Elven Matters
In the time of the Spellplague, gods walk the earth. Well, at least elven gods. And it shan't take too long to figure out why.
In the High Forest, ancient Elder Trees have emerged, similar to the one over former Hellgate Keep. Sun elves the world over are being called to these trees, and are hearing whispers. Some have begun to form communities, and speak of reestablishing the old realms.
In the far south, the Great Rift is closed, and above it, adventurers claim, is a magnificent city. From the palace at its heart rules none other than Araushnee herself, Queen of the Illythiiri. She calls to the drow of the Underdark, and those who have since risen from it, and many thousands have heeded that call, swelling her armies. She seems to be preparing for war, but with who?
Not all dark elves are keen to follow their reinvigorated goddess. In the north, Menzoberranzan has joined the Silver Marches, represented by First Citizen Kyria Nordarhil, who helped negotiate an end to her father's crusade, and normalized trade relations with the surface, making her city the only thriving Underdark metropolis in the post faerzress world.
In the east, Veldanthiir continues to brood, revealing next to nothing of its plans, although its best-known emissary, Szarai, the Black Rose, continues to offer olive branches to the realm's neighbors, especially in the interests of sharing knowledge of Artifice. Recently, the conquered school of Ashanath has been reopened and integrated in the Great Eastern Academy, in large part due to her efforts.
In Myth Drannor, the Coronal has declared her loyalty to the "true Queen of the Elves", Leuthil Arcor. Leuthil is said to be the trueborn descendant of Amlaruil Moonflower, and the Chosen of the Seldarine--a fact strongly corroborated by the wellspring of divine magic that functions only in her presence. Still, Durothil "Summer-King" of Evermeet disputes her claim, as she cannot prove her lineage in any traditional manner. Leuthil has sought to build a coalition among all elves, fearing a brewing war between "Night and Day", and has been reaching out to dark and wild elves of every stripe.
Evereska remains neutral and aloof, their portal network strong in defiance of the Spellplague. Elves of every color are now welcome there (and even encouraged to settle in the vast swathes of land lost to the Shadows' War), and other races are even permitted to visit. The city boasts a strong mythal--almost unheard of modern times--and is glad to host peace talks and negotiations between the various elven powers. Vale Master Anderar Hebboreth is confident in his mythal's power--and the martial edge of his rangers--in keeping the peace. Thus far, Durothil, Szoth, and the Eldreth Veluuthra have not made an appearance, but many others have, including emissaries of Illythiir.Although one of these Illythiirs is not like the other. Solaran of the Elestrelle, known as Shade outside her circles, has led her people back to their ancestral home in the Plains of Purple Dust. She is uneasy at the prospect of a risen Araushnee, and warns of the resurgence of the Crown Wars. She has allied herself with Queen Leuthil, and is driving hard for unity among those elves who do not hold to the old hatreds.
In the Forest of Lethyr, the remnants of the Circle of Nine warn of the coming of an agent of nature's wrath, the harbinger of winter: the Son of Death has awakened, and promises a great reckoning for the excesses of man, elf, and all who think themselves above the petty concerns of their mother world.
And deep in the Underdark, forsaken by the drow, forgotten by her worshippers, some fragment of Lolth yet survives. Desiring oblivion as much as terrible vengeance, she is denied either in her crippled state. And yet, she alone remembers what must be done--the terrible bargain she struck to make a home for her people in the depths. The caverns of the Deep were not meant for elf, man, or even dwarf, and a price was paid to He Who Lurks Below, a terrible price only she remembers. And the price has not been paid since she was laid low, and since her better half returned to the surface with her flock. And He is not pleased. If He is not soon satisfied, He will rise again, and make His wroth known. And the world shall remember what it tried so hard to forget, and all life will tremble before the vast horror that is Ghaunadar.