Elves of Flanaess | Calenor - Types

A Dark Elf by Elena Zambelli

This is 'TGL Lore' NOT Greyhawk Canon!

Note from Oronir:

I’ve always felt that Greyhawk carries a distinctly Tolkienesque essence. However, it stands apart with its deeply involved gods and entities, its array of peculiar monsters, and its abundance of priests and magic users. That said, the elves of Greyhawk often feel too much like typical D&D elves, missing the timeless and otherworldly qualities that Tolkien envisioned. All too often, elves are played as humans with low-light vision, which makes me question—why bother? Elves should feel like a distinct species, not just humans with a few extra traits. To address this, I’ll be creating a series of articles exploring the elves of Greyhawk as I imagine them. Take from these ideas whatever inspires you!

What? You Do Not Call These Lands 'The Flanaess'?

We stand on the world of Oerth, where our attention is drawn to a vast and storied continent. It is not the only continent on this world, but it is the one we will focus on today. The [[Oeridians]] refer to the entire continent—east and west alike—as Oerik, including the unconquered lands far to the west.

The eastern part of this continent, stretching from the Crystalmist Mountains to the Solnor Ocean, was named _The Flanaess_ by the Oeridians. They derived this name from the [[Flannae]], the indigenous humans who first claimed these lands. Over time, the term was adopted by other human cultures that came to settle in these eastern lands.

But the elves have a far older name for this region: Calenor {CAL-ee-nor}, meaning The Green Land. For millennia, this name has endured in elven tongues, a reflection of their perspective and reverence for the natural world.

It is a distinctly human-centric assumption to expect all peoples to call these lands The Flanaess. To the elves, these names serve as a reminder of differing worldviews.

And what of Oerth itself?

Do the elves call it something else? Indeed, they do. To them, this world is Dórnothilian {dor-NOTH-ee-lee-ahn}, meaning Land Under the Moons, a poetic nod to the twin orbs that illuminate Oerth’s skies.

What? They are all the same?

It is a common misconception that elves are divided into distinct sub-ancestries, each with unique physical and mental characteristics. This belief reflects a human-centric way of interpreting the world. In truth, the physical differences between elves are almost negligible. What sets them apart are their cultures, shaped by the regions they inhabit. More on this topic will be explored in the next chapters concerning Heritages.

For example, the elves of Highfolk, residing in the Vesve Forest, were historically the first to open their doors to other cultures. Humans, perceiving their openness and willingness to engage, began calling them High Elves—a term not used by elves themselves. Over time, this label expanded to describe any elf who displayed a similar attitude toward non-elven cultures. Elves who travel frequently, live within non-elven societies, or welcome non-elves into their communities are often grouped under this term. Yet, there is no physiological difference between so-called High Elves and any other elf.

Confusion deepens when shorter-lived people meet elder elves—some over 500 years old. Such longevity often feels implausible to humans, who coined the term Grey Elves for these ancient figures. The name originates from the silvery-grey hair and otherworldly eyes that many elder elves develop. While it is true that these elves often act differently due to their vast experience, they are not a distinct sub-ancestry. Most elves who live beyond 500 years begin to focus on academic, magical, or artistic pursuits, achieving levels of mastery that seem almost supernatural. In rare cases, an elf may live up to 1,000 years, though they will have lost the ability to reproduce a long time ago, and may show slight physical frailty.

Travelers exploring ancient forests may encounter elves who have built settlements deep in the wilderness, living in profound harmony with nature. These elves are often called Sylvan Elves by outsiders. Their reclusive lifestyle, centered in the primordial hearts of forests, has earned them this label. However, they are no different physically or mentally from other elves. Although they tend to be slightly smaller of stature. Even a Sylvan Elf who lives beyond 500 years would be called a Grey Elf by non-elves, further compounding the confusion.

As a rule, elven culture tends to align with good or neutral values, with evil thoughts rarely clouding their minds. On very rare occasions, however, an elf may develop an entirely self-serving, destructive nature. These individuals, often marked by a physical taint that reflects their corruption, are known as Dark Elves to other cultures. The elves themselves call such individuals Mornedhel, or Dark Ones. Contrary to popular myth, these elves do not prefer darkness, live in caves, or possess dark skin. They can walk unnoticed among other elves, their malice hidden beneath an ordinary exterior.

There is, however, one group of elves that truly differs from the rest, even in physical stature: the Grugach, often called Wild Elves by humans. Unlike Sylvan Elves, the Grugach live in complete harmony with the wilderness, embracing a primitive, nomadic lifestyle. They wear minimal clothing in warm climates and adapt their attire only as necessary for survival in harsher regions. Encounters with Grugach are rare due to their limited numbers and their deliberate isolation. They shun contact with other cultures, preferring the solitude of deep forests and the company of wild animals.

Despite their reclusiveness, the Grugach are not seen as outcasts by other elves. Instead, they are respected for remaining true to the ways of their ancient ancestors. Many Grugach are blessed with the Faegildin—a spark of fey magic that connects them more deeply to their primal roots.

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The next article will delve into various general facts about elves, including their lifespan, physical traits, personality, and more. Click here.