History of the Elves (Greyhawk)

The map shows the Flanaess during the Vecna Wars. The Ykratihian Empire is Vecnas realm. Aliador and its capital of Erieadan is shown. Most of the forests of the Flanaess were inhabited by wood elves at this time, but exactly which is not known and many were lost in the Vecna Wars.

The Elves of the Flanaess

The history of the elves of Oerth in the World of Greyhawk spans tens of thousands of years and is marked by profound achievements, devastating conflicts, and eventual retreat into isolation.

It is said that the elves arrived riding the white moon Luna, other stories claim they were originally fromt he Feywild. The original elves were grey, shaded and uncolored, ready to accept the colors of this new world.

True history begins with the earliest divisions among the elven people. Valley elves sought solitude in the remote Valley of the Mage, while the proud grey elves, with their innate affinity for magic and art, established themselves as mentors to emerging human civilizations. Their guidance to the Se-Ul people laid the foundation for the Suel Empire, though the relationship ultimately soured as the Suel turned to destructive practices and darker magics. These early interactions with humans foreshadowed the strained relationships that would define much of elven history in the Flanaess.

The grey elves constructed twelve legendary cities, eight of which were in the Grey Mountains (today known as the Hellfurnaces) and four in the Flanaess proper, including Enstad, Highfolk, Erieadan, and the City of Summer Stars. Various groups of elves formed, seeking unity with aspects of the world, these became the wood elves, gruach, and Elemental Elves.

Finally the grey elves themselves changed, separating into the high elves of light and the dark elves or drow, creatures of vilest darkness. The drow sought to destroy all other elves and conflict was inevitable. Initially the drow had the advantage, summoning demons and spirits of pure evil to aid them, but over time other elven tribes saw the evil of the drow and allied with the high elves. The elemental elves returned for the climactic battle between the Wind Dukes of Aaqa and a vast drow army marked a significant turning point, driving the dark elves underground but leaving deep scars on elven society. The grey elven cities in the Grey Mountains fell as the mountains rippled with volcanoes, becoming the Hellfurnaces, leaving the high elves as refugees. Most went east into the Flanaess and joined the realms there. The most important was Erieadan, the new High Seat of Elvendom.

The golden age of elven civilization, known as the Time of Flowering (-4403 to -2253 CY), saw the rise of majestic cities and unparalleled advancements in magic, song, and craftsmanship. This era was a time of peace and creativity, with the elves mastering their surroundings and creating wonders hidden from the younger races.

Elven civilization faced a series of cataclysms that began to erode their power. The rise of Vecna, the Ur-Flannae lich-king, was among the most devastating threats. Initially an elven ally who studied their magic, Vecna’s ambition and eventual betrayal led to centuries of war. His undead legions and monstrous allies overran much of the Flanaess, destroying most of the grey elven cities, including Erieadan. The war culminated in Vecna’s defeat by his lieutenant Kas, but the damage to the elves was irreparable. The surviving high elves retreated to their remaining hidden cities, sealing themselves off from the wider world and initiating what became known as The Sleeping Years (-1138 CY onward).

Many high elves retreated to the Feywild, where they survived but changed, becoming the staunch Eladrin and wild Elandir. The City of Summer Stars retreated, first to the Lendore Isles, and then to the Shadowfell, to become the dread shadar-kai or shadow fey. It would take more than a thousand years for these elves to return to the Flanaess. The high leves of the west, led by Celene and Highfolk, remained on Oerth and continued the life so rudely interrupted by Vecna, but never again would they rule the Flanaess. Many joined other elven peoples, seeking to avoid further conflict through unity with nature.

Throughout their history, the elves have had a complex relationship with other races. Early interactions with dwarves were cautious, as the two peoples initially distrusted one another. However, alliances formed in times of mutual need, particularly against common threats such as drow incursions and Vecna’s armies. Relations with humans were equally fraught. The elves viewed humanity’s rapid expansion and shorter lifespans as sources of instability. This mistrust deepened as human empires like Aerdy rose, often encroaching on elven lands or exploiting alliances for their own gain. Despite these tensions, the elves occasionally allied with humans to confront existential threats, such as the Flan invasions during the Battle of Darkest Night (-110).

The elves’ withdrawal from the world, beginning around -100, marked a turning point in their history. Their great cities faded into legend, and many were said to have shifted entirely into the mystical realm of Faerie. This retreat coincided with a general decline in magic across the world, further diminishing their influence. Yet, the elves did not vanish entirely. Pockets of elven civilization endured in secluded forests, such as Celene, the Vesve Forest, and the Grandwood. These realms became bastions of elven culture and resistance, quietly guarding against threats while maintaining their traditions.

In more recent centuries, the elves have reemerged on occasion to play pivotal roles in the history of the Flanaess. They participated in the Hateful Wars (496–510 CY), a coalition effort to drive humanoid tribes from the Lortmil Mountains. Despite their contributions, the isolationist policies of some elven kingdoms, particularly Celene, have led to internal conflicts within their societies. The rise of the Scarlet Brotherhood, the resurgence of Lolth and her drow followers, and invasions by Turrosh Mak the self-styled ork emperor of the Pomarj and other threats have tested the elves’ resolve. Their adaptability and resilience, however, have allowed them to endure, even as their influence wanes in a world increasingly dominated by humans.

Today, the elves of the Flanaess are a shadow of their former glory, but they remain a vital part of the world's fabric. Their hidden enclaves and surviving kingdoms—Celene, the Grandwood, the Vesve, and others—serve as reminders of their rich heritage and the enduring legacy of their golden age. Through alliances, art, and magic, the elves continue to contribute to the struggles and triumphs of the Flanaess, even as they guard their secrets from prying eyes.

Current Elven Settlements

Celene

Celene is a powerful and isolated kingdom nestled in the Lortmil Mountains. Ruled by Queen Yolande, the kingdom exemplifies the beauty and grace of the elves, with a focus on magic, art, and nature. Celene’s strict policy of neutrality has earned it both admiration and criticism, particularly during times of crisis. Activists like the Knights of Luna push for greater engagement, but the realm remains steadfast in its isolationism. On Celene's southern border lies the land of Ulek, a land where elves, dwarves, gnomes, and humans mix as equals. The elves of Ulek have a friendly but tense relation with Celene, giving each elf the choice between the isolationism of Celene or the cosmopolitanism of Ulek. Still, there are factions in Celene that would rather open the entire land.

Grandwood Forest

The Grandwood Forest in eastern Flanaess is a refuge for wood elves and their human allies. Known for its guerrilla tactics and resilience, the Grandwood’s inhabitants fiercely defend their land against incursions from the Great Kingdom. Hidden communities and magical wards make this forest a sanctuary for those seeking to escape tyranny.

Highfolk and the Vesve Forest

Highfolk, situated along the Velverdyva River, is a mixed community of humans and elves. Known for its pastoral beauty and freedom-loving populace, Highfolk is a gateway to the Vesve Forest and a hub for diplomacy. It exemplifies the peaceful coexistence of different races working toward shared goals.

The nearby Vesve Forest, the largest in the Flanaess, serves as a stronghold for high elves, wood elves, and their allies. Despite threats from humanoids, demons, and Iuz’s forces, the Vesve remains resilient. The recent defeat of the demon-tree by the demi-goddess Honey signals a resurgence of elven strength and hope in this region.

Sunndi

Located in southeastern Flanaess, Sunndi is a kingdom that blends elven and human cultures. Originally part of the Iron League, Sunndi is now an independent realm. Its cooperation among elves, dwarves, and humans has created a stronghold of cultural and military resilience, often standing as a bastion against incursions from the Great Kingdom. The large Rieuwood forest is home to a strong elven presence. They have a long history, and remain determined to protect the country and uphold their traditions of chivalry and nobility. These high elves form a noble class that protects all the races of Sunndi, especially the barbaric Flan and Oerdian refugees from the former great Kingdom.

Arrisa (Lendore Island)

Arrisa, also known as Lendore Island, has recently been reclaimed by the elves. It serves as a sanctuary for those seeking to restore elven traditions. Elves from the Shadowfell and Flanaess are turning it into a land dedicated to magic, stillness, and the worship of elven deities of death. If this is a blessing or a curse remains to be seen.