Storm Elf

Source Handbook: StormElf_Handbook_v2.pdf from the Storm Elf FINAL folder.

STORM ELVES

Storm Elf

Introduction

This packet is designed to provide general information about typical Storm Elves as well as more detailed information about Storm Elves that have been born and raised in the Kingdom of Evendarr, however, as with every race of Tyrra, there are always outliers. The information included here is from the Storm Elves’ point of view and may differ significantly from the accounts told by others outside of the Storm Elves people.

Roleplaying a Storm Elf

Storm Elves believe that at some point in the distant past they failed their draconic creators. As such, they were consequently punished and have been making strides toward redemption ever since. Dragons are extremely important to Storm Elves. Any rumors or stories of such will be of great importance to any Storm Elf. They focus on moral and spiritual purity, disdaining sloppiness and crudeness.

Storm Elves are a distinctive Elven culture, recognized by the intricate facial tattoos each adult receives after completing a rite of passage. They are deeply claustrophobic, avoiding enclosed spaces whenever possible, and hold an intense disdain for captivity. Their affinity for open skies, turbulent seas, and the dramatic weather of mountainous and coastal regions is reflected in their mastery of lightning-based Celestial magic.

The distinguishing features of Storm Elves are their facial tattoos and pointed ears. All adult clan members will have facial tattoos. These are generally applied with make-up pens. They prefer colors of the skies: blues, blacks, purples, and whites. They also often wear Clan or Celestial symbols as tattoos or jewelry. They are also required to wear prosthetic elf ear tips.

The Descent

The lightning from the retreating storm illuminated a group of Elves, their pale skin slick and gleaming from the rain. They rode at a gallop astride mounts whose eyes burned with wild fear, their hooves striking the sodden earth in a frantic rhythm. The leader, clad in silvered armor that shimmered like a second skin, raised a hand and pointed sharply toward a clearing ahead. Without hesitation, they descended upon the scene: a fallen ancient oak, still smoldering, its gnarled branches steaming from the recent wrath of the storm.

With silent reverence, the Elves dismounted, their movements a graceful dance of unity. Encircling the tree, they lowered their heads as if in prayer. The leader stepped forward, his voice cutting through the damp air as he began a chant, low and resonant. One by one, the others joined him, their song swelling into a harmonious tribute of thankfulness for the storm’s fierce blessing. Above them, the storm’s remnants grumbled, and faint flickers of lightning traced the distant horizon.

At the edge of the circle, a Celestial Mage lifted her hands to the skies. Her fingertips crackled with electric energy as she called upon the lingering power in the air. Threads of lightning leaped from her fingers, arcing down to the shattered oak, mimicking the celestial bolts that had felled it. Each strike seemed to renew the tree’s significance, infusing its wood with energy.

Meanwhile, the Storm Elf archers moved with practiced efficiency, drawing long, curved blades to carve the lightning-touched wood into perfect lengths for arrows. Each sliver was handled with care, its surface still humming faintly with residual energy. Their faces were calm, yet their eyes burned with determination. These arrows, imbued with the raw power of the storm, would pierce through armor and flesh alike, delivering both vengeance and protection.

As the chant reached its crescendo, the air around the clearing vibrated with unseen power. The leader stepped back, his face grim but resolute, and gestured for the group to cease. The storm had departed, leaving the clearing soaked in a sacred stillness. The task complete, they mounted their trembling steeds, cradling the enchanted arrows like sacred relics.

Storm Elf Tradition

While Storm Elves uphold time-honored traditions, they also value personal expression, ensuring important occasions reflect both heritage and individual preference. They are known for their proud and rigid nature, yet they also display a deep sense of respect, solitude, and ethical integrity.

This balance between tradition and individuality is a cornerstone of Storm Elf society, shaping their unique approach to life. Ceremonies often blend ancient rituals with modern adaptations, allowing participants to infuse their own stories and achievements into the collective history of their clan. This adaptability fosters a sense of personal pride while strengthening communal bonds. Despite their proud and often rigid demeanor, Storm Elves are deeply empathetic, holding fairness and justice as sacred tenets. They believe that each individual, regardless of station, contributes a vital thread to the fabric of their society, and they go to great lengths to honor this belief in both word and action.

Clan Structure

Socially, Storm Elves organize themselves into clans, which function as extended family units ranging from 50 to 5,000 members, though most fall between 200 and 500. These clans typically reside in highlands or mountainous regions, where their skills as adept climbers and mountaineers are put to use.

Within each clan, members further divide into societies based on their skills and interests. For example, the Riders on the Storm, or simply “Riders,” serve as scouts for the clan. Known for their exceptional speed and agility, Riders prioritize mobility over combat, rarely serving as frontline warriors. This division of roles fosters a culture where each member contributes uniquely to the clan’s survival and success.

Thoughts on Outsiders

Storm Elves regard non-Storm Elves simply as “Others”—neither superior nor inferior, but fundamentally different in essence and perspective. They are deeply uneasy around underground-dwelling cultures like Dwarves or Drae, whose enclosed environments and reliance on subterranean life clash with the Storm Elves' love for open skies and vast horizons. Politics and elaborate social hierarchies are alien concepts to them; Storm Elves believe that true law is a personal code that arises from within, guided by integrity and natural order rather than external enforcement. Despite this, they approach other cultures with a respectful pragmatism, striving to adhere to the local laws and customs while traveling through foreign lands. However, this compliance is not absolute—if an external law contradicts their own moral compass or sacred beliefs, a Storm Elf will stand firm, prioritizing their principles over conformity. This delicate balance allows them to navigate the broader world without compromising their identity.

Creation Myths: The Dragons Rest

Before mortal time began, The Great Dragons drifted endlessly through the vastness of the Cosmos. After eons of journeying between the stars, they grew weary and longed for a place to rest. In their wisdom, they crafted The Great Disc, now called Tyrra by lowland dwellers. Many of the secluded clans, unaware of the planet's spherical nature, still believe it to be a flat disc. For ages, the Great Dragons labored on their creation, shaping seas for their play, mountains for their leaps, and plains for their slumber. Yet even this grand creation could not fully satisfy them.

Desiring caretakers for their sanctuary, the Great Dragons decided to create lesser beings in their likeness. These creatures would maintain the disc while the Great Dragons roamed the Cosmos. Each Great Dragon shaped their progeny to reflect their essence, assigning them dominion over specific regions of Tyrra.

The Black Dragons were the first to be formed, destined to lead and guide their kin. Preferring the cover of night, they traveled widely, resting in shadowy caves by day. Following them came the Green Dragons, guardians of Tyrra's vast woodlands. They were tasked with filling these forests with creatures, establishing the intricate cycles of life that enriched the disc. Next were the Red Dragons, who took charge of Tyrra’s driest and most volatile realms—the deserts and volcanoes. Their purpose was twofold: to create life in these barren places and to regulate volcanic activity to prevent catastrophe. The White Dragons followed, taking dominion over the waters, from vast oceans to hidden streams. Preferring solitude, they dwelled in the deepest depths, rarely seen by others.

The final well-known creations were the Blue Dragons, charged with the sacred duty of serving as heralds for the Great Dragons. When the Great Ones returned to Tyrra, it was the Blues’ role to announce their presence. They inhabited the furthest reaches of the disc, ever vigilant, scanning the skies and the Cosmos for signs of their creators.

Legends also speak of other lesser dragons—Gold, Silver, Copper, and more—but over time, these stories have faded among the clans, lost to the ages.

For countless eons, Tyrra thrived. The lesser dragons were exemplary caretakers, and the Great Dragons were pleased. As the lesser beings grew adept at maintaining the disc, the Great Ones withdrew, visiting only occasionally to rest. Tyrra became a realm of abundance and harmony, at least for a time.

However, the Black Dragons, entrusted with leadership, began to change. Their pride in their role as leaders grew into resentment toward the Great Dragons, who had left them to shoulder the burden of Tyrra. This bitterness festered until the Blacks conceived an audacious idea: to create races of their own, just as the Great Dragons had done. They were the first to dare such a feat, setting in motion events that would reshape Tyrra forever.

The Black Dragons were the first to create a race in their image, giving life to the Drae, or Dark Elves. These enigmatic beings were placed deep within the Great Disc, hidden in shadow and secrecy.

The Red Dragons followed, crafting the Desert Elves. These resilient people thrived in the hottest and most arid regions of the disc, living harmoniously alongside their fiery creators in the deserts and volcanic lands.

The Green Dragons, with their deep connection to the woodlands, created the Wild Elves. These Elves eventually branched into countless societies, their diverse cultures spreading far and wide. Many Elven lineages across the disc trace their ancestry back to these original Wild Elves.

Lastly, the Blue Dragons shaped the Storm Elves, a proud and vigilant race. These mountain and sea dwellers took on the sacred duty of watching the skies and stars, ever alert for the return of the Great Dragons. They remain steadfast in their creators' mission, ready to aid them upon their return.

The Rebellion

The Black Dragons grew increasingly resentful of their duties as time passed. Their pride and bitterness festered until they organized a revolt, rallying the other dragons of Tyrra and their creations to their cause. Most were swayed to join the rebellion, but a few individuals chose to remain loyal. Notably, the Blues and their creations, the Storm Elves, collectively abstained from the conflict. They declared that they would fulfill their duty as heralds, announcing the return of the Great Dragons, but they refused to take sides in the impending war.

When the Great Dragons returned, a devastating and terrible war erupted. Tyrra bore the scars of this conflict, with its lands shattered and its skies darkened by the fury of battle. The war raged for countless spans, but ultimately, the Great Dragons triumphed. Their victory was aided by a small number of lesser dragons and their creations who had remained faithful. These loyal few were elevated, joining the ranks of the Great Dragons to replace those who had fallen.

Justice was swift for the defeated. The rebellious lesser dragons were stripped of their power, wings, and immortality, becoming mortal and fragile. Their memories of their former glory were erased, and they were cast down to live as members of the very races they had created. They became indistinguishable from their own creations, a humbling punishment for their defiance.

The fate of the Blues, however, was more complex. While they had not joined the revolt, neither had they aided the Great Dragons in their struggle. After much deliberation, the Great Dragons decreed that the Blues would share the fate of the others—they were made mortal, though they retained their memories of the rebellion and its consequences. The Blues were commanded to continue their role as heralds, watching the skies and high places of Tyrra for the return of the Great Dragons. Redemption was promised but not guaranteed; they were to prove their loyalty and worthiness over time.

As a constant reminder of their duty and their potential for redemption, each Blue was marked with distinctive facial tattoos. In their new mortal form, the Blues became akin to their creations, the Storm Elves. This tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the chance for redemption is passed down to every Storm Elf child, instilling in them a deep yearning to prove their devotion to the Great Dragons. Storm Elves live with the hope that, through their vigilance and dedication, they may one day regain the honor and glory their creators lost.

Storm Elf Clans

Storm Elves organize themselves into social groupings known as Clans. Each Clan functions much like a self-contained town or small city, with populations ranging from a few hundred to several thousand. These Clans are typically isolated from one another, and no unified Storm Elven nations are known to exist.

Almost all Storm Elves belong to a Clan, though exceptions exist. Some individuals choose to leave their Clans to live in isolation, seeking meditation and self-reflection, while others venture into the lowlands to interact with the other mortal races.

Clan Skyclaw

While many Clans exist within Storm Elven culture, a few are particularly notable. Among them is Clan Skyclaw, one of the largest and most infamous. Clan Skyclaw is unique in that its members are spread across various territories rather than centralized in one location. This dispersion is rooted in their philosophy: they believe that when the Great Dragons return, they will test only the first group of Storm Elves they encounter. To ensure their Clan is chosen, Skyclaw actively works to eliminate all other Clans, engaging in constant conflict to secure their dominance. Members of Skyclaw are easily identified by a distinctive blue claw tattoo on their left cheek.

Clan Stormwing

Another prominent Clan is Clan Stormwing, which suffered near annihilation at the hands of Skyclaw in the Evendarrian year 330. Unlike many other Clans, Stormwing had remained stationary, dwelling on Mount Skyblade for generations. This static presence made them a target for Skyclaw’s aggression. Following their defeat, the survivors of Stormwing were scattered across the southern lands of Quentari. Many believed the Clan had been wiped out, but by the year 570, they had rebuilt their strength in the northern regions. The children who had survived the attack grew into resilient leaders, and in 590, Stormwing launched a daring raid against Skyclaw. Despite being outnumbered, they routed their enemies and reclaimed their ancestral home. This marked Skyclaw’s first major defeat. Today, Stormwing is rumored to have allied with Evendarr to bolster their defenses against any future Skyclaw assaults.

Storm Elves are known to inhabit much of Tyrra, primarily dwelling in the highlands. They typically live in seclusion from other races, maintaining their vigilance for signs of the Great Dragons’ return. Other notable Clans include Thunderfists, Stormchasers, Lightningriders, Cloudreavers, Stormclaw, and Stormrunners. Each Clan adheres to a structured hierarchy, with leadership composed of the Head of the Clan, a Clan Council, and the heads of each family within the Clan. The Clan is further divided into specialized groups, each tasked with fulfilling specific roles to support the Clan’s overall function.

Within The Clans

Dragon-kin

Dragon-kin serve as the lore-keepers of their clan, dedicating themselves to the preservation and study of Dragon Lore. They are typically scholars, as their intense focus on research and learning leaves little time for martial training. Their primary responsibility is to guide the clan in decisions that may help redeem them in the eyes of the Great Ones, ensuring that their actions align with the legacy of the Great Dragons. Every clan has at least one Dragon-kin, as dragons are integral to the foundation of Storm Elven culture. Another crucial role of the Dragon-kin is to discern the true nature of dragons, distinguishing authentic Great Dragons from lesser Drakes with ambition. In all matters related to dragons, the Dragon-kin are the ultimate authority within the clan.

Riders on the Storm

Riders serve as the scouts of the clan, carrying out a variety of essential roles. Beyond their traditional scouting duties, they venture far from the clan's homeland in search of signs of the Great Ones and artifacts of significance to the clan. Riders are also tasked with being the first to act as Heralds should the Great Dragons return to a region. Many Riders are rogues by trade, and the study of traps and alchemy is particularly favored among them, enhancing their versatility and effectiveness in the field.

Stargazers

Stargazers work closely with Dragon-kin, but their focus lies on the movements of the stars and celestial patterns rather than ancient texts. While Dragon-kin analyze lore and information gathered by Riders, Stargazers interpret celestial events, searching nightly for signs of the Great Ones or other phenomena that may aid the Clan. Stargazers are typically scholars with a profound understanding of astronomy and cosmic alignments.

Lightning Shamans

Lightning Shamans serve as the true wizards of the Clan. While they primarily focus on celestial magic, many also delve into other forms of arcane study. More importantly, they guide the Clan in performing Storm Elven rituals, which hold great cultural significance. These rituals are conducted during key ceremonies or in times of need. For instance, a Lightning Shaman performs the ritual when a Storm Elf receives their ceremonial tattoos. Due to their extensive time spent on magical experimentation and ritual practices, Lightning Shamans are often seen as eccentric, sometimes bordering on madness. Despite their quirks, they are deeply respected by their fellow clans folk.

Storm Elf Society

Facial Tattoo’s

Storm Elves wear facial tattoos as a tribute to the marks bestowed upon their ancestors by the Great Dragons. While the appearance of the original markings has been lost to time, these tattoos have evolved into a form of artistic expression. Common designs include celestial and draconian symbols such as stars, lightning bolts, dragons, or claws. Tattoos are bestowed upon individuals who reach maturity, but only after they pass a rigorous test. This test evaluates their commitment to the Clan's ideals and their ability to contribute to its survival in the unforgiving mountain environment. Those who fail, whether due to physical frailty or lack of conviction, are exiled to the lowlands. For those who succeed, the tattoos are applied in an elaborate ritual performed by the Lightning Shaman, marking their place within the Clan.

Rites of Passage

From birth until adulthood, each Storm Elf is closely observed to determine where their talents and abilities might best serve the Clan. Between the ages of 100 and 150, they are assigned various tasks designed to reveal their true strengths and potential roles. Upon reaching adulthood, typically at 150 or older, every individual undergoes a formal trial of adulthood. Successfully completing this trial marks their transition into full adulthood, after which they are granted their facial tattoos.

Rites of the Dragon-kin

Those aspiring to become Dragon- kin must first enter their Clan's Hall of Records, where they must locate and document the oldest scroll within its archives. Additionally, they must be able to recite the last five years of rumored Dragon sightings and demonstrate a clear understanding of the distinction between a true dragon and a drake. Candidates must also be proficient in casting formal magic from any school up to level 15 and exhibit a foundational knowledge of dragon magic. Furthermore, they must possess a solid grasp of how each Clan member contributes to the overall functioning of the Clan and supports the Dragon-kin in their work.

Riders on the Storm

Those seeking to become Riders must first join a mission with an experienced Rider to demonstrate their understanding of the role within the Clan. The candidate must possess extensive knowledge of alchemy, including the ability to create gases, elixirs, and traps as needed. They must also be able to identify signs that herald the return of the Great Dragons. In addition, candidates must be capable of recognizing artifacts associated with the Great Dragons that the Clan currently holds and clearly explain the process they would use to identify such artifacts.

Stargazers

The Stargazers are among the rarest and most misunderstood members of the Clans. As children, they are naturally drawn to the stars and the sky. All Stargazers are born with either white, gray, or silver hair, and their eyes are an exceptionally bright blue or purple. Some of the most powerful Stargazers develop eyes that appear to have stars in them, a result of the countless hours they spend gazing at the heavens throughout their lives.

Lightning Shaman

The Lightning Shaman are among the most revered members of the Storm Elves. From a young age, they are trained in the celestial arts, and those who show the greatest talent are taught some of the rarest magics. After completing their training in celestial magic, they become apprentices to the elder Lightning Shamans, learning to perform the most sacred and important rituals and rites of the Storm Elves. Some of the key rituals they oversee include the Ritual of Tattooing, the Rites of Passage, and the Rites of Ascension.

Storm Elf Legends

Onheir Stormlash

Onheir Stormlash had always been a figure of reverence within the Thunderwing Clan, known for his talent in the celestial arts. From a young age, his affinity for lightning had been evident, his eyes glowing a brilliant violet as he spent hours studying the stars and their patterns. As an apprentice to the Lightning Shamans, Onheir's powers grew steadily, and he was entrusted with sacred duties, including the Ritual of Tattooing and the Rites of Ascension. But none could have foreseen the catastrophe that would unfold one fateful day.

It began as a raid, as many of these conflicts did. The Skyclaw Clan, notorious for its constant thirst for dominance and its unyielding desire for redemption, had attacked Thunderwing territory. Led by their ruthless leaders, they came in a brutal wave, intending to overwhelm and destroy Onheir's people. The battle raged fiercely, the Thunderwing warriors holding their ground against the Skyclaw raiders. However, as the conflict intensified, Onheir's focus wavered. He felt an unexplainable surge of energy, a call from the celestial currents above, and his magic began to swell uncontrollably.

Unable to contain the storm within him, Onheir's magic erupted like a crack of thunder. A blinding flash of celestial lightning crackled through the skies, illuminating the battlefield with a ferocity that no one could escape. As the skies tore open, the storm raged with such intensity that the ground itself trembled. Onheir's power surged outwards, becoming an unstoppable force, his body wreathed in crackling energy. His once tangible form began to dissipate, his flesh turning to pure lightning, and the raiders who once threatened his people were incinerated in an instant, their bodies reduced to ash as Onheir's fury tore through them.

When the storm finally abated, the Thunderwing Clan was left in awe and terror. Onheir was gone, his body replaced by an ethereal, lightning-wreathed figure—he had become one with the very storm he had once commanded. A new being had emerged from the chaos, a Lightning Elemental, his essence bound to the storm itself. His mind was clouded with a mixture of sorrow and power, knowing that his magic had destroyed everything he held dear, yet feeling a deep connection to the raw, unrelenting force of the celestial currents. The Skyclaw raiders were no more, but the cost of victory had been unimaginable.

Hyana Felblade

Hyana Felblade was once a Rider on the Storm, a scout whose skill in navigating the treacherous winds and uncharted territories of the highlands was unrivaled. Her ability to track and find enemy clans, especially rival Storm Elves, had earned her a reputation that spread quickly throughout the Skyclaw Clan. Armed with nothing but a sword and shield, Hyana was a force to be reckoned with, striking swiftly and disappearing into the storm before anyone had a chance to retaliate. Her precision in battle was matched only by her uncanny ability to anticipate the movements of her enemies, making her a dangerous adversary.

As time passed, Hyana’s talents caught the eye of the clan’s leaders, who saw her potential not just as a scout, but as a strategist. Her ability to infiltrate enemy territories and gather intelligence became invaluable, and soon she was given command over raiding parties. Under her leadership, Skyclaw's raiders struck like lightning—swift, brutal, and unstoppable. Hyana was the architect of their most successful campaigns, and she led her forces with cold efficiency. Her combat prowess on the battlefield was legendary; she fought with unmatched skill, her sword flashing and her shield protecting her from even the fiercest blows. Her enemies could never predict where she would strike next, as she always moved with the precision of a predator stalking its prey.

Hyana's rise to power was marked by her responsibility for the destruction of dozens of rival Storm Elf clans. She had become a master at not only identifying their locations but also at exploiting their weaknesses. Each raid she led was a meticulously planned operation, and she struck without mercy. For every clan she destroyed, she left behind only ruin and whispers of her name—a name that inspired fear among her enemies and reverence among her own. The Skyclaw Clan grew bolder and more aggressive under her leadership, and her reputation as a ruthless raider spread far and wide across the highlands. She was the storm that could not be outrun, the harbinger of destruction.

Belraen Giantblood

Belraen Giantblood was a formidable figure on the battlefield, a towering warrior whose presence alone sent tremors through the ground. Born of both Storm Elf and Storm Giant heritage, his towering frame and immense strength made him a living force of nature. He wore full plate mail that shimmered like the storm clouds, a shield larger than most men and a flail whose head crackled with lightning, imbuing his strikes with the raw power of the storm itself. As a member of the Stormfront Clan, Belraen had earned a reputation not only for his raw power but also for his keen strategic mind. His battle tactics were flawless, each decision calculated with precision, making him an invaluable asset in every skirmish and war.

Belraen’s expertise was tested during the brutal war against the Fire Salamanders and Fire Elementals that ravaged the land. While other warriors fought with courage, it was Belraen who led the charge with an unmatched combination of strength and intellect. His imposing size and the storm-infused flail struck terror into the hearts of his enemies. With each battle, Belraen’s leadership turned the tide in the Stormfront Clan's favor. He was not only a savage warrior but also a master tactician, reading the flow of battle and making strategic choices that bewildered his foes. His presence alone shifted the course of war, turning seemingly hopeless situations into victories.

The culmination of his strength and skill came during the climactic battle against Surtyr, the Fire Elemental King, known as the Scalding King. Surtyr had been terrorizing the lands, incinerating everything in his path with his fiery wrath. When the time came for Belraen to face the beast, he did not hesitate. Armed with his storm-forged flail and shield, Belraen marched into the heart of the flames, the storm within him raging as fiercely as the fire that surrounded him. His strikes were like thunderclaps, and with each blow, the fire king recoiled, the power of lightning coursing through the Elemental’s form. After a battle that seemed to last an eternity, Belraen delivered the killing blow, his flail shattering Surtyr’s molten core and ending the reign of terror.

Belraen Giantblood’s triumph over Surtyr earned him a legendary status in the Stormfront Clan and beyond. He had proven not only his strength but his unshakable resolve, standing as a beacon of hope for his people. His name became synonymous with power and strategy, a warrior who could face any foe and emerge victorious. Yet, despite his prowess, Belraen’s heart remained steadfast in his loyalty to the Stormfront Clan and its ideals. He was a protector, a leader, and a symbol of the unyielding spirit of the storm—forever ready to battle whatever challenges lay ahead.

Racial Traits and Features

NERO 10th Edition, preview v1; retained separately from the race handbook.

The Storm Elf description gives no separate traits or feature. The race table lists Elf with Fast and Willful as racial traits and Bow Mastery as its racial feature; it does not provide a Storm Elf-specific row.

Publication Credits

Back to All Races