Sea Elves
The Sea Elves live in the Outer Kingdoms of Ulthuan, while the High Elves live in the Inner Kingdoms. [1]
The High Elves are a brave, seafaring nation, and possess several trading posts in the Old World. The largest and most well-established is Marienburg's Elf quarter.[1] The elvish version of the name is Uranai which is considered a faintly disparaging term as the Asur look down on those who do not dwell on the sacred island and live amongst lesser civilisations. Many High Elves think these Uranai lack the required discipline to live within their culture, or have failed to succeed amongst their own people and so choose to live with creatures more easily impressed.[5b]
Those High Elf sailors who spend many Human lifetimes at sea, barely setting foot on dry land and becoming intimate with its moods and mysteries are known as Sea Elves, who often have the greatest allegiance to their fleet and Mathlann. [5a] Most Sea Elves are more cosmopolitan and less hierarchical than their cousins and they do not feel as bound to follow cultural expectations. [5b]
In contrast to many High Elves, the Uranai are not usually reluctant to engage in physical labour, often even cutting their hair short for practical reasons. Despite this, it is hard for most Humans to distinguish between Ulthuan Asur and Sea Elves.[5b]
Military
The trading vessels and warships of the sea elves have well armed and trained Ships Company that can also fight very effectively on land, supported by Bolt-Batteries and deadly Wardancers. The merchant princes themselves field well equipped and colourful uniformed mixed regiments of spearmen and archers. [4]
Notable
In the time before he became the Phoenix King, Finubar’s was called a Uranai by his political opponents.[5b]
- Clan Ulliogtha: The most important Sea Elf clan in Marienburg. [6]
Origins
The majority of the Uranai are born in Cothique or Lothern, occassionally Tiranoc or Yvresse and serve as crew in the High Elf Fleets or aboard a merchant vessel of a trading house. Others ply their trade as representatives in a distant High Elf Outposts across world. Most are ferocious adversaries of the Druchii, there are rumours that certain Sea Elves treat with the dark kin for mutual advantage. [5b]
Religion
They venerate the Cadai, with special prominence being given to Mathlann as well as discreet respect his father, Ellinill. A little known god, Amecs, a patron of prosperity is also worshiped by them. [5b]
Trade
Sea Elves are known for their sharp practice with some being little better than pirates with most being engaged in trade, often as part of a expatriate clan. [5b]
Notes
The Sea Elves are described in Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (1st Edition)[2] and in Warhammer Fantasy Battle Rulebook (3rd Edition)[1]. They are not mentioned until 4th Edition, de facto merging their background into the High Elves and until then they were widely considered outdated (i.e.: non-existent).
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition) notes that the term "Sea Elf" is used by other races to describe High Elves that venture from their homeland as mariners, diplomats and traders. They often contrast those elves with any of the usually grim warriors that accompany them. [3]
Gallery
Merchant Company
Ships Company
Marine Bolt-Battery
Sea Elf Wardancer
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Fantasy Battle Rulebook (3rd Edition), pgs. 195, 202, 217
- 2: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (1st Edition), pg. 217
- 3: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition), pg. 28
- 4: Warhammer Armies (3rd Edition): High Elf Army List, pg. 48-50
- 5: High Elf Players Guide:
- 6: Marienburg: Sold Down the River: Elftown, pg. 69-79
