High Elves
From Lexicanum
The High Elves, who call themselves Asur, are one of the major powers of the Warhammer world. Their homeland is the ring-shaped island of Ulthuan, located in the Great Ocean between the Old World and Naggaroth.
The High Elves have fought against the spread of Chaos since it first appeared in the world, but their bitterest struggle is against their own kin, the Dark Elves. While not hostile to their parent civilization, the Wood Elves are the descendants of High Elf colonists who declared their own independence, remaining in the Old World.
The High Elf civilization was the first to explore the seas and shores of the entire Warhammer world and its achievements are without parallel. They are usually seen as being arrogant, aloof, and overly concerned with beauty and art, a reputation which is not completely unfounded. In return they generally view themselves as being superior to other races.
Despite of all of its glory the power of the High Elves is slowly fading, only to be replaced by the populous and vigorous race of man. The greatest reason for this development is a falling birth-rate due to unknown reasons.
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Government & organization
All High Elves hold allegiance to the Phoenix King and to the Everqueen, two rulers who reside in separate courts. The current Phoenix King is Finubar and the current Everqueen is Alarielle.
The Phoenix King holds the political and military authority while the Everqueen's influence seems to be of a more spiritual and cultural nature.
Beneath the two rulers is a unknown number of princes. Presumably each realm of Ulthuan is ruled by its own prince, with the allegiance of 'minor' princes, however there are no known details about the hierarchy of the aristocracy.
Foreign relations
The High Elves have allied themselves with the realms of men, chiefly The Empire and Bretonnia. A more uneasy relationship exists with the kingdoms of Dwarfs. A past conflict known as the War of the Beard ended their initial friendship and the Dwarfs still hold a heavy grudge against the Elf race as a whole. However the two nations cooperate, even if grudgingly, in the eternal struggle against their common enemies; namely the Orcs, the Dark Elves, and the forces of Chaos.
Domains
Besides of their homeland of Ulthuan the High Elves also have 3 major colonies. Arnheim located in southern Naggaroth, the Citadel of Dusk located at the southern tip of Lustria, and the Fortress of Dawn located at the southern tip of the Southlands. These last two seaports enable the High Elf navy to largely control the international sea trade routes.
Society & culture
Religion
The High Elves have a large pantheon, worshipping and praising the Cadai and trying to appease the Cytharai.
Magic
The High Elves are considered masters of High Magic and their knowledge is second only to the Slann, who were their teachers in the ancient past.
Military
The High Elf military is feared by its enemies and respected by its allies. The High Elf navy is currently the most powerful of all and the army is well-trained, well-equipped, and most of the time ably commanded.
Sources & notes
- Warhammer Armies High Elves, 5th edition, Games Workshop Ltd 1997, ISBN 187237221X
- Warhammer High Elves, 6th edition, Games Workshop Ltd 2001, ISBN 1841541753
- Warhammer High Elves, 7th edition, Games Workshop Ltd 2007, ISBN 9781841548463
- Defenders of Ulthuan, ISBN 9781844165162 is a novel about Ulthuan and gives some details about High Elf culture, and their world-perspective.
- A few details are also given in the novel Giantslayer, ISBN 0743443462
