Silverwind, the City Under the Trees

The elven city of Silverwind has existed for longer than the race of man has been on this earth. Located in the valleys of the Howling Woods, this city is very unlike the other elven domains that exist in and around Illdarin, though the elves that inhabit Silverwind are unlike others themselves. This group started many centuries ago as a nomadic tribe, scattering their people throughout the grass and woodlands of the southern half of the world. However, once the humans, gnomes, and other races began to settle down in other sections, the elves decided that it might be best for them to take similar action. They decided to inhabit a place that would give them good protection from the other peoples, while also providing them with a close relationship to Ehlonna, Obad'Hai, and nature itself.

Many fairytales that humans tell of the elven cities describe them as glories villas and dwellings built high upon and within the treetops. This is not the case. The houses and huts of Silverwind are very basic in their architecture and design, though extremely effective and efficient. The elves in this region are predominantly of druidic descent, so therefore are very close to nature. Thus, they believe in only using what they need from the Mother do their best to not disturb what she has created. Within Silverwind exists somewhat of a cast system, with the settled Grey Elves being the leaders and those who govern the society, while the more martial Wood Elves are the protectors and defenders of the city. The high elves use their magic and wisdom as their weapons with the low elves using their innate druidism and crafted blades.

During the rise in power of the Drow within the Dark Oak Forests many years after the settling of Silverwind, the elves took up defenses to protect themselves in case of an attack. The magic of the druids have helped greatly in this cause, molding the earth to create confusion and coverage for any unwanted guests. Other magic help to conceal the city and its people, and elves are constantly on duty to keep those precautions implemented. It is here that the elves kept quiet through several generations, through the first and second Dark Wars. Through these times the elves kept to themselves, not interacting with any of the other races around them. This led to the tales of the Silverwind Elves being passed down from grandfather to grandson, and eventually fading into the occasional story reference. However, during the peaceful times after the second Dark War, in which the Ridarri brought the races of human, dwarf, and gnome in an alliance against the Drow, the elves of Silverwind decided that they had kept themselves from the world for far too long. They joined the alliance of Illdarin, bringing together every major city of the world into one powerful contingent.

This happened just in time for the next, and latest, attempt by the Drow to destroy the city of Keldaerin. The friends of the city were called upon, and Silverwind responded in amazing force. Even though they had nearly just taken up arms against a mysterious force who had begun to invade the valleys, they believed in the bond that they had just formed and felt it a need to assist however they could. The call would come in a little over a year from the end of the third Dark War when word of an incoming hobgoblin attack would be coming from the Murks and onto Keldaerin once again. The elves rallied their soldiers and sent all but their essential mages north to assist in any defensive measures necessary.

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