House Arcelduin

Rank: Lesser Royal House {Principality of Lorien, Duchy of Khandae}

Type: Ly`Tel`Quessir {Grey}

Background:

House Arcelduin has its roots in the Age of Sundering, a period detailed in ancient records that highlight its ancestors' pivotal role in safeguarding and disseminating elven knowledge amid the tumultuous events of that era. Its prominence flourished at the conclusion of the Crown Wars, establishing itself as a stronghold of elven culture and arcane wisdom. Throughout the challenges posed by the Crown Wars, House Arcelduin showcased both martial prowess and diplomatic finesse, navigating the intricate webs of elven politics with remarkable skill. Devoted to the Seldarine and unwavering in their adherence to elven values, the house not only emerged unscathed from these conflicts but also gained enhanced prestige among their peers.

Distinguished by a commitment to magical mastery and cultural preservation, House Arcelduin became renowned for its contributions to and defense of elven society. They led the elves to victory against the Dwarves and, later, faced a war initiated by humans, ultimately saved by Valishar Endar Arcelduin's decision to order the Elven Retreat. Following Endar Arcelduin's demise and the fall of Miryth Dragkor, House Arcelduin assumed control over Arethane, embarking on a massive settlement in Lorien until it was lost to the Mists. Cedrea`Raiise'Andaith, the Arcelduin royal palace, came to symbolize elven resilience, and the house continued its role as a stalwart guardian of elven culture, preserving ancient traditions while adapting to the evolving world.

Approximately 25,000 years later, House Arcelduin found itself in a new conflict, not against traditional foes like humans, dwarves, Drow, or orcs, but against the Shadow Elves—an offshoot of the Grey Elves who had settled in Arethane. These elves practiced darker magics, differing from the evil Drow but leaning toward a darker path. Sharing a belief in their purity, they considered themselves the only elves fit to rule.

Little was known about the Shadow Elves at that time, with most dismissing them as fairy tales. The Shadow Elves fostered this belief, hiding among the Grey Elves and infiltrating elven government. King Kaerathal Arcelduin took Jairdren Kardimal, a Shadow Elf, as an advisor. Jairdren, charismatic and skilled in various arts, was secretly a necromancer and a follower of the Demon Lord Jubelex. For years, he manipulated the king, causing rebellion.

The revelation of Jairdren's deception led to a swift and decisive Shadow War, resulting in the Shadow Elves' victory. The royal house members were killed or forced into hiding, and Jairdren Kardimal ruled Arethane for 57 years.

During this dark era, rebels remained active but ineffective until Rhysanus Ariquis, a Grey Elven wizard devoted to Styphon, the Black Dragon God, emerged. As a World Walker chosen by Styphon to fulfill a prophecy, Rhysanus sought to overthrow the Shadow Elves and establish Styphon as the principal god. However, a transformation occurred when Rhysanus fell in love with Silvarae, a Silver Dragon. Rejecting Styphon, he embraced the worship of the Seldarine.

A prophecy foresaw the union of Rhysanus and Silvarae, triggering the unraveling of ancient magics and the resurgence of the lost Kingdom of Atlan`Ysse. Rhysanus, now the prophesized Elven King, accepted a political marriage proposal from Lorien to reunite the Elven kingdoms. The reunification efforts continued with the reclaiming of Vordan, marked by a war against humans led by General Seth Corvase.

Despite sacrifices, including the loss of Rhysanus' second wife to assassins, the legacy of House Ariquis endured. The ancient elven island kingdoms were united as one, symbolizing a new era of resilience and valor. Rhysanus, having transformed from a Styphon devotee to a worshiper of the Seldarine, remarried for the final time to Ilthirial Arcelduin, the last of Kaerathal's direct descendants, forever tying House Ariquis and House Arcelduin together.

Survivors of House Arcelduin emerged from hiding, reestablishing House Ardelduin. While not as robust as before, it is recognized as a minor royal house and an offshoot of House Ariquis. The House of Arcelduin continues to help shape the destiny of Arethane, guided by the echoes of its storied past and the promise of a luminous elven future.

Prominent Members:

• Patriarch/Lord Speaker - Coronal Elorian Arcelduin
• Matriarch - Seraphina Arcelduin
• House Heir - Thalorin Arcelduin
• House Elder - Illyndor Arcelduin
• House Weapons Master - Elara Dawnblade
• House Mage - Calithra Moonshadow
• House Seeker - Lorianth Whisperwind
• Duke of Khandae - Duke Landaris Arcelduin

House Sajorte:

• Arannisa Windrider (Moon Elf)

House Snagga:

• None currently

House Squire:

• Elenion Swiftfoot (Wood Elf)

Family Traditions:

House Arcelduin holds sacred rituals during the Solstice Festival, paying homage to the Seldarine and seeking their blessings for the prosperity of their people. An annual pilgrimage to ancient elven sites is also a cherished tradition, reinforcing the connection to their roots.

Business Interests:

House Arcelduin invests in the production and trade of magical Weapons and Armour, particularly those imbued with nature-based enchantments. They also support ventures promoting elven culture and knowledge.

Influence and Prestige:

As a Lesser Royal House, House Arcelduin enjoys considerable influence in elven society. Their expertise in diplomacy, magic, and martial prowess enhances their prestige, and their counsel is highly valued.

Related Houses:

• House Ariquis {Silverbranch}
• House Elessedil
• House Nar`Xiad {Fire Shadow}

Alliances and Feuds:

House Arcelduin maintains strong alliances with House Ariquis and House Elessedil, fostering unity among the elven nobility. They harbor no feuds but remain vigilant against external threats.

Other Notes of Interest:

House Arcelduin possesses an ancient statue, rumored to be a gift from the Seldarine, which serves as a focal point for important ceremonies.

Colours:

Residences:

The grandiose Cedrea`Raiise'Andaith, nestled in an ancient Oak tree in Teradryn, serves as the primary residence for House Arcelduin. They have various other holdings throughout the kingdom

Political Influence:

House Arcelduin actively participates in the governance of Arethane, providing sagacious counsel to the Valishar. They strive for policies that preserve elven culture and maintain harmony with nature.

Cultural Preservation:

Dedicated to cultural preservation, House Arcelduin sponsors elven artists, musicians, and scholars. They host gatherings celebrating elven heritage, ensuring that traditions are passed down through generations.

Arts and Culture:

The house patronizes elven artists, commissioning masterpieces that capture the essence of elven beauty and magic. House Arcelduin's halls echo with melodic tunes and the recitation of ancient elven poetry.

Education and Training:

House Arcelduin prioritizes education in both magical and martial arts. Arcane lore, nature magic, and traditional elven combat styles are imparted to the younger generations, ensuring the continuity of their legacy.

Philosophy and Ethical Beliefs:

Rooted in the teachings of the Seldarine, House Arcelduin upholds a philosophy emphasizing wisdom, harmony, and the pursuit of magical mastery. Ethical beliefs prioritize the well-being of the elven community and the preservation of nature.