Ellendar Army

The Ellendar Army, or more commonly called the Elven Army, is the largest military force of elves in the world. Not as numerous or heavily armed as the militaries of their neighbors their skill with raiding, communication, and maneuver makes them too dangerous to ignore.

Kinslayer War

During the Firstborn War was the creation of the Elven Army. Called to arms by Ellowyn to defeat the demon lord Un'gothar the True Elves massed for battle. These elves were brought here from the Fae Lands and were born to battle. One-thousand of these elves sacrificed their spirits to craft the bows of the Maiden Archers. One was given to Ellowyn and the others to volunteers. This army pushed the demons back through the Bronze Door and then followed them.

When the Orgundi, who were created to protect the elves, proved themselves treacherous and attacked the elves Mardac, Ellowyn's consort, raised a second army. The elves could not match the strength and brutality of the Orgundi and Mardac lacked the ability to fashion such powerful weapons as the Maiden Archer's bows. Instead he used the same dark warrior spirit Danshi used to created the Orgundi - tempered by the elven spirit. These Dark Elves battled the Orgundi and drove them to the darkest corners of the world.

When Ellowyn returned she was ambushed and nearly killed by Danshi, masquerading as a Dark Elf, which turned the elves against those who just protected them. True Elf battled the Dark Elves eventually forcing the Dark Elves to leave this world. This act of internecine bloodshed changed the elves with the True Elves gone from this world in the span of several centuries. The Elven Army simply disappeared.

The surviving elves had no thirst for battle, choosing instead to close themselves off from the world.

Return of the Gods

The Elves on Miranda had sealed themselves off from the world, living in small hidden communities. Ellowyn's awakening heralded the Return of the Gods to this world. Ellendar was the largest surviving community; although the elves themselves had diminished. The few remaining immortal True Elves had isolated themselves in slumber. Ellowyn's return marked the beginning of an expansive movement among the elves.

Ellendar was the largest surviving community of elves in the world and the only remaining gateway to the Celestial Court. To push back against new threats from the Infernal Realms and increase their influence over a chaotic world Ellowyn anointed a new generation of Maiden Archers. Seventy-three (73) of the bows remained and each one presented to the most worthy she could find.

During this time and continuing until the Classic Age the Ellendar military consisted primarily of light infantry and cavalry. Skirmishing and raiding groups numbering around forty (40 soldier) were centered around three to eight (3-8) Maiden Archers. Along with the bow, Spear and light shield were the most common weapon. Each group operated independently to destroy any infernal influence or encroachment on elven territory. The Maiden Archers operated as leaders with two serving as overall command of the group.

Age of Empires

The height of the Ellendar Army is seen during the Age of Empires. The ferocity and discipline of the Irillian Legion was a shock to Ellendar. In the preceding centuries Ellendar had expanded its territory to cover the entirety west of the Caragan Sea. Small villages scattered across the land prospered and the skirmishers kept humans from encroaching. In the span of three centuries the Irillian legions and pushed them back to the borders of Ellendar.

To overcome this new enemy the Ellendar army was radically rebuilt. The Maiden Archers became their own force with most broken up into small squads. Each squad was expected to operate independently. Blessed by Ellowyn they had capabilities that made integration into the new army difficult. Mobile infantry locate advantageous ground that forced the legions to deploy for battle, but then retreat in good order before Irillian discipline ground them down.

The current organization as of 450 AH.

Skirmishers

Skirmishers have always been integral to the Ellendar army. From trailblazers to light raiding forces these soldiers are designed to move quick and carry everything they need. Typically mounted and armed only with light weapons they scout out dangerous locations and serve behind enemy lines. During times of peace they are broken into small squads and sent to watch their neighbors. Elven skirmishers are considered the best found anywhere on Miran.

Cavalry

Mobility is key to the Ellendar army - during any of its incarnations. Unlike many current armies they have not utilized heavy cavalry, preferring instead dragoons and medium cavalry. The powerful elven longbow is difficult to use from horseback, so many of the soldiers have adopted the Carthin Hornbow.

Infantry

The need for disciplined infantry became apparent with the rise of Xian. Typical practices of raids and sweeping flanks did little to slow down the fanatical Xianese warriors. They would hit the elven militia which lacked the discipline and training to hold the line in the face of mounting losses.

Having learned their lessons the Ellendar army has trained and discipline cadre of infantry. Armed with heavy shields and armor, wielding thrusting swords and javelins. Mobility is still key but the soldiers now have the disciple to shift ranks and maneuver as commanded. During times of war the cadre is expected to quadruple in size with the addition of militias, with the cadre serving as the core.

Maiden Archers

The abilities of the Maiden Archers has always made things difficult. Blessed by Ellowyn they can move as ghosts, striking from concealment, and then disappear before anyone can react. The bow of the Maiden Archer is also a symbol of Ellowyn on the world and thus respected by many of the spirits in the world, even those not friendly to the elves. Serving as leaders over other warriors diminished the abilities of the Maiden Archer and did not help the others. The sum was less than then parts.

Acting independently or only with other Maiden Archers has allowed the Ellendar Army to maximize their other soldiers and still maintain their unique capabilities. Maiden Archers also tend to be very independently minded and even among themselves they mirror the political maneuverings of the Celestial Court.

There are three standing Ellendar Armies; the North Ellendar secures the northern border, the South Ellendar guards against Xian, and the Arapis still holds the holy city of the Irrishites.

North Ellendar

Although the smallest command, the remain the most active army, just not in terms of battles won. Many people in the Elven court have not given up on the lands they were forced to concede to the Kingdom of Dakar and seek reunification. The soldiers of the Northern Command are comprised of the most skilled scouts and spies - some would even be considered assassins.

South Ellendar

The largest command in terms of sheer size and the number of veteran soldiers. The struggle against the encroachments of the Xianese has never stopped; although it is slowed in tempo. Instead of a large army the South Ellendar army faces infiltration and raids. The Xianese are constantly probing the defenses for a sign of weakness.

In return the elven raiding parties strike deep into Xian burning supplies and killing the priests who lead cause the most trouble. They cannot venture far from their border as the land of Xian is hostile to them. Where the hand of Zarn touches becomes poisoned and wrong. Most of the crops grown are wrong and will sicken an elf which forces all raids to carry in their own supplies.

Arapis

More of a occupational command than a true military force, they hold the Holy City of Arapis. Arapis was conquered at the fall of the Holy Irillian Empire and the elves have maintained their hold on the city. They do not handle the duties of the constabulary, but instead guard the holy sites and the outer walls. They are responsible watching the faithful who travel to this city and guard against any rise in their numbers.

In less that two centuries after conquering the city the army is a shadow of itself. They are unwelcome and forced to deal with small religious crimes and infiltrators.