Dalish
In the aftermath of human rebellions and the fall of Tevinter's slavery in the south, the Elves have established a new homeland known as the Dales. Not all elven clans settled there, and 'Dalish' as a name is only just beginning to take hold. Many misuse it, attributing any Elf with spirit as 'Dalish'. But collectively, these clans share a fierce determination to preserve their heritage, uphold ancient traditions, and avoid human enslavement at all costs.
Environment
Rather than inhabiting one defined city, these elves roam between havens among the Dales. The Dales itself is a verdant land of forests and glens that acts as sanctuary for these people.
Common havens include ancient elven ruins overgrown by forest or narrow valleys difficult to navigate. The environment can be harsh—dense underbrush, deep marshes, rocky passes—but the elves find ways to live lightly on the land, harvesting resources sparingly and using their knowledge of the wild to remain undetected.
Culture & Society
These wandering bands cling to worship the remnants of the Elvhen pantheon—the Creators—though many of the old rituals have been partially lost. Scraps of lore are passed down by keepers (wise lorekeepers, healers, mages) who guard what remains of their people’s language and history. Music, dance, and story remain safeguarded, ensuring each new generation hears the names of their ancient gods and heroes. Another key aspect given focus in preservation is the elven language itself.
Clan life is communal: families travel in decorated aravels (wagons) or simple caravans, pooling resources to survive. Skills such as bow‐crafting, fletching, leatherwork, and knowledge of herbal remedies are highly prized. Within each group, leadership might fall to an elder or a keeper, but decisions are often made by consensus. Conflict with other elven clans is minimal compared to the shared threat of Tevinter, Orlais, or roving barbarians.
Though living conditions are precarious—food can be scarce, and illness a constant threat—the Dalish remain committed to elven autonomy. They hold fast to traditions that set them apart from the rest of Thedas, believing themselves the last free heirs of Arlathan’s greatness.
Culture Skills
The Dalish are a people of quiet resilience, roaming the wilderness to maintain freedom and culture in the shadow of Tevinter oppression.
Standard Skills (+5): Athletics, Conceal, Customs, Endurance, Perception, Stealth, Willpower
Professional Skills: Art, Healing, Literacy, Oratory, Sleight, Survival
Additional Language: Elvish
Requirements: Elf
We are the Dalish: keepers of the lost lore, walkers of the lonely path. We are the last of the Elvhenan, and never again shall we submit
Politics
These elves are largely disconnected from the major political powers. Each clan avoids attention from the Tevinter Imperium, which still hunts escaped elves and forcibly returns them to slavery. As a result, the Dalish are secretive and wary of strangers, protecting their territory with traps, lookouts, and well‐hidden camps.
They occasionally trade with kindhearted or desperate folk on the fringes of civilization—bartering rare herbs, hides, or handcrafted wares for metal tools or grains. But any such interactions happen quietly, on neutral ground, lest word spread of a wandering elven caravan ripe for exploitation. Wider alliances are nearly impossible; clan identity remains paramount, and there is no central Dalish authority that unites them.
The only consistent force across the disconnected Dalish are their Emerald Knights. Fierce protectors of territory and safekeepers of tradition, these renowned warriors are known for their unmatched chivalry and dedication to Elvish customs.
