The Campaign for Real (as in folklore and legend) Elves

I've been talking to my friend Chris about this.

Elves in Fantasy are little more than effeminate Humans with pointy ears and an overly aloof nature.

One more thing Tolkien can be blamed for in modern fantasy (I know I'm going to get hate mail over that one LoL).

In mythology, Elves are far more interesting especially taking on Nordic and Celtic references.

Its quite interesting to note that WizBro attempted to "bring them into the fold" of 4e with Eladrin, but just missed the mark (more to do with the dreadful system than the initial idea).

The "Seelie" (Bright or Good Elves) and "Unseelie" (Dark or Evil Elves) are far more than pointy eared Santa's Workshop midgets or the foppish Drag-Queens of modern fantasy.

By looking around the internet and through dusty tomes you can find a wealth of fantastic ideas about these fascinating people.

The LIST of information about 'real' Elves is seemingly endless, but here are a few thoughts.

An "Unseelie" (as in Evil or Dark) Elf that intends you harm can be "warded" against by marking the doors/windows/entrances with a Pentacle. As in certain Druidic cults the Pentacle is also a symbol of reverence, could a Druid "Turn" an Unseelie Elf with one?

Even though its mentioned here and there, I can't find much reference to the 'famous' Fae vulnerability to iron.

But should you want to include it, how about this - critical hits are delivered to a "True" Elf on a natural 18+ rather than a natural 20+. Representing their weakness towards it. In addition, such Elves cannot comfortably use weapons and armour made from it; and will be at a penalty of -2 to all tasks when wearing it - and cannot cast Arcane Spells at all. BUT (and its a BIG BUT) do we count Steel under this ruling. (Upon saying that, I quite like the thought of Elves running around in cool looking Bronze Armour)

If an Elven Woman is rejected by a Mortal Man or who has lost her Elven Life-Mate becomes a "Beansidhe" (Banshee) - automatically gaining the powers of the Monster and becoming an NPC in the Process. This can be avoided with a successful Save vs Petrification being made once per Month, but a -2 Penalty is imposed on each successful save after the first, till she eventually succumbs to her fate . . . .

Elves in some Celtic Myths have enlarged Canines, much like a Cat (maybe they "evolved" from Felines much in the way we evolved from Monkeys) and have eyes and hair colours that range the full spectrum (it not mentioned, but I wonder if their irises would be 'cat-like' too - a cool thought IMHO). The 'cat' thing might be down to the fact the Ancient Elves were all shape shifters though.

Size - I can't find any solid reference to height! In some cultures they are tiny, others they are almost giants, the Celts described them as "man sized".

Malekith, who was a character from marvel comics - an Enemy of Thor and the other Asgardians was 6'9" tall! (But he is an 'Ancient One') is a shapeshifter (as all Ancient Elves are) and has a vulnerability to Iron. (Malekith exists in Mythology btw, and F'ing GW pinched the name for a Dark Elf Lord grrrr).

Just some thoughts really, though Chris has actually named the movement "CAMRE" (the CAMpaign for Real Elves).

JOIN THE FIGHT!

Three Rules for being a good DM

1 - NEVER put your Ego before your players needs.
Example - So, you spent an hour creating that particular NPC - and another two hours painting him. So what if the players finish him off before your expected, thats the nature of the game - don't go out of your way for revenge or for the NPC to avoid being killed. Grow a Sack and be fair!

2 - Know your Game!
Example - Nothing BUT nothing destroys confidence than a DM thats constantly looking up rules in the books. Screens go a long way to resolve this, but a scratch pad is a wonderful tool. Any rules you aren't sure of, write them on the pad - no need to check out the book then. Also, if you make a house ruling - write it on your Scratch Pad. That way you can be consistent because you never forget anything!

3 - Never let the Rules get in the way of the Story.
Example - If for some reason the rules themselves get in the way of story flow - ignore the rules. Make a quick note on your Scratch Pad (so you don't forget) and carry on. Refer back to your Scratch Pad between games and rationalize your decision, or make it part of your core way of running things - NEVER explain things during a game ("all will be revealed" is my favourite phrase) if you do waver you can come over as uncertain (see rule number 2).

Beyond the above, make things as fun as possible - for both your players and yourself - there is nothing worse than a bored DM! These are generic ideas that shouldn't interfere with your individual DM'ing style!

Advanced Castles & Crusades Character Sheet (re-uploaded)

I've re-uploaded my the Advanced Castles & Crusades Character sheet (to my 4shared account), this is the Character sheet we have been using - based upon an AD&D design it will happily accomodate games ran using the basic C&C rules as written - or those with more complicated modifications such as those I have proposed on here.

Advanced Castles & Crusades Player Character Sheet

You will note there is space for Psionics, as well as the other 'amendments' made to the game.

Whilst it is called "Advanced Castles & Crusades" that is likely to change, and I will upload a new sheet as one is done!