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{{Creature/fey
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{{Creature
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| image = [[Image:Elaith craulnober-eladrin.jpg‎|250px]]
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| image = <tabber>
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5e = [[File:Moon-elf Tom-Babbey PHB5e.jpg|250px]]|-|
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| name = Moon elf
  
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3e = [[File:Elaith craulnober-eladrin.jpg|250px]]|-|
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| alignment = {{alignment grid|off|on|on|off|off|on|off|off|off}}
  
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</tabber>
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| location = [[Dalelands|The Dalelands]], [[Evermeet]], the [[High Forest]], [[Myth Drannor]], [[Northwest Faerûn]], and the [[Western Heartlands]]
  
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| caption2 = Various depictions of moon elves.
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| type = [[Fey]] [[humanoid]] ([[Tel-quessir]])
  
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| subtype = [[Eladrin]]
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| name = Moon Elf
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| size5e = Medium
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| skincolor = Pale white to icy blue
  
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| type5e = [[Humanoid]]
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| haircolor = Black, blue, brown, silvery white
  
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| subtype5e = [[Elf]]
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| eyecolor = Green or blue with golden flecks
  
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| alignment5e = Usually [[chaotic good]]
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| distinctions = Impulsive, extroverted, frail, tolerant
  
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| challenge5e =
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}}
  
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| refs5e = <ref name="SCAG5e-p105-106">{{Cite book/Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide|105-106}}</ref><ref name="PHB5e-p23-24">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 5th edition|23-24}}</ref>
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'''Moon elves''', also known as '''''Teu-tel-quessir''''' in their [[Elven language|own language]]<ref name="C:EoEp18">{{Cite book/Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves|18}}</ref>, or as '''silver elves''' are the most common of all the [[eladrin]] subraces.<ref name="RoF-p38">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|38}}</ref> More tolerant of [[human]]s than other eladrin, moon elves are the ancestors of most [[half-eladrin]].<ref name="FRCS3e:14">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|14}}</ref>
  
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| size4e = Medium
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| origin4e = [[Fey]]
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| type4e = [[Humanoid]]
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| subtype4e =
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| alignment4e =
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| refs4e = {{Fact}}
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| size3e = Medium
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| type3e = [[Humanoid]]
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| subtype3e = [[Elf]]
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| alignment3e = Usually [[chaotic good]]
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| challenge3e = {{Frac|1|2}}
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| refs3e = <ref name="MMv.3.5-pp101-102">{{Cite book/Monster Manual 3.5|101-102}}</ref>
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| size2e =
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| alignment2e =
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| refs2e =
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| size1e =
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| alignment1e =
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| refs1e =
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| patron deity = [[Corellon Larethian]]<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp101-102" />
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| vision = [[Low-light vision]]<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp101-102" />
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| activecycle =
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| diet =
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| lifespan = 350&ndash;750 years<ref name="PHB5e-p23-24" /><ref name="PGtF-p31">{{Cite book/Player's Guide to Faerûn|31}}</ref>
  ⚫
| location = The [[Dalelands]]<br />[[Evermeet]]<br />The [[High Forest]]<br />[[Myth Drannor]]<br />[[Northwest Faerûn]]<br />The [[Western Heartlands]]
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| language = [[Common]], [[Elven]]<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp101-102" />
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| subraces =
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| climate = Temperate<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp101-102" />
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| terrain = Forest<ref name="MMv.3.5-pp101-102" />
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| height = Male: 5′0″–6′6″ (150–200 cm)<ref name="RoF-p38" /><ref name="PGtF-p32">{{Cite book/Player's Guide to Faerûn|32}}</ref><br/>Female: 4′7″–6′1″ (140–185 cm)<ref name="RoF-p38" /><ref name="PGtF-p32" />
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| length =
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| wingspan =
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| weight = Male: 95–250 lb (45–115 kg)<ref name="RoF-p38" /><ref name="PGtF-p32" /><br/>Female: 75–230 lb (35–105 kg)<ref name="RoF-p38" /><ref name="PGtF-p32" />
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| skincolor = Fair, sometimes with blue tint<ref name="RoF-p38" />
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| haircolor = Black, blue, silvery white<ref name="RoF-p38" />
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| hairstyles = Braids or ponytails held with wire or beads<ref name="RoF-p38" />
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| feathers =
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| eyecolor = Green or blue with golden flecks<ref name="RoF-p38" />
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| build =
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| distinctions =
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| based =
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| first =
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}}'''Moon elves''', also known as '''''Teu-tel-quessir''''' in the [[elven language]]<ref name="C.EoEp18">{{Cite book/Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves|18}}</ref> or as '''silver elves''', were the most common of all the [[Elf|elven]] subraces.<ref name="RoF-p38">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|38}}</ref> More tolerant of [[human]]s than other elves, moon elves were the ancestors of most [[half-elves]].<ref name="FRCS3e.14">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|14}}</ref> They were considered [[High elf|high elves]]<ref name="PHB5e-p23-24" /> sometimes also called [[eladrin]].<ref name="PHB4e-p39">{{Cite book/Player's Handbook 4th edition|39}}</ref>
   
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==Ecology==
 +
==Description==
  ⚫
Like all elves, the ''Teu-tel-quessir'' were tall, close to humans in height, but more slender and beautiful. Moon elf skin was pale, often with an icy blue hue. Moon elf hair was commonly black, blue, or silvery white, although human-like colors were heard of as well, though very rare. Moon elf eyes, like those of other elves, were very commonly green, although some were blue as well. All exhibited a characteristic best described as golden flecks speckled through the iris. Male moon elves were typically taller than females.<ref name="RoF-p38" />
−
===Description===
  
⚫
Like all eladrin, the ''Teu-tel-quessir'' are tall, close to humans in height, but more slender and beautiful. Moon elf skin is pale, often with an icy blue hue. Moon elf hair is commonly black, blue, or silvery white, although human-like colors are heard of as well, though very rare. Moon elf eyes, like those of other eladrin, are very commonly green, although some are blue as well. All exhibit a characteristic best described as golden flecks speckled through the iris. Male moon elves are typically taller than females.<ref name="RoF-p38"/>
  
   
−
===Personality===
 +
==Personality==
−
Of all the eladrin races, moon elves are the most impulsive, with a strong distaste for complacency or isolation. Moon elves long to be on the road, traveling and exploring the untamed wilderness that lies between cities and nations. This extroverted quality is part of the reason why moon elves get along uncommonly well with other races and have come to the conclusion that non-[[elf|elves]] are not necessarily as foolhardy or unworthy as their brethren might think. Moon elves, rather than feeling that interaction outside of their race diminishes or weakens them, believe that interacting with other races, humans in particular, is the best way to spread the values of the Tel-quessir races, thereby strengthening their culture.<ref name="RoF-p38"/>
 +
Of all the elven races, moon elves were the most impulsive, with a strong distaste for complacency or isolation. Moon elves longed to be on the road, traveling and exploring the untamed wilderness that lay between cities and nations. This extroverted quality was part of the reason why moon elves got along uncommonly well with other races and had come to the conclusion that the ''N-Tel-Quess'' were not necessarily as foolhardy or unworthy as their brethren might think. Moon elves, rather than feeling that interaction outside of their race diminished or weakened them, believed that interacting with other races, humans in particular, was the best way to spread the values of the Tel-quessir races, thereby strengthening their culture.<ref name="RoF-p38" />
   
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===Culture===
 +
==Culture==
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Moon elven society is often loosely organized and few moon elves stay in one place for more than a season or two, preferring a nomadic lifestyle. Moon elves are generally comfortable living amongst other eladrin, particularly [[sun elf|sun elves]], as well as elves, [[gnome]]s, humans, or [[halfling]]s. Most moon elves organize themselves into groups of a dozen extended families or so, each ruled democratically, although often with ''de facto'' leaders whose say holds more weight than anyone else's, an individual most often respected for either their age or their martial skill. Wherever they live, moon elves are unassuming, with homes just as humble, if comfortable.<ref name="RoF-p39">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|39}}</ref>
 +
Moon elven society was often loosely organized and few moon elves stayed in one place for more than a season or two, preferring a nomadic lifestyle. Moon elves were generally comfortable living amongst other elves, particularly [[sun elves]], as well as [[gnome]]s, humans, or [[halfling]]s. Most moon elves organized themselves into groups of a dozen extended families or so, each ruled democratically, although often with ''de facto'' leaders whose say held more weight than anyone else's, an individual most often respected for either their age or their martial skill. Wherever they lived, moon elves were unassuming, with homes that were humble, if comfortable.<ref name="RoF-p39">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|39}}</ref>
   
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Although often light-hearted and at ease, moon elves can leap to action if danger comes around. Like other eladrin, moon elves make sure that nearly all of their number are trained to wield a weapon and many also have some small skill in [[magic]]. However, even in such dark times, moon elves tend to find something to brighten them up, a quality that can be valuable for maintaining morale.<ref name="RoF-p39"/>
 +
Although often light-hearted and at ease, moon elves could leap to action if danger came around. Like other elves, moon elves made sure that nearly all of their members were trained to wield a weapon and many also had some small skill in [[magic]]. However, even in dark times, moon elves tended to find something to brighten them up, a quality that could be valuable for maintaining morale.<ref name="RoF-p39" />
   
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It is not uncommon for a moon elf to take on the life of an [[adventurer]]. After all, moon elves are innately a race driven by wanderlust and the desire to learn or do good. Altogether, moon elves are individualistic and most believe sincerely that each person can make a difference in the world, for better or worse. Because moon elves have an innate sense of altruism and good will to others, most moon elven adventurers are heroes, rather than villains, though both exist.<ref name="RoF-p38"/>
+
It was not uncommon for a moon elf to take on the life of an [[adventurer]]. After all, moon elves were innately a race driven by wanderlust and the desire to learn or do good. Altogether, moon elves were individualistic and most believed sincerely that each person could make a difference in the world, for better or worse. Because moon elves had an innate sense of altruism and good will to others, most moon elven adventurers were heroes, rather than villains, though both existed.<ref name="RoF-p38" />
   
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Those who do turn to an adventurer’s lifestyle commonly embrace the musical path of a [[bard]], the martial lifestyle of a [[fighter]], [[ranger]], or [[rogue]], or study to become [[wizard]]s or [[swordmage]]s. Some might also become, later in life, [[arcane archer]]s or [[bladesinger]]s and during the organization’s existence, many also felt a calling to the way of the [[Harpers]].<ref name="RoF-p38-39">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|38-39}}</ref>
 +
Those who did turn to an adventurer's lifestyle commonly embraced the musical path of a [[bard]]; the martial lifestyle of a [[fighter]], [[ranger]], or [[rogue]]; or studied to become [[wizard]]s. Some might also become, later in life, [[arcane archer]]s or [[bladesinger]]s and during the organization's existence, many also felt a calling to the way of the [[Harpers]].<ref name="RoF-p38-39">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|38-39}}</ref>
   
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===Art and leisure===
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===Art & Leisure===
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Generally, moon elves take things with little gravity, taking joy in the simple things of life, a trend which their music and art reflect, which are more often joyous than solemn. Moon elves are themselves very fond of art and have both a strong bardic tradition and a history of painting and sculpting. For entertainment moon elves prefer to gamble, taking little risks as part of the fun. Similarly, drinking and reveling is an important part of moon elven culture.<ref name="RoF-p39"/>
 +
Generally, moon elves took things with little gravity, instead taking joy in the simple things of life, a trend that their music and art reflected, which were more often joyous than solemn. Moon elves were themselves very fond of art and had both a strong bardic tradition and a history of painting and sculpting. For entertainment, moon elves preferred to gamble, taking little risks as part of the fun. Similarly, drinking and reveling was an important part of moon elven culture.<ref name="RoF-p39" />
   
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Like most eladrin, moon elves prefer clothing of simple design but exquisite making, using among the finest textile and most beautiful weaving designs available but typically making simple cuts and measurements, finding showy flourishes unnecessary. Moon elven clothing is often flashy in other ways, however, with bright colors popular amongst moon elves who feel comfortably at rest and away from danger. Most moon elves wear their hair in braids or ponytails, decorated with wires or beads. Tattoos are not unheard of amongst moon elves and are frequently worn, though it is not an ingrained part of their culture.<ref name="RoF-p38"/>
 +
Like most elves, moon elves preferred clothing of simple design but exquisite making, using the finest textiles and most beautiful weaving designs available but typically making simple cuts and measurements, finding showy flourishes unnecessary. Moon elven clothing was often flashy in other ways, however, with bright colors popular amongst moon elves who felt comfortably at rest and away from danger. Most moon elves wore their hair in braids or ponytails, decorated with wires or beads. Tattoos were not unheard of amongst moon elves and were frequently worn, though it was not an ingrained part of their culture.<ref name="RoF-p38" />
   
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Moon elves are fond of keeping pets, in particular such animals as [[cat]]s, [[dog]]s, [[falcon]]s, or other hunting partners. Many also form close bond with self-aware creatures, such as [[blink dog]]s, [[pegasus|pegasi]], [[unicorn]]s, or [[dragonne]]s. However, most moon elves do not keep mounts, feeling it important to walk on their own two feet.<ref name="RoF-p40">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|40}}</ref>
 +
Moon elves were fond of keeping pets, in particular, such animals as [[cat]]s, [[dog]]s, [[falcon]]s, or other hunting partners. Many also formed close bonds with self-aware creatures, such as [[blink dog]]s, [[pegasus|pegasi]], [[unicorn]]s, or [[dragonne]]s. However, most moon elves did not keep mounts, feeling it important to walk on their own two feet.<ref name="RoF-p40">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|40}}</ref>
   
 
===Magic and religion===
  
===Magic and religion===
−
Moon elves, like other eladrin, love the learning and use of magic, in whatever form it takes. Both traditions of [[arcane magic|arcane]] and [[divine magic]] are highly encouraged and those who partake in either are pushed to expand the knowledge of their race. This pressure does not bother most moon elves, who are outright delighted should they ever become masters of the Art.<ref name="RoF-p39"/>
 +
Moon elves, like other elves, loved the learning and use of [[magic]], in whatever form it took. Both traditions of [[arcane magic|arcane]] and [[divine magic]] were highly encouraged and those who partook in either were pushed to expand the knowledge of their race. This pressure did not bother most moon elves, who were outright delighted should they ever become masters of [[the Art]].<ref name="RoF-p39" />
   
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Like other Tel-quessir, moon elves generally worship the [[Seldarine]], otherwise known as the [[fey]] or elven pantheon and most choose a particular [[deity]] as their patron. Of the number, the goddess [[Angharradh]] is most popular, whom moon elves wrongfully identified as a composite figure made of [[Sehanine Moonbow]], [[Aerdrie Faenya]], and [[Hanali Celanil]] as well. Unlike other eladrin, who typically think of Angharradh as little more than the god [[Corellon]]'s]] queen, moon elves see Angharradh as the Protector’s equal. Regardless of deity, moon elven religious ceremonies are, like so many other things in moon elf culture, loud and joyful and even the most pious of the subrace cannot deny that the festivals are often just another excuse to revel.<ref name="RoF-p39"/>
 +
Like other Tel-quessir, moon elves generally worshiped the [[Seldarine]], that is, the elven pantheon, and most chose a particular [[deity]] as their patron. Of their number, the goddess [[Angharradh]] was most popular, whom moon elves identified as a composite figure made of [[Sehanine Moonbow]], [[Aerdrie Faenya]], and [[Hanali Celanil]]. Unlike other elves, who typically thought of Angharradh as little more than the god [[Corellon]]'s consort, moon elves saw Angharradh as the Protector's equal. Regardless of deity, moon elven religious ceremonies were, like so many other things in moon elf culture, loud and joyful and even the most pious of the subrace couldn't deny that the festivals were often just another excuse to revel.<ref name="RoF-p39" />
   
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===Relations with other races===
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===Relations===
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Moon elves are uncommonly tolerant of non-elves, spending as much time within other races' lands as they do within their own. While sun elves might wrinkle their nose at other cultures as inferior, moon elves typically feel that the diversity of [[Faerûn]]'s landscape as wondrously enchanting. To a moon elf, the insights that non-eladrin often have is a strength that others of their race too often ignore. Rather than shunning outside ideas, most moon elves embrace them and make them a part of their own culture, which often causes other eladrin and elves to look down on the subrace.<ref name="RoF-p39"/>
 +
Moon elves were uncommonly tolerant of non-elves, spending as much time within other races' lands as they did within their own. While sun elves might wrinkle their nose at other cultures as inferior, moon elves typically felt that the diversity of [[Faerûn]]'s landscape was wondrously enchanting. To a moon elf, the insights that non-elves often had was a strength that others of their race too often ignored. Rather than shunning outside ideas, most moon elves embraced them and made them a part of their own culture, which often caused other elves to look down on the subrace.<ref name="RoF-p39" />
   
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Such reasons as for why their openness is frowned upon by some elves, such as the Sun elves, is because they believe that their Moon brethren are too open and kind-hearted to the N-Tel-Quess, thus making it as a foolish attempt. The Sun elves have strive so much to help the Moon elves to try to return to the proper elven path with very stern lectures and strict fatherly advice by trying to make them look down on the N-Tel-Quess as inferior, but for a Moon Elf, these actions are nothing but a tactical weakness and therefore are a silly way to alienating themselves from every other race they encounter. Working and getting along with the N-Tel-Quess is the true meaning of friendship for the Teu-Tel-Quessir.{{fact}}
 +
The reason their openness was frowned upon by some elves (namely, the sun elves) was because they believed that their moon elf brethren were too open and kindhearted to the N-Tel-Quess, thus making it seem a foolish attempt. The sun elves strove to help the moon elves to try to return to the proper elven path with very stern lectures and strict fatherly advice by trying to make them look down on the N-Tel-Quess as inferior, but for a moon Elf, these actions were nothing but a tactical weakness and therefore were a silly way to alienate themselves from every other race they encountered. Working and getting along with the N-Tel-Quess was the true meaning of friendship for the Teu-Tel-Quessir.{{fact}}
   
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However, while moon elves commonly demonstrate a willingness to accept other cultures’ traditions and ideas they generally have little tolerance for cruelty, making them natural enemies of most [[orc]]s and [[gnoll]]s. Likewise, most moon elves share their kin’s open hostility towards [[drow]].<ref name="RoF-p39-40">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|39-40}}</ref>
 +
However, while moon elves commonly demonstrated a willingness to accept other cultures' traditions and ideas, they generally had little tolerance for cruelty, making them natural enemies of most [[orc]]s and [[gnoll]]s. Likewise, most moon elves shared their kin's open hostility towards [[drow]].<ref name="RoF-p39-40">{{Cite book/Races of Faerûn|39-40}}</ref>
   
 
==History==
  
==History==
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Moon elves were not the first of the eladrin to immigrate to [[Abeir-Toril]], which they then called Faerûn, but they were the largest in number. Moon elves were eager to travel the new world their brethren had discovered, maintaining their characteristic wanderlust even in these early years, and it was not for some time before they settled as other eladrin had already done, eventually coming to form the nation of [[Orishaar]], though many would settle in [[Othreier]] and [[Keltormir]]. This nation would have an ill fate, however, being one of the lands destroyed in the [[Crown Wars]] by the [[Illythiir]]i, circa [[-11,200 DR]].<ref name="RoF-p38"/>
 +
Moon elves were not the first of the elves to immigrate to [[Abeir-Toril]], but they were the largest in number. Moon elves were eager to travel the new world their brethren had discovered, maintaining their characteristic wanderlust even in these early years, and it was some time before they settled in [[Faerûn]] as other elves had already done, eventually coming to form the nation of [[Orishaar]], though many settled in [[Othreier]] and [[Keltormir]]. This nation had an ill fate, however, being one of the lands destroyed in the [[Crown Wars]] by the [[Illythiir]]i, circa {{Yearlink|-11200}}.<ref name="RoF-p38" />
   
−
After the destruction of Orishaar, many moon elves would help to found many more of the newer Tel-quessir nations. Among the more successful of these was the city [[Evereska]], constructed around [[-8600 DR]] and [[Cormanthyr]], which was founded in [[-3983 DR]]. Of these, only Evereska would survive to the present day, Cormanthyr collapsing in the [[714 DR|Year of Doom]],<ref name="RoF-p38"/> although [[Myth Drannor]], Cormanthyr's greatest city, would be rebuilt and resettled during the [[1374 DR|Year of Lightning Storms]].<ref name="FRCG-p156">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|156}}</ref>
 +
After the destruction of Orishaar, many moon elves helped to found many more of the newer Tel-quessir nations. Among the more successful of these was the city of [[Evereska]], constructed around {{Yearlink|-8600}} and [[Cormanthyr]], which was founded in {{Yearlink|-3983}}. Of these, only Evereska survived to 14{{th}} century DR, with Cormanthyr collapsing in the [[714 DR|Year of Doom, 714 DR]],<ref name="RoF-p38" /> although [[Myth Drannor]], Cormanthyr's greatest city, was rebuilt and resettled in the [[1374 DR|Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR]].<ref name="FRCG-p156">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|156}}</ref>
   
−
However, while few moon elven realms have survived into the modern age, the moon elves have, on the whole, done well for themselves. Compared to the sun elves, relatively few moon elves left Faerûn for the [[Retreat]]. Instead, the moon elves have largely been content to wander across the continent, forming small, short-lived (by an eladrin's reckoning) communities and then moving on.<ref name="RoF-p38"/>
 +
However, while few moon elven realms survived into the modern age, the moon elves had, on the whole, done well for themselves. Compared to the sun elves, relatively few moon elves left Faerûn for the [[Retreat]]. Instead, the moon elves were largely content to wander across the continent, forming small, short-lived (by an elf's reckoning) communities, and then moving on.<ref name="RoF-p38" />
   
 
==Homelands==
  
==Homelands==
−
Although nations that can properly be considered moon elven yet still exist, moon elves have fared relatively well on the whole compared to their brethren. Though the moon elves have not settled in vast numbers this is less out of inability as lack of need, as the small bands that make up most moon elves have been fairly successful at their lifestyle for centuries. By and large, moon elves ignored the [[Retreat]] carried out by their sun elf kin, preferring to either live amongst other races or wander the wilderness. The major exception to this has been the isolated city of Evereska, mainly populated by moon elves. Moon elves can be found most commonly in the [[Dalelands]], [[Northwest Faerûn]], or the [[Western Heartlands]].<ref name="RoF-p38"/> Since the [[Spellplague]], many have also taken refuge in the cities of [[Baldur's Gate]] and [[Waterdeep]].<ref name="FRPG-p15">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide|15}}</ref>
 +
Some nations that could properly be considered moon elven still existed in the 14{{th}} century [[DR]]—a sign that moon elves had, on the whole, fared relatively well compared to their brethren. Though the moon elves had not settled in vast numbers, this was less out of inability as lack of need, as the small bands that made up most moon elves had been fairly successful at their lifestyle for centuries. By and large, moon elves ignored the Retreat carried out by their sun elf kin, preferring to either live amongst other races or wander the wilderness. The major exception to this was the isolated city of Evereska, mainly populated by moon elves. Moon elves could be found most commonly in the [[Dalelands]], [[northwest Faerûn]], or the [[Western Heartlands]].<ref name="RoF-p38" /> After the [[Spellplague]] of [[1385 DR]], many also took refuge in the cities of [[Baldur's Gate]] and [[Waterdeep]].<ref name="FRPG-p15">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide|15}}</ref>
   
 
==Appendix==
  
==Appendix==
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===Connections===
  
===Connections===
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{{Tel-quessir races}}
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{{Tel-quessir races}}[[de:Mondelfen]]
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[[de:Mondelfen]]
  
 
[[Category:Eladrin]]
  
[[Category:Eladrin]]
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[[Category:Moon elves]]
  
 
[[Category:Tel-quessir]]
  
[[Category:Tel-quessir]]
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[[Category:Humanoids]]
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[[Category:Races]]

Revision as of 08:54, 26 May 2020

Moon elves, also known as Teu-tel-quessir in the elven language[7] or as silver elves, were the most common of all the elven subraces.[5] More tolerant of humans than other elves, moon elves were the ancestors of most half-elves.[8] They were considered high elves[2] sometimes also called eladrin.[9]

Description

Like all elves, the Teu-tel-quessir were tall, close to humans in height, but more slender and beautiful. Moon elf skin was pale, often with an icy blue hue. Moon elf hair was commonly black, blue, or silvery white, although human-like colors were heard of as well, though very rare. Moon elf eyes, like those of other elves, were very commonly green, although some were blue as well. All exhibited a characteristic best described as golden flecks speckled through the iris. Male moon elves were typically taller than females.[5]

Personality

Of all the elven races, moon elves were the most impulsive, with a strong distaste for complacency or isolation. Moon elves longed to be on the road, traveling and exploring the untamed wilderness that lay between cities and nations. This extroverted quality was part of the reason why moon elves got along uncommonly well with other races and had come to the conclusion that the N-Tel-Quess were not necessarily as foolhardy or unworthy as their brethren might think. Moon elves, rather than feeling that interaction outside of their race diminished or weakened them, believed that interacting with other races, humans in particular, was the best way to spread the values of the Tel-quessir races, thereby strengthening their culture.[5]

Culture

Moon elven society was often loosely organized and few moon elves stayed in one place for more than a season or two, preferring a nomadic lifestyle. Moon elves were generally comfortable living amongst other elves, particularly sun elves, as well as gnomes, humans, or halflings. Most moon elves organized themselves into groups of a dozen extended families or so, each ruled democratically, although often with de facto leaders whose say held more weight than anyone else's, an individual most often respected for either their age or their martial skill. Wherever they lived, moon elves were unassuming, with homes that were humble, if comfortable.[10]

Although often light-hearted and at ease, moon elves could leap to action if danger came around. Like other elves, moon elves made sure that nearly all of their members were trained to wield a weapon and many also had some small skill in magic. However, even in dark times, moon elves tended to find something to brighten them up, a quality that could be valuable for maintaining morale.[10]

It was not uncommon for a moon elf to take on the life of an adventurer. After all, moon elves were innately a race driven by wanderlust and the desire to learn or do good. Altogether, moon elves were individualistic and most believed sincerely that each person could make a difference in the world, for better or worse. Because moon elves had an innate sense of altruism and good will to others, most moon elven adventurers were heroes, rather than villains, though both existed.[5]

Those who did turn to an adventurer's lifestyle commonly embraced the musical path of a bard; the martial lifestyle of a fighter, ranger, or rogue; or studied to become wizards. Some might also become, later in life, arcane archers or bladesingers and during the organization's existence, many also felt a calling to the way of the Harpers.[11]

Art & Leisure

Generally, moon elves took things with little gravity, instead taking joy in the simple things of life, a trend that their music and art reflected, which were more often joyous than solemn. Moon elves were themselves very fond of art and had both a strong bardic tradition and a history of painting and sculpting. For entertainment, moon elves preferred to gamble, taking little risks as part of the fun. Similarly, drinking and reveling was an important part of moon elven culture.[10]

Like most elves, moon elves preferred clothing of simple design but exquisite making, using the finest textiles and most beautiful weaving designs available but typically making simple cuts and measurements, finding showy flourishes unnecessary. Moon elven clothing was often flashy in other ways, however, with bright colors popular amongst moon elves who felt comfortably at rest and away from danger. Most moon elves wore their hair in braids or ponytails, decorated with wires or beads. Tattoos were not unheard of amongst moon elves and were frequently worn, though it was not an ingrained part of their culture.[5]

Moon elves were fond of keeping pets, in particular, such animals as cats, dogs, falcons, or other hunting partners. Many also formed close bonds with self-aware creatures, such as blink dogs, pegasi, unicorns, or dragonnes. However, most moon elves did not keep mounts, feeling it important to walk on their own two feet.[12]

Magic and religion

Moon elves, like other elves, loved the learning and use of magic, in whatever form it took. Both traditions of arcane and divine magic were highly encouraged and those who partook in either were pushed to expand the knowledge of their race. This pressure did not bother most moon elves, who were outright delighted should they ever become masters of the Art.[10]

Like other Tel-quessir, moon elves generally worshiped the Seldarine, that is, the elven pantheon, and most chose a particular deity as their patron. Of their number, the goddess Angharradh was most popular, whom moon elves identified as a composite figure made of Sehanine Moonbow, Aerdrie Faenya, and Hanali Celanil. Unlike other elves, who typically thought of Angharradh as little more than the god Corellon's consort, moon elves saw Angharradh as the Protector's equal. Regardless of deity, moon elven religious ceremonies were, like so many other things in moon elf culture, loud and joyful and even the most pious of the subrace couldn't deny that the festivals were often just another excuse to revel.[10]

Relations

Moon elves were uncommonly tolerant of non-elves, spending as much time within other races' lands as they did within their own. While sun elves might wrinkle their nose at other cultures as inferior, moon elves typically felt that the diversity of Faerûn's landscape was wondrously enchanting. To a moon elf, the insights that non-elves often had was a strength that others of their race too often ignored. Rather than shunning outside ideas, most moon elves embraced them and made them a part of their own culture, which often caused other elves to look down on the subrace.[10]

The reason their openness was frowned upon by some elves (namely, the sun elves) was because they believed that their moon elf brethren were too open and kindhearted to the N-Tel-Quess, thus making it seem a foolish attempt. The sun elves strove to help the moon elves to try to return to the proper elven path with very stern lectures and strict fatherly advice by trying to make them look down on the N-Tel-Quess as inferior, but for a moon Elf, these actions were nothing but a tactical weakness and therefore were a silly way to alienate themselves from every other race they encountered. Working and getting along with the N-Tel-Quess was the true meaning of friendship for the Teu-Tel-Quessir.[citation needed]

However, while moon elves commonly demonstrated a willingness to accept other cultures' traditions and ideas, they generally had little tolerance for cruelty, making them natural enemies of most orcs and gnolls. Likewise, most moon elves shared their kin's open hostility towards drow.[13]

History

Moon elves were not the first of the elves to immigrate to Abeir-Toril, but they were the largest in number. Moon elves were eager to travel the new world their brethren had discovered, maintaining their characteristic wanderlust even in these early years, and it was some time before they settled in Faerûn as other elves had already done, eventually coming to form the nation of Orishaar, though many settled in Othreier and Keltormir. This nation had an ill fate, however, being one of the lands destroyed in the Crown Wars by the Illythiiri, circa −11,200 DR.[5]

After the destruction of Orishaar, many moon elves helped to found many more of the newer Tel-quessir nations. Among the more successful of these was the city of Evereska, constructed around −8600 DR and Cormanthyr, which was founded in −3983 DR. Of these, only Evereska survived to 14th century DR, with Cormanthyr collapsing in the Year of Doom, 714 DR,[5] although Myth Drannor, Cormanthyr's greatest city, was rebuilt and resettled in the Year of Lightning Storms, 1374 DR.[14]

However, while few moon elven realms survived into the modern age, the moon elves had, on the whole, done well for themselves. Compared to the sun elves, relatively few moon elves left Faerûn for the Retreat. Instead, the moon elves were largely content to wander across the continent, forming small, short-lived (by an elf's reckoning) communities, and then moving on.[5]

Homelands

Some nations that could properly be considered moon elven still existed in the 14th century DR—a sign that moon elves had, on the whole, fared relatively well compared to their brethren. Though the moon elves had not settled in vast numbers, this was less out of inability as lack of need, as the small bands that made up most moon elves had been fairly successful at their lifestyle for centuries. By and large, moon elves ignored the Retreat carried out by their sun elf kin, preferring to either live amongst other races or wander the wilderness. The major exception to this was the isolated city of Evereska, mainly populated by moon elves. Moon elves could be found most commonly in the Dalelands, northwest Faerûn, or the Western Heartlands.[5] After the Spellplague of 1385 DR, many also took refuge in the cities of Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep.[15]

Appendix

References

  1. ↑ Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 105–106. ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford (2014). Player's Handbook 5th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 23–24. ISBN 978-0-7869-6560-1.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Skip Williams, Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook (July 2003). Monster Manual v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 101–102. ISBN 0-7869-2893-X.
  4. ↑ Richard Baker, James Wyatt (March 2004). Player's Guide to Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 31. ISBN 0-7869-3134-5.
  5. ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 Reynolds, Forbeck, Jacobs, Boyd (March 2003). Races of Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 38. ISBN 0-7869-2875-1.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Richard Baker, James Wyatt (March 2004). Player's Guide to Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 32. ISBN 0-7869-3134-5.
  7. ↑ Steven E. Schend and Kevin Melka (1998). Cormanthyr: Empire of the Elves. (TSR, Inc), p. 18. ISBN 0-7069-0761-4.
  8. ↑ Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 14. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  9. ↑ Rob Heinsoo, Andy Collins, James Wyatt (June 2008). Player's Handbook 4th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 39. ISBN 0-7869-4867-1.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 Reynolds, Forbeck, Jacobs, Boyd (March 2003). Races of Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 39. ISBN 0-7869-2875-1.
  11. ↑ Reynolds, Forbeck, Jacobs, Boyd (March 2003). Races of Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 38–39. ISBN 0-7869-2875-1.
  12. ↑ Reynolds, Forbeck, Jacobs, Boyd (March 2003). Races of Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 40. ISBN 0-7869-2875-1.
  13. ↑ Reynolds, Forbeck, Jacobs, Boyd (March 2003). Races of Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 39–40. ISBN 0-7869-2875-1.
  14. ↑ Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. Edited by Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 156. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
  15. ↑ Rob Heinsoo, Logan Bonner, Robert J. Schwalb (September 2008). Forgotten Realms Player's Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 15. ISBN 978-0-7869-4929-8.

Connections

Tel-quessir/Elves
High elves: Grey elf • Llewyrr • Moon elf • Star elf • Sun elf
Aquatic Elves: Aquatic elf • Marel
Dark elves: Drow • Aevendrow • Lorendrow • Udadrow
Sylvan Elves: Wild elf • Wood elf
Miscellaneous: Astral elf • Athasian • Avariel • Dusk elf • Lythari • Poscadar elf • Snow elf
Related races
Planetouched: Celadrin • Draegloth • Eladrin • Fey'ri • Shadar-kai
Humanblood: Crinti • Half-elf • Half-drow • Half-sea elf
Dragonblood: Drow-dragon (shadow) • Drow-dragon (deep) • Zekyl • Zar'ithra
Miscellaneous: Drider • Maraloi • Vampire
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