Grey Elf
| Species | elven |
| No. Appearing | 1 |
| Behaviour | heroic |
| Range | woodland |
| Size | 5 ft. tall |
| Weight | 100 lbs. |
| Intelligence | 16 to 19 |
| Armour Class | 6 |
| Hit Dice | 3+1 |
| Action Points | 5 |
| Max. Stride | 8 |
| THAC0 | 17 |
| Hp/Die | d6 |
| Attack Forms | by weapon type |
| Damage | variable |
| Special Attacks | +1 with dagger and sword, experience levels; immune to sleep and charm, intelligence and wisdom, surprise on a 1–4, unnatural lifespan |
Grey Elves are a rare and ancient elven race, deeply entwined with the preservation and advancement of elven culture. Revered for their wisdom and intellect, they serve as the guiding force behind elven civilisation, ensuring that traditions, governance and magical knowledge are passed down through generations. Though once their lifespans stretched beyond two millennia, the decline of old knowledge and the shifting tides of the world have shortened their years considerably, making it rare for a grey elf to live beyond four centuries in the present age. Their numbers have dwindled over time, and now fewer than three hundred grey elves are believed to exist across the entire world.
Contents
Grey elves do not seek adventure, nor do they live apart from their own kind. They are deeply communal, residing exclusively within elven settlements, where they take on roles of leadership, scholarship and spiritual guidance. Their presence in any given village or town is typically singular — only one grey elf per settlement — serving as a mentor, seer or ruler. However, in larger seats of government, where matters of great importance are decided, their numbers are slightly greater, with councils of three, five or seven working in concert. These councils function as the highest authority in elven lands, their influence extending beyond their own race, shaping relations with the outside world.
Grey elves accumulate power and knowledge over time, as they live lifespans of more than 300 years. It is rare that one is not above 10th level in spellcasting ability. Those who hold power in elven society often stand several levels beyond their peers. Among them, the most experienced is always 2 to 5 levels higher than any other elf in the community, ensuring that elven leadership remains guided by those with the greatest wisdom and foresight. The time they have spent contemplating and watching the growth of society makes them masterful planners, ensuring that the influence of the elves endures — even in a world that seems ever-changing.
Advantages
Grey elves have a natural +1 to hit advantage when using a dagger or sword, with many of their number being multi-classed, mage and fighter, so as to attack more often than once a round. They have a natural immunity to sleep and charm, so that they're unaffected by these spells altogether. Their intelligence and wisdom is +2 points above normal, so that this modifier is applied when determining their ability stats.
When met in the wilderness — and they are very rarely seen anywhere else — a grey elf surprises others on a 1-4 in 6. However, it's rare that they would then attack, for they prefer to parley with those they meet. It is only in defense of their homes or in times of war, when they are facing a truly threatening energy, that they would seek to engage at once. Most likely, they would cast a spell and hold it in readiness while waiting for others to approach, so that upon surprising others they could discharge this magic instantly. As beings, they are extraordinarily patient and able to concentrate like this for hours at a time.
See Bestiary
