Sacred 2:Elves

Elves are the dominant race in Ancaria, and the most populous and widespread. They are split into many different regions and cultures. There is no place that is untouched by their far-reaching exploration or their ancient history. The Elven societies represent the height of civilization and progress in Ancaria, though they are not without their dark side. Four of the seven playable characters in Sacred 2 are Elves or descendants of Elves: The High Elf, the Inquisitor, the Dragon Mage, and the Dryad.

High Elves

High Elves are free Elves who fled from the south a great many moons ago. High Elven nobility holds sway over the northern regions of Ancaria; controlling T-Energy streams and the Great Machine itself. However, the powers of the High Elves are limited as only the High Priests have direct access to the T-Energy streams and the Great Machine. The Elves live in a feudal society where most of the Elves are commoners and serfs, with a privileged nobility ruling over them. The Elves use Humans as servants, and are highly prejudiced against them. The player can take on the role of a young female High Elf magician from a noble house of Tyr Lysia.

Inquisitors

The Inquisitors are High Priests. Originally, these were the connection between the rulers and the Great Machine. Over time, they started to abuse their powers and they attempted to become involved with politics. Now, the High Priests are secretly breeding demons and other disgusting creatures in order to seize power over Ancaria. The player can take on the role of a dark and ruthless Inquisitor.

Culture in Tyr Lysia

Tyr Lysia is the High Elf homeland, mainly inhabited by the descendants of Southern Elves who migrated there a long time ago. Farmers, fishermen, and craftsmen are governed by both nobility and the clergy who lease land and collect taxes (usually food, goods or money. The villages consist of simple houses, the inhabitants are friendly, but not very outgoing around strangers. There are altars and small cult sites in almost every village. They are usually decorated with flowers and grain ears. High Elves believe in a large pantheon of deities. Villages show their wealth through the number and sizes of their altars. Poor villages usually only have one altar that all deities must share. Humans serve the noblemen in their mansions or work as farm hands in rural areas. Only rarely does one come upon a Human craftsman. Most Humans are servile, however some (mostly free Humans) tend to be brazen and rude.

Country Elf, City Elf

There are two main types of High Elves in Tyr Lysia: city Elves and country Elves.

Country Elves are simple people, who work the land for their lords. Their homes are functional and comfortable, without being ostentatious. They don't have the luxuries that their city brethren have, but they're also safely removed from much of the strife that occurs. They work hard, but have a good and honest life – as long as their lord is happy and nature doesn't inflict drought or flooding on them.

In and near the capital city of Thylysium, the city Elves dominate the population. City Elves don't have feudal masters like their country cousins, and their numbers span the social spectrum ranging from nobility, clergy, merchants and tradesmen. The nobility have townhouses here, and the nobles serve in the Senate. The clerics serve in the Temple, and generally live close by. As you look at the outlying city, further from the city center, you see more of the dwellings and businesses of the merchants and tradesmen. When you look even further, you'll find the dwellings of the Humans.

The High Elf Capital:Thylysium

The population in Thylysium consists mainly of High Elves. The grand city is governed by a Senate. Among its members are merchants, priests, and noblemen. They are the upper-class of Thylysium and live in large townhouses. Leaving the broad streets one soon comes across an astonishing number of different languages, smells, and faces. People come to Thylysium from all parts of Ancaria, sometimes to trade, sometimes just to satisfy their curiosity. Some are rich, some poor,- there are merchants and laborers, fishermen and thieves. Travelers should be aware that a friendly face often hides a drawn dagger. One should also avoid the town guard as its soldiers are known for taking bribes and are often in league with one of the many gangs in town.

Political Strife

Due to problems with the T-Energy streams and the Great Machine the influence of the High Elven nobility is slowly dwindling and in certain areas civil war has already broken out. This has recently led to an increasingly tense atmosphere between Nobles and High Priests. Additionally, the ruling bodies no longer see eye to eye in many cases. Everyone holding a position of power is attempting to secure his or her influence during these times of insecurity. The executive powers do not lie in the hands of the High Elven rulers (except for a few special factions) but instead lie with “created” or bred soldier-like creatures. While the world around them is deteriorating the High Elven generals are losing control over their units. Insurrection and plundering are now commonplace.

Dragon Cults

For centuries, the Elven cult of the Dragon Mages has thrived in the remote regions of the world, in places like the extreme south, beyond the sea, or in the vast system of underwater caverns to the north. The Dragon Mage, a playable character added in Ice and Blood, is part of one such cloak-and-dagger dragon cult from a distant southern island. The members of this cult are not only respected but also accepted by dragons and live together with them in a community. Only a chosen few are granted the honour of being instructed by the dragons for training in the ancient dragon magic.

Desert Elves

Only a few beings are dumb enough or proud enough to challenge the desert. No one knows why the descendants of Elves are among them. They roam the land as nomads, traveling from one oasis to the next and live off goat meat, dates, cacti, and milk. With Elf merchants who come on ships they trade gems and salt from the mountains and get food, clothing and weapons in return. The desert tribes are no seamen and tend to remain near the coast when they go fishing in their longboats. They almost never stay at sea during the night. The tough desert life has changed the Elves' appearance over the long centuries. Most are thin, with dark leathery skin. Their eyes are slitted as if from staring too long at the sun. In contrast to their ancestors they only pray to one God: Testa, the God of science. Every tribe follows their own interpretation of the holy scriptures. During large gatherings this can lead to heated theological debates, but these rarely turn violent.

Strangers are welcome in Bengaresh and are usually greeted with calm friendliness. The desert tribes are always helpful, but never brash. Behind the black scarves that protect their faces from the sun and the sand hides a dry sense of humor that has surprised many travelers. Maybe this is the result of the constant struggle against a land that seems set on killing all life on it. Whatever the reason, a sense of humor is more than welcome around the camp fires of the tribes.