than they had been, the weight of the frozen water compressing them, squeezing their bodies into smaller, shadows of their former heights. The average height among them was now 5’11. Tundrak found himself able to move, if but only a little, in the ice. He felt strong, stronger than he had ever been before. This, was to do with the Thahnic ore, and his exposure to it. Indeed, the eyes of the group now ranged from cyan to blue and even purple, with every possible combination between the

 

three. The most extreme difference, they noticed, was that they were no longer cold in the slightest, and their skin felt cool rather than warm. They felt at home in the snow and ice. The Thahnic Ore had changed them. They had become more capable of surviving in wintery conditions than any other sentient group known before them. They didn’t know it, but they would soon be known as Snow Elves, or more formally, the Mali’fenn.

 

As the last surviving Elf thawed, the now smaller group shed their furs. They felt that the furs made them uncomfortable, the heat irritating them now, not the extreme Winter conditions. Sparticus rallied the shaken Mali’fenn, and continued to lead them through the caverns. They wandered for days, finding no exit. Until, the hunger now becoming a problem, they found light. Digging a little, they opened the gap enough for them to all but leave the caves that had changed them so drastically. The caves had felt damp and hot, in the fresh air and snow, they felt at home. No words were spoken in the caves, but as they found the snow comforting, they hesitantly started to discuss what had happened, and what changes they had each undergone. They found they could never return to the Mali’aheral, as they would be deemed impure and killed by their once illr.  Therefore, they decided between themselves to make their once expedition leader, Sparticus Tundrak their leader in race, with Sirea Atmorice and Norad Drakon serving as his aids.

Sparticus Tundrak decreed they would remain in the North, though when the Scourge started to descend upon them, they fled from the North. From snow covered mountains they travelled through central Anthos by night until they came to the again, snowy mountains of the South. There, they found sanctuary in their own self-imposed exile. They lived in constant fear that one day, the Scourge, or maybe the Mali’aheral, would find them, and deliver what they would call justice upon them. While staying in their new lands, their population gradually increased, Sparticus became known as Grand Prince Tundrak I and they developed their own unique culture from the newfound information they discovered from the runes in the South, and their overall experiences in the North.

 

The Mali’fenn had found their home in exile, away from enemy, but all was to change in the years ahead. They would find their solace however, not only within their friends, but also their perceived enemies. Born of Ice and Snow, they carried onwards.

 

 

Physical Features

Snow elves tend to be hairier than typical elves due to the need for extra warmth in their cold climates. Snow elves tend to be shorter than most elves due to the extended periods of time spent underground in shelters within their mountain homes. Another odd adapation to the cold is their shorter ears which tend to lose less heat and suffer from less frossbite than the longer ears of their more delicate kin. Due to the constant need for physical exertion in order to survive they have developed a good deal more muscle than their other kin. Snow elves tend to exhibit blueish or white pigment when concerning their hair and skin. It is not uncommon to see an extremely pale or lightly blue snow elf. White or Blue hair is typically the color of their hair.

Snow Elf Culture

 

The Snow elves culture revolves around family structures, food, and social prestige. The great families of the Mali’fenn are constantly competing in order to gain seats on the council and leadership positions in the governing of the Mali’fenn. Families in the culture are very unique; Only those chosen by the leader of the family may keep the last name, and all others are forced to take a new name. In this way, lowborn may join the higher tiers of society and those born rich may fall to the lowest. The major families can trace their lineage to the original Talonii of Fenn; Tundrak, Atmorice, and Drakon. The heads of the major families each possess one of two jewels correlating to their family this asserts their position as descendants of the original families as well as the heads of their respective house. On the few occasions that two of the three have had marriages, the child is considered to be part of both unless removed from one. Minor houses, however, have children that hold only one family name. Family politics works in such a way that major families marry minor families for their numbers, while minor families need to marry major families to gain titles and prestige. The major families draw their power from the family’s achievements, while the minors draw power from numbers.

 

Snow Elves are very artistic when it comes to food. Due to the difficulty of using heat in the preparation of food, recipes concerning heated foods such as breads are often closely held family secrets as the food must be cooled after preparation yet not lose its taste. Snow elves are fans of iced tea and sugar flavored ice. The staples of their diet are hardy vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and cabbages. They are typically eaten raw after being washed and diced then prepared with elaborate arrays of sauces and spices. Meat is consumed only on very special occasions due to the rarity of meat in the tundra and the difficulty of cooking a hot meal.

Snow elves value family over everything. Loyalty to ones family is highly emphasized as the deep cold of the snowy mountains require that a large amount of time be spent indoors, so cooperation between family members is a must. The Snow elves possess a deep love of four legged animals, they are particularly fond of Caribou as these animals are employed as the primary mounts of the Faersu’fenn. Caribou breeding among the Mali’fenn is considered to be an art as mounts of a high degree of quality are seen as a status symbol. Mali’fenn have a difficult time using magic due to their origins being rooted in thahnic ore. It is viewed as an oddity and generally those who use magic openly in public are ostracized for their strangeness. Mali’fenn that are capable of using magic with some degree of competence typically keep to themselves and avoid popular Mali’fenn social spots due to the large amount of thahnic ore used in the construction of their structures.

 

Mali’fenn are very proud and place a high amount of value on social status. Mali’fenn constantly compete to increase their social status and influence. This is typically done through displays of talent, skill, wealth or influence Mali’fenn typically congregate in their town square in order to engage in Caribou races, food preparation competitions and Ice sculpting challenges.

 

When dealing with none Mali’fenn snow elves try to conceal their coldness. They avoid hugs and wear gloves when giving hand shakes. Due to their history filled with persecution Mali’fenn are extremely cautious when meeting new people often keeping their distance and questioning the person until they are comfortable.

Government

 

Within the Mali’fenn nation there are several positions of power; the Laurir’fenn, the Laurir’faersu, the Laurir’medi and the Laurir’ahern. The Laurir’fenn is the leader of the Mali’fenn nation making decisions on behalf of the Mali’fenn. Advising him is the Laurir’faersu commanding the Faersu’fenn of the Mali’fenn nation. The Laurir’faersu advises the Laurir’fenn on all matters involving military and warfare as well as leading the Faersu’fenn. The Laurir’medi serves as the steward of the Mali’fenn nation managing the day to day issues of the people. The Laurir’medi is personally responsible for the g economy of Fenn as well as the day to day operation of Celia’fenn. The Laurir’medi is also responsible for construction and social events. The Laurir’ahern is responsible for religious guidance as well as ensuring that the moral standards of the Mali’fenn are not corrupted, all major social gatherings must be approved by the Laurir’ahern. The Laurir’ahern also has the authority to take any person except the Uthir’fenn if they are deemed to have a questionable moral standard. However, any percieved abuse of this power will result in the execution of not only the Laurir’ahern but the entire Laurir’ahern’s immediate Talonii.

The Families of Fenn account for the power in Fenn not directly held by the Laurir. They hold dances, feasts, and vie for the attention of the Great Families in order to gain power and attention.The Laurir’fenn, Laurir’faersu and Laurir’ahern postitions must all be held by a member of a major house. However the Laurir’medi position may be held by any Mali’fenn that demonstrates sufficient competence for the role. Positions will be chosen via a vote every elven month. While voting each Mali’fenn has one vote, each Mali’fenn family with a population of three or greater or a Great family shall recieve two extra. The extra votes for the noble houses can only be cast by the two heads of house. The only position exempt from the montly voting is the Laurir’fenn, A vote will only be held for the Laurir’fenn if the entire grand council excluding the Laurir’fenn votes to impeach the Laurir’fenn should they vote for impeachment a communal vote will be had where each Mali’fenn will vote as well as the respective houses.

 

Combat

The Mali’fenn prefer combat from a mounted position engaging in cavalry charges and harassment. They serve as a heavy cavalry force breaking enemy lines with the sheer weight of their mounts. They work in tight formations engaging infantry in a defensive position with an arrow head formation while engaging enemy cavalry in a rectangle formation.

 

Mounts

Caribou, Large antlered mounts ridden by the Faersu’fenn they are typically covered in plate armor when engaging in battle. It is popular to sharpen their horns before combat. Many of the Mali’fenn families own several Caribou, and they are used for farming and transport.

 

War Gear

The Mali’fenn use medium ranged melee weapons combined with long bows in order to maximize the effectiveness of their cavalry units.

 

~Long Sword~

Long blades used to attack from horse back

 

~Lance~

Lengths of wood tipped by a pointed blade used during cavalry charges and engaging enemy cavalry.

 

 

Plate armor

The Faersu’fenn bear heavy plate armor that allow them to withstand a  large amount of damage during battle.

[Lathros 377]

 

If you truly created Snelves why would you put Spartacus in the RP?

 

And, btw, removing the posts isn't going to remove the situation at hand. . .

 

[Narthok 10416]

 

 

If you truly created Snelves why would you put Spartacus in the RP?

 

And, btw, removing the posts isn't going to remove the situation at hand. . .

 

 

((Because Sparticus Tundrak I was the first Snow elf lord. I didn't create the lore this is a combination of old lore with input from different people))

[Heff 2460]

 

GREAT JOB!!!!

[Birdwhisperer 1174]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.