| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 04 Apr 2005 : 05:59:32
The DM and I have been using this particular home made shadow elf for some time now. The background of these elves are more oriental, mixing ninja and samurai training and culture. For the past few campaigns, no one mind the Elcaros the shadow elf. Heck, we had quite a lot of fun role playing his interactions with other elven party members who mistook him for a drow. Then a new player joins in. Problem starts. He starts saying that Elcaros shouldn't be played at all, as there are no shadow elves in Faerun (are there?). DM gives Elcaros' history (he was trapped in this realm, blah blah blah) and gives a good reason for him to be here. My question: Should I continue using this elf? And can I have opinions on what his stats should be, 'cos the DM's version seem a bit unbalanced. |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 20 Apr 2005 : 10:53:36
The last POS regarding the silk elves: The campaign that's gonna be used by the DM soon. Yay! Thing is, he reached a dead end. Something to do with Lloth, drow and Skullport, as far as I know. All the guy told me was that he needed help on what could start a full scale war along the Sword Coast, involving drow. Suggestions please? |
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 19 Apr 2005 : 06:14:47
Ok, now for some history...
Silk elves were banished to another 'parallel' plane by Correlon Larethian after Lloth's betrayal, as Illirien's zealots puts it. They spent their years in their exiled plane, adapting to the strange conditions in the plane. No name has been given to the plane, partly because no one wants to remember those times.
Their time there caused significant damage to the silk elves. Population dropped from 50,000 to 7,000 in a matter of years, as the elves fought against creatures like the elari and desorath for a place to call home. By the time the survivors managed to get a foothold on their new world, they quickly made sure to preserve themselves by concentrating on fortifications, military strength and securing needed resources.
They also established connections with some native races on that plane, namely a dwarven kingdom and a clans of mirdachs, monstrous creatures that look like nightmares of a young child. The good relations between the races helped the silk elves to have a few centuries of peace, though skirmishes with elari were common. Trade allowed the silk elves to learn new skills and resources not found on Toril. A notable example is the creation of the Zikiri, a combined work of the elves and the mirdachs.
After three centuries, the silk elf numbers grew, and obvious mutations were found. One was the black jade mineral, which is actually dried silk elven blood. How it is shaped and manipulated remains a silk elf secret. Their appearances also took a darker change, with their originally green skin becoming as black (if not blacker) than a drow.
The elves developed a strong connection with their last deity, Illirien. The Jade Weave, created to replace Faerun's Weave, is proof of how close silk elves were to their goddess. By fusing themselves with the Weave, they also allowed Illirien total control over their lives, since she can cut off the Weave from specific users, killing the particular individuals.
By the ToT, the silk elven numbers stabilized, though they still keep around 2/3 of them in some sort of military service, a habit from their exiled past, fighting for their survival. Their hatred for Lloth, though has grown into a hate that could lead to war against her followers, even if the outcome is defeat. |
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 16 Apr 2005 : 17:27:12
Forgot to add some things:
- Lloth's Taint: When creating a silk elf, roll 1d4. If it's odd, the elf is cursed. If even, the elf is not cursed.
- In combat (if cursed), after scoring a successful hit, the silk elf must roll a d%. There's a 60% chance the silk elf will enter the 'chaos rage'.
- If cursed and gaining a level, the silk elf must make a d% roll. <50% means that the elf gets a -10% penalty on their chaos rage roll.
>51% means that the silk elf gains +5% on their rolls. The penalties and bonuses stack, though there's still a 10% chance of resisting the rage, and a 20% chance to enter the rage, no matter how much the bonus/penalty is. (Translation: Max chance of resisting: 80%, min chance of resisting: 10%) |
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 16 Apr 2005 : 14:52:41
Silk elf traits:
- +2 DEX, +1 CHA, -4 CON: Time in their exiled plane has left a mark on a silk elf's health. Their still retain their agility and grace though. Their social attitude towards others make them easier to befriend.
- Medium sized
- Base land speed is 30 feet
- Immunity to magic sleep effects, +3 saving throw against enchantment (spell and effects)
- Low-light vision
- Weapon proficencies: Katana, shuriken and longbow (composite included) as martial weapons, due to the training all silk elves get when young.
- +2 bonus on Listen, Search and Spot checks
- Languages: Silk elven, silk elven sign, dwarven, draconic
- Favoured class: Fighter. Their preference for weapons is evidence of this. |
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 16 Apr 2005 : 08:42:52
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
Do they have any instruments of their own creation? What does their music sound like?
Silk elven intruments are mostly string and percussion ones. A notable intrument is a long board that is stringed with 30 different materials of varying thickness, known as Chil'ken. It's appearance is like that of a flattened harp on a board, and the notes played vary greatly. One Chil'kin, in the hands of an expert, can sound like
a whole ochestra, or even two, depending on the song played.
Silk elven music is often used to reflect the composer's feelings and dreams, and rarely is there songs about noble deeds, exciting adventrues or stories. The tone of the music depends on the overall theme of the song. The song 'The Broken One' for example, is a love song, played with a tune that's best describe as sorrowful, hopeful and totally tear jerking. |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 16 Apr 2005 : 05:16:47
quote:
Originally posted by LordAnki
Well the Samurai had alot of people that were excellent with weapons.
Yes, but the Samurai were a group that was part of a race. This thread is discussing a race in and of itself, not one group from it. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 16 Apr 2005 : 05:11:53
quote:
Originally posted by Rhezarnos
The silk elf's art is mostly heard, not seen. Poems, songs and plays are commonly found, though the composers are not bards, but often warriors. Sculptures, paintings and literary works are also found, being made by artisans, smiths and masons (as part of their training).
Do they have any instruments of their own creation? What does their music sound like?
|
| LordAnki |
Posted - 16 Apr 2005 : 01:26:38
The nameless dungeon came up in my post because I was just emphasizing my point that Faerun is a campaign setting and the dm can change anything. Well the Samurai had alot of people that were excellent with weapons. Hell every drow is efficent with some type of attack type thing. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 15 Apr 2005 : 17:28:46
quote:
Originally posted by LordAnki
Well its um whats the word. Can't think of it. Well Faerun is a campaign setting and as the DM they can do whatever the hell they want really. There must be hundreds of different versions of The Nameless Dungeon in The High Forest area.
My point was that having such a high portion of their population under arms is unusual. In order to be helpful, I pointed that out. |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 15 Apr 2005 : 14:39:14
quote:
Originally posted by LordAnki
Well Faerun is a campaign setting and as the DM they can do whatever the hell they want really.
I don't think anyone here would argue that point.
quote:
There must be hundreds of different versions of The Nameless Dungeon in The High Forest area.
Yes, although forgive me if I'm missing something here. It's early and I've had no coffee yet. But, when did the Nameless Dungeon come up in this thread's recent posts? |
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 15 Apr 2005 : 12:54:29
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
One minor point... There's only 10,000 silk elves, correct? That makes their army comparatively large, at 3000+ soldiers. That means 1 out of every 3 silk elves is a soldier.
Yup. This does not include Nigasha and Iyasha. If so, the total number of silk elves in the army would be around 5000. This is because of the hosile conditions they faced in their exiled plane. Forgot to do details on their time there...DM's working on it, so I'll be able to post about it in 2-3 days. |
| LordAnki |
Posted - 15 Apr 2005 : 12:10:21
Well its um whats the word. Can't think of it. Well Faerun is a campaign setting and as the DM they can do whatever the hell they want really. There must be hundreds of different versions of The Nameless Dungeon in The High Forest area. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 15 Apr 2005 : 11:26:24
One minor point... There's only 10,000 silk elves, correct? That makes their army comparatively large, at 3000+ soldiers. That means 1 out of every 3 silk elves is a soldier. |
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 15 Apr 2005 : 10:12:13
Ok...silk elven culture
*Ahem*
The silk elves value art, magic, weapons training and nature equally. In fact, they often fuse all four elements together. For example, archery to them is a form of art (as with other weapons), making the simple act of drawing the bowstring look as graceful as any dancer. Together with their enchanted bows, which are literally grown from a special tree, silk elven archers are deadly and yet graceful in their profession.
The education among silk elves depends on what he or she wishes to be. Most education is passed on through first hand experience while others through schools (magic, strangely, is a first hand experience education). In their first 100 years, silk elves learn everything in general, from weapons to magic, literature to military tactics. They also learn whatever they can about the other races, and how each are unique, along with whether they should be killed on sight or not. One other important lesson they all learn is the history about their race, and their (to them) justified hatred towards Lloth.
The silk elf's art is mostly heard, not seen. Poems, songs and plays are commonly found, though the composers are not bards, but often warriors. Sculptures, paintings and literary works are also found, being made by artisans, smiths and masons (as part of their training).
Silk elves have a free spirit, balanced with the acceptance that law is needed to avoid anarchy and chaos (attributes of Lloth). Because of that, they tend to be more neutrally aligned. They are taught when to think and when to act, never doing either in extremes. During war, for example, silk elven commanders won't go over plans and strategies over and over again, nor will they go rushing blindly into battle.
Because of Lloth's Taint, most silk elves try to avoid eating anything to raw, or coming into view or contact with blood. The thought of going berserk and killing their kin is bad enough, but the knowledge that one actually does it will often result in that person commiting Jhaniil (suicide in shame).
Silk elven names (finally!) are usually chosen by the parents, though often the elf would replace that name with his or her own choice of name when the elf reaches 75 (adolescence). Rarely are last names used, unless to differenciate between two elves with the same name. Example of silk elf names:
Males- Seva'ar, Elcaros*, Jakar*, Nix'ilru
Females- Niilra*, Jei-Sha, Isein, Kinicha
Examples of silk elf last names:
Tel'vasha (Nightfire), Morkinya (Whispersong), Rhezarnos* (Outcast)
*Names used in by me or by the DM for shadow elf NPCs
Am I missing anything? |
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 15 Apr 2005 : 07:36:40
Curse of the silk elf:-
Before being exiled, almost all the silk elven pantheon was killed by Lloth, with the exception of Illirien. As their gods died, Lloth cursed the silk elves' blood to ensure a slow but total extinction of the silk elves. Fortunately, the curse was countered somewhat, reducing the damage caused by the curse though not removing it. Because of this, 1/2 of every silk elf born is cursed. They call it "Lloth's Taint".
The curse was suppose to cause total insanity, but was reduced. Now, those cursed have the risk of going into a wild rage after seeing or tasting blood. This rage takes over the body, but not the mind, leaving the cursed elf to be fully rational and aware of his actions. They will kill all in their path, friend or foe. The rage will continue for as long as the cursed elf can't gain full control of himself. Those cursed are not ostracized, but are treated like any other silk elf. In battle, those to lead the charge are usually small groups of these tainted elves.
A silk elf cursed with Lloth's Taint may try to resist the curse from taking effect, but it gets harder or easier to resist over time.
*Because of this, when creating a silk elf, roll 1d4. If it's odd, the elf is cursed. If even, the elf is not cursed. Simple, eh?
*In combat (if cursed), after scoring a successful hit, the silk elf must roll a d%. There's a 60% chance the silk elf will enter the 'chaos rage'.
*If cursed and gaining a level, the silk elf must make a d% roll. <50% means that the elf gets a -10% penalty on their chaos rage roll.
>50% means that the silk elf gains +5% on their rolls. The penalties and bonuses stack, though there's still a 10% chance of resisting the rage, and a 20% chance to enter the rage, no matter how much the bonus/penalty is. (In other words, there's no such thing as a 100% or 0% chance of resisting the curse. Max chance of resisting: 80%, min chance of resisting: 10% )
That's all, feedback most welcome |
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 15 Apr 2005 : 07:13:23
Done with the silk elven military structure. Here goes...
Strangely, silk elves prefer weapons over spells, though all weapons made are enchanted no matter how crude. Because of this, most silk elves that join the Fiensa (literally army) become warriors.
There are three different classes of the silk elven 'soldiers'. The main one, the Kitasha, is the one that's normally seen in battle. These include footsoldiers, calvary, and archers. Their numbers are the largest in the army, with currently 3000 Kitasha warriors. This does not include the small group of spellcasters (Yasha) that often follow the Kitasha into battle.
The second group is harder to see in the battlefield, though their presence can be felt by traps, chaos within ranks or an assasinated commander. These warriors are the Iyasha. They are stealthy, deadly and extremely effective. Used more for espionage, assasinations or 'preparing' the battlefield, they are almost unseen in public or in battle. They keep their identity a secret, and are conditioned to withstand any form of torture to prevent information leaks.
The third group is the elite force, the Nigasha. These warriors often lead a whole division of Kitasha warriors to combat. They are armed with the Zikiri, a sword with an alterable blade length that resembles a double-edged katana. The Zikiri is extremely difficult to wield, due to the fact that the wielder must constantly concentrate on the blade's length, even in battle. Because of this, the Nigasha are considered unrivaled in focus, concentration and dedication.
All silk elven weapons are bound to their user. If the user dies, the weapons 'dies' with them. Weapons are summoned, not forged. The wielder must draw a piece of the Weave and shape it into their desired weapon. Once done, the weapon is bound for life to its wielder. |
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 13 Apr 2005 : 16:32:07
Thanx for the comments |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 13 Apr 2005 : 16:18:40
quote:
Originally posted by Rhezarnos
She doesn't hate them as much as she hates her sister, but hates them nonetheless. Except for Eilistraee (did I get the spelling correct?).
You got it right. Do you wish to stop now or go on to Double Jeopardy where the scores can really change?
quote:
As for her existence, everyone thinks she and her followers are dead. This includes the Seldarine, drow pantheon and other pantheons. I know it's bull but...*shrugs*
Not necessarily BS. Others becoming aware of the god and her followers can be a wonderful part of your campaign if your DM so desires it. Such events could make for some wonderful roleplaying scenarios. |
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 13 Apr 2005 : 15:47:27
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
What are the racial names for these "silk elves" like?
Good question...still working on it, with the language, writing, etc.
Will post it once it's done.
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
What are Illirien's feelings towards other dark elven deities? Are these other dark elven gods aware yet of her existence in your campaign?
She doesn't hate them as much as she hates her sister, but hates them nonetheless. Except for Eilistraee (did I get the spelling correct?). According to DM, Eilistraee helped warn Illirien about Lloth's betrayal, but was too late for the rest of the silk elven pantheon. As for her existence, everyone thinks she and her followers are dead. This includes the Seldarine, drow pantheon and other pantheons. I know it's bull but...*shrugs* |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 13 Apr 2005 : 15:22:55
quote:
Originally posted by Rhezarnos
They have only one deity, Illirien. She is also known (according to the DM) as the sister of Lloth(?!), Lady of the Calming Darkness, the Guide of Night, the Betrayed Lady, and Mistress of the Jade Weave. They have an intense hatred for any who follow Lloth because of the deaths caused by the 'Eight-legged Traitor', including the deaths of the other silk elf gods (Khoras, Morkail and Narein). This doesn't mean they hate all drow, though.
What are Illirien's feelings towards other dark elven deities? Are these other dark elven gods aware yet of her existence in your campaign? |
| The Sage |
Posted - 13 Apr 2005 : 15:18:44
Interesting.
What are the racial names for these "silk elves" like?
|
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 13 Apr 2005 : 13:59:15
Silk Elf (aka Jade Elf)(by me and DM)
These are the closest cousins to the drow. They look very similiar to one with the exception of black hair and jade-green or silver eyes. Besides that, they share nothing more with their darker cousins.
Silk elves are always willing to learn something, anything, that they can. They are deep thinkers that would rationalize and study as much as they can. Their patience is as such that they can watch the complete creation of a wasps' nest or a leaf sprouting from a branch. But they can also act fast when needed, like helping a friend in need, without wasting time analyzing the situation. At first glance, they might seem very serious, but in truth, they can be as lighthearted (though not as mischevious) as a pixie. Unlike some of their cousins, silk elves don't have the aura of superiority around them. They respect everything, friend or foe, and judge someone based on that person's actions, not their past or background.
Silk elves are tall by elven standards, reaching heights of 6 1/2 feet, though there are records of 7 feet. Like their cousins, they are graceful, though somewhat fragile. They are extremely stealthy and possess good dark vision. Some silk elves have facial hair, though only in forms of beards. Like other members of their race, they are strikingly beautiful, an often times their eyes add
an exotic touch to that beauty. They have totally no need for sleep or even Reverie, but have to undergo hibernation at a certain time of the year. The hibernation usually lasts 2 months, and the elves (usually) wake up without any problems.
They have only one deity, Illirien. She is also known (according to the DM) as the sister of Lloth(?!), Lady of the Calming Darkness, the Guide of Night, the Betrayed Lady, and Mistress of the Jade Weave. They have an intense hatred for any who follow Lloth because of the deaths caused by the 'Eight-legged Traitor', including the deaths of the other silk elf gods (Khoras, Morkail and Narein). This doesn't mean they hate all drow, though.
Through Illirien, the jade Weave (someimes known as the Black Jade Weave) was created, allowing the elves to survive their exile. The Weave not only allows the silk elves to casts their spells, but is also tied to them. To destroy the Weave is to destroy all silk elves. Everytime a silk elf dies, her spirit is assimilated into the Weave, becoming part of it. In the same way, when a silk elf child is born, a small part of the Weave enters the child, giving it life.
Originally banished by Corellon Larethian to another plane, they have returned during the Time of Troubles, though they hold no grudge towards their fair skinned cousins. Currently, they are located only on a single island far west of mainland Faerun. On that island, their sole city, Yano-Shi'a can be found. The whole city is made totally out of black jade, a mineral that is actually the hardened blood of Silk Elves. The city's population (which also means the total Silk Elf population) is only around 10,000.
During their exile on another plane (name unknown), these elves had a strong relationship with the native dwarves there. Because of that, they hold all dwarves as their equal (or almost, it depends). The good relationship allowed a trade of skills: The elves learned dwarven warfare and tactics while the dwarves were able to master and draw from the Jade Weave. On Toril, silk elves have had no outside contact so far, so reactions towards the other races are still unknown.
The languages spoken by a silk elf are their own native spoken and sign language, dwarven (from their past contact with dwarves) and draconic. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 13 Apr 2005 : 11:24:10
quote:
Originally posted by Rhezarnos
As for the fiend, the name's Dessorath. It took a hit by a bat to come up with that.
I prefer less painful methods of name generation, myself.  |
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 13 Apr 2005 : 09:09:02
Finally got a name for them elves: Silk Elves. There.
Stats coming soon...hopefully, cos DM's redoing the whole thing. Means I can't use my Elcaros no more.
As for the fiend, the name's Dessorath. It took a hit by a bat to come up with that. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 13 Apr 2005 : 06:02:11
Yes, of course it won't  .
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| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 12 Apr 2005 : 17:36:16
quote:
Originally posted by Alaundo
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I was trying, out of respect for Big Al (read: fear of the staff  ) not to mention the world...
Aye, ye did well, Wooly
I'm sure it won't happen again.  |
| Alaundo |
Posted - 12 Apr 2005 : 12:17:33
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
I was trying, out of respect for Big Al (read: fear of the staff ) not to mention the world...
Aye, ye did well, Wooly |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 12 Apr 2005 : 11:23:40
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
Sounds like Raymond E. Feist's Midkemia world.
Whoops...was I not to guess? 
Indeed it does.
Which reminds me, I better get to reading his latest book.
I was trying, out of respect for Big Al (read: fear of the staff ) not to mention the world... |
| Rhezarnos |
Posted - 12 Apr 2005 : 05:41:16
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Find a Japanese-English dictionary (there are several online ones), and call them something like "Forest People".
I have a program like that on my computer, courtesy of Freelang.com. For "elf" it offers: erufu, sennyo, yousei
People: minshuu, tamikusa, minzoku, minzoku, ninnin, jin
Forest: hayashi, shinrin, mori
Now, I don't claim to speak Japanese, but grabbing a couple of those words and putting them together, I get Hayashi no minzoku, which I believe is the proper way to say "people of the forest" (assuming the words are correct.)
Or just call them sennyo.
Arigato... |
| The Sage |
Posted - 12 Apr 2005 : 05:35:15
quote:
Originally posted by SiriusBlack
Sounds like Raymond E. Feist's Midkemia world.
Whoops...was I not to guess?
Indeed it does.
Which reminds me, I better get to reading his latest book.
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