Elves of Karameikos: The Callarii

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

havard

Oct 12, 2005 6:27:24
In this thread I'll be trying to expand on the Callarii, since the elves of Karameikos have not been given much attention in official material. I'll derive heavily on our previous discussions on this race here on the boards a few weeks back.

Some things that should be covered:

The Callarii Clan - General information
Callarii Elves, Racial writeup
The Origin of the Callarii
Callarii History
Immortals of the Callarii
Callarii Elven Horses
Lands of the Callarii
Callarii Monsters
#2

zombiegleemax

Oct 12, 2005 10:52:22
One thing I'd love to know - how long-lived are they meant to be, anyway?
#3

zombiegleemax

Oct 12, 2005 16:53:10
One thing I'd love to know - how long-lived are they meant to be, anyway?

I remember in old materials that the Elves lived forever but then "disappeared" from the mortal world around 600 to 800 years. It was then changed to that they had a life span of about 1000-ish years. I personally like the idea of Elves being Immortal and then going off to a place where no mortal knows about. It just caps off that complete mysterious element that elves have. Maybe it is the Grey Heavens, like in LotR?
#4

zombiegleemax

Oct 12, 2005 21:04:44
I remember in old materials that the Elves lived forever but then "disappeared" from the mortal world around 600 to 800 years. It was then changed to that they had a life span of about 1000-ish years. I personally like the idea of Elves being Immortal and then going off to a place where no mortal knows about. It just caps off that complete mysterious element that elves have. Maybe it is the Grey Heavens, like in LotR?

Thanks!

Yeah, I've injected a few Tolkeinisms into my elves. It helps that I have no elven PCs, so I can afford to create an unbalanced race. I might steal this element of them going off somewhere... perhaps not a real journey, but finding some place where they can be swept away by Ilsundal (or other insert Elven Immortal here) and leave the mortal world behind?

Hmm, this raises a new question. Will start another thread for it to avoid cluttering this one.

Sorry!
#5

twin_campaigns

Oct 13, 2005 1:32:09
I've never found the idea of elven immortality in any OD&D product.

Companion Set states that the recommended maximum age is roughly 800.
Rules Cyclopedia restate this. But from the age table it could be surmised that elves reaching 1000 years is possible.

Gaz 5: Elves of Alfheim state that elven lifespan is between 600 and 800 years, but some reach 1000. They reach adulthood at roughly 100.

I actually like to have elves more "real" in this way. They are a race like any other, but their exceptionally long lifes just make their views on life very different. Gaz 5 was succesfull in picturing this out: you have the "manana manana" elves that live a leisurely existence; the hurrying "loose leaves" that want to see all the world; the craftsmen who immerse themselves in centuries-long projects; etc. etc.

Also the distinct elven clan cultures create a real race in a sense that elven life is not dictated just by their race, but mainly by their culture and the environment they have ended up in.

One important result of the long lifespan is that you have elves in 1000 AC who have vivid memories dating back to at least 300 AC.
#6

havard

Oct 13, 2005 6:46:13
A good summary Twin Campaigns. I checked the same sources last night, but now I realize I didnt have to ;)

My thought is that Alfheim elves live a bit longer than other elves; its a good way to explain the discrepancies between the rulesets and Gaz 5. The Callarii have lifespans similar to the Alfheim elves, since they are of the same stock. Vyalia, Belcadiz and others rarely live beyond 800. Very old elves also grow beards, an interesting fact setting them apart from non-mystaran elves...

Another interesting thing about races with long lifespans is that their chances of dying from natural causes are reduced, or rather the chance that they will die of something else is increased. AFAIK, diseases do occurr among Mystaran elves (Unlike Tolkien's ones), but since magic is so common, they probably have easy ways to deal with this. That leaves the chance of dying from violence as a big factor in elven life cycles.

In ElfQuest the same was discussed when Cutter of the Wolf-riders, who were mortal, talked about death with Leetah, who was a pure blooded and thus immortal elf. Cutter said, that for the Wolf-Riders it hardly mattered since their lives were so full of violence, he had hardly known anyone to make it past 600 years without being killed....

Håvard
#7

twin_campaigns

Oct 13, 2005 9:54:11
Back to Callarii: I can't wait to see what you've come up with.
By the way, on which thread did the discussion on Callarii come up?

Some ideas:
- Interesting notions about the chevalls and the wild horses of Karameikan/
Traladaran lands were developed in B10. Chevalls should be pretty significant for the Callarii, as they are close to the horses.
- The Elvenguard: it would be interesting to develop the history of this group. How come the Callarii ended up giving such a big unit for Stephan? This would be interesting considering the volatile situation during the Thyatian occupation, and the much longer history of Callarii with the Traladara?
- Highforge gnomes: What relations have the Callarii had with them?
- In general, writing the history of the Callarii is an opportunity to develop the "Dark Years" of Traladara a bit more.
#8

zombiegleemax

Oct 13, 2005 10:19:55
Another interesting subject would be the tree of life. According to Gaz5, the Callarii probably have one (since 10 trees of life exists and Alfheim only have 7 IIRC). Do you intend to give a tree of life to the Callarii? Is so, fleshing out it’s surroundings (where it is, who is it’s keeper, etc.) would be interesting.

One thing that bugs me about the fall of Alfheim during WotI is that even thought the elves ran away with saplings from the trees of life, the shadowelves could still destroy the original trees, which, according to Gaz5, would in turn destroy the children trees. The only way to prevent that is by performing a century long ceremony to make the child tree a mother tree, thus freeing it from the fate of its mother. I’m not sure how hard it is to destroy a tree of life (Gaz5 is not very clear on the subject if IIRC, and I don’t have access to CM7, so I don’t know if there is anything else on the subject in there), but it seems to me that a 100 years is plenty of time for the shadowelves to figure it out.

So, by having the Callarii in possession of a tree of life, you could have them give saplings to the fleeing elves, thus saving part of their culture and traditions. You could also have some treekeeper in Alfheim perform the ritual to uproot a tree of life, them teleport it to Wendar or Karameikos in order to save it, but I don’t remember how long this takes and I'm not sure they would have had time to do it before the Canolbarth was completely overtaken by the shadowelves.

Anyway, sorry if it got a little far from the original subject here.

Francis
#9

RPGpundit

Oct 13, 2005 16:55:25
In my campaign the Callari are far more conservative and less debauched than the elves of Alfheim, affected as they have been with human (karameikan) morality, which surrounds them.

RPGPundit
#10

RPGpundit

Oct 13, 2005 16:57:35
One thing that bugs me about the fall of Alfheim during WotI is that even thought the elves ran away with saplings from the trees of life, the shadowelves could still destroy the original trees, which, according to Gaz5, would in turn destroy the children trees. Francis

Francis, as far as I understand it, the Shadow elves had no desire to destroy the trees of life, and are rather upset at the fact that they are dying and can't seem to fix them.

RPGPundit
#11

havard

Oct 13, 2005 18:01:54
Back to Callarii: I can't wait to see what you've come up with.
By the way, on which thread did the discussion on Callarii come up?

Some ideas:
- Interesting notions about the chevalls and the wild horses of Karameikan/
Traladaran lands were developed in B10. Chevalls should be pretty significant for the Callarii, as they are close to the horses.
- The Elvenguard: it would be interesting to develop the history of this group. How come the Callarii ended up giving such a big unit for Stephan? This would be interesting considering the volatile situation during the Thyatian occupation, and the much longer history of Callarii with the Traladara?
- Highforge gnomes: What relations have the Callarii had with them?
- In general, writing the history of the Callarii is an opportunity to develop the "Dark Years" of Traladara a bit more.

Interesting suggestions! Actually it seems like we are very much on the same line of thinking, as I have adressed much of this already. Some of it can be developed more though. Interestingly I haven't adressed the issue of the Gnomes too much though. I've simply assumed that they are pretty much on friendly terms. There is probably some trade going on though...the Gnome Caravan and all that....

And it does indeed give us some possibility to delve further into some of the less detailed history of traladara...there are centuries there where seemingly nothing happens....

Håvard
#12

havard

Oct 13, 2005 18:22:33
The Callarii
Most elves encountered in Karameikos (at least before WotI) belong to the Callarii Clan. The Callarii are related to the elves of Alfheim and are similar to them in lifestyle and appearance. What perhaps sets Callarii elves most apart from other clans is their knowledge of horses and mastery of horsemanship. The name Callarii comes from their Epic heroine, Lady Callarii, who is still worshipped as an immortal among the Callarii today.

Callarii Settlements:
The Callarii make their homes in most of Karameikos' forests, but the largest concentration of Callarii are found in the Radlebb Woods. Quite a few also dwell in the western edge of Dymrak. However, due to the
presence of Goblins and fouler things within that forest, even elves hesitate to go deep within those woods. The largest known settlement of Callarii is
Rifllian, village built by the elves to make trade with humans and the other races. Many of its population are thus, in addition to the elves; Humans,
halflings and gnomes, though Dwarves rarely stay long in Rifflian. The Callarii breed and trade horses and also sell woodcraft, weapons, fruits, berrie, animal
skins and meat.

The Elves of Duke Stefan
During the Thyatian Invasions of Traladara, the elves stayed out of human affairs. But they did not enjoy to see their Traladaran friends suffer. When Duke Stefan arrived in Karameikos, they hoped he would make
conditions better. The Duke was thus able to make a deal with the Callarii. He offered simply that they could rule their forests in their own ways as long as
they recognized him officially as their Ruler. As a symbol of this agreement, the elves send some of their best warriors to serve as an honorary guard at King Stefan’s Castle.

The Elven Horses of the Callarii
When Mealiden’s migration arrived in the lands south of the Nithian Empire. They were attacked by the Nithians, and were soon driven west passing through the grasslands of Kerendas, they were fascinated with the wonderful wild horses that roamed the land, and befriended them. Elves do not domesticate animals as the humans had begun doing, but some horses were
brought along as the elves travelled into the Forests of Traladara. As the Callarii remained there their fascination with horses grew. This was encouraged by their Clanmaster, Lady Callarii. She seemed relieved
of some of the sorrow she felt when she was around horses. As the centuries passed, the Callarii became master horsemen and their horses were admired by all others.

Centaurs had also moved into Karameikos. They came from the great Ethengar Grasslands in the north, and also offered advice on how to raise the best horses. But one day the Centaurs approached the elves with a
problem. A strange Plague raged the land. (The Lycantrophic Plague of 425 AC –Ed.) It mostly affected humans, causing them to take the form of predator animals and turn to evil ways. Some said the days of the Beastmen had returned. Others believed it was an ancient Taymoran Curse that had been brought upon them. The elves seemed unaffected by this Plague. Some
Centaurs, however had been affected. The elves brought the Centaurs to their Treekeeper, who was after a while able to find a cure. However, it was not a complete cure. The Centaurs who had been cured were no longer affected by the madness associated with the disease, but were still able to change their shape between Centaur and Horse form. Thus the Chevalls were
born. These became Sages and Shamans of their Tribes. To thank the elves, the Chevalls, who were given an even deeper understanding of horses, due to their shapeshifting abilities, had a proposition. With the aid of Unicorns, they could create a new kind of horse for the elves. These horses, magical creatures in their own right, became known as elven horses, and were superior to even the best ordinary horses. The elves felt that the elven horses were the symbol of eternal friendship between them and the Centaurs and Chevalls and agreed that only elves would be allowed to ride these magnificent beasts. However Lady Callarii, still the Clanmaster now, 400 years later ordered that some of these horses should be taken to Alfheim as a gift to their allies and friends in that new Forest Kingdom in the north.

Håvard
#13

havard

Oct 14, 2005 8:23:13
New Immortal: Lady Callarii
Status/Sphere: Initiate of Thought
AL: LN (N)
Portfolio: Horses, Nature, Elves
Domains: Nature, Animal, Good
Symbol: Sad elven maiden sitting on a white horse
Favored Weapon: Shortbow

Allies: Mealiden, Ilsundal, Ordana
Enemies: Orcus, Demogorgon, Leptar

Background
The elves of Ilsundal lived for many years in peace in the Sylvan Realm, that their Immortal Champion had provided for them. But King Mealiden grew restless. He sought some other destination for his people. Mealiden discovered the Path of the Rainbow and lead those who would follow him to a new part of the world, just as Ilsundal once had lead the elves from Grunland.
Thousands of elves decided to follow their King.

Accompanying King Mealiden, was also his lover, Lady Callarii. She was both fair and wise, and some say, as much a leader as Mealiden was. The elves travelled by the Rainbow into what is now Thyatis, then ruled by the Nithians. The Nithians attacked the elves, driving them off to the west. The elves were aided by other elves, known as The Vyalia, but it was clear that they
could not stay there for long. Mealiden decided to continue his Great Migration north towards the Plains of Canolbarth where he would found his new realm. But many elves were wounded, or too old or too young to travel. Others decided to stay to protect these elves who were unable to travel. They asked Lady Callarii
for help. She was the only one who could lead them, they said. Lady Callarii was forced to chose between her true love and the people who depended upon her. In the end she chose the people. Though the sadness of her lost love would remain with her in the decades that followed. The lands these elves settled in were
known as Traladara and humans already lived here, talking about old days of Glory under the rulership of King Halav and his Companions. The elves were allowed to stay in their forests and they formed a clan, and named themselves simply the Elves of Callarii. But the elves guarded a great secret. For Mealiden had not been oblivious to the choice of his love. As a parting gift he gave her one of the branches of the Tree of Ilsundal, the holiest of all elven relics, so that the Callarii could plant a Tree of Life of their own. It is said that this Tree of Life, known as the Tree of Callarii has unique powers, different from the other Trees of Life.

Lady Callarii eventually achieved Immortality as an Epic Hero, and became the patron of her clan and of horsemanship. She is remembered for her solemn yet wise rulership. She is often depicted next to a horse since the Callarii are famous horsebreeders and consider the horse a holy animal.

OD&D Elven Clerics: Elf Clerics of Lady Callarii use the elf class, but gain Clerical spells rather than elf/magic user spells.

Source: B10 Dark Night's Terror

Håvard
#14

zombiegleemax

Oct 14, 2005 10:01:06
Håvard, nice material you got going on here. Can't wait to read the rest.


Francis, as far as I understand it, the Shadow elves had no desire to destroy the trees of life, and are rather upset at the fact that they are dying and can't seem to fix them.

RPGPundit

In one of the adventures in Gaz 5, the Shadowelves have infiltrated the library of the Mealiden(?) clan looking for a way to destroy the Trees of Life (I believe the adventure is called "Grand Tour", or something like that). Also, in one of the adventure hooks, the Shadowelves have created a strange fungi creature and attempt to kill a Tree of Life by wrapping this creature around the roots of the tree.

So that’s were I got the impression that they’d want to kill the Trees. Especially if this meant they could cause more harm to the elves. And after all, the Trees are artifact of Ilsundal, not Rafiel. But if you know of a source that says that the Shadowelves are trying to keep the Trees of Life alive, I’d be interested. I don’t have access to PWA2, is it in there?

Francis
#15

RPGpundit

Oct 14, 2005 11:07:17
So that’s were I got the impression that they’d want to kill the Trees. Especially if this meant they could cause more harm to the elves. And after all, the Trees are artifact of Ilsundal, not Rafiel. But if you know of a source that says that the Shadowelves are trying to keep the Trees of Life alive, I’d be interested. I don’t have access to PWA2, is it in there?

Francis

As a matter of fact that is exactly where I think the references to this are, the general impression being that the trees of life and the forest as a whole are dying, and that some factions in the shadow-elves want to actually try to make peace with the Alfheim elves so that their treekeepers can come back to save the trees, because nothing the shadow elves do is working.-

Keep in mind that your reference of the Alfheim gazeteer really isn't a very good choice of citation, since the "shadow elves" as they're presented in there (before the shadow elf gazeteer came out) were considerably more "evil" than they turned out to be in the rest of the Mystaran canon.

RPGPundit
#16

twin_campaigns

Oct 14, 2005 15:26:08
Keep in mind that your reference of the Alfheim gazeteer really isn't a very good choice of citation, since the "shadow elves" as they're presented in there (before the shadow elf gazeteer came out) were considerably more "evil" than they turned out to be in the rest of the Mystaran canon.
RPGPundit

That's true, although Gaz 5 does hint at an alternative approach where the campaign is built on the assumption that the SE cause is righteous.

As for the rest of the canon:
There is a slight discrepancy between the SE Gazetteer and the Shadowelf actions (especially Rafiel's actions in the background) in WotI and the later timelines. In the Gazetteer Rafiel's religion and the whole shaman cult is opposed to any and all expansionist policies. The whole SE culture is centered on isolation and the completion of the crystal chamber (an untainted source of Radiance).
Plans to attack Alfheim are hatched by groups connected to Zatapechli (and thus Atzanteotl) and the King.

I WotI however, you have Rafiel driving the Shadowelves against Aflheim, which is a total change of direction in his major project. I've never found Rafiel's actions in the Immortal cabal to be plausible.

(Sorry Håvard for the sidetrack)
#17

havard

Oct 15, 2005 11:34:00
I WotI however, you have Rafiel driving the Shadowelves against Aflheim, which is a total change of direction in his major project. I've never found Rafiel's actions in the Immortal cabal to be plausible.

(Sorry Håvard for the sidetrack)

Not a problem! A related question: Should the Shadowelves have any influence within Karameikos? Perhaps some have even infiltrated the Callarii?

Håvard
#18

twin_campaigns

Oct 16, 2005 12:40:36
In general I think that the Shadowelves wouldn't find Karameikos particularily interesting, at least in 1000 AC. (Later on the School of Magic might attract them.) Their efforts center on the Darokin-Alfheim-alliance.

But there is of course the possibility that the Shadowelves use Karameikos as a waystation in their network of trade in stolen elven goods. A Shadowelf, possibly disguised as a Minrothadian sea-elf (pale skin, larger ears!!) wouldn't attract too much attention.

As for Callarii: why not, but I don't see much for them to gain. In my mind shadowelves should be used sparingly in campaigns, Their network might be large, but they still have to focus their resources on Darokin, Alhfheim and to a lesser degree on Glantri.
#19

Cthulhudrew

Oct 16, 2005 19:16:03
I'd have to agree with Twin Campaigns. I can't really see the SE being all that interested in Karameikos, either pre- or post Stefan. When it was Traladara, it was too chaotic and backwards to really interest them, and currently, it is still a little too backwater. Post-WotI I could see them becoming a lot more interested, and possibly infiltrating the Callarii (or Vyalia- they would probably resemble the Vyalia more closely; Gaz1 says they are "very fair skinned". Although the Callarii hair would match...)

Similarly, I don't see that the Callarii would be that interesting to them. They seem largely unconnected with the other Outer World elves- not completely isolationist, but independent. The Callarii lands are far from even the outskirts of SE territory in the Shadowdeep (the village of Arlirath is probably pretty backwoods out there).

That being said, it looks like that SE region of Gwaithallin (SE territory)might have tunnels that lead into the Black Mountains and the Lost Valley region, so there might be some crossover there. I'm thinking maybe that Kartoeba guy from B10 might have had encounters with the SE in the past... but that's a topic for another thread, methinks.
#20

havard

Oct 18, 2005 2:04:38
Callarii Woodlands (Almanac style writeup)

Location: Radlebb woods and western Dymrak Forest of Central Karameikos.
Area: ca 20,000 sq miles (rough estimate)
Population: ca 10,000 Callarii elves.
Languages: Elven (Callarii dialect), Thyatian, Traladaran
Coinage: Karameikan currencies.
Government Type: Clan, Ruled by Clanmaster (Allandaros Moonshimmer) and Treekeeper (Stellara Branchsinger) Clanmaster owes Fealty to King Stefan Karameikos.
Industries: Horses, Timber, Meat, herbs

Description: The Callarii live in the forests of Karameikos. These are thick forests of hardwood and softwoods.
Notable Sites: Rifflian, Temple of the Gray Mountain
History: The Callarii entered Traladara around BC 800, lead by their founder Lady Callarii. Since then they have lived relatively peacefully with their neighbouring races. The town Riffllian was established to promote trade with the humans, gnomes and dwarves of the country. With the arrval of Duke (later King) Stefan Karameikos, the Callarii learned to respect and approve of the new ruler and their Clanmasters have sworn fealty to him. They do not pay taxes, but some of their finest warriors serve as a special honor guard to the King as a sign of their loyalty.
Important Figues: Prestelle (Chief Trader of Rifllian), Clanmaster (Allandaros Moonshimmer) Treekeeper (Stellara Branchsinger)
Flora and Fauna: The woodlands of Karameikos are home to all kinds of animals and monsters, including many undead and lycanthropes.
See also: Gaz 1, K:KoA, B1-9, B10.
Note: The names of the Treekeeper and Clanmaster are non-canon.
#21

havard

Oct 18, 2005 2:10:29
Elf, Callarii

General information: The Callarii are one of the largest clans of elves in Karameikos. They are related to the Elves of Alfheim, but did not follow Mealiden’s migration all the way from the Sylvan Realm to Canolbarth (via Thyatis), but instead settled in what is currently Karameikos. They are skilled hunters and horsemen and travel across Karameikos on horseback or using riverboats.


Appearance:
Pale skin, pale blond, white or silvery hair. Eyes range from grayish blue to purple. Like other Mystaran elves, they stand about 5’-5 ½ feet tall, weighing no morethan 120lbs. They have large eyes, pointed ears and tend to be of slender built. Very old male elves sometimes grow beards, though most elves have no facial hair. The Callarii usually wear tunics or robes, often preferring brown or green colors, and often ornament their clothes with embroideries of leaf or other plantlike patterns. The Callarii rarely wear any form of jewelry.

Personality
The Callarii are a merry and hard-working race, skilled with river-boating, riding, horse-trading, hunting and forestry. They generally keep to themselves, but warm up to those who demonstrate honor and a sense of humor, while react negatively towards those who act pretentious, dishonorable or rude. Unlike other Mystaran elves, the Callarii do not appear to other races to be lazy. In spite of their long lives, they like keeping busy, and feel uncomfortable when idle.

Age and lifespan
Mystaran elves are considered adults when they reach 100 years and can live until they reach 800. A few even live longer, a few have been known to live to be 1000 years. As with most elves, the Callarii tend to chose one of three paths during the course of their lives:

The Forest Path
Most young elves live in their homeland all their life. They learn the ways of the forest and have no interest in the lands outside it. Their lifestyle is one of endless hunting, gathering, crafting and playing.

The Wanderer’s Path
Some elves feel the need to affect their world. Some are drawn outside and venture into the lands of humans and other races. They are said to have chosen the Wanderer’s Path. These, called Wanderers are honoured as heroes, but also disdained by forest elves who do not understand them. After a century or so wandering they usually return to the forest and settle down.

The Leader’s Path
This third path is the one that leads to the positions of Clanmaster and Treekeeper. They usually chose the forest path or the path of the wanderer first, but study the secrets of the elves as they go and eventually assume positions of high importance in elven society.


Religion
Callarii elves worship the Elven pantheon with Ilsundal, Mealiden, Ordana and Theleris (Terra) being among their most honored Immortals. In addition, the founder of their clan, Lady Callarii holds a special place among the Callarii. She is the special patroness of the Clan and is also revered as a patron of Horsemanship. Horses are considered holy animals to the Callarii. The Callarii are rumoured to have a special Tree of Life, once given to Lady Callarii by Mealiden, and this Tree is said to have unique powers. It is believed to be guarded by Treekeepers, special Clerics of the elves.

Some elves also follow a form of mysticism known as the Silent Way, which was introduced by the mystic Master Elyas, several centuries ago. The Silent Way is associated with the Immortal Theleris (Terra) and those who follow this path are known as Siswa. These religious beliefs are especially popular among Callarii Monks and focuses on magic, meditation and prayer. The center of this religion is located at the Temple of the Gray Mountain in the Radlebb Woods.

Languages
Callarii elves speak elvish (Callarii dialect) and common (either Thyatian or Traladaran).

Names
The Callarii have lyrical sounding unique names. Examples are: Thalaric and Allandaros (male) or Sythandria and Stellara (female).

Callarii Lands
The Callarii live in all the woodlands of Karameikos, though most are found in the woods of Radlebb and the western part of Dymrak Forest. Their largest known settlement is the town of Rifflian set up as a place to trade with humans and other races.

Relations with other races
The Callarii are on friendly terms with most of their neighbouring races. They have always been on good terms with the Traladarans, and have established good relations with the Thyatian-descended Karameikans especially after the King Stefan I made Karameikos an independent country. One of the King’s special military units consists solely of Callarii elves, which is seen as a symbol of friendship and respect between humans and elves.

The Callarii are also on friendly terms with other elves such as the Vyalia Clans and the Alfheim elves.

Unlike most elves, the Callarii show a certain, though reserved respect towards the Stronghollow Dwarves, who once helped construct some of their holiest temples. The elves also get along well with the Gnomes of Highforge and the Hin (Halflings) of Karameikos. They are also on friendly terms with Centaurs and other sylvan races of the land. They have little contact with Lupins and Rakasta, but usually view these with respect as long as they don’t prove themselves unworthy of such.

The Callarii are hostile towards the humanoid races of Karameikos, especially the Goblins of Dymrak, the Orcs and hobgoblins of Wulfwolde, the Gnolls of the Black Peaks.

Racial Features (3,5E):
  • Languages: Automatic: Common (Thyatian or Traladaran), Elven (Callarii dialect). Bonus: Gnome, Sylvan, Dwarf, Draconic

    Racial Features (OD&D)
    As the elf class in the Rules Cyclopedia except:
  • Gains the Ride skill as a bonus (clan) skill.
  • Elf Clerics (optional): Elf clerics are treated as normal elves, except that they receive Clerical spells instead of wizard/elf spells. They do not gain the ability to turn undead or any other ability associated with the elf class. Many Callarii are elves of Lady Callarii.
  • Elf Warriors (Optional): Use rules from the HW Players Guide.
  • Elven Thieves (Optional): Elven Thieves, if allowed, gain the abilities to Move Silently, Climb Walls, Read Languages, Detect Traps, Disarm Traps and Hide in Shadows as Thieves of the same level, but do not have the ability to cast spells.
#22

Cthulhudrew

Oct 18, 2005 3:26:27
Nice- I really like the work you're doing here. I notice you incorporated some of the articles on the Vaults, too (the Silent Way). Just curious, though- any plans to address some of the more "arabian" elements introduced in the Rahasia module? Maybe there was some interaction with the Alasiyan nomads in the past? (Given the two cultures equine proclivities, I could see where they may have engaged in horse trading in the past, at least?)

Along those lines, maybe the Callarii had some influence on the post-Nithian Alasiyan people and their horsebreeding? (Of course, since we know from Gaz2 that elves aren't particularly well regarded in the Emirates, perhaps things went awry?)
#23

havard

Oct 18, 2005 4:24:06
Nice- I really like the work you're doing here. I notice you incorporated some of the articles on the Vaults, too (the Silent Way). Just curious, though- any plans to address some of the more "arabian" elements introduced in the Rahasia module? Maybe there was some interaction with the Alasiyan nomads in the past? (Given the two cultures equine proclivities, I could see where they may have engaged in horse trading in the past, at least?)

The information above does indeed incorporate earlier material with references to articles like The Temple of the Grey Mountain and SB Wilson's Karameikos Timeline, both connecting the events from B3 and Elyas and the Silent Way to Radlebb.

OTOH, I also see a valid argument for setting this module in Alfheim or even elsewhere. My main argument for keeping it in Radlebb is that this region is less developed and thus can make more extensive use of the information presented in the module.
Should anyone wish to place the module in another location, there are still ways that the Silent Way could have made it to the Callarii, either to elven missionaries or through Eylas himself.

Along those lines, maybe the Callarii had some influence on the post-Nithian Alasiyan people and their horsebreeding? (Of course, since we know from Gaz2 that elves aren't particularly well regarded in the Emirates, perhaps things went awry?)

I like the idea of an Ylarii connection. The common interest in horses is a good point. It would aslo help fill out some of the blanks of Callarii history which is pretty sketchy at the moment. Perhaps you or someone else with more knowledge of Ylaruam than me could make some more specific suggestions?

Oh, and I was also hoping to tie in some of the stuff done by Joaquin Menacha on the Callarii found on This website, though his vision of the clan differs slightly from mine. Any thoughs on this? Joaquin, are you out there?

Håvard
#24

zombiegleemax

Oct 18, 2005 9:34:55
Love your stuff,

I intend to use it in my campaign since two of my players are Callarii elves. Do you mind if I translate some of this stuff in french and post it on my web site? I'll credit you of course.

Francis
#25

havard

Oct 18, 2005 9:37:17
Love your stuff,

I intend to use it in my campaign since two of my players are Callarii elves. Do you mind if I translate some of this stuff in french and post it on my web site? I'll credit you of course.

Thanks!

Go right ahead!
I am happy that you find these articles useful. And credit is always nice ;)

Håvard