Elves of the Coral Kingdom
Water Magicians, Keepers of the World
Origins
The Elves, the oldest civilisation in the world, arrived from across the sea, having migrated from a faraway continent in a desperate move to survive. Their arrival was a significant event, marking the beginning of a new era of civilization, bringing with it a wealth of knowledge and culture that would shape the world for centuries to come. They are known to possess an impressive lifespan of multiple centuries, and are said to only die once they have experienced the world fully, after getting bored for decades — a process they call the “Great Weariness”.
Coral Havens
Most Elves stayed close to the coast, founding the Coral Kingdom. Its capital is Coral Havens, a city-island, known for its stunning coral barrier which protects it from the harsh ocean waves. The city was initially built on a tiny island close to the shore, but has since expanded over the sea, creating a unique cityscape with numerous channels running through its heart. The buildings of Coral Havens are made of gleaming white stone, which gives the city a radiant appearance when the bright sunlight hits. The city is a jewel in the heart of all elves, who are drawn to its beauty and charm, and visit it often to experience its enchanting atmosphere.
Between Sea and Moon
Elves worship the Spirit of the Sea, as they still feel gratitude towards it for aiding their people centuries ago when they fled from their destruction. This event — known as the "Great Escape" — is commemorated through festivals involving hundreds of boats and offerings made to the Spirit of the Sea.
The Moon Goddess is also a source of guidance and solace. Every ritual dedicated to her is a harmonious union between their souls and the celestial realm. The moon's phases represent cycles of life, reminding them of the constant ebb and flow of existence. Through their devotion, they seek her blessings for clarity of mind, enhanced intuition, and serenity of heart. As they gather under her luminous gaze, they believe that the Moon Goddess grants the ability to connect with the essence of the world around them, unveiling hidden truths and insights. She whispers the secrets of the tides and stars, offering them wisdom to navigate their challenges.
Fairness above all
Their desire for exploration led them to become experts in sea travel, with enterprising merchants who trade their goods all over the world, whether in seas or rivers.
This refined society places great importance on justice and honor. The elven tribunals are well-run and guarantee equal treatment to all. This had the unintended consequence for Coral Havens to become the largest commercial port, also making it desirable for many to start a merchant business.
Guided by Knowledge
Their thirst for knowledge have the Elves accumulate vast amounts of books and manuscripts through their massive libraries, most written by their own kin. They have also mastered the art of Water Elemental magic, but their curiosity does not stop there as they are genuinely interested in exploring and learning about all the elements. Elves of Coral havens believe that there is always something new to discover, and their thirst for knowledge is never-ending.
Talented craftsmen
The Elves are slow workers but the result is exceptional both in finesse and quality. Their military equipment is light but solid, finely forged but deadly. They weave poetry into their work, believing that the spirit must complement the physical creation.
Foreign Affairs
While Elves are often viewed as just and fair, they can also come across as unyielding and judgmental. Guided by their elevated principles, they strive to choose the best path for the world, rather than the easiest. However, this lack of flexibility can make it difficult for them to be well-liked by other realms.
While seeing the swift rise of the humans from the Skinburn Clan as a threat to the balance of the Elements, they are close allies of the slower-moving Avians.
Crystals’ Corruption
The elves possess the most complete understanding of the world and all its elements and races. This knowledge enables them to comprehend the risks posed by crystals of power, as they have witnessed firsthand the damage that these crystals can inflict all around. In their coastal area, the usage of crystals created an imbalance in the water element, which threatened the coral reef protecting their city.
Despite the consensus among the elves to refrain from using crystals of power, a few renegades dare to bypass this tacit agreement. The Elves are the most sensitive to the side-effects of crystal usage, which turn those renegades into evil creatures known as Dark Elves. The regular usage of crystals has corrupted their mind and disfigured their body, making it impossible for any Dark Elf to show up at Coral Havens. They live together in a remote and hostile area, in a fragile community where the hierarchy is regularly shaken by the power lust created by the crystals.
