Elves

The proud elves have fallen far, both metaphorically and quite literally, from their once great position of influence in the world. Their decline began on the Surface with the Great Incursions, a series of prolonged and terrible wars the elves waged against invading abberrations from the Aether known as "Aetherkin". Before these wars the elven kingdoms spanned the entirety of the known world, Eiolis being the greatest of their number. Though they eventually prevailed the elves were greatly diminished in number and strength. When the First Men invaded shortly thereafter, they could do naught but watch in horror as mankind spread like an infection across their lands.   Then, like a swift arrow to the heart of their people, the Aur -o Fuin: the Day of Darkness. Ceille, Eiolis' capital and final remaining bastion of the elves, was pulled into the Neath. Those who survived found themselves plunged into a strange and alien world by what was assumed to be some great sorcerous atrocity committed by mankind. Yet the elves endured, eventually reaching the Elder Continent and founding a city known today as Varchas. Though it is now understood that humans were not directly responsible for the fall of the First City and the death of Ceille, the elves are unwilling or unable to forgive and move on. For those that reside in Varchas, all non-elves are anathema, a reminder of a events passed that cannot be forgotten. It is rare to see elves outside of the Elder Continent, and those who are tend to be exiles or outcasts of various pedigree.   Yet despite centuries of deep seated hatred, there is a hint of change on the wind about the south-eastern environs of the Elder Continent. It seems that many younger elves are less content than their elders to isolate themselves behind high walls and watch the world pass by, with some even refusing the administration of the Nwalme va Sidhiel.  

Relations

Most nations have concluded that attempting to crack the political nut of Varchas is not worth the effort, so the elves of Varchas are generally left alone in the south. Those that make their way into the greater Undersea, however, are always persons of interest to governments as they offer the possibility of learning about what happens beyond the tall gates and mirror-towers of Varchas. Regarding half-elves it is unsurprising that, given their stance towards humans in general, elves view these half-breeds as a stain upon existence. To them, half-elves are a reminder that somewhere, an elf betrayed their friends, family and the race's collective ancestors to consort with the enemy. Most feel morally obligated to blot out these stains whenever they can.