The Alfar

Alfar "history" is a tangled mess of braggartry and arguments about whose lineage was the most Glorious. The only agreement they have is that it was an Alfar who developed the Rituals of Protection able to shield a body from mundane blows. As the tale goes, they did it in order to crush all comers in the fighting pit before their advantage was uncovered. There’s barely an Alf alive who doesn’t claim descent from them and argue about their identity.

That story is something of a creation myth for the Alfar, as since then they’ve been furiously competing to enhance themselves further with ritual changes to their bodies. The pointy ears seem to be a side-effect of this.

Alfar naturally live a long time due to their extensive biomantic enhancements but this has been compensated for by a society big on martial glory and promotion by way of dead Alf’s boots. You’re typically lucky to hit 60. They are the Nation least satisfied with the last 20 years of peace.

Alfar have a strong concept of Glorious Combat. To show your superiority over another Alf is Glorious. To raid in warfare or piracy is Glorious, but doing so in the local continent these days is considered Foolhardy and Laughable. This is due to the other two Nations ganging up on Pirates and sinking your longship and everyone else’s with extreme prejudice. They tend to range further afield now, trading and pillaging far-off lands.

Showing superiority over another Alfar is the most Glorious pursuit. Continuing rivalries with the Ignoble Races is considered somewhat embarrassing, as it is not devoting your time to sparring worthy rivals. You're already better than them, you don't need to waste time showing off about such petty achievements.