@Asur (High Elves) @Tor Mattel
The High Elves, or Asur in their own tongue, are among the eldest and most refined civilizations of the Warhammer world. Their homeland of Ulthuan is a vast island continent encircled by ocean and protected by ancient wards of magic. To outsiders, the High Elves are renowned for their beauty, grace, and skill in magic, but also infamous for their arrogance and sense of superiority. They see themselves as the rightful stewards of the world, chosen by their gods and bound by duty to stand against the forces of Chaos.
This entry provides a neutral account of their race, mannerisms, social structures, and beliefs, without adopting the Asur’s own perspective or the biases of their rivals.
High Elves are tall and slender, averaging six to seven feet in height. They possess an athletic build and a natural grace that makes their movements appear effortless. Their facial features are sharp and symmetrical, often described as beautiful by other races. Their eyes shine with uncommon colors — such as silver, violet, or gold — and their hair ranges from white and silver to copper, black, or pale blonde.
Elves are exceptionally long-lived. Most High Elves live between six to eight centuries, though some reach older still. They remain vigorous for the majority of their lives, only showing physical decline in the final centuries. Their long lifespan shapes their worldview: they value patience, tradition, and perfection in ways that shorter-lived races find difficult to comprehend.
High Elves are deliberate and controlled in how they present themselves. They are known for their discipline in speech and movement, with few wasted words or actions.
Speech: Their language, Eltharin, is melodic and precise. When speaking to outsiders, High Elves often appear formal, and their habit of carefully measuring words can seem patronizing. Raised voices and rash declarations are considered undignified.
Bearing: High Elves maintain a posture that conveys authority and refinement. They rarely slouch or fidget, preferring a controlled and graceful presence. Even small gestures often carry layered meaning.
Emotional Expression: Though capable of deep feeling, High Elves generally conceal their emotions in public. To show strong emotion openly is regarded as a lapse in discipline. Exceptions exist in private settings or during formal rituals.
Etiquette: Courtesy and ritual are highly important. Everyday acts — such as greetings, the pouring of wine, or offering a seat — are performed with care. These customs are not optional; they are integral to maintaining honor and respect within their society.
High Elf society is rigidly structured and steeped in tradition. Every individual has a role within the collective, and personal ambition is expected to align with duty to family, kingdom, and race.
Hierarchy: The Phoenix King, chosen by trial through the sacred Flame of Asuryan, stands at the apex of their society. Alongside him is the Everqueen, a spiritual figure embodying the goddess Isha’s nurturing aspects. Beneath them are the princes and princesses of Ulthuan’s ten kingdoms, each ruling their domains but sworn to the Phoenix Throne.
Lineage and Family: Ancestry and house lineage are crucial to a High Elf’s identity. Families can trace their lines back thousands of years. Children are rare due to the Elves’ slow reproduction, and each child is regarded as vital to the survival of their people. Their upbringing involves not only parents but also tutors, elders, and spiritual guides.
Gender and Roles: Gender does not restrict a High Elf’s path. Both men and women may serve as warriors, mages, artisans, or rulers. Talent and devotion to duty are the determining factors in an Elf’s role.
Art and Craft: Artistic and cultural expression is central to High Elf life. Music, sculpture, weaponry, and architecture are created with an emphasis on beauty and perfection. Even practical items are crafted with aesthetic consideration. Poor craftsmanship is frowned upon, as it is seen as a disruption of harmony.
Conflict and Disputes: High Elves prefer to resolve disputes through debate, councils, or arbitration. Duels exist but follow strict codes of honor and are rarely fatal. To kill a fellow Elf outside of war is considered one of the greatest disgraces.
High Elves possess a deep spiritual and philosophical tradition, combining reverence for their gods with an understanding of the magical forces that shape the world.
The Gods: The High Elves worship a pantheon of deities. Central among them is Asuryan, the Phoenix King of the gods, whose sacred flame tests and crowns their mortal rulers. Isha, the mother goddess, represents compassion and fertility, while her consort Kurnous embodies the hunt and the wilderness. Other gods and goddesses guide aspects of war, knowledge, and the sea.
The Weave of Magic: Magic is fundamental to High Elf identity. They are uniquely attuned to the Winds of Magic and see its use as both a gift and a responsibility. Institutions such as the White Tower of Hoeth train mages to master the arcane arts responsibly, as misuse threatens not only Ulthuan but the entire world.
Destiny and Stewardship: High Elves believe they are bound to the fate of the world. They view themselves as guardians against the forces of Chaos and corruption, seeing their civilization as a bulwark protecting all others. This belief often manifests as paternalism toward younger races, who in turn interpret it as arrogance.
The Druchii: The Dark Elves, or Druchii, are a constant reminder of the Asur’s internal strife. Once part of the same people, the Druchii followed Malekith into exile and corruption. The schism is both a cultural and spiritual wound, and the High Elves regard the Druchii with a mixture of sorrow, hatred, and vigilance.
The High Elves of Ulthuan are an ancient, disciplined, and highly cultured people. Their society is defined by tradition, artistry, and an enduring sense of duty to the world. To outsiders, they may seem aloof or haughty, but this perspective arises from the immense weight of history and responsibility that shapes their worldview. As long-lived guardians of a fragile world, the High Elves remain both a source of wonder and of unease to all who encounter them.