Adran

I don't really know where to put this, so I'll just ask here. I keep hearing different things from different people, so I'd like to settle this once and for all. Are snow elves "genetically" different from the other high elves or not? In other words, if you took a snow elf child and a high elf child at birth and raised them in the same way in the same place, and repeated the experiment as many times as you needed, would there be any difference between the average snow elf and the average high elf or would they be, on average, physically identical in every way? For example, on the wiki it says that snow elves are inherently more resistant to cold than high elves, but I've been told now that the wiki is not an official lore source. So...this should be a relatively easy question to answer, right? Anyway, here is a list of characteristics that the snow elves may have "evolved" if they actually did "evolve." 1. Pale skin and hair (possibly to blend in with their environment), mentioned on the wiki. 2. Resistance to cold (for obvious reasons), mentioned on the wiki. 3. Vulnerability to fire (any natural resistance to fire is useless in the cold and such a trait may disappear), mentioned on the wiki. 4. Low body temperature (useful so that their bodies don't have to spend so much energy maintaining body heat), mentioned on the wiki. 5. Slightly smaller eyes (the large quantity of snow and ice would make their natural habitat extremely bright, so eyes that let in less light would allow them to see without going blind), something I just added. 6. A little less pointy ears (the pointed ears of the elf are vulnerable extremities to which it is difficult to get blood (just like your fingers and nose in the cold); shortening these makes them less likely to get frostbitten), the opposite of what is said on the wiki. 7. Slightly shorter (this would minimize the surface area:volume ratio, making them retain heat slightly better), mentioned on the wiki. Anyway, I'd really like to know this so that I can actually make lore about the snow elves. I can't very well write origin stories/legends for a people about whom I don't even know. I'd definitely appreciate if a Lore Master would take just a second to clarify this for me. Thanks!

Adran passes by one of the notices. "Hmm...perhaps it would be prudent to...stay away from Polaris for a while," he muses. "Discretion, as they say, is the better part of valor." He begins to walk quickly back the way he came. "I do wish, though, that people would stop confusing me with the high elves. It's like they've never heard of the Mali'Fenn before."

Good idea. For now. Just give me a chance. Please?

Oh...well, I guess I can try to break that stigma. Seeing as I'm the only snow elf I've met so far, I think I'm now representative of the snow elf population. And those snow elves you refer to sound like exactly the opposite type of people from what I'm trying to be. Anyway, I think one of the reasons snow elves are not seen much any more, in addition to that, is that they need interesting lore. So that's what I'm trying to make here.

Hai Master Lark!

So the wiki is not an official source for lore?

I hadn't...quite realized how much people hate snow elves. Adran had best watch himself. Also, there is ample evidence to support the case of making snow elves a sub-race, not just a culture. For example, on the wiki: "Mali'Fenn (Snow Elf) are the genetically mutated offspring of High Elves." The fact that they are genetically distinct means that there is more difference between them and the high elves than just culture. The wiki goes on to explain how they have different skin color (which in our world is enough to make a distinct race) and that "Fire leaves more serious burns on them than it does any other race." If the snow elves are racially the same as high elves, then the above statement implies that all high elves are very vulnerable to fire. Just a thought, although it has no real bearing on the actual topic of this thread. Do tell me if you think I should actually pursue this and make a separate thread arguing my point. Thanks for the support, guys!

((I thought it might be cool to have some more lore on Snow Elves that would allow for some group roleplay and in-character cultural exchange. And I couldn’t sleep, so I got up and wrote this. This is just a sample of what I'd eventually like to accomplish: an official, comprehensive guide to snow elven culture and lore, because that...doesn't exist. However, I'd like to get just the concept through review before I write the whole thing down, lest it get shot down because "everyone hates snelves." I can probably expand the poem to make it more interesting and the lore to add more details, but I'm actually tired now, so I'm going to bed. G'night. Oh, and apologies for my poetic ineptitude. I'm only sort of awake now. Cut me some slack. And constructive feedback would be very much appreciated.)) Snow falls on all of Malin’s children. Some despise it, some don’t mind it, but the Mali’Fenn revere it. Every year, upon the first snowfall, the entire community gathers and performs the Dance of Winter. The dance begins with a chanted poem (sometimes set to music ((I've written a simple tune that you can find here (I used dropbox because I have no idea how else to post this; PM me if for some reason you can't accesss the file)))) that starts in the same ominous tone in which many (especially those who survived Thales) speak of the season. As the poem progresses, the chanting speeds up and grows joyful to reflect the Snow Elves’ love for winter. At the end of the poem, a lively dance is performed to the music of a flute. The dance resembles a square dance, except the dancers move in such a way that, viewed from above, the dance looks like an ever-changing snowflake. Traditionally, the dance is performed with eight pairs, each consisting of a male and a female; however, it can be modified to accommodate more dancers, and can be shrunk to as many as two dancers (although the snowflake image is lost as the number of participants shrinks, the technique remains more or less the same). The Dance of Winter is by no means an easy one to perform and requires hours of practice, both individually and together, in order to pull it off. Following the dance, the elders traditionally serve a banquet of magnificent size and scrupulous preparation. Following the banquet, there are other festivities as well as more dances. The Dance of Winter is known by other names as well, including the Snow Dance and the Fenn’annyern. (Can be sung/chanted together, or with the first and third lines of each stanza read by only one man) (Slow and dark) Every day the air is colder; All the leaves are gone. Every night the wolves grow bolder; Winter comes anon. (Picking up speed and light) Every day the sun sets quickly; Longer stays the moon. Every night the snow falls thickly; Winter’s coming soon. (Brightly and faster still) Winter rapidly approaches; We mere mortals have no choice. Wind picks up and frost encroaches; Winter’s coming, let’s rejoice! (Dance begins) ((Edit: I think another thing that could be added to the lore is more information on snow elven festivals in general, like how long they last, what events occur, etc. Since winter actually is coming for us (At least in the Northern Hemisphere), a festival like this could actually take place as a mini-event or something, sort of like Halloween but on a much smaller scale. Although I don't actually think there are any other snow elves on the server who haven't given up or been banned, so... Also, I may continue to edit this but I would like to see whatever version is currently here reviewed as soon as the Lore Team has a chance. I am currently working on an idea for iatrocryomancy, which is basically magical cryonics that actually works.)) ((Thanks for reading!))

Adran approaches Lilliana's shop and leaves a neatly written note on the wall. Lilliana- Your work is impressive and it is clear that you are a talented artist. I have a request to make of you. My armor is rather uncomfortable, to say the least. I would be most appreciative if you could fit it to my figure. I have included my measurements below. Yours, Adran Fenn'annyer P.S. Could you please not send a bird? They don't seem to like me for some reason. MC Name(s): creeperslayer779 Skin(s): http://i.imgur.com/MLfl1kb.png http://i.imgur.com/vvgbEDe.png Full Skin/Shading/Editing/Fitting: Fitting: I'd like to have the helmet on the uniform replaced with the head of the skin. Race/Gender: High Elf/Male Are you aware this takes time?: (expect at least a week delay) No problem Are you willing to find me in game after its done to pay me and receive it RPly?: I can certainly try

Adran walks up to the Viridian and leaves a note at the bar. Pikel--I would like to purchase a town pillar from you. I have transferred the requisite funds to your account and request that you send me the item in question at the earliest convenience. Maehr’sae Hiylun’ehya, Adran

Birds shy away from Adran, his hands too cold to handle them. After a few hours of chasing pigeons around the courtyard of Annil'sul, Adran asks around and is given Captain Sharp's description. Walking down the road to Petrus, Adran spots the captain in the Viridian and furtively hands him his application. In-Character: Name: Adran Age: 32 Race: Elf Traits:loyal, scholarly, and hardworking What position would you be wanting to take?: I can both fish and cook on long voyages, and I know some medicinal theory Out-Of-Character: How old are you? ((Feel free to PM this.)): 16 How long have you roleplayed?: hmm...not sure...4 or 5 years, maybe? Do you have skype? If so, what is it? ((Feel free to PM it)): Well, I can always block contact reequests, so: sam.lowenstein Do you think you'll provide enjoyable roleplay?: I would say it's pretty likely

Dangit, I keep double-posting. Sorry

Nation Name: Venezuelan Republic Starting Military Strength (GlobalFirePower - Google it): http://www.globalfirepower.com/country-military-strength-detail.asp?country_id=Venezuela http://www.globalfirepower.com/country-military-strength-detail.asp?country_id=Colombia Leader Name: Rodrigo Díaz Would you like to be considered to be a mod? Y/N: No

Adran munches happily on his cookie while studying the note. "Hmm," he says to himself. "I rather think I shall never want for cookies again."

The following sign is posted in and around Annil'sul: In my travels, I have seen starving people walk right through settlements but emerge empty-handed because they cannot afford to purchase food. In order to mitigate this suffering and connect the elven people, I have taken the liberty of opening up the Annil'sul Soup Kitchen. Located by the message board at the entrance to the city, the Soup Kitchen is open to hungry travelers and elves of ALL races. Help yourself to what food you need to complete the next leg of your journey or subsist until you can find your own way of obtaining sustenance. If, on the other hand, you aspire to be a philanthropist, feel free to donate food or cooking materials to the project. Maehr'sae hlylun'ehya, Adran Frosthand

I really don't want to turn this forum thread into a flame war, so I'll make this post both brief and my last on this topic. Damnit, this doesn't even have to be viewed with respect to LotC. If you have a criticism, say it nicely. Being rude and ungrateful to people who try to do things for you is just disgusting. As an example of what I'm talking about: I'm sorry, but it's a pretty simple concept: Don't be a jerk. Don't do this. Write me as many hateful PM's as you want; this is all I have to say on the subject.

I think that it's awesome that you're developing this magic plugin. I do have some reservations, though. The magic plugin will encourage PvP combat even though RP is what makes the magic seem real, mysterious, and dynamic (at least to me). Moreover, it will probably be extremely painful to balance against melee fighters, ranged fighters, healers, other magic users, etc. I think this would be awesome, but that it would work better coupled with a default RP combat (at least for magic users.) Also, stop hating on the Tech Team and LotC staff in general. Seriously. They spend hours and hours entering code into computers so that you can enjoy this game more and all they get in return is hate. You could never develop the plugins they do, and yet the only things people recognize are the wait time and the bugs. I may not have been on this server long, but I know how not to be a jerk on a forum. It's really not even that hard to be polite. And so, if you only come on the forums to complain, just...shut up. Please. Thanks, Tech Team. Lotc is awesome.

The following message is left in the Mages' Guild Embassy in Annil'sul, penned in a flowing script with what appears to be dark resin. To the esteemed Master of the Guild of Mages-- I have heard tell of your establishment and am awed by your dedication to the magical arts. If it is convenient and agreeable to the aforementioned Guild, I would like to become an apprentice in Hydromancy and learn magic from a master of the art. My reasons for applying are ranked, in order of relative importance to myself, thusly: 1. To Learn: I have received an education on matters of the mundane, yet I still seek more knowledge. In my travels through Athera in the last seed alone, I have seen countless wonders and magical phenomena. For example, just yesterday I laid eyes upon a man who was swimming up a waterfall (though I know not whether the man or the waterfall was enchanted). To investigate such magical loci would be an honor and a fine end unto itself. 2. To Protect: As one of the Mali'Fenn, I am accustomed to much colder climes than most, and this world presents to me many dangers of fire and heat. The ability to evoke water and ice would hopefully obstruct such dangers. Moreover, I have witnessed several fights break out on the streets. The evocation of ice walls would be a safeguard against bandits, brigands, and the marauding undead. 3. To Join: Magical practitioners are, for the most part, few and far between. Joining a community of mages (as opposed to seeking out an individual practitioner) would allow me to interact and communicate with a large group of skilled and wise individuals. My qualifications follow in the same manner: 1. Though I have lived most of my life in relative isolation far to the north, I was well-educated and believe that I can learn quickly. 2. I have already taken the liberty of purchasing a primer on Hydromancy, which I have studied in my spare time. Although the actual ability to evoke water evades me, I believe that I understand the underlying theory. 3. Having lived in the North, I have had a close relationship with ice and snow all my life. I believe that I understand more or less completely mundane water in the solid form. ((4. My skin has an awesome snowflake design on it.)) I have nothing to offer you but my absolute service and devotion to the Guild and its principles. I leave this application in your capable hands with the knowledge that you will make the right decision, whatever that may be. If you should see fit to contact me, my current residence is at the Uuthlini Inn in Annil'sul. --Sincerely and Respectfully, Adran Frosthand ((Sorry for making you read such a long application, but it's supposed to be in character. Also, my Minecraft username is creeperslayer779.))

Adran Frosthand Age: 32 Gender: Male Race: Snow Elf Status: Alive, well, and totally lost Description Height: 6'1" Weight: 150 lbs. Eyes: Blue Hair: Silver Skin: Pale Personality: Ambitious but realistic, inquisitive (almost obnoxiously so), respectful but assertive, loyal to his friends but willing to move on if he has to, dignified but not condescending, somewhat short-tempered but not antagonistic, confident (and a little arrogant), inexperienced but not naive. Inventory: Empty Further Details: Life Style Alignment*: Unaligned (slight leaning towards good) Deity*: None Religion: None Alliance/Nation/Home: None Job/Class: None Title(s): None Profession(s): None Special Skill(s): Duelling Flaw(s): Physically weak, unable to bear personal insult, inexperienced, afraid of fire Magic Current Status: Wannabe Cryomancer Arch-type: Evocation Sub-Type: Water Rank: None Weakness(es): All Strength(s): None Current Spell(s): None Weaponry Fighting Style: Duelist ((fencing)) Trained Weapon[s]: Rapier Favored Weapon: Rapier Archery: None Biography Born in a small, remote community composed mainly of Northerners to a Snow Elf magician and his wife, a healer, Adran grew up surrounded mainly by humans and more or less isolated from the outside world. Laureh'lin and the other great kingdoms of the world were just names to him. From a very young age, however, Adran was curious and eager to learn. He would often bother his mentors for more information and stories. One Gregory Talonblade, a grizzled adventurer, was very willing to share. Gregory delighted Adran with tales of his adventures in far-away lands in the South, and Adran was determined to emulate him. Having learned his lessons quickly, he would spend his afternoons training with his father’s rapier. Though Adran was rather physically frail, the art of dueling made use of dexterity and quick thinking rather than brute strength and Adran worked to become a skilled duelist. Adran longed to leave his home and become an adventurer like Talonblade, yet he was frightened of the prospect of leaving behind everything and everyone he had ever known and loved. Adran's parents encouraged him to remain at home and follow in his father’s footsteps. Adran’s father had promised that he would teach Adran magic one day, but Adran grew impatient, having sped through his lessons on the mundane. Brought up to be respectful, Adran did not press his father to hasten his training. Nonetheless, his desire to learn of and explore the outside world soon clashed with his love for his family and the snowy climate he called home. Finally, Adran was driven to ask the local council of elders for permission to leave and seek out a new life in the South, where he might learn of new lands and the secrets of the arcane. The Council agreed to allow him to leave on the condition that he retain the culture and law of the Mali’Fenn and return one day to serve the community that raised him. Eager to leave, Adran agreed and departed to seek knowledge and adventure.

Hi, Tri! I'm a new player here as well. I hope that I'll get a chance to meet you in Athera.

Hi! This is my application to join the server, but I have a question: what year is it? I've searched all over and I can't find an answer. If the lore doesn't support my character's age for some reason, the backstory allows his age to be reasonably flexible (I would say he could be anywhere from 20 to 40). Another question: would it be acceptable for my character (when he begins to learn hydromancy) be unable to evoke liquid water but instead always end up with snow/ice? I feel like this makes sense because it's not a major deviation from accepted lore, it doesn't really give my character an advantage because when you start learning battle magic you've already learned cryomancy (if anything, it's a disadvantage not to be able to evoke water), and my character knows basically everything there is to know about ice (and not much about liquid water) in the mundane sense, having grown up in a frozen environment and having inherently cold-adapted characteristics. Thanks! Out-Of-Character Information Please do your best to correct spelling and grammatical errors, this is an RP server and writing is the main form of communication! What’s your Minecraft Account Name?: creeperslayer779 How old are you?: 16 Are you aware the server is PG-13 (You won’t be denied for being under 13): Indeed I am. Have you applied to this server before? (Please link all past applications): Nope. Have you read and agreed to the rules?: Yes, I have. What’s the rule you agree with the most?: That would have to be the rule about harassment, or possibly the one about discrimination and prejudice. The whole point of a roleplaying server is to create a community in which everyone can immerse him- or herself in a world together and, even if their characters disagree, still have fun together. Harassment defeats the whole purpose of that and those who break that rule should have no place here. There are plenty of other places on the internet where those behaviors are the norm. Are there any rule(s) that confuse you or don’t make sense?(If so we can help clear it up! You will not be denied for having a question on the rules): No; this seems to be an excellent rules set. How did you find out about Lord of the Craft? I Googled “Minecraft Roleplaying Server.” Definitions Feel free to Google the answers or browse our forums, but make sure that you write the reply in your own words, not those of another website or person! What is roleplaying?: Roleplaying is the art of immersing oneself in another world and acting as though one was part of that world in every way. It is similar to acting, except that roleplayers have to make up the story as they go along. What is metagaming?: Metagaming basically means thinking about the game as a game in-character and having your character act based upon knowledge that you possess but your character does not. What is powergaming?: Powergaming is when you exploit the mechanics of the game to make your character as powerful as possible without regards to the bounds of realism or roleplaying. In-Character Information Character’s name: Adran Frosthand Character’s gender: Male Character’s race: High Elf (specifically of the Mali’Fenn culture) Character’s age: 32 Biography (Please make it a decent two paragraphs long. Remember to add server lore, and events that happened to your character so that they don’t contradict history.): Born in a small, remote community composed mainly of Northerners to a Snow Elf magician and his wife, a healer, Adran grew up surrounded mainly by humans and more or less isolated from the outside world. Laureh'lin and the other great kingdoms of the world were just names to him. From a very young age, however, Adran was curious and eager to learn. He would often bother his mentors for more information and stories. One Gregory Talonblade, a grizzled adventurer, was very willing to share. Gregory delighted Adran with tales of his adventures in far-away lands in the South, and Adran was determined to emulate him. Having learned his lessons quickly, he would spend his afternoons training with his father’s rapier. Though Adran was rather physically frail, the art of dueling made use of dexterity and quick thinking rather than brute strength and Adran worked to become a skilled duelist. Adran longed to leave his home and become an adventurer like Talonblade, yet he was frightened of the prospect of leaving behind everything and everyone he had ever known and loved. Adran's parents encouraged him to remain at home and follow in his father’s footsteps. Adran’s father had promised that he would teach Adran magic one day, but Adran grew impatient, having sped through his lessons on the mundane. Brought up to be respectful, Adran did not press his father to hasten his training. Nonetheless, his desire to learn of and explore the outside world soon clashed with his love for his family and the snowy climate he called home. Finally, Adran was driven to ask the local council of elders for permission to leave and seek out a new life in the South, where he might learn of new lands and the secrets of the arcane. The Council agreed to allow him to leave on the condition that he retain the culture and law of the Mali’Fenn and return one day to serve the community that raised him. Eager to leave, Adran agreed and departed to seek knowledge and adventure. Personality Traits: Ambitious but realistic, curious (almost obnoxiously so), respectful but assertive, loyal to his friends but willing to move on if he has to, dignified but not condescending, somewhat short-tempered but not antagonistic, confident (and somewhat arrogant), inexperienced but not naive. Adran will not go out of his way to help others, but will try to accomplish his goals without hurting other people Ambitions: To learn the secrets of magic (possibly cryomancy), explore the world, and make a name for himself. Strengths/Talents: His intellect is keen and he has some skill as a duelist. Weaknesses/Inabilities: He is physically weak and knows almost nothing of the world, having lived most of his life in relative isolation. He is terrified of fire. Appearance (List the extra details of your characters appearance, IE; height & weight): Adran is tall and thin, with long silvery hair and deep blue eyes. Appearance, please provide us a screenshot of your character’s skin (If you need help, see our screenshot guide here): I don't know what the skin standards of this server are, but I used my extremely limited artistic ability to create a somewhat basic skin here: I understand if this is not of sufficient quality to use on the server, but I thought I'd give it a shot to see if I could spare PWS some trouble. If this doesn't work, then I can wait for PWS. Note: before you post the helpful message about reading the magic guides--yes, I did read them extensively and intend to find an instructor at the earliest possible opportunity.