Valley Elf

Valley elves may be their own race or merely an offshoot of grey elves; either way they are distinctive. They are found only in and around one hidden valley ruled by a powerful wizard. Outsiders call them valley elves, but other elves use a scornful name that implies slaves or manufactured beings rather than allies or retainers. Apart from the traits below, they follow the rules for grey elves and elves generally.

A valley elf matches a typical human in height but is lean, its features keen and pointed. Their pale yellow hair deepens to rich gold through the winter. They wear loose, flowing garments of blue and green, and can pass for human when they must; rumor says the valley's master keeps a web of valley elf spies and killers spread through several kingdoms.

Valley elves raid neighboring lands, apparently at their lord's command, and also patrol his valley alongside gnomes and savage monsters. Wherever they are met, they are quick to start a fight. Like most elves they favor the long sword and bow, and many own chain mail.

Most valley elves are fighter/wizards of 1st/1st level; only 25% cannot cast spells. They usually travel in squads of 10d4 and coordinate their spells and weapons simply, for instance a line of swordsmen screening a rank of archers, with spellcasters behind them. Beyond such basic arrangements they have no tactical instinct. Each warrior, especially among the sword-wielders, fights cleverly on his own terms, but his plan seldom fits with his neighbor's.

They are fine riders of horses, though of no other mounts, and seldom fight from the saddle: they ride to the enemy, dismount and fight on foot. Each five elves add a 2nd/2nd fighter/wizard and each ten a 3rd/3rd leader. Over 30 are commanded by a 6th/5th elf with two 4th/4th aides, who demand obedience and can sometimes rein in their troops' individualism. Roving bands are 75% likely to have 1d4 cooshee, elven hounds, as guards.

The valley is perilous, full of loosed monsters, hidden traps and other hazards meant to drive visitors away, and the elves are one of those hazards rather than its victims. They obey their lord and his chief protector, a drow woman who commands the valley's defenses, and in return the lands they patrol leave them unharmed. Their own settlements sit among the hills. Invited guests are never meant to see them, so anyone who stumbles onto a village is attacked and, if possible, captured and brought before the drow protector. Each community keeps 2d4 cooshee and is led by a council head, traditionally a fighter of 5th to 8th level and wizard of 4th to 7th level.

Valley elves are reclusive and resent most other races, though they tolerate gnomes. Other elves dislike them for selling their most precious possession, freedom, to a wizard, and like even less that they take orders from a drow.

Most of their wants are met by their master, and foraging covers what remains. In exchange they act as his agents and guards, and they have raided several neighboring realms on his behalf.