Racial Lore of the World

Shayne's short description of the racial lore of the Known World, sent via Google Messenger, 9/30/2016

Shayne
Hive mind. I've had an idea for the racial lore of the world, but I wanted your thoughts. No point in writing up two pages of history of the players don't like it.

So, I like the idea that the Dwarves are a race in the decline, and basically only exist underground in the massive, mostly empty mine-cities. I also like the idea that the elves are highly fractured and sort of live in extended sort of clans / tribes, typically in cities but sometimes in forests and what-not. This is why you can have half-elves, elves, and Eladrin, as well as mixes of those. That's also why people don't like half-elves, people know they're sort of bastards.

I also like the idea of Drow being a separate race, but just barely. Like, you can see where the two races met up.

With the in mind, I have the idea that when humans and halflings were still living in barbarians cave tribes, elves, drow and dwarves were building their empires. The Dwarves expanded beyond their mountains and valleys into the deep forests of the elvish kingdoms and clans. Their initial meetings were quite friendly, with a general agreement of peace and cooperation. This is the typical "golden age" where dwarves and elves rid the world of orcs and goblins and build amazing things.

Paradise is lost with a Elven / Dwarves expedition finds a group of underground, slightly altered dark-skinned elves that call themselves the Drow. The Drow join with the elves, but refuse the work with the Dwarves out of suspicion. Tensions rise.

Eventually the Drow attack the Dwarfs, but also make it look like the elves were involved. The Dwarves go to the elves to discuss compensation, and the elves get all high and mighty. Eventually tensions continue raise until war breaks out. The Drow initially side with the elves, but turn on them about half way through the war. Towards the end, both diminished dwarves and elves turn on the more powerful drow, pushing them back into their the underdark.

About that time men and halfings catch up, and humans spread over the continent like weeds. The Dwarves retreat to their caves, and the elves scatter, the last of their empires crumbling. Humans raise to the top, becoming the most successful and populous race.

I'm not hugely familiar or in n love with the faerun universe or its gods, so I wanted something more personal.

Trevor
I'm a fan. It's its own thing while maintaining a semblance of familiarity. Crumbling empires and secluded societies are usually gonna be a hit with me.

Cassie
I like it! It's not confusing and definitely adds layers to the universe we're in.

Shayne
We'll talk more about it tomorrow.

Please everyone remember to level your characters (and get your spells in order) before tomorrow's game!