Western High Elf [Dragonlance]

The western elves, exiles from the elder high elves, are shorter and darker than their kin and not quite as dazzlingly beautiful. Their eyes are brown or blue, and their hair runs from blond to honey-brown. They like clothing in earthy shades, speak in strong, pleasant voices and greet others with easy friendliness.

They are more aggressive in battle than the elder elves, if less subtle in their tactics. Foes who take them lightly quickly discover how brave and self-assured they are. Long swords, spears and bows are favored, along with chain or scale armor and frequently a shield.

Though more sociable than the elder elves, the western elves share their disdain for other races and frown on marriage outside the elven blood.

They once dwelt in the western reaches of the elder elves' kingdom, but quarreled with their cousins' strict caste system and left to found settlements of their own. They hoped for flourishing trade and culture. Instead the great cataclysm ushered in an age of brutality and banditry, and raiders who saw the elves as soft targets ravaged their towns. Small, isolated farming villages still dot the western forests, but only one great city remains. At each of its four corners rises a towering spire, linked to the others by arching bridges. A wooded hill crowns the center, and beside that grove stands a vast open square lifted above the treetops and inlaid with a map of the surrounding lands. Most houses are simple, though plenty are richly decorated.

An ordinary group of western elves contains a mix of all appropriate classes and levels; up to 20% wield magic, and at least 10% are fighters of 4th level or higher. Their government is far looser than their cousins'. A hereditary ruler, the Voice of the Sun, must descend from the elf-lord who first led them west, and a senate drawn from the guilds and communities advises the ruler on every question of policy.

Western elves sell farm goods and minerals to dwarves and humans. Old resentments with the elder elves have not faded. They enjoy varied fare, especially venison, fresh fruit and strong ale.