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Elves are rare in the Nine Realms, a shadow of their once vast numbers. There was a time when this was their world, before an ancient war lost to the Aesir changed their way of life forever. Many Vanir now live peacefully in cities or rural areas amongst the Aesir.
Bright Vanir
Bright Vanir are elves who live peacefully among the Aesir, having adopted their ways. They retain their ancient connection to the Vanir gods, especially Freya and Frey. However, no Vanir living today was alive when the Aesir/Vanir war was resolved, and little to no cultural information about that war is passed on in Bright Vanir households.
Forest Vanir
Forest Vanir are those Vanir who never integrated peacefully with the Aesir after the Aesir/Vanir war, which they know as the War of the Veil. While they readily acknowledge that the war is over, and the Aesir were the victors, the Forest Vanir remain in the forest that was part of their homeland for millennia before the arrival of the Aesir. These Vanir do not interact with outsiders and are known to aggressively deter interlopers. They do not recognize the Aesir gods as their own.
Appearance
Vanir are typically slender and graceful, standing between 5 and 6 feet tall. Their features are finely chiseled, and their eyes are often a dark gem-color, from amethyst to emerald. Their ears are pointed, and their skin tones are pale. Vanir can pass for humans by hiding their ears, and many attempt to do so, as they are sometimes treated like second-class citizens by Aesir.
Military and Politics
After Ragnarok, many Bright Vanir banded together to for the Green Knights, a large army with more of a reputation as peace-keepers than war-bringers.
Defensive and territorial, the Forest Vanir are committed to protecting the forests in which they live. Diplomacy and alliances are matters held within their society, seldom involving outsiders. Their ancient loss to the Aesir remains a somber memory, shaping their caution and isolation.
Creating a Vanir Character
To create a Vanir character, select “Wood Elf” as your race.
