The Bhatzaad Elves

Overview

The elegant and enigmatic pale-skinned bhatzaad elves still stand tall in the shadow of the Great War. Where once they enjoyed the decadent living of the Empire, they now look down upon the world from behind the aging stones of their overcrowded coastal cities. They are known for their insatiable pursuit of the knowledge of magic, which they guard jealously - at times even against their own. They are often self-righteous, condescending, and inflammatory in their social interactions with non-elves.  

History

Bhatzaad Elves of the First Age

  The bhatzaad thrived under High Lord Tuloni I throughout the First Age. They were seen as researchers, scholars, and forward thinkers. Untold numbers of tomes on every subject imaginable were written by their hands, many now lost to antiquity. At the same time, they lived hedonistic lives characterized by selfishness, cruelty, and arrogance to those whom they deemed unworthy.  

Bhatzaad Elves of the Second Age

Like others of elvenkind, the bhatzaad are a long-lived peoples, many of whom still cling to the ideals of the Empire. That is, they believe elves are superior to all other peoples, destined to rule, and the animalistic kynekin were born to serve. In general, they harbor a deep-seated disdain for non-elvenkind. But the bhatzaad are a patient people, watching and waiting for the right time to exact their revenge.   Unlike their sharizaad cousins who avoided establishing large communities to shepherd their scarce resources, the bhatzaad have tended to congregate together in the large cities built under the empire. This has led to significant overcrowding and an overall depressed economy. And yet, in speaking to the average bhatzaad one would think they are completely ignorant of these issues.  

Culture

Language

While most bhatzaad begrudgingly speak common, behind closed doors it is more common to speak old Imperial.

Religion

True to the old ways, the bhatzaad acknowledge no power higher than themselves. The so-called celestials are but scary stories parents tell their children to keep them in line.

Cultural Values

Respect for hierarchy and tradition. Power, ambition, secret knowledge, intellect, emotional restraint.

Social Structure

Since the Great War, the dramatically reduced availability of kynekin servants and a non-elf, myndikin middle class, the Empire’s historical caste system is beginning to show signs of significant strain. A rapidly evolving divide within the bhatzaad between those families who were able to maintain much of their land and wealth, and those forced to leave everything behind. Where once all bhatzaad considered themselves nobility, family lines and alliances emerge as the new power base.

The Arts

Many consider the artistry of the bhatzaad to be dull and lacking. To truly appreciate bhatzaad art, music, and literature, one must delve deeply into what lies beneath the obvious, beneath the surface. True students strive to ferret out the hidden meanings and secret messages the artists intended to convey. Paintings tend toward an abstract, minimalist style with muted, neutral colors. Music favors few instruments with cryptic rhythms, complex harmonies, and ancient melodies. Across the realm, bhatzaad elves have been some of the most prolific authors, with writings often exploring themes of betrayal, the search for power, and the tension living between the inner flames of emotion and the outward portrayal of strength, stability, and calm.

Food & Cuisine

The bhatzaad are known for their grandiose, lavish meals - quite contrary to their typically reserved natures. They love their secret family recipes and rare ingredients. Precision in culinary delivery is a source of great pride.