In the dim memories of the past the entire nation, now known collectively as Elves, lived in harmony with each other. It is true, that the Drakes ruled supreme and viewed the other races as mere vassals, but the Arkati shielded us from the wrath of the Drakes, and secure in our forest homes the Elves were content. Under Imaera's tender guidance, the forest folk learned to coexist with nature in ways that other races find incomprehensible: the forest was our home, our provider, and our teacher. Wisdom graced the Elves as they became in tuned to the harmony that exists in natural world, for in nature every living thing exists for a purpose. It is through this natural wisdom that the Sylphs became the Elves who hold most true to the original intentions of the Arkati. This natural wisdom produces harmony of community, prevents needless bloodshed and strife, and yields a balance wherein Elves and nature mutually benefit from their interaction.

The natural tendency of Elves was for harmony; all lived together and enjoyed the bounty of nature. Unfortunately, the natural harmony once shared by all is evidenced today only in the community of Sylphs. The Seven Modwirs are exemplary of this balance, seven great trees representing: the physical, the essence, the four seasons, and the universe. The four seasons each have a purpose and place in the scheme of things, none rules over the other, but follow each other in a natural orderly procession. So too does essence balance the physical resulting in health and unusual longevity. The central Celestial Modwir represents the sum of universal harmony; one needs but to stand in its presence to comprehend the perfection of creation. It is through this mighty influence that the Sylphs developed their unity of thought. There is a central truth in the universe that put all that understand it in a common place, with respect to nature and others, instinctively. The study of nature's perfect balance brought solutions to the age-old problems of starvation and sickness as well as many other horrors that now beset the outside world. It is most unfortunate that this harmony was corrupted by outside influence. One of the greatest mysteries of prehistory is what caused most of the Elves to abandon their forest home. All that is known for certain is that they did and history records the result.

Many Elves chose to leave the forest and abandon the old ways, leading to political strife, destruction, and ruin. Elves of like minds tended to cluster together, thus those interested in Lore chose to live at Ta'Illistim, those with mercenary ties were drawn to Ta'Vaalor and so on. It was the specialization and shift away from natural balance that ultimately led to problems for the Elves. Three examples illustrate this point with tragic emphasis:

According to Dhe'nari legend the prophet Noi'sho'rah warned them against the peril of forsaking the true way. He prophesied the undead uprising and the massacre of the Dhe'nar by fire. History has proven Noi'sho'rah to be correct. The fire at Sharath was horrible but it was the meddling with magic, from the dark side, that almost destroyed our land for it was a lost Dhe'nar scroll known as the Tormtor that allowed Despana to summon the undead. A quote from Elvanion gives insight to the error of the Dhe'nar warlocks: "Summon not that which you do not know, For it may answer you." I submit to you that the horror of the undead curse that still plagues our land was a direct result of the Elves turning their back on natures true order.

It was not long before the cultural differences led to political intrigue and open warfare. While the Faendryl were the acknowledged "leaders" of the race, the greatest love of the Nalfein is politics, and pride reared its ugly head to cause contention. There are those who believe that the Nalfein were responsible for the ambush of Chesylcha and the wedding party, though I am not certain that it matters. In any case the Faendryl blamed the Ashrim and began a war with horrible consequences for both sides. The Faendryl lost many ships and some of their best warriors but the remaining mages annihilated the Ashrim. Regardless of the cause an entire Elven culture was massacred. The only Ashrim to escape ended up in Ruin Creek and provide a clue to the third example.

The other, graver, plague on our lands are the Vvrael. An unsuspecting Faendryl, Daephron Illian, who was seeking still greater power, unwittingly released these depraved beings. He took no heed of the dire warnings of Noi'sho'rah or the others and continued research into the unholy practices. When he realized his grave mistake he barely succeeded in trapping the Vvrael in a magical box and escaping himself through some mystical portal. It was this same box, borne to Ruin Creek by the surviving Ashrim, which was retrieved by the Black Knight. All of Elanthia is now aware of the peril contained in that box for the Vvrael were loosed once more.

You may ask what has all this to do with the Sylphs? Are they not secure in the home forest? Many are, but there are those abroad in the outside world. Some of these are the rebels, the ones who felt called to leave the familiar surroundings of the forest to explore. Indeed, many of the most accomplished healers in the lands are just that, using their knowledge of the natural power to heal and restore. Others pose as wanderers sent to protect the interests of the Sylvankind for they are painfully aware that the misguided few can wreak havoc on civilization by accident. One of these recently brought disturbing news. A sorcerer has cast an evil spell that blocks all travel to Yuriqen and is slowly destroying the forest. The time has finally come; the world is so off balance that the last bastion of the truth is under attack.

To restore balance in the lands requires a return to the ways of our forbearers. It is clear that we turn our backs on the ways of old at our own peril. The unknown was summoned and it has answered. The undead are legion, the Arkati themselves are hard pressed to close the breach in the veil, and the homeland of the Sylphs is itself under vile attack. These are not unrelated events! Straying from the true path caused each. There is only one truth and it is balance. It is evidenced in nature, all one has to do is look around. After the undead war when most of the grand cities were in ashes, the economy a shambles, the only thing that saved the lands was the Sylphs. Long mocked as mere forest dwellers, these same peoples were sought out for their food, their skills in restoring the denuded lands, and their healing arts. They became a sanctuary for the races; their natural goodwill extended to all in need.

Oh how quickly time erases memories. Only weeks ago I heard an Elven scholar say: "the Sylvans chose to 'remain true to the old ways'… The other elves chose to naturally progress." The pathway that appears to lead to personal power is a wicked temptress. Not once in all of our history has the unnatural path led to goodness. In every case the ultimate reward was pain, suffering, and a horrible death toll. I am not suggesting that you abandon your culture, I am asking that you to return to it.

Adit Leaden

Wehnimer's Landing
The 31st of Lormesta
During the year 5100

 

Author's note: This work was carefully researched through study of all known texts as well as interviews with elder Sylvans, the Dhe'nar, and others, yet in total it is my own work and opinion. I do not seek to find fault with other Elves or races, only to assist all in achieving the natural harmony. I am certain that there are those who will find fault with it, and say that it is biased, for I am a Sylph. I have done my best to set forth the truth, on my honor, as it appears in the annals and memory of the citizens of Elanthia. If you can add to this work, or can dispute it through proof, I welcome a discussion with you over a stein or two.