Defense and Warcraft of Evermeet

For all the island’s powerful military, the first line of defense is actually far away from Evermeet. Although the elves maintain themselves in a constant state of readiness to repel invaders, no enemy has threatened Evermeet'’s shores in centuries.

The reason for this is Evermeet'’s vast and intricate magical defenses, many created by the magic of Corellon Larethian and the Seldarine. Only the most daring ship, crewed by the most skillful sailors, can hope to sail within sight of the Green Isle, and even then ship and crew will face terrible dangers and substantial defenses. These defenses are described in the order that they are likely to be encountered.

Illusions

Illusory islands, shoals, reefs, and other apparent hazards fill the waters around Evermeet. The most cunning illusion, however, was woven by Sehanine Moonbow herself. This illusion disguises the entire island of Evermeet from non-elven eyes, making the Green Isle appear to be nothing more than an empty stretch of ocean.

Weather Patterns

For her part in the protection of the sacred island, Aerdrie Faenya, goddess of air and weather, created an intricate pattern of defensive storms, winds, and currents that automatically carry away any vessel that ventures too close. Not surprisingly, elven vessels are immune to these effects.

Cyclones

Beyond the relatively benign weather patterns of Evermeet lie the cyclones, a deadly barrier that few ships can survive. When a ship enters the cyclone region, a fierce wind suddenly springs up, whipping the water into an angry froth. Within minutes, the swirling wind has raised numerous massive waterspouts from the surface, rising like great gray columns to surround the intruding vessel.

Reefs

Beyond the cyclone barrier is a maze of coral reefs, shoals, and shallows, which regularly change magically. The safe course through these reefs is known only to the Sea elves and a select handful of elven pilots. Without intimate knowledge of the reefs and their hazards, a nonelven-crewed ship would surely run aground, be smashed in, or be hopelessly becalmed.

Teleportation

Queen Amlaruil herself controls the most powerful of the spells that defend Evermeet, an ability granted her by Corellon Larethian himself. At will, the queen can automatically teleport any ship or flying vessel that approaches within five miles of the island. Teleported ships are instantly sent 20d20 miles in a random direction.

Amlaruil’'s teleportation ability is impressive, but it has limitations. She can only use the power three times per day, and it cannot be used on targets below the surface of the ocean or underground. While potent, the teleportation is of limited use against a determined enemy with dozens of ships, or an enemy attacking from underwater or underground.

The Warders

The seas immediately surrounding Evermeet are patrolled by a variety of giant oceanic creatures, all magically compelled to defend the island. No one knows exactly how many warders exist, or their exact nature, but it is known that at least one dragon turtle, leviathan, and kraken defend the isle.

Queen Amlaruil’'s navy is acknowledged as the finest in the Forgotten Realms. Her ships include fast attack catamarans (often carried by larger warships), graceful swanships, and clinker-built dragonships similar to the raiding longships of the Moonshae Norlanders. Largest and most powerful of the elven armada are the armored wardragons, capable of smashing the most powerful human-crewed vessels to kindling.

The inhabitants of the seas surrounding Evermeet have long maintained good relations with Amlaruil and the elves of Evermeet. Since their own peace is inextricably linked to Evermeet’'s prosperity and continued isolation, the Aquatic elves will not hesitate to assist if the island is threatened.

Attacking enemy ships from beneath, the Aquatic elves can wreak havoc upon any hostile fleet, boring holes, wrecking rudders, cutting anchor cables, and even venturing onto the surface. The Alu-Tel’'Quessir’s dolphin allies assist them in combat, as well.

Though potent against surface vessels, the Sea elves’ major function is to battle enemies who attack Evermeet from beneath the waves, such as the evil scrags and sahuagin of the surrounding seas, as well as crafty evil opponents who may use the oceans as a surreptitious route to the Green Isle.

Hidden in the fortress of Sumbrar is a squadron of aerial warships, another of the elves’ carefully-hidden military secrets. These vessels incorporate high magic and spacefaring technology to create dangerous weapons of war.

Ruathimaer (Starwings)

Evermeet controls a flotilla of six of these wondrous vessels. They are of similar build to the graceful elven Man-o-War vessels that travel the crystal spheres, and might have been constructed by the elves of Realmspace.

Starwings are fully capable of interplanetary flight, but are generally kept close to home and their real mission - —the defense of Evermeet. Crews are well-trained and, like the elven dragon riders, sworn to secrecy regarding the flotilla.

Mounted on pegasi and giant eagles, elven aerial troops have the capability of assaulting enemy forces before they even come in sight of Evermeet, raining arrows and incendiaries down upon them and inflicting considerable damage before the battle has even begun. Aerial cavalry also escort the queen’'s flying navy into battle.

Eagle Riders

Wild and undisciplined Silver elf windriders and their mighty eagle mounts strike fear into Evermeet's enemies, but fill elven hearts with courage and pride. The bond between eagle and rider is virtually unbreakable, for an elven warrior is with his or her eagle almost from the moment of hatching, creating a close and empathic relationship that makes the isle’s eagle riders among its bravest and most effective defenders.

The eagle riders are among the most flamboyant of the Silver elves, clad in bright colors, their long hair braided with feathers, ribbons, gems, and gleaming wire. Ceremonial tattoos and warpaint are common, and many affect a decidedly primitive look, appearing more like the savage Green elves than Teu-Tel’'Quessir. The massive celebrations and live-for-the-moment philosophy of these elves is known and infamous throughout Evermeet.

Pegasus Cavalry

The Gold elves favor these graceful, winged horses as flying mounts. These Ar-Tel’'Quessir are far more quiet and reserved than the Silver elf eagle riders, preferring to wear conservative suits of plate, chain, or scale, occasionally decorating themselves with jewelry, circlets, or torcs.

Pegasi live with their elven riders in stables, or dwell on the heights of the Eagle Hills, visiting their riders on a regular basis. Should Evermeet be threatened, Queen Amlaruil can count on nearly 1,000 pegasi and their riders to rally to the island's defense.

Dragon Riders

One of Evermeet'’s best kept secrets is that a handful of the ancient dragons who once defended the isle still slumber beneath the fortress of Sumbrar, awaiting call to battle. Their riders, some of the oldest and most powerful elven warriors, are the only ones besides the queen who know of their existence, and they are sworn to secrecy. Most believe that these legendary warriors have long since passed from the world, and have no inkling that they still live.

A mere 12 dragons and their riders sleep beneath Sumbrar, but these are warriors and beasts who can deal devastating blows to even the most powerful outside army or fleet. Once they are awakened, it is likely that most can defend the isle only once, then pass on to Arvandor and union with the Seldarine. Therefore, Queen Amlaruil summons them only in the direst of emergencies, possibly only when the enemy is at the gates of her palace.

Evermeet’'s army is small, but is one of the best-equipped and best-trained forces in all of Toril. Comparatively few elves actually serve in the isle’s standing army. The remainder train for a time each year and are prepared to be called into action at a moment’s notice. Evermeet’'s warriors are drawn from all across the island. They vary from almost-naked Green elf archers and scouts, to heavily armored Gold elf knights mounted upon fully-barded moonhorses.

Unicorn Riders

Amlaruil’'s unicorn riders are the most unusual of the land-based troops under her command. These female elven warriors, riding their mystical mounts, are a feared and respected part of the queen'’s army. Each year, female elven warriors venture into Evermeet’'s forests, searching for unicorns who will agree to serve for a year.

Many different sylvan races inhabit Evermeet, sharing the land with their elven allies. The sylvan species have as much, if not more, interest in preserving the isle’s freedom as the elves. While some species, such as the nymphs and fauns, are not numerous or warlike enough to defend the island, many others are, and will turn out in substantial numbers if invasion is ever threatened.

Baelnorns

Baelnorns are undead elves who continue to serve their people even beyond the limits of their normal life span. They may be called up to fight Evermeet'’s enemies. Several still exist on Evermeet, and are kept a closely-guarded secret, even from the elves themselves. Only Amlaruil and a select handful from her Council of Matrons know of the baelnorn's’ existence.

Centaurs

These human-horse hybrids roam the forests and fields of Evermeet and can fight ferociously. Ordinary centaurs may fight with swords or axes, or might be armed with bows or lances, increasing their effectiveness. Of all the sylvan races, centaurs are the most likely to fight alongside the elves in any given engagement.

Faerie Dragons

Their character is flighty, chaotic, and, frivolous, but faerie dragons under their Queen Tyssaklera will rally to Evermeet'’s banner should they be needed. As these creatures have little concept of strategy and tactics, invisible faerie dragons flit around battlefields, casting illusions, and breathing their euphoria gas upon enemy soldiers.

Pixies

These diminutive creatures will help the elves fight if the island is seriously threatened. Flying in squadrons of as many as 200 individuals, pixies will harass the enemy with spells and move about invisibly, often raiding the enemy from behind, attacking when the enemy’'s attention is focused upon elven opponents, destroying baggage, frightening horses, and spoiling supplies.

Reverend Ones

It is known that after departing the mortal world, elves journey to Arvandor to join Corellon Larethian and the Seldarine. There, most elves spend eternity in a paradise built for them by the gods. A few, however, agree to serve Corellon Larethian as a celestial army, coming to the aid of elves wherever they are threatened.

Sprites

Normally quiet, shy, and non-violent, the sprites’ hatred for all things evil and their undying loyalty and gratitude to Queen Amlaruil will drive them to swarm to her assistance in time of need. Like other sylvan species, sprites can become invisible at will, and attack with their small, sleep-envenomed arrows.

Treants

Since Evermeet and its forests are inseparable, the treants of the island are among its staunchest defenders. The treants of Evermeet are all very old and powerful. In any battle in forests one or more treants will accompany elven armies.