The Vaelari - Stewards of the Aether
Keeper of the Aether and Protectors of all Magic.
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The Vaelari, commonly referred to as High Elves, are an ancient and enigmatic race. They dwell in magnificent floating cities suspended above the world, orbiting sites of immense magical energy called Nexuses. As the self-proclaimed stewards of magic, they maintain strict control over its use, often to the detriment of other races. Their actions have shaped the development of magic across the world, making it scarce and heavily guarded.
Society and Philosophy
Guardians of Magic
The Vaelari believe that magic is both a gift and a burden, something to be wielded responsibly and safeguarded from "lesser" races who might misuse it.
They view themselves as the rightful protectors of the world's magical balance, interpreting their dominion as a divine duty bestowed by the Primordial Weave, the source of all magical energy.
Isolationism
The floating cities of the Vaelari are isolated from the surface world, reachable only through magical means or rare diplomacy.
This isolation is intentional, preventing others from accessing their vast libraries of arcane knowledge or the Nexuses they orbit.
Cultural Superiority
The Vaelari hold an intrinsic belief in their superiority, considering other races too primitive or reckless to wield magic responsibly.
They refer to themselves as "the Weaveborn", implying they are intrinsically connected to the fabric of magic itself, unlike other races who must learn it.
Magic Control and Scarcity
Hoarders of Knowledge
The Vaelari have erased or hidden countless magical texts and artifacts from the world, either storing them in their cities or destroying them entirely.
Magic among other races often comes from fragments of lost Vaelari knowledge. For example:
A human mage may find a forgotten Vaelari spellbook in a ruined temple.
A fallen Vaelari scholar’s staff might serve as the basis for an entire school of magic in a dwarven kingdom.
Restricted Flow of Magic
Without direct access to Vaelari teachings, most races must stumble upon magic by accident or discover it through ancient ruins or artifacts.
The Vaelari view these incidents as unfortunate but often unavoidable. They may send emissaries—or even assassins—to reclaim stolen knowledge.
Outliers
While most Vaelari enforce strict control, some deviate from this philosophy:
Exiled Vaelari Wizards: These individuals reject the isolationist policies of their kin and venture to the surface, often becoming living gods to less advanced civilizations or teaching magic to other races.
Rogues: Some Vaelari outcasts work in secret, undermining their people's agenda, selling knowledge, or aiding rebellions against their magical monopoly.
Floating Cities and Magical Nexuses
Architecture of the Sky
The floating cities of the Vaelari are marvels of arcane engineering, vast spires and crystalline towers suspended in the air by magical energy drawn from nearby Nexuses. The most prominent of these cities is Alunthiel, the Vaelari capital.
These cities are self-sufficient, with magical farms, enchanted reservoirs of water, and forges powered by Aetherium.
Magical Nexuses
Nexuses are focal points of raw magical energy, where the fabric of the Primordial Weave is most potent. They are the source of the Vaelari’s power and the key to their floating cities’ existence.
The Vaelari have built elaborate protective wards and enchantments around these Nexuses, ensuring that no other race can access them.
Relationship with Other Races
Humans
Humans view the Vaelari with a mixture of awe and resentment. Tales of Vaelari spellbooks and artifacts fuel countless expeditions to uncover hidden magical knowledge.
Many human mages theorize that their own magical traditions are based on scraps of Vaelari lore, leading to a deep-seated rivalry.
Nyxari (Dark Elves)
The Nyxari's shadow magic is an anomaly the Vaelari cannot fully control. While the Vaelari look down on the Nyxari as exiled cousins, they recognize the threat posed by their mastery of shadow and their growing influence in the Nethereach.
Conflicts between the two races are rare but explosive, with both sides wielding their respective magics in devastating displays of power.
Dwarves
Dwarves have little patience for Vaelari arrogance. However, they seek out lost Vaelari artifacts to power their own magical forges and engines. This has created a tense, opportunistic relationship, with dwarves frequently raiding ruins or purchasing stolen artifacts from rogues.
Other Races
The Vaelari largely dismiss most other races as irrelevant in the grand scheme of magic, though they keep a watchful eye on any who show signs of growing arcane power.
Key Individuals and Groups
Archmage Elyndor, the Exile
Once a revered member of the Vaelari High Council, Elyndor was cast out for teaching magic to surface-dwellers.
He now travels the world, serving as a teacher and protector of those oppressed by the Vaelari's policies. Rumors say he has founded an academy where he trains mages of all races, teaching them to challenge Vaelari dominance.
The Covenant of the Weaveborn
A secretive Vaelari organization dedicated to enforcing the magical monopoly. They act as spies, assassins, and saboteurs, ensuring that no race rises to rival Vaelari magical supremacy.
The Fallen City of Lirien'vael
Once a proud floating city, Lirien'vael crashed to the surface in a cataclysmic event. Its ruins are now a hotspot for adventurers seeking lost Vaelari magic.
The Vaelari deny any involvement in the city’s fall, but conspiracy theories abound, claiming it was sabotaged by dissenters within their ranks.
Tensions and Potential Plotlines
Rise of Surface Magic
As surface-dwellers uncover more Vaelari artifacts, the balance of power begins to shift. The Vaelari face a choice: escalate their control measures or adapt to a world where magic is no longer their exclusive domain.
Conflict with the Nyxari
The Vaelari see the Nyxari’s shadow magic as an affront to their authority, while the Nyxari view the Vaelari as arrogant meddlers who abandoned the surface world. A clash between these magical titans looms.
The Rebellion of the Outcasts
Rogue Vaelari and their students gather in secret, amassing power to challenge their kin. Their actions threaten to ignite a global war over control of magic.
Rise of Surface Magic
As surface-dwellers uncover more Vaelari artifacts, the balance of power begins to shift. The Vaelari face a choice: escalate their control measures or adapt to a world where magic is no longer their exclusive domain.
Conflict with the Nyxari
The Vaelari see the Nyxari’s shadow magic as an affront to their authority, while the Nyxari view the Vaelari as arrogant meddlers who abandoned the surface world. A clash between these magical titans looms.
The Rebellion of the Outcasts
Rogue Vaelari and their students gather in secret, amassing power to challenge their kin. Their actions threaten to ignite a global war over control of magic.
