The Founding of Elvine

In the twilight of the Age of New Growth, the elves of Lumispire stood at a crossroads. Though the city remained a beacon of arcane mastery and tradition, whispers of discontent stirred beneath the boughs of the great spires. Not all among the High Elves shared the belief that magic was the highest pursuit, nor that the rigid hierarchy of Lumispire’s courts reflected the will of Leyara, the Root of Magic.

Among the dissenting voices was Calen Theriel, a respected general and philosopher whose vision for elvenkind diverged from that of King Elenion Starleaf. Calen believed the elves had grown too detached from the land, too consumed by the pursuit of power. The Binding of Lumispire’s core had sealed away much of the ley line’s strength, leaving the city diminished. To Calen and his followers, this was a sign—a call to return to the wilds and reshape their future in harmony with the earth.

The Exodus of the Glenfolk

In the year 5000 BGW, Calen Theriel and his followers—later known as the Glenfolk—left the gates of Lumispire behind, seeking refuge in the untamed lands to the west. Their path led them to the barren expanse of Mountainrun, a region known for its craggy valleys and sparse vegetation. Though the land was hostile, Calen saw potential in its untouched soil.

"Here, the land does not hum with power; it waits. And in its silence, we shall find new life."
—Calen Theriel, upon crossing into Mountainrun.

The Glenfolk established their first settlement along the foothills of the Crested Spire, naming it Elvine, meaning “New Bloom” in the old elven tongue.

The Call of Growth

Elvine’s founding marked a departure from the philosophies of Lumispire. Where the High Elves built towers that pierced the heavens, the Glenfolk wove their homes into the land itself, shaping wood and stone through patient craftsmanship rather than arcane manipulation. Nature was their guide, and their magic—when used—was drawn from the delicate threads that bound the physical world to the Weave.

Though Elvine lacked the opulence of Lumispire, it grew rapidly as more elves seeking reprieve from the rigid traditions of High Elven society joined Calen’s cause. By 4900 BGW, Elvine’s influence had spread, and the Glenfolk began the long process of restoring Mountainrun’s barren landscape, an effort known as The Seeding of Mountainrun​.

A Rift Between Kin

Despite the peaceful nature of Elvine’s founding, its growth deepened the rift between the High Elves and the Glenfolk. To the High Elves of Lumispire, the departure of Calen and his followers was seen as abandonment—a rejection of their arcane heritage. The Glenfolk, in turn, viewed Lumispire as a fading relic, a city clinging to decaying traditions.

While no open conflict erupted between the two factions, relations grew cold. Elvine’s leaders maintained diplomatic ties with Lumispire, but the two societies walked separate paths.

Legacy of Elvine

Elvine flourished over the centuries, becoming a center of art, philosophy, and natural magic. The town’s artisans were renowned for their craftsmanship, producing jewelry, enchanted artifacts, and fine goods that would one day fuel Mountainrun’s economy​.

In time, Elvine’s descendants would evolve into the Wood Elves of Mountainrun, known for their deep connection to nature and stewardship over the land. The Founding of Elvine stands as the first step in this transformation—a quiet yet powerful rebellion against the rigidity of the High Elven courts, and a reminder that growth often begins where the light of tradition does not reach.