Anstruth: Realm of the Elves

A brief guide to the independant nation of Anstruth, home of the white elves.

Settlement

There are many settlements scattered throughout the lands now known as Anstruth. All are smaller areas; there is no large city governing this area. All of the standard dwellings of the common elf-folk and that of the ruling hierachy are all of similar construct. Built into and around trees, or constructed of living branches encouraged to weave together, the white elves are very much in tune with nature and their natural surroundings.

Obviously, the hierachy have slightly mor extravegant and oppulant buildings in which to conduct their business and to live, but general the standards of living between elven 'classes' is very similar.

There is an extensive network of outposts dotted throughout the forest as well and these are used by Guardians and many of the elves that need to travel between villages. The Outposts vary from the tops of trees to underground dwellings. There is talk of thicket outposts and bush-like outposts, and even those that are enclosed in woven willow branches. Outposts come in all shapes and sizes and are generally well stocked with supplies... if you can ever find them! They are well disguised and hidden for those who do not know where to look.

Hierachy

Elders

The elders are not always the eldest of the elves. The elders are those that are wise in the ways of the forest and of the world, often those with the most experiance in dealing with other races. They tend to make suggestions rather then decisions and help to guide other elves in the choices they make. The elves themselves consider them wise and will almost always follow the given advice. Elders are not generally under 200 years old as this is considered a little young to fully understand all that their post demands. However, there may be some exceptions. There is an elder for each elven village but they often meet in the main centre village to discuss things.

Guardians

These elves protect the forest from intruders and those with ill intent. They watch the trees and guard the animals, as well as running messages between villages. They are often skilled with ranged weaponry and are good woodsmen, able to live for extended periods of time away from all others, in the general wood rather then in a village. They will question anyone they come across that they do not know and are required to report to their villages' elder. Most Guardians know almost all other Guardians and they are generally on friendly terms with every elf village. Though they have no specific place to protect, there is a higher concentration of Guardians to the south of the forest, due to the drows of the Dark Forest.

Common elf-folk

As with every other race and nation, there is a large amount of common elves that range from every job concievable. Although there is no rigid or strict hierachy or caste system in place, these elves live simpler lives but are happy to do so, just glad to be a balanced part of mother nature.