The Elves of Dungeon World

The elven society of Dungeon World is a cosmopolitan one. While it revolves around the elves of the Seedholm estate and its Lady-Bound-In-White, they have a place in their circles for all elves of character and distinction. Different communities of elven kind are bound by spirits tied to core metaphysical concepts and magical expressions of these considerations. Among this diverse elven diaspora in Topside, elves of many backgrounds can find a mentor willing to guide them along the ways of their people. Elves new to adventuring on Dungeon World typically start knowing one spell tied to their path. Starting elven characters should roll 1d6 to discover from which tradition they come:

1. The Children of Yggdrasil- These elves, sometimes called Green Elves, seek a life embodying the joy found in the breaking of the winter cold and the return of life to the world. They reject ways of what they call “civilization” and embrace a life some might call hedonistic or wild. When it comes to fashion- less is more. They prefer wearing as little as possible to show off their tattoos, painted looks. Their hair, naturally or otherwise, is yellow to fiery-copper. They begin play knowing common, elvish, alignment tongue, gnoll, pixie, and the language of birds in addition to elven. They also start knowing either the spell Charm Person or Read Languages.
   
   
   
   
   
2. The Court of Elfland- The elves of Elfland hold that the spirit of an elf is inseparable from magic itself. They believe the runes they possess knowledge of are the fundamental building blocks of existence. Knowledge of of the timeless court of the Elf King and being removed form it create a profound melancholy in these elves. They prefer to adorn themselves in fashions possessing a somber elegance and colors possessing a pale coldness. They often paint these faces lifeless shades and affix clear, tear-like stones under their eyes while frosting their hair. They grow beards if they are able. They begin playing knowing the languages common, elvish, alignment language, dragon, gnomish, and orcish. They start their adventuring careers having scribed either the runes for Read Magic or Sleep into their spell books.
   
3. The Lunar Elf- These elves believe beings move through life like a moon- passing through phases that will return again. Through these phases, one may act or appear different yet they are still fundamentally the same entity. They turn their spirits to pursuits embodying these very concepts. They dress is commonly solid white or black clothing or patterns made up of the two colors. They know the languages of common, elvish, alignment language, dragon, doppelganger, and pixie. Their eyes mark the spell they have dedicated their first phase of their spellcrafting practice to: white eyes for Light/Darkness and black eyes for Shield .
   
4. The Gazers of the Brilliant Star- Elves of this group seek to embody the aspects of a daystar: brilliant, nourishing, strong, and unshakable when at its apex. They believe the star’s traits can be self-actualized through the regimented pursuit of these arcane truths. They are known to bleach their hair and bathe in rays of daystars. The style themselves in regal fashions dyed in brilliant and fiery colors. They know the languages of common, elvish, alignment language, gnoll, hobgoblin, and orcish. The foundational spells of their way are Floating Disc and Magic Missile.
   
5. The Hidden Ones- This is the name given to elves that dwell in worlds parallel to human communities or within them disguised as . They have strong traditions of taking human partners but rarely fulfill long term commitments the same way humans do. Their communities value being friendly and helpful but ferociously prize their privacy. They often test the virtue of outsiders. They known to wear neutral or green clothing that always is behind the times. They know the languages of common, elvish, alignment language, bugbear, kobold, and pixie. The first spells they learn are either Hold Portal or Ventriloquism.
   
6. The Dancers in the Dark- From the earliest of days, there have been elven communities that pursue an intent most malicious in character. These dark purposes do not always sit well with their children. The children often turn themselves towards fellowship. Their spirits turned towards service providing protection from forces they know all too well. Common styles in the these fringe communities include dark and gossamer fabrics featuring silver thread decorations such as moths or moons. Long, uncut hair is popular among them. If their hair fades silver or white, they do nothing to hide it. They know the languages of common, elvish, alignment language, deep common, gnomish, and hobgoblin. They memorize their spells by chanting from the spellbooks as they the dance. They begin either knowing Detect Magic or Protection from Evil.

Downtime Activity: Identify Magic Item

Common of all elven communities is a love of finely crafted magic items. They are well versed in magic words or runes often used in inscriptions on magic items. While most must turn to trial by error or the aid of a high level Magic-User to discover the arcane secrets of a magic item, an elf may tap into their own knowledge to unlock such things. They may spend a downtime segment studying an inscribed magic items and unlocking the lore deep in their own memories. Doing so, they discover the identity of the item. They can study one item per downtime in this way.

Advancement and Level Titles

The diverse elven community around Seedholm hold fast to the common traditions they share. Stretching back to the old histories of elven kind, elves have had a special relationship to magic weapons. The elves of Topside will not recognize one of their own advancing to Level 3 (regardless of XP) unless they possess one.

Elven Level Titles

Level 1 (0xp) Elven Spell Singer

Level 2 (4000xp) Elven Sword Dancer

Level 3 (8000xp) Elven Arcane Admirer