Just because you are Chaotic doesn't mean that you don't follow a leader either, particularly if you are good as well. It just means that you do value a certain amount of freedom, which certainly describes elves. So I think CG is a pretty typical alignment for elves as a whole.
Just because you are Chaotic doesn't mean that you don't follow a leader either, particularly if you are good as well. It just means that you do value a certain amount of freedom, which certainly describes elves. So I think CG is a pretty typical alignment for elves as a whole.
Uhhh...I think that Chaotic entails a bit more than valuing a certain amount of personal freedom, even the most lawful people probably value a certain amount of freedom.
I would argue that elven culture is paradoxical to a certain extent. The Qualinesti value personal freedom and liberty, but cling to out-dated traditions and ways of life that stagnate their culture just because that's the way it has always been. Now, if that isn't extremely lawful, I don't know what is.
In comparison, the Silvanesti are even worse. Much of their culture revolves around a pseudo-caste system that locks people into certain societal roles and professions. They hold on to their ancient traditions even more strongly than the Qualinesti and are far less tolerant of anything different or new.
Also reflecting Krynnish elves' lawful tendencies is the concept of outcast dark elves. The Silvanesti and Qualinesti have been shown time and again to ostracise individuals just because they believe or behave different from the majority of elvish society. And in most of the DL novels (that I have read at least) free-thinking, open-minded, liberal elves seem to be in the minority or of the youngest generations.
In my mind the elves of Krynn are the epitome of lawful, just as much as the dwarves, Solamnics, or minotaurs. They may value personal freedoms, but only to the point that it doesn't disrupt their otherwise placid and stately society.
Qualinesti: "The Qualinesti are proponents of independence, self-determination, and freedom. They tend to be mildly chaotic, with a strong tendency toward Goodness. Qualinesti who embrace evil become dark elves."
Silvanesti: "With a society built upon a strict hierarchy, Silvanesti tend to be more lawfully inclined than other elves. Silvanesti are aligned with good, but they believe so highly in their own purity that goodness can be taken to extremes."
So while Qualinesti seem to be the typical elf of this world (closely associated with the PHB elf), and are most likely Chaotic Good on average, Silvanesti seem to be more towards Neutral Good on average, maybe Lawful Good.
That's where the "good" part of their alignment comes in, which is stronger than the "chaotic" portion.
Elves value freedom, yes, but that doesn't mean they tolerate evil in their midst.
That is why they branded Alhana and Porthios Dark Elves, that is why Dalamar was initially branded a dark elf (if I remember correctly, he was ostracised for practicing magic-- not for taking the black robes).
Porthios was made a dark elf because he was held prisoner in Silvanost with his medallion removed. I never was quite sure how that happened, but when they put it on Gilthas, his people believed that he had willingly turned his back on them. In that case, it wasn't a case of them not willing to change that led him to become a dark elf, but because they had felt betrayed. Hence why the Qualinesti are the more chaotic folk as opposed to the lawful bent of the Silvanesti.
Least, that's my belief.
all of the elven nations are (on average) Neutral Good
They may be ethnocentric, arrogant, and even racist- but for the most part elves believe in behaving piously, respecting the gods and the rights of others, and putting others before oneself.
Originally posted by DanUCSB
Actually, Dalamar was cast out (became a dark elf) not because he was evil, but because he studied magic even though he was from House Servitor (ie, broke caste system). He'd still be a 'dark elf' even if he wore the White Robes.
ACTUALLY, he was caught offering his soul to Nuitari after returning to Silvanesti when the war was over. He broke the caste system, yes, but when he returned to his cave where the spellbooks of an evil wizard were hidden, he found the books destroyed and his life empty. He stated his dedication to Nuitari out loud and the elves tracking him busted him.
Originally posted by Hatrel
ACTUALLY, he was caught offering his soul to Nuitari after returning to Silvanesti when the war was over. He broke the caste system, yes, but when he returned to his cave where the spellbooks of an evil wizard were hidden, he found the books destroyed and his life empty. He stated his dedication to Nuitari out loud and the elves tracking him busted him.
A good point. However, the Silvanesti would still label even a prospective White Robe a dark elf if he happened to be a commoner from House Servitor. This is borne out by the general trend of Silvanesti society throughout history condemning good-aligned rebels and malcontents as dark elves. That's an example of hyper-Lawfulness to the extreme, if you ask me. Probably even lawful neutral behaviour, rather than good. I never quite saw how Silvanesti elves could revere Astarin, a chaotic good deity, as their chief god, and yet act with the almost fascist intolerance that they do.