City Elves
City elves are descendants of those elves that accepted the Chantry's terms of annexation after its successful Exalted March upon the elves' second homeland, the Dales. As opposed to the nomadic and isolationist life lead by their cousins, city elves live alongside humans and other races in cities throughout Thedas, but the two are far from equal.
The shadow of Tevinter slavery and the Dales' destruction hangs heavy over the elves; despite worshiping humanity's god and following their prophet's teachings, city elves are second-class citizens almost anywhere they live. They are often forced to take up the most menial or demeaning jobs just to survive, and are constantly faced with prejudice and poverty in day-to-day life.
City elves generally live in specific places inside of cities known as alienages, which are akin to ghettos. In these often walled off portions of cities, city elves do their best to avoid the ire of cruel humans and to make the best of their situation.
Elven Magic
For reasons unknown, city elves appear to be the most likely to be born with a connection to magic. Most view those born with magic as cursed and dangerous, citing the dangers they can pose to those around them when they come unto their powers. Others try to hide these powers from people outside their family, for fear that they will be taken away to the nearest Circle of Magi and have to live there forever. Occasionally, a city elf will manage to live the life of an apostate until eventually fleeing out in the nearest wilds in search of their Dalish brethren in hopes that they can teach this city elf their forgotten magics. Ancient stories told by city elves tell that before there people were enslaved by the Tevinter Imperium, they were blessed with eternal life. Now, their eldest generally reach the same oldest age of humans, around sixty to seventy. It is believed that due to their loss of the Dales as well as the interaction with the expediency of human nations, elves lost their longevity.Relation with the Dalish
Relations between city elves and the Dalish tend to be mixed, as each Dalish clan varies and appears to uphold different beliefs towards their cousins in the city. Some Dalish hold derisive views on their city cousins. They are known to refer to their city cousins as "flat ears", believing the city elves are no more than "pets" for humans in need of being "reminded on what it means to be Elvhen". This gives the Dalish the reputation of being haughty and condescending, as self-proclaimed "true elves". Additionally, some Dalish believe that city elves are human in spirit if not body, and there are clans that are so convinced of the city elves' loss of identity that they don't consider them worthy of care or attention. Other Dalish clans, in contrast, view the city elves in a warmer light, seeing them as fellow brethren and empathizing with the plight faced by the elves in the alienages. Some even say that the Dalish and city elves can learn from one another once the elves finally have a home to call their own. In dire circumstances, Dalish elves are known to pay visit to their more urban cousins and provide them their support, despite their cultural and religious differences. In return, their urban kin view the Dalish as an enigmatic myth: in the same light humans do, as savages, bandits or heathens, or else as noble wood elves or even living legends. Few know enough of the Dalish to be certain of the truth of their nomadic kin, and though some see the Dalish as a chance to learn how to be a "true elf", others resent this notion and take pride in the work they do in human society, such as serving nobles. Regardless, many city elves see the clans as a last resort or safety valve should the alienage no longer become a safe place to live, either through personal misadventure or the oppression of the cities. The expectation is that the clans will accept their city brethren, and though some clans do others see them as "strays," only truly desirable if they have magical talent. Often rumors pile on top of rumors, and those who flee to the Dalish are said to return later wealthy and privy to ancient knowledge and lore. The truth is likely much less idyllic, however, even if they reach a friendly clan. Many City Elves cannot even imagine life outside of the city to begin with.See also:
- Alienage, for more about their culture
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