Races of Wild

CHAPTER 1ELVES14Illus. by V. Ramsthat their bordersare secure.In addition, elfwizards and sorcerersare always part ofany major battle, augmentingthe deadly efficiency ofthe elf archers with rangedevocations such as fireball,cone of cold, and otherdamaging spells.Many elves go onto other, less combatorientedprofessionsafter completingtheir initial weaponstraining, butsome take up thepath of the warrior,using theirnatural agility andcunning to defendtheir homelands.Such elves may patrolthe perimeters of theirlands in loose warbands or servewith an informal militia in theirtowns. An elf warrior with someexperience under his belt may choose to become a wildrunner(see page 139), ranging far and wide within theforest, or rise to leadership of the local militia and provideweapons training for younger elves. A few choose totake their talents on the road upon reaching adulthoodby becoming adventurers.AGING AND DEATHElves are blessed with extraordinarily long life spans anda graceful, easy aging process that features none of theravages of disease, infirmity, or atrophy that plague otherfolk. Time does not even begin to touch an elf until shepasses a century and a half in age. For two full humanlifetimes, sometimes three, she remains in the bloom ofyouth, her features virtually indistinguishable from thoseof a 20-year-old elf girl.Elves do eventually age, but their aging takes a form notseen in other races. Their faces remain unlined, their hairremains ungrayed, and their skin remains smooth and strong,but middle-aged elves begin to develop a sort of etherealnessor otherworldly quality, as their spirits burn brighterand stronger than their bodies can endure. In the course oftheir lifetimes, elves undergo a living transformation frombeings of flesh and blood to beings of spirit and light, forlack of a better description. Physical strength, quickness,and hardiness slowly fade (elves lose and gain ability scorepoints on Table 6–5 in the Player’s Handbook, just like otherraces), but elves suffer no pain, difficulty, or sickness in theirMagic and archery are big parts of the elves’ arsenalaging. Even thoughtheir bodiesgrow weaker,they enjoygood healthand physicalbeauty until themoment of death.While others maybe deceived by theapparent youthfulnessof anaged elf, the elfherself is not.An elf swordswomandoes notspend her lastdecades tryingto be the fightershe was inher youth.Instead, as herphysicality erodes,she leaves herwarrior duties foryounger and more vigorouselves and moves on to different rolesand responsibilities—often instructingthose who follow in her footsteps, or perhaps takingup an artistic pursuit.Though elves live extremely long lives compared with mostother humanoids, they are not immortal. They do not courtdeath and indeed try to avoid encountering it prematurely,but they do not especially fear the end. Rather, they acceptdeath as a natural part of the life cycle. Their deep respect fornature ensures that most do not pursue unnatural means ofpreserving life (such as becoming a lich) when their bodiesbegin to fail.A few elves embark on a final journey when they feel thatthe end is near. Such elves often go planewalking in searchof the fabled elf homeland of Arvandor, the home planeof Corellon Larethian, the Creator of the Elves. Most liveout their final years in their own homes in the company offamily and friends. Death in combat is considered honorableif the fight was for a high principle, but such a death is neversought. Elves do not share the dwarves’ goal of dying withtheir boots on; instead, they prefer to depart the world inpeace and comfort.In most elf communities, funerals are simple ceremoniesdesigned to speed the soul on its way and reunite the bodywith the natural world. When an elf dies, his family andfriends anoint his body with precious oils and dress it inthe deceased’s favorite clothing. They often clip locks of thedead elf’s hair to keep as personal mementoes of the lovedone. The body is then placed on a bier atop a tall tree and leftopen to the sky for a single night. Mourners may pay their