The DragonShadowed Series

The Dragonshadowed series makes it clear from the beginning, that elves are ’known’ to be extinct, mythical creatures within the kingdoms of Valdain. The reader knows this to be false, as one of the main characters, Areskel, is an elf. So why the apparent discrepancy? As mentioned in earlier blogs, elves are the first of the ‘Blessed races’, that include humans, dwarves and gnomes. They have been allied with these other races from the earliest days of pre-history. All of these races have endured different trials and have reacted over aeons according to their nature. Elves are an immortal race, a trait shared only with dragons and a few very rare others. They can be killed through acts of violence, accidents, and some poisons or disease. If they weren’t immortal, their low birth rate would extinguish the elven race within a few generations. Most elves have an affinity with the natural world and are adept with the use of magic. All elves are able to transition between the mundane world and the fey realm of Between. Encounters with elves outside of their home kingdoms is rare, and virtually unknown the farther east one travels in human lands. Areskel is one of those rare anomalies who was born in human lands, and not subject to elvish law. In the distant past, the elves were as numerous as any other race, and ruled over a vast empire. They were allied with other races in addition to the blessed races, and fought wars against many adversaries. Over aeons, these wars progressed into what we would think of as magical thermonuclear war. Many of the elvish foes were wiped out, others reduced to shattered remnants. The empires fell, as did many forgotten allies. The elves never recovered. The surviving elves formed dispersed communities, surviving because of their great facility with magic and occasional help from others. The main kingdom called itself Tylphyne, located in the forests northwest of the Hescmarc plains and adjacent to the human kingdom of Glordonia. They surrounded their territory with a great barrier of fog, entwined with powerful spells to keep others out and their own population safe within. The few elves wishing to leave their kingdom were not allowed to return, and had to accept self-imposed exile. In more recent years, grudging contact with the outside world has made the elves of Tylphyne aware of other elvish kingdoms. Westernesse is located far across the Black Mountains, small communities of elves exist in arctic fastness, and winged folk live on a mountain above the jungles of the Green Hell on the southern continent. Even with this new knowledge, most elves remain aloof, suspicious, and xenophobic. The kingdom of Tylphyne is Areskel’s ‘home’ kingdom, as he married one of their princesses. He was able to enter that land after a series of adventures and unique circumstances, where he met his wife’s family. As a reader might imagine, that story is long in the telling—much too long for a short blog. Tylphyne is a land of forests, mountains, and swift flowing rivers and streams. Everything remains in a state of perpetual high spring. Flowers bloom, fruit is always abundant, and the air is filled with sweet scents and soft music carried by ever-gentle breeze. Aside from elves, the most prevalent denizens are various fey creatures, who perform as entertainers and servants. Members of the other blessed races also live within the elvish kingdom, but may never leave to return to outside lands. For the most part, elvish communities blend and merge with the surrounding natural environment. It’s possible for a non-elf to walk through the main street of many elvish communities and not realize that they are in a town or village unless confronted with many elves or fey. Castles of the great lords, and revered temples are the exception, and easily seen, often from a distance. These structures are slim, elegant, and usually display colors not found among other races. In addition to the surrounding fog bank, the elves are protected by a few allied dragons, other winged creatures, and unicorns. A strong royal guard patrols to exterior forests. These elite warriors use bows that can hit anything within their extended vision, ride winged mounts, and employ a variety of enchanted weapons and spells. Each elven kingdom is ruled by a senior king and queen, aided by an appropriate number of lesser rulers. The elves value harmony, unity, and service foremost, but only to others of their race.

The Human Kingdoms